EL POLLO RANCHERO.

Chicago Health Dept

4147 W 26TH ST · NORTH LAWNDALE, CHICAGO

Last inspected 2013.

5 inspections on record since 2010 · Last inspected Apr 2013.

Last inspected Apr 2013. Records may not reflect current conditions.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

APR 2013

INSPECTION HISTORY

APR 29

2013

PASS 7 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE,FAN COVERS AND SHELVINGS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER REQUIRE A DETAIL CLEANING.

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

Floors under heavy equipment, cooking equipment, not clean need detailed cleaning(corners), floors in rear storage areas under shelving not clean need detailed cleaning(corners).

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

SEAL OPENING/GAP ON WALL INSIDE THE WOMENS TOILET ROOM. DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS ALL ALONG THE COOKING EQUIPMENTS TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD-UP.

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

THE LIGHT BULB INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER MUST BE SHIELDED.

Minor Sanitation

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

MUST PROVIDE A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR THE ICE MACHINE, THE HOOD/FILTERS OVER THE COOKING EQUIPMENTS REQUIRE A DETAIL CLEANING AND REMOVE DUSTS ACCUMULATIONS ON THE VENTILATION COVERS INSIDE THE TOILET ROOMS.

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

MUST PROVIDE,MAINTAIN A VISIBLE THERMOMETER INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER.

Minor Sanitation

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

UNNECESSARY ARTICLES,UNUSED KITCHEN EQUIPMENTS STORED AT REAR HALLWAY NEAR THE KITCHEN MUST BE REMOVED.

JAN 13

2012

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTOMS OF FRYERS TO REMOVE DUST AND GREASE, CLEAN SURFACE UNDER GRILL, REPLACE MISSING VENTS FOR HOODED SYSTEM OVER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA.

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

CLEAN FLOORS UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

CLEAN LOWER WALLS BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA TO REMOVE GREASE AND DUST. SEAL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES LEADING INTO CEILING IN FRONT AND REAR AREAS WHERE NEEDED.

MAY 11

2011

PASS 9 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

Inspector Comments: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM SHELVING UNITS IN 2-DOOR COOLER,RUST FROM EXTERIOR OF CHEST FREEZER IN REAR PREP AREA,RUST FROM ROLLING CART,REMOVE TAPE FROM HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE VENTILATION VENT IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

Inspector Comments: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.MUST CLEAN KNIFE CADDY,MICROWAVE,FILTERS,HOOD,HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA,UNUSED COOLERS & COOKING EQUIPMENT.

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

Inspector Comments: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. MUST CLEAN FLOORS, UNDER, BEHIND, EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS THRU-OUT PREMISES, AND REPLACE MISSING AND BROKEN FLOOR TILES THRU-OUT.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

Inspector Comments: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.MUST SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES LEADING INTO WALLS & CEILINGS.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING & LOOSE WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES,WORN DOOR SWEEP ON REAR EXIT DOOR.MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS

Inspector Comments: Toilet rooms shall be completely enclosed and shall be vented to the outside air or mechanically ventilated.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN SELF CLOSING DEVICES ON BOTH TOILET ROOM DOORS.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

Inspector Comments: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.MUST REPLACE MISSING HANDLE ON TOILET IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM.

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

Inspector Comments: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units.ALL CHEST FREEZERS .

Minor Sanitation

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

Inspector Comments: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors.MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR WHERE NEEDED.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination.

MAY 4

2011

FAIL 10 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less.OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF COOKED CHICKEN AT 46.0F-50.3F IN 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER.NO TIME & TEMPERATURE LOGS AVAILABLE TO VIEW.MANAGER STATED CHICKEN WAS COOKED YESTERDAY 5/3/11.PRODUCT WAS DUMPED & DENATURED AT THIS TIME.APPX26LBS.$35.

Serious Sanitation

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090

A separate and distinct offense shall be deemed to have been committed for each Minor violation that is not corrected upon re-inspection by the health authority.OBSERVED MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #176827 3/24/10.#30 MUST LABLE PREP FOODS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER.#33 MUST CLEAN-SANITIZE GRILLS,STOVE ,STORAGE SHELVES,STORAGE CABINETS,COOLERS,FRYERS,CHEST FREEZERS IN BOTH KITCHENS.#34 MUST CLEAN FLOORS UNDER,BEHIND EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS THRU-OUT PREMISES AND REPLACE MISSING & BROKEN FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT.#35 MUST REPLACE DAMAGED & MISSING CEILING PANELS THRU-OUT & CLEAN HOOD & FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT AT BOTH KITCHENS.#36 MUST REPLACE BROKEN LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE STEAM TABLE IN FRONT KITCHEN.#40 MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS FOR ALL COOLERS.MUST CORRECT & MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM SHELVING UNITS IN 2-DOOR COOLER,RUST FROM EXTERIOR OF CHEST FREEZER IN REAR PREP AREA,RUST FROM ROLLING CART,REMOVE TAPE FROM HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE VENTILATION VENT IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.MUST CLEAN KNIFE CADDY,MICROWAVE,FILTERS,HOOD,HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA,UNUSED COOLERS & COOKING EQUIPMENT.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.MUST SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES LEADING INTO WALLS & CEILINGS.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING & LOOSE WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES,WORN DOOR SWEEP ON REAR EXIT DOOR.MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS

Toilet rooms shall be completely enclosed and shall be vented to the outside air or mechanically ventilated.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN SELF CLOSING DEVICES ON BOTH TOILET ROOM DOORS.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.MUST REPLACE MISSING HANDLE ON TOILET IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM.

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units.ALL CHEST FREEZERS .

Minor Sanitation

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors.MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR WHERE NEEDED.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination.

MAR 24

2010

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 9 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less. OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE, LARGE CONTAINER ON TOP OF PREP TABLE WITH ABOUT 30LBS. OF COOKED CHICKEN AT 49.9F. CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER STATED, CHICKEN WAS COOKED YESTERDAY. INSTRUCTED COLD POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MUST BE AT 40F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. CHICKEN DISCARDED, V=$80.00. CITIATION ISSUED 7-38-005A CRITICAL.

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. MUST LABEL PREP FOODS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MUST SEAL RAW WOOD SHELVES AND CART AT REAR KITCHEN.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. MUST CLEAN-SANITIZE; GRILLS, STOVES, STORAGE SHELVES, STORAGE CABINETS, COOLERS, FRYER, AND CHEST FREEZERS AT BOTH KITCHENS.

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. MUST CLEAN FLOORS, UNDER, BEHIND, EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS THRU-OUT PREMISES, AND REPLACE MISSING AND BROKEN FLOOR TILES THRU-OUT.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. MUST REPLACE DAMAGED AND MISSING CEILING PANELS THRU-OUT, AND CLEAN HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT AT BOTH KITCHENS.

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. MUST REPLACE BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE STEAM TABLE FRONT KITCHEN.

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

Minor Sanitation

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination. CLEANING TOWELS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED.

Public inspection records from Chicago Department of Public Health. Records current as of 2026-07-05. EatOrBeat reports records and does not rate restaurants. Source dataset →

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