El Pollo Real
Passed most recently but 2 prior failures on record
2026-02-19 Pass Canvass Re-Inspection 2 ▾
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
4-603.15 OBSERVED MULTI-USE EQUIPMENT TOO LARGE TO SUBMERGE IN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE METHOD TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE ALL LARGE EQUIPMENT.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
5-204.12 OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN BACKFLOW DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK..
2026-02-11 Fail Canvass CRITICAL 4 ▾
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED OVER 50 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN EAST FURNACE ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED 1/4" GAP AT BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED MULTI-USE EQUIPMENT TOO LARGE TO SUBMERGE IN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE METHOD TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE ALL LARGE EQUIPMENT.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN BACKFLOW DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK..
2025-05-28 Pass Canvass 2 ▾
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED CLUTTER IN BASEMENT AND ITEMS NOT NECESSARY TO OPERATION. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO ORGANIZE AREA, ELEVATE ITEMS FROM FLOOR BY 6 INCHES AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR NON-MANAGERIAL FOOD HANDLER STAFF. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DIRECT FOOD HANDLER STAFF TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND RETAIN CERTIFICATES ON SITE.
2024-12-13 Pass Canvass 3 ▾
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
4-501.12 OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
4-102.11(A2) NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNIT STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.12 EXCESSIVE WET FLOOR IN CHICKEN PREP ROOM. INSTD TO MAINTAIN FLOORS CLEAN AND DRY AT ALL TIMES.
2023-12-06 Pass Canvass Re-Inspection 1 ▾
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
PLASTIC LINING BEING USED AS A LINER FOR ENTIRE INTERIOR OF CHEST FREEZERS TO STORE LARGE AMOUNTS OF CHICKEN. INSTD TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE MATERIALS/EQUIPMENT AND OF SUFFICENT SIZE TO BE ABLE TO IMPLEMENT FIFO (FIRST IN, FIRST OUT) OF CHICKENS. LAR...
2023-09-29 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass 4 ▾
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES IN 3-DOOR COOLER: SALSA 52.0F AND CHICKEN 52.1F. ALL PRODUCT DISCARDED AND DENATURED AT THIS TIME. APPROX 50LBS $500 VALUE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY. INSTD TO MAINTAIN COLD FOODS ...
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
3-DOOR COOLER UNABLE TO MAINTAIN PROPER COLD HOLD TEMPERATURE, AIR TEMPERATURE AT 53.2F. ALL DOORS TO COOLER NOT TIGHT FITTING, GASKETS IN DISREPAIR. COOLER TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME. INSTD TO REPAIR AND CONTACT CDPH PRIOR TO USING....
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
PLASTIC LINING BEING USED AS A LINER FOR ENTIRE INTERIOR OF CHEST FREEZERS TO STORE LARGE AMOUNTS OF CHICKEN. INSTD TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE MATERIALS/EQUIPMENT AND OF SUFFICENT SIZE TO BE ABLE TO IMPLEMENT FIFO (FIRST IN, FIRST OUT) OF CHICKENS. LA...
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
EXCESSIVE WET FLOOR IN CHICKEN PREP ROOM. INSTD TO MAINTAIN FLOORS CLEAN AND DRY AT ALL TIMES
2022-11-30 Pass Canvass ▾
No violations found.
2021-10-29 Pass Canvass 3 ▾
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
BOXES OF CHICKEN STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA WHILE PREPPING CHICKENS. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY (EX. ELEVATE ALL FOOD AT LEAST 6 INCHES AT ALL TIMES)
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
PLASTIC LINING BEING USED AS A LINER IN CHEST FREEZERS TO STORE LARGE AMOUNTS OF CHICKEN. INSTD TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE MATERIALS/EQUIPMENT AND OF SUFFICENT SIZE TO BE ABLE TO IMPLEMENT FIFO (FIRST IN, FIRST OUT) OF CHICKENS. GROCERY BAGS ALSO BEI...
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
EXCESSIVE WET FLOOR IN CHICKEN PREP ROOM. INSTD TO MAINTAIN FLOORS CLEAN AND DRY AT ALL TIMES
2020-10-22 Pass Canvass 2 ▾
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED LARGE PUDDLES OF POOLED WATER ON FLOORS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN REAR PREP AREA/STORAGE AREA. MUST REPLACE BURNED OUT LIGHT BULBS TO INCREASE LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.
2019-01-22 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass CRITICAL 7 ▾
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A POLICY IN PLACE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA POLICY AND PROCEDURE ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE POLICY IN PLACE WITH THE REQUIRED EQUIPMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY READY TO EAT FOOD (SALSA 67.4F)AT AN IMPROPER TEMPERATURE IN THE ONE DOOR COLD HOLDING UNIT. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED SAID FOOD THROUGH DENATURING. INSTRUCTED THAT READY TO EAT COLDING HOLDING TEM...
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
OBERVED LARGE POTS AND PANS STORED IMPROPERLY UNDER THE PREP COOK TABLE. INSTRUCTED THAT POTS AND PANS SHOULD BE STORED INVERTED FOR PROPER AIR-DRYING.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSEERVED LARGE GARBAGE CONTAINER IN THE THREE DOOR COOLER BEING USED TO STORE RAW CICKEN. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND USE FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS WHEN STORING TCS FOODS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED WALLS BEHIND THE PREP AREA MADE OF BRICK. INSTRUCTED THAT WALLS NEED TO BE REPLACED, SO THAT THEY ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANIBLE.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING CETIFICATE FOR THE CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED SANITATION MANAGERS MUST HAVE VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
2018-05-22 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass CRITICAL 8 ▾
SOURCE SOUND CONDITION, NO SPOILAGE, FOODS PROPERLY LABELED, SHELLFISH TAGS IN PLACE
OBSERVED APPX.34-2LBS.PLASTIC ZIPLOCK BAGS OF EMPANADAS CARERAS FROM AN UNAPPROVED SOURCE.NO RECEIPT OR DOCUMENTATION AVAILABLE TO VIEW FOR PRODUCT ON DISPLAY FOR SALE AT SERVICE COUNTER.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A RECEIPT FROM A REPUTABLE SOURCE.APP...
HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA
OBSERVED A RED GARDEN HOSE ATTACHED TO NOZZLE AT FAUCET OF REAR PREP AREA HAND SINK.NO PAPER TOWELS AT FRONT PREP AREA HAND SINK AT SERVICE COUNTER.HOSE WAS REMOVED AND PAPER TOWELS ARE NOW PROVIDED.(CRITICAL 7-38-030)
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
MUST LABEL REPACKAGED DESSERTS WITH PROPER INFO GIVEN.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 3- DOOR AND 1- DOOR PREP COOLERS,CHEST FREEZER AND LID ON ANOTHER CHEST FREEZER IN POOR REPAIR(MISSING DOOR HINGES).MUST REMOVE RUST FROM GREASE TRAP AT 3- COMP SINK.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOOR ALONG WALL BASE BEHIND DOOR AND DEBRIS FROM FLOOR IN BASEMENT.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
MUST CLEAN BUILD UP ON FILTERS AT HOOD.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING WALL BASES IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON WALLS IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST ADJUST THRESHOLD AT REAR STORAGE DOOR.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE FAUCET HANDLES IN POOR REPAIR AT 3- COMP SINK.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE,OR ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN BASEMENT.
2017-09-26 Pass Canvass Re-Inspection 1 ▾
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
RUBBER GASKETS ON REACH IN COOLER IN POOR REPAIR. REPLACE AND MAINTAIN GASKETS. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
2017-09-19 Fail Canvass CRITICAL 5 ▾
FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
FOUND REACH IN COOLER IN FRONT PREP AREA NOT AT PROPER TEMPERATURE. REACH IN COOLER AIR TEMPERATURE IS AT 52.5 DEGREES AIR TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER COOLER IS BEING TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME. COOLER MAY NOT BE USED UNTIL CORRECTED...
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD PRODUCTES WERE FOUND AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE: RAW MARINATED CHICKENS 48.3 DEGREES 10 LBS, 2 DIFFERANT TYPES OF COOKED SALSA 52.7 DEGREES 20 LBS, AND CONTAINER OF COOKED BEANS 90.2 DEGREES 10 LBS. ALL PRODUCT W...
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
REAR EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT OR INSECT PROOFED. 1/4 IN GAP AT BOTTOM AND SIDES OF THE DOOR. ALL OUTER OPENINGS MUST BE TIGHT FITTING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM JULY 5, 2016 REPORT #1938022 #38 OBSERVED VEGETABLES BEING PREPPED ON A LONG METAL PREP TABLE IN REAR AREA WHICH IS LOCATED NEXT TO THE MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO RE-LOCATE MOP SINK AND INSTALL AN EXPOSED HAND...
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
RUBBER GASKETS ON REACH IN COOLER IN POOR REPAIR. REPLACE AND MAINTAIN GASKETS. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
2016-07-05 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass CRITICAL 8 ▾
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS FOUND AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. GRILLED WHOLE CHICKENS FOUND SITTING IN AN UNHEATED HOLDING UNIT AT 120.1F, AND PRE-COOKED BEANS FOUND IN DEEP PLASTIC CONTAINERS UNCOVERED WITH NO LABELS AT 70-90 DEGREES. ALL COOKED PRODUC...
* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED OR PROVIDED AT TIME OF INVESTIGATION WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BING PREPARED AND/OR SERVED(CHICKEN, RICE, AND BEANS) SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-32-012(A).
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
ALL PREPARED FOODS AND FOODS REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL CONTAINERS THAT ARE PACKAGED AND/OR STORED UNDER REFRIGERATION FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS MUST BE LABELED (PRODUCT NAME, NAME AND ADDRESS OF BUSINESS, AND INGREDIENTS. OBSERVED COOKED BEANS IN THE 2 DOOR...
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
STORE SERVING UTENSILS(TONGS) PROPERLY TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
PAINT THE EXTERIORS OF DEEP FREEZERS WHERE SURFACES ARE CHIPPED TO PREVENT RUST.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
CLEAN GREASE AND SEDIMENT BUILD-UP IN HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. CLEAN AND/OR PAINT WALLS AND CEILING IN MAIN HOT FOOD PREP AREA( VERY DARK COLORED DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT FROM THE GRILLS).
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED VEGETABLES BEING PREPPED ON A LONG METAL PREP TABLE IN REAR AREA WHICH IS LOCATED NEXT TO THE MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO RE-LOCATE MOP SINK AND INSTALL AN EXPOSED HAND SINK WITH SPLASH GUARD ON SIDE NE...
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
STORE ALL ARTICLES (FOOD AND NON FOOD ITEMS) 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOORS THROUGHOUT.
2015-09-01 Pass Canvass 3 ▾
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
OBSERVED COOKED BEANS IN THE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR AND RAW MARINATED CHICKEN IN A PREP COOLER WITHOUT PROPER LABEL CONTAINING PRODUCT NAME AND DATE. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGES AND MAINTAIN.
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
OBSERVED A CUP BEING USED TO SMASH AVOCADOS. INSTRUCTED TO USE UTENSILS PROPERLY AND MAINTAIN.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE MOP SINK LOCATED IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AND MAINTAIN.
2014-07-02 Pass Canvass 4 ▾
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
BULK DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED. PRE-PACKAGED DESSERTS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTD TO PROPERLY LABEL.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
LEAKS AT FAUCET OF EXPOSED HANDSINK AND AT 3-C0MPARTMENT SINK, WRAPPED IN PLASTIC. INSTD TO REPAIR ALL LEAKS AND MAINTAIN.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTD TO DO SO.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
CLUTTER/UNUSED EQUIPMENT (PROPANE) IN STORAGE AREA. REMOVE SAME.
2013-02-06 Pass License 2 ▾
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
THE FURNACE ROOM IS DIRTY, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAID AREA.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
THREE HOLES IN THE REAR WALL WERE FOUND, FILL IN THE HOLES.
Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health ·
Score calculated from inspection outcomes, violation severity & recency.
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