EL SENOR TAMAL.
4234 W NORTH AVE · BELMONT CRAGIN, CHICAGO
Failed 2 of 11 inspections. 16 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
NOV 212025PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED WATER DAMAGE TO WALL AND BASEBOARD BEHIND TOILET IN REAR EMPLOYEE RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED CEILING VENT IN REAR EMPLOYEE RESTROOM COVERED IN DUST. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
JUL 92024PASS W/ CONDITIONS8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED (SUCH AS CHICKEN, PORK). INSTRUCTED MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED/SERVED. INSTRUCTED MUST POST A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATION IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMERS AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA AND EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
FOUND READY TO EAT TCS FOODS IN REFRIGERATOR NOT DATE MARKED. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL READY TO EAT TCS FOODS HELD FOR 24 HOURS MUST BE PROPERLY DATE MARKED WITH THE DATE THE FOOD WILL BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
NOTED SOME USE OF MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION AT THE KITCHEN AREA AND DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST ALSO BE STORED 6" AWAY FROM THE WALL
OBSERVED TAMALE POTS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BEING USED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER REMOVE ALL LARGE POTS THAT ARE TOO BIG TO BE SUBMERGED INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTALL A LARGER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK THAT IS ABLE TO PROPERLY WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE THE LARGEST PIECE OF EQUIPMENT, OR PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE THAT STATES HOW THE FACILITY WILL WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE LARGE EQUIPMENT
OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
MAY 182023PASSED2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA.
INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON TOILET ROOM DOOR.
JUN 172022PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE LARGE PREP/STORAGE ROOM WHERE TAMALES ARE BEING PREPARED (LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE MAIN KITCHEN). INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A HANDWASHING SINK MUST BE LOCATED INSIDE THIS ROOM TO ALLOW FOR CONVENIENT USE BY EMPLOYEES WHO ARE PREPARING FOOD. MUST INSTALL A HANDWASHING SINK IN SAID AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C).
OBSERVED TAMALE POTS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BEING USED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER REMOVE ALL LARGE POTS THAT ARE TOO BIG TO BE SUBMERGED INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTALL A LARGER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK THAT IS ABLE TO PROPERLY WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE THE LARGEST PIECE OF EQUIPMENT, OR PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE THAT STATES HOW THE FACILITY WILL WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE LARGE EQUIPMENT.
MUST REPLACE ALL BURNED OUT LIGHT BULBS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA, INSIDE THE WASHROOM LOCATED NEAR THE REAR EXIT DOOR, AND INSIDE THE SIDE PREP/STORAGE ROOM.
JUN 102022FAILED10 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SOAP AT THE DISH/PREP AREA HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH HANDWASHING SOAP AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO PAPERTOWELS AT THE HANDWASHING SINKS LOCATED IN THE DISH/PREP AREA AND INSIDE THE UNISEX WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH A HAND DRYING PROVISION AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE CITATION.
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE LARGE PREP/STORAGE ROOM WHERE TAMALES ARE BEING PREPARED (LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE MAIN KITCHEN). INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A HANDWASHING SINK MUST BE LOCATED INSIDE THIS ROOM TO ALLOW FOR CONVENIENT USE BY EMPLOYEES WHO ARE PREPARING FOOD. MUST INSTALL A HANDWASHING SINK IN SAID AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C).
OBSERVED BULK FOOD CONTAINERS ON PREMISES WITHOUT A LABEL (FLOUR, SUGAR, SALT, ETC). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY FOOD ITEM.
FOUND FOAM CUPS BEING USED TO SCOOP THE DRINKS BEING SERVED AT THE FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO USE A SCOOP WITH A HANDLE, AND THAT THE HANDLE MUST BE STORED ABOVE THE TOP OF THE FOOD.
OBSERVED TAMALE POTS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BEING USED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER REMOVE ALL LARGE POTS THAT ARE TOO BIG TO BE SUBMERGED INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTALL A LARGER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK THAT IS ABLE TO PROPERLY WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE THE LARGEST PIECE OF EQUIPMENT, OR PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE THAT STATES HOW THE FACILITY WILL WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE LARGE EQUIPMENT.
MUST PROVIDE A COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE INSIDE EACH UNISEX WASHROOM.
FOUND THE BASE COVING PEELING OFF THE WALL INSIDE THE UNISEX WASHROOM LOCATED NEAR THE EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR.
MUST REPLACE ALL BURNED OUT LIGHT BULBS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA, INSIDE THE WASHROOM LOCATED NEAR THE REAR EXIT DOOR, AND INSIDE THE SIDE PREP/STORAGE ROOM.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 7/7/21 REPORT #2522415: VIOLATION #38 (6-202.15) OBSERVED A 1/2 GAP ALONG THE BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY. VIOLATION #56 (6-501.14) OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS INSIDE UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. VIOLATION #57 (2-102.13) FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET NO LOGS RECORDS ON SITE AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. ALSO NOTED VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT#2288930 FROM 5/16/2019: VIOLATION #58 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CORRECT PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
show all 11 inspections →
JUL 72021PASS W/ CONDITIONS9 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED
OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE OR SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BOTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
OBSERVED A 1/2 GAP ALONG THE BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF TAMALES PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
OBSERVED A FEW MISSING AND WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN REAR OF PREMISES. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS INSIDE UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET NO LOGS RECORDS ON SITE AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT#2288930 FROM 5/16/2019 #58 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090.
OBSERVED NO INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT NOT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC.MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN VIEW OF ALL CUSTOMERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010 (B). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION
MAY 162019PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE OR SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BOTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
REMOVE THE DEAD MOUSE FROM THE GLUE TRAP IN THE CLOSET IN THE WASHROOM.
MUST STORE ALL PLASTIC UTENSILS INVERTED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BY HANDS.
OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE UNISEX WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
MAY 122017PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2049872 5/5/17 #18 NOT CORRECTED.STILL FINDING EVIDENCE OF APPX. 25 RODENT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR AND LEDGE UNDER FURNANCE AND FRONT DOOR APPX."1-2" ALONG BOTTOM AND REAR INTERIOR ADJACENT DOOR APPX."3/4" ALONG BOTTOM.MANAGER SENT HANDY MAN TO THE STORE TO PURCHASE DOOR SWEEPS AND DROPPINGS ARE BEING REMOVED AND AREA CLEANED AT THIS TIME DURING INSPECTION.(CRITICAL 7-42-090)
Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN CONCRETE FLOOR AT ENTRY DOOR
MAY 52017FAILED9 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED INSIDE OF 4- THERMAL COOLERS ON TABLE TOP SUCH AS 22LBS. COOKED ASSORTED VARIETY OF TAMALES RED -116.6F,PINE APPLE 117.9F,118.8F.CHEESE & JALEPENO 96.9F,141.2F,123.7F,118.6F,120.1F,STRAWBERRY 110.6F,112.7F,CIRUELA 100.6F.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 140.0F OR ABOVE.APPX.22LBS.$220.(CRITICAL 7-38-005A)
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF 1- LIVE ROACH CRAWLING ON FLOOR UNDER 1- DOOR REACH IN COOLER .APPX.75 OR MORE RODENT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR UNDER CHEMICAL STORAGE SHELF,ON FLOOR AND LEDGE OF HOT WATER TANK/FURNANCE ROOM AND A DEAD MOUSE ON GLUE BOARD.ALSO ,FRONT DOOR HAS A GAP APPX."1-2" ALONG BOTTOM AND REAR INTERIOR ADJACENT DOOR APPX "3/4" ALONG BOTTOM.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS & DEAD MOUSE,CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS.RODENT PROOF DOORS.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 5/5/17.(SERIOUS 7-38-020)
PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION FROM REPORT#1975772 11/21/16 NOT CORRECTED #45-IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET FOR EMPLOYEES.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.(SERIOUS 7-42-090)
MUST ELIMINATE GROCERY STORE BAGS USED FOR FOOD STORAGE AND PROVIDE FOOD GRADE.
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN CONCRETE FLOOR AT ENTRY DOOR.
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE HOLE IN LOWER WALL IN FURNANCE ROOM,LOOSE WALL PANEL NEXT TO COOKING EQUIPMENT.MUST CLEAN FILTERS AT HOOD AND DIRT FROM WALL VENT NEAR REAR DOOR.
MUST PROVIDE SHATTER PROOF BULB IN PREP AREA.
MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMP SINK.
MUST PROVIDE PROBE THERMOMETER FOR FOOD TEMPS.
NOV 212016PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED THE FRONT HOT HOLDING UNITS NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE. ALSO CLEAN FREEZER.
OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE REAR RESTROOM, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
OBSERVED NON COMPLIANCE WITH FOOD HANDLER REQUIRMENTS AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. GIVEN COPY OF IDPH'S FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS AT THIS TIME.
JUN 72016PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED THE FLOOR NOT CLEAN IN THE HEATER ROOM, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
OBSERVED THE LIGHT SHIELDS NOT CLEAN REAR PREP, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health. We'd love to link you straight to this restaurant's record — turns out Chicago considers that a luxury. The full dataset is what's on offer →