FEB 25
2026
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
EL TEXCAL RESTAURANT.
YOUR CALL. 68/100
3700 W LAWRENCE AVE · LINCOLN SQUARE, CHICAGO
Last inspected February 25, 2026 · passed
5 of 11 inspections passed, 3 failed, 3 passed with conditions. 11 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
11
5 passed · 3 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
63
includes 11 critical
RECORDS COVER
6 YEARS
since Mar 2019
INSPECTION HISTORY
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED FACILITY STORING RAW MEATS IN SINGLE USE GROCERY BAGS IN THE FREEZER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT NOT TO STORE FOOD ITEMS IN SINGLE USE GROCERY BAGS AND TO STORE IN FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS OR BAGS.
APR 72025PASSED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
APR 7
2025
PASSED
5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK LOCATED AT REAR DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR EMPLOYEE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT BASE OF FAUCET AT THE FRONT PREP DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA AND INSIDE THE FURNACE ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE MOPS,BROOMS CLEANING EQUIPMENTS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING.(NO MILK CRATES TO BE USED FOR ELEVATING ITEMS).
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE MECHANICAL VENTILATION INSIDE THE WOMENS WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.
APR 82024PASSED9 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
APR 8
2024
PASSED
9 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Observed no handwashing sign at hand sink at front prep area. Instructed to provide handwashing sign at front prep area hand sink.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
Observed no thermometer present in the reach in cooler at the front prep area. Instructed manager to provide thermometer the front reach in cooler. Manager provided at time of inspection.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Observed storage containers in rear dry storage to not have the common name of the food stored. Instructed manager to label storage containers with common name such as garlic, onions, chili powder, etc.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Observed no door sweep present at door to the rear exit alleyway door. Gap greater than 1/4 inch was observed at bottom of door. Instructed manager to rodent proof rear exit door.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
Observed wet wiping cloths stored on the shelf and prep surface in front prep area. Instructed manager that all wet wiping cloths must be stored in a sanitizer solution in between each use.
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
Observed stored pots and pans to not be covered or inverted in the rear dry storage area. Instructed manager to invert or cover all pots and pans in storage.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Observed a scratched and deeply gouged cutting board in front prep area. Instructed manager to provide a replacement with a smooth and easily cleanable surface.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Observed milk crates stored and used as shelving in rear dry storage area. Instructed manager to provide shelves.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Observed damaged wall section above rear dry storage shelves, peeling paint on the ceiling in rear dry storage area near chest freezer, and a hole in ceiling near chest freezer. Instructed manager to provide a smooth and easily cleanable surface for all walls and ceiling.
JAN 122023PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JAN 12
2023
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
4-202.12 OBSERVED POT TOO LARGE FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CREATE CLEAN IN PLACE PROCEEDURE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
4-101.19 OBSERVED MEAT STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAG IN FREEZER CHEST. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PLACE MEAT IN FOOD GRADE BAG.
JAN 62023FAILED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 6
2023
FAILED
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WASH AND RINSE DISHES AND PUT THEM AWAY WITHOUT SANITIZING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL DISHES ARE WASHED RINSED AND SANITIZED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED POT TOO LARGE FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CREATE CLEAN IN PLACE PROCEEDURE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED MEAT STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAG IN FREEZER CHEST. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PLACE MEAT IN FOOD GRADE BAG.
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
OBSERVED INADEQUATE WASTE WATER DISPOSAL AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. WHEN ONE COMPARTMENT DRAINS ANOTHER ONE FLOODS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED
show all 11 inspections →
JAN 242022PASS W/ CONDITIONS8 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 24
2022
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
8 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE COOLERS.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABEL FOR FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (SALT, SUGAR ETC).
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR STORAGE AREA AND INSIDE BOILER ROOM.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
FOUND INCOMPLETE APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
FOUND NO WRITTEN PROTOCOL AVAILABLE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A WRITTEN RECORD DESCRIBING PROTOCOL FOR CHECKING PROOF OF VACCINATION IN PUBLIC PLACES. VIOLATION 2-112-340 NO CITATION ISSUED
MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
OBSERVED NO SIGNAGE POSTED AT THE ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE TO THE COVERED LOCATION AND AT LEAST ONE LOCATION INSIDE PREMISES THAT IS CONSPICOUSLY VISIBLE, INFORMING PATRONS OF THE FULL VACCINATION REQUIREMENT. INSTRUCTED TO POST SIGNAGE. VIOLATION 2-112-340 NO CITATION ISSUED
MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
OBSERVED NO RECORDS RELATING TO EMPLOYEE VACCINATION STATUS AND TESTING AT COVERED LOCATIONS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. VIOLATION 2-112-340 NO CITATION ISSUED
APR 72021FAILED8 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
APR 7
2021
FAILED
8 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
NO HOT WATER WAS PROVIDED AT THE FRONT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. THE HANDLE TO THE HOT WATER WAS STRIPPED AND COULD NOT BE TURNED ON. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED TCS FOODS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLERS AND REFRIGERATOR. OBSERVED COOKED RICE AT 65.1F, BEEF AT 46.7-50.7F, SALSA AT 49.1F, SOUR CREAM AT 53.3F, CHEESE AT 61.9F, BEANS AT 66.2F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL TCS FOODS AT TEMPERATURES OF 41F AND BELOW. PRIORITY 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE AND DESCRIBE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
PREMISES DOES NOT HAVE ADEQUATE REFRIGERATION AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. OBSERVED IMPROPER AIR TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLERS AND REFRIGERATORS. OBSERVED AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 53.4F INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR TRUE PREP COOLER, 48.2F INSIDE OF THE METAL REACH-IN PREP COOLER, AND 71F INSIDE OF THE RERIGERATOR/FREEZER COMBO UNIT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ALL COOLERS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
OBSERVED STYROFOAM TAKE OUT CONTAINERS NOT STORE INVERTED ON THE STORAGE SHELF. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INVERT TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON THE MEN'S WASHROOM DOOR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
REPLACE THE MISSING WALL TILES BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2356206 ON 1/7/20 WERE NOT CORRECTED: 47 - OBSERVED TORN RUBBER GASKET ON DOOR TO REACH UNDER FOOD PREP COOLER IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND/OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090.
JAN 72020PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violationsDETAILS
JAN 7
2020
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violationsDETAILS
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED READY TO EAT, TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS ( BEANS, RICE)NOT PROPERLY DATED , STORED LONGER THAN 24 HOURS IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER DATE MARKING WITH DISPOSITION DATE FOR RTE FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24 HOURS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED TORN RUBBER GASKET ON DOOR TO REACH UNDER FOOD PREP COOLER IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND/OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED THAT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN DISH WASHING AREA IS DRAINING SLOW. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
OBSERVED SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF PAPER AND RECYCLABLES TRASH AROUND COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS TRASH DUMPSTERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED THAT FACILITY WATER HEATER IS LOCATED IN ONE OF THE ROOMS IN BASEMENT AREA. ALSO OBSERVED CLUTTER OF UNUSED ITEMS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT TO BE STORED ON FLOORS IN BASEMENT. MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE AND CLEAN AND MAINTAIN BASEMENT FLOORS
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
PREVIOUSLY CITED CORE VIOLATION FROM 3/7/2019 REPORT #2269012 NOT CORRECTED. VIOLATION 58 ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY FOR CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42.090 CITATION ISSUED
APR 22019PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
APR 2
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON THE PREMISES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CLEAN UP PROCEDURE AND THE NECESSARY CLEANING ITEMS ON THE PREMISES . PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED. -
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
FOOD HANDLER (S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. INFORMATION GIVEN.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY FOR CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES.
MAR 72019FAILED17 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
MAR 7
2019
FAILED
17 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010,NO CITATION ISSUED. - -
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON THE PREMISES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CLEAN UP PROCEDURE AND THE NECESSARY CLEANING ITEMS ON THE PREMISES . PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED. -
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND SINK IN REAR WARE WASHING AREA OF FACILITY. FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND INSTALL A HAND SINK UNDER CITY WATER PRESSURE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C),NO CITATION ISSUED
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT KITCHEN HAND SINK.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND TO MAINTAIN.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD AT THE FRONT PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SPLASH GUARD AT LEFT SIDE OF SAID HAND WASHING SINK AND TO MAINTAIN.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED THE OPENING/ENTRYWAY (FROM CUSTOMER AREA)TO THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA,NOT PROTECTED.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BARRIER TO PROTECT FROM PUBLIC CONTAMINATION AND TO MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION,NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED NO SHELVINGS FOR REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED NO DRAIN BOARD AT THE DISH WASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED NO TEST STRIP KIT FOR WARE WASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED NO SINK STOPPERS FOR THE WARE WASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT UTILITY MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SO THAT IT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED. -
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED WASH ROOM DOORS NOT SELF CLOSING.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICES AND MAINTAIN.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
A toilet room used by females shall be provided with a covered receptacle for sanitary napkins.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
NOTED CLUTTER AT REAR STORAGE AREA; INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN AND ORGANIZE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. ARTICLES MUST BE STORED OFF FLOORS, AWAY FROM WALLS.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED NO LIGHTING IN WARE WASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND TO MAINTAIN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
FOOD HANDLER (S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. INFORMATION GIVEN.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY FOR CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES.
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 →