EL TEXCAL RESTAURANT.

Chicago Health Dept

3700 W LAWRENCE AVE · LINCOLN SQUARE, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Feb 2026).

11 inspections on record since 2019 · Last inspected Feb 2026.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
11
VIOLATIONS
63
total on record
LAST INSPECTED
FEB 2026

INSPECTION HISTORY

FEB 25
2026
PASS 1 violation
Serious Sanitation
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 7
2025
PASS 5 violations 1 CRITICAL
Critical Employee Hygiene
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.

Minor Employee Hygiene
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.

Minor Plumbing & Waste
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.

Minor Pest Activity
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).

Minor Facility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE MECHANICAL VENTILATION INSIDE THE WOMENS WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.

APR 8
2024
PASS 9 violations 2 CRITICAL
Critical Employee Hygiene
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.

Minor Other
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.

Minor Food Storage & Handling
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.

Critical Pest Activity
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.

Minor Sanitation
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.

Minor Sanitation
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.

Minor Sanitation
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.

Minor Sanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Observed milk crates stored and used as shelving in rear dry storage area. Instructed manager to provide shelves.

Minor Sanitation
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 12
2023
PASS 2 violations
Minor Sanitation
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.

Minor Sanitation
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 6
2023
FAIL 4 violations 1 CRITICAL
Serious Sanitation
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

Minor Sanitation
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.

Minor Sanitation
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.

Critical Plumbing & Waste
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 24
2022
PASS W/ CONDITIONS 8 violations 1 CRITICAL
Minor Other
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE COOLERS.

Minor Food Storage & Handling
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABEL FOR FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (SALT, SUGAR ETC).

Critical Pest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR.

Minor Sanitation
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.

Minor Documentation & Training
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.

Minor Other
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

Minor Other
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

Minor Other
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 14
2021
PASS · 0 violations
APR 7
2021
FAIL 8 violations 1 CRITICAL
Critical Employee Hygiene
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.

Serious Food Temperature
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.

Serious Other
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.

Minor Food Temperature
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.

Minor Food Storage & Handling
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.

Minor Sanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON THE MEN'S WASHROOM DOOR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.

Minor Sanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

REPLACE THE MISSING WALL TILES BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.

Minor Facility Condition
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 7
2020
PASS W/ CONDITIONS 6 violations
Serious Food Temperature
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

Minor Sanitation
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

Serious Employee Hygiene
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED THAT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN DISH WASHING AREA IS DRAINING SLOW. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN

Minor Sanitation
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

Minor Pest Activity
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

Minor Documentation & Training
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 2
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS 3 violations 1 CRITICAL
Critical Sanitation
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. -

Minor Other
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

FOOD HANDLER (S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. INFORMATION GIVEN.

Minor Documentation & Training
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 7
2019
FAIL 17 violations 4 CRITICAL
Critical Documentation & Training
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. - -

Critical Sanitation
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. -

Critical Employee Hygiene
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

Critical Employee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT KITCHEN HAND SINK.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND TO MAINTAIN.

Minor Employee Hygiene
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.

Minor Food Storage & Handling
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.

Minor Sanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED NO SHELVINGS FOR REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Other
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED NO DRAIN BOARD AT THE DISH WASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Minor Other
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.

Minor Other
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED NO SINK STOPPERS FOR THE WARE WASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Plumbing & Waste
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. -

Minor Sanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED WASH ROOM DOORS NOT SELF CLOSING.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICES AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

A toilet room used by females shall be provided with a covered receptacle for sanitary napkins.

Minor Pest Activity
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.

Minor Facility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED NO LIGHTING IN WARE WASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND TO MAINTAIN.

Minor Other
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

FOOD HANDLER (S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. INFORMATION GIVEN.

Minor Documentation & Training
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.

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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