Frontera Grill/topolobambo/bar Sotano
Passed most recently but 2 prior failures on record
2025-11-05 Pass Suspected Food Poisoning Re-inspection 2 ▾
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
4-101.19---OBSERVED RUST ON SOME WALLS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-FREEZER.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST AND REPAIR SO AS TO BE NON-POROUS AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
6-202.11---OBSERVED NO LIGHT SHIELDS FOR LIGHT FIXTURE INSIDE THE MEAT WALK-IN-COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS FOR LIGHT FIXTURE OR SHATTER PROOF LIGHT BULBS AND MAINTAIN.
2025-10-28 Fail Suspected Food Poisoning CRITICAL 9 ▾
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED AT HANDWASHING SINK AT THE FRONT MAIN KITCHEN PREP LINE AREA WHILE FOOD HANDLERS WERE ACTIVELY PREPARING FOODS.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUN...
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP PROVIDED AT THE HANDWASHING SINK AT THE FRONT MAIN KITCHEN PREP LINE AREA WHILE FOOD HANDLERS WERE ACTIVELY PREPARING FOODS.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HAND SOAP AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION V...
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM(SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES.APPROXIMATELY 25 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS OBSERVED ON THE WALLS AND CEILINGS AND EQUIPMENTS IN THE 1ST FLOOR BAR AREAS AND SAME AREA CUSTOMER DINING ROOM.ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO...
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
OBSERVED LARGE POTS/PANS ON STORAGE RACKS NOT PROPERLY STORED AND INVERTED IN THE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING ROOM.INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE, INVERT TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED RUST ON SOME WALLS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-FREEZER.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST AND REPAIR SO AS TO BE NON-POROUS AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE FIRST FLOOR AND BASEMENT PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DIRTY FLOORS WITH LITTER DEBRIS SPILLAGE AND BROKEN GLASS AT (FRONTERA) BAR AREA.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN CEILING AT FRONT MAIN COOKLINE/PASTRY PREP AREA TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF HANGING ...
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED NO LIGHT SHIELDS FOR LIGHT FIXTURE INSIDE THE MEAT WALK-IN-COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS FOR LIGHT FIXTURE OR SHATTER PROOF LIGHT BULBS AND MAINTAIN.
2025-09-16 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass 7 ▾
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
OBSERVED THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE IN THE (FRONTERA) BAR (NOT-IN-USE) AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION;FINAL SANITIZING RINSE AT "0" PPM CHLORINE CONCENTRATION.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.THE SAID DISHMACHINE IS TAGGED "HELD FOR INSPECT...
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM(SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
OBSERVED LARGE POTS/PANS ON STORAGE RACKS NOT PROPERLY STORED AND INVERTED IN THE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING ROOM.INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE, INVERT TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED RUST ON SOME WALLS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-FREEZER.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST AND REPAIR SO AS TO BE NON-POROUS AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DIRTY FLOORS WITH LITTER DEBRIS SPILLAGE AND BROKEN GLASS AT (FRONTERA) BAR AREA.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN CEILING AT FRONT MAIN COOKLINE/PASTRY PREP AREA TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF HANGING...
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED NO LIGHT SHIELDS FOR LIGHT FIXTURE INSIDE THE MEAT WALK-IN-COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS FOR LIGHT FIXTURE OR SHATTER PROOF LIGHT BULBS AND MAINTAIN.
2024-09-26 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass CRITICAL 8 ▾
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDWASHING SINK IN FRONTERA BAR. INSTRUCTED TO POST CLEARLY VISIBLE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS USED BY FOOD EMPLOYEES.
REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION
OBSERVED FRESH OYSTERS IN MULTIPLE CONTAINERS IN WALK IN COOLER WITH NO SHELLSTOCK TAG IN CONTAINERS. CORRECTED ON SITE CONTAINERS OF FRESH OYSTERS VOLUNTARILY DENATURED AND DISCARDED BY MANAGEMENT,VALUED AT $200 AND WEIGHING 50LBS. OBSERVED MULTIPL...
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED COLD TCS FOOD(ROASTED TOMATILLOS) HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 46F. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD VALUED AT $10 WEIGHING 5LBS. PRIORITY VIOLAT...
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED OPENINGS AT BASE AND MIDDLE OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOUBLE DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED WHITE LONG STAINED CUTTING BOARD IN PREP AREA OF SOTANO BAR(COOKLINE). INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE STAINED CUTTING BOARD IN PREP AREA OF SOTANO BAR(COOKLINE) AND MAINTAIN.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED MISSING DATA PLATE ON HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN DISHWASHING AREA OF FRONTERA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EASILY ACCESSIBLE AND READABLE DATA PLATE AFFIXED TO THE MACHINE BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT INDICATES THE MACHINE'S DESIGN AND OPERAT...
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN FRONTERA BAR WOMEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE IN FRONTERA BAR WOMEN'S WASHROOM FOR SANITARY PRODUCTS.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
MUTLIPLE EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATIONS PROVIDED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
2023-09-15 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass CRITICAL 4 ▾
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SOAP AT THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE EMPLOYEE MEN WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE HAND SOAP AT ALL TIMES. PERSON IN CHARGE PROVIDED SOAP DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
OBSERVED THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE LOCATED IN THE FRONT BAR AREA AND GLASSWARE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE LOCATED IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. FOUND 0PPM CHLORINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR MACHINES...
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORE ON TOP OF PREP TABLES IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREAS. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING WHEN NOT IN USE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH DISHWASHING AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
2022-12-13 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass CRITICAL 6 ▾
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS LOCATED AT GRILL AND BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE LOCATED IN BAR MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER CHEMICAL SANITIZER CONCENTRATION OF 0PPM OF CHLORINE. SEE COMMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SO THAT MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF DELIVERING PROPER SANITIZER CONCENTRATIONS BETWEEN 50-...
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED COOKED CHICKEN IN REACH IN COOLER LOCATED OPPOSITE GRILL ON PREP LINE MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 58.1F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 3LBS OF CHICKEN VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $10. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL TCS IT...
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED BULK INGREDIENT CONTAINERS IN REAR PREP AREA NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL WITH COMMON NAME.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED DIRECTLY IN ICE AT BAR. INSTRUCTED ICE SCOOPS SHOULD BE STORED OUTSIDE OF ICE TO AVOID CONTAMINATION.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED STEADY LEAK COMING FROM PIPE UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
2021-10-01 Pass Complaint Re-Inspection CRITICAL 5 ▾
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
HANDWASHING SINKS THROUGHOUT FACILITY ARE MISSING HANDWASHING SIGNAGE. MUST PROVIDE.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE COFFEE SERVICE STATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF EQUIP...
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
FOUND HEAVY DIRT AND DEBRIS BUILD UP INSIDE THE FIRST FLOOR BAR REACH IN BEER COOLER. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
ONE OUT OF THE TWO SINKS IN THE LOWER LEVEL WOMENS RESTROOM IS NOT PROVIDING WATER REACHING 100 F; WATER AT 85 F. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN HOT WATER REACHING 100F.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FOUND OLD FOOD, PLASTIC, AND OTHER GARBAGE UNDERNEATH BAR EQUIPMENT ON THE FIRST FLOOR. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
2021-09-22 Fail Suspected Food Poisoning CRITICAL 11 ▾
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED
OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE HANDLING READY-TO EAT FOOD (TORTILLAS) WITH BARE HANDS. FOOD EMPLOYEE WAS GRABBING COOKED TORTILLAS OFF THE FLAT TOP GRILL WITH BARE HANDS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL READY-TO EAT FOODS MUST BE HANDLED WITH SUITABLE UTENSIL...
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
HANDWASHING SINKS THROUGHOUT FACILITY ARE MISSING HANDWASHING SIGNAGE. MUST PROVIDE.
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES
FOUND HOT TCS FOOD AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE. COOKED PLANTAINS FOUND IN A LARGE CONTAINER ON THE COUNTER AT 120 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT PLANT FOOD THAT IS HEAT TREATED AND TCS MUST BE KEPT AT OR ABOVE 135 F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-00...
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
IMPROPER INTERNAL FOOD TEMPERATURE OF A TCS FOOD; FOUND A CONTAINER OF GARLIC IN OIL MIXTURE IN THE 1ST FLOOR FRONT PREP AREA AT 66.5 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO STORE TCS FOODS AT OR BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. FOOD DISCARDED. REFER TO V...
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED TCS FOODS (COOKED LAMB, COOKED POTATO, COOKED BEEF, AND GRILLED ONIONS) HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT DISCARD DATE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATE FOR ANY TCS FOODS HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION...
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO IDENTIFY SUCH FOODS BY ASTERISKING THEM TO A FOOT NOTE THAT STATES: "ITEMS CAN BE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR CONTAIN UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS" AND ADD A STATEMENT THAT SAYS: "...
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE COFFEE SERVICE STATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF EQUIP...
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
FOUND HEAVY DIRT AND DEBRIS BUILD UP INSIDE THE FIRST FLOOR BAR REACH IN BEER COOLER. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
ONE OUT OF THE TWO SINKS IN THE LOWER LEVEL WOMENS RESTROOM IS NOT PROVIDING WATER REACHING 100 F; WATER AT 85 F. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN HOT WATER REACHING 100F.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FOUND OLD FOOD, PLASTIC, AND OTHER GARBAGE UNDERNEATH BAR EQUIPMENT ON THE FIRST FLOOR. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
2020-04-21 Pass Canvass 1 ▾
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED CERTIFIED MANAGERS WITHOUT ALLERGY TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST OBTAIN ALLERGY TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
2019-07-19 Pass Canvass 1 ▾
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
BULK-FOOD CONTAINERS NOT LABELED ( SUGAR, SALT...) INSTRUCTED TO LABEL.
2018-11-13 Pass License 1 ▾
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
PA 100-0367 NO ALLERGEN AWARENESS FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTRUCTED THAT MANAGERS WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST HAVE ALLERGEN AWARENESS
Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health ·
Score calculated from inspection outcomes, violation severity & recency.
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