JUN 25
2025
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
GORDO'S TAMALES.
YOUR CALL. 76/100
2811 W 55TH ST · BRIGHTON PARK, CHICAGO
Last inspected June 25, 2025 · passed
7 of 11 inspections passed, 2 failed, 2 passed with conditions. 5 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
11
7 passed · 2 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
56
includes 5 critical
RECORDS COVER
6 YEARS
since Feb 2019
INSPECTION HISTORY
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTD TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES ON PROPER SHELVING AND MAINTAIN.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
PACKAGED TAMALE HUSKS IN BASEMENT STORED UNDENEATH SEWER LINES THAT HAVE WORN OVERWRAP ON LINES. INSTD TO REMOVE HUSKS FROM UNDERNEATH LINES OR RE WRAP PROPERLY TO PROTECT FROM POSSIBLE DRIPPING/CONTAMINATION.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
ALUMINUM FOIL LINING ON STORAGE SHELVES. INSTD TO REMOVE SO AS SURFACE TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
DEC 172024PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
DEC 17
2024
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
ALL WIPING CLOTHS WHEN NOT IN USE MUST BE STORED IN AS CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ANY FOOD SPILLS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
APR 232024PASSED1 violationDETAILS
APR 23
2024
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED PAINT PEELING ON DOORWAY LEADING INTO KITCHEN FROM DINING ROOM AS WELL AS WINDOWSILL IN REAR DISH ROOM NEAR EXIT DOOR. OBSERVED THE WOODEN DOOR FOR THE WALK-IN COOLER TO BE IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR ALL AREAS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
AUG 162023PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
AUG 16
2023
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
4-502.13: OBSERVED FACILITY REUSING SINGLE USE GROCERY BAGS TO STORE FOOD ITEMS SUCH AS TACO SHELLS, RICE, AND DOUGH. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE GROCERY BAGS AND STORE FOOD ITEMS IN FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS OR BAGS.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
4-601.11(C): OBSERVED SPILL FOOD DEBRIS AT THE BOTTOM OF BOTH REACH IN FREZZERS IN THE FORNT LOBBY AREA AND REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
5-205.15: OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE PIPING UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
AUG 92023FAILED8 violationsDETAILS
AUG 9
2023
FAILED
8 violationsDETAILS
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED PAN OF COOKED BEANS WEIGHING APPROX. 20 LBS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AT AN IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 49.8F. ALL TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE FOOD ITEM. FOOD DISCARDED VALUED AT APPROX. $40. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED, 7-38-005.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED WET IN USE WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON THE COUNTERS AND PREP TABLES THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPE CLOTHS INSIDE OF PROPER SANITZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED SCOOP FOR SUGAR CONTAINER WITH THE HANDLE STORED INSIDE OF FOOD ITEM. INSTRUCTED TO STORE UTENSILS WITH THE HANDLE UP AND OUT OF FOOD ITEM.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT ON SITE FOR THE SANITIZER (BLEACH) BEING USED FOR SANITIZING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF A SANITIZING SOLUTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED, 7-38-005.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED SPILL FOOD DEBRIS AT THE BOTTOM OF BOTH REACH IN FREZZERS IN THE FORNT LOBBY AREA AND REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE PIPING UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED UNUSED EQUIPMENT STORED THROUGHOUT FACILITY AND REAR OUTSIDE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FOOD EQUIPMENT SUCH AS POTS OR PANS AND COOLERS THAT ARE NOT IN USE OR NO LONGER NEEDED FOR DAILY OPERATION.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
ALLERGEN TRAINING HAS EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED TO RENEW AND PROVIDE PROOF OF CERTIFICATION(S) FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD PROTECTION MANAGERS.
show all 11 inspections →
DEC 72022PASSED8 violationsDETAILS
DEC 7
2022
PASSED
8 violationsDETAILS
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
OBSERVED 11- LARGE OVER SIZED POTS STORED OUTSIDE IN REAR YARD IN THE ELEMENTS THAT ARE USED TO COOK TAMALES IN .MUST STORE PROPERLY WITHIN THE FACILITY AND MAINTAIN.POTS WERE REMOVED FROM OUTSIDE AND STORED IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA DURING INSPECTION.(COS)
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELVES OF PREP TABLES IN FRONT PREP AREA AND WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 2- DOOR REACH IN FREEZER
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED OVERSIZED POTS TO LARGE TO FIT INSIDE OF 3- COMPARTMENT SINK TO BE PROPERLY SANITIZED MUST PROVIDE A PROCEDURE TO SANITIZE,REMOVE POTS OR PROVIDE A LARGER SINK.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM WALK IN COOLER FANGUARD COVERS.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED AN OVERHEAD PIPE LEAKING WATER IN BASEMENT ONTO FLOOR MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED TOILET ROOM DOOR TO PREP AREA NOT SELF CLOSING MUST MAKE SELF CLOSING.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN FRONT PREP AND DINING AREA.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED AND MISSING WALL TILES UNDERNEATH REAR HAND SINK.
OCT 72022PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
OCT 7
2022
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector Comments: MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELVES OF PREP TABLES IN FRONT PREP AREA AND WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 2- DOOR REACH IN FREEZER
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
Inspector Comments: OBSERVED OVERSIZED POTS TO LARGE TO FIT INSIDE OF 3- COMPARTMENT SINK TO BE PROPERLY SANITIZED MUST PROVIDE A PROCEDURE TO SANITIZE,REMOVE POTS OR PROVIDE A LARGER SINK.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
Inspector Comments: OBSERVED TOILET ROOM DOOR TO PREP AREA NOT SELF CLOSING MUST MAKE SELF CLOSING.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN FRONT PREP AND DINING AREA,DAMAGED WALL ENTERING INTO PREP AREA,DAMAGED FLOORING INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER.
SEP 302022FAILED10 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
SEP 30
2022
FAILED
10 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 60 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON WALL LEDGES & PIPES IN BASEMENT BEHIND EQUIPMENT AND SHELVING UNITS. MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 9/30/22.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELVES OF PREP TABLES IN FRONT PREP AREA AND WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 2- DOOR REACH IN FREEZER.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED OVERSIZED POTS TO LARGE TO FIT INSIDE OF 3- COMPARTMENT SINK TO BE PROPERLY SANITIZED MUST PROVIDE A PROCEDURE TO SANITIZE,REMOVE POTS OR PROVIDE A LARGER SINK.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLE,PREP TABLES,ROLLING CARTS, REACH IN FREEZER,WALK IN COOLER FANGUARD COVERS.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED TOILET ROOM DOOR TO PREP AREA NOT SELF CLOSING MUST MAKE SELF CLOSING.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN FRONT PREP AND DINING AREA,DAMAGED WALL ENTERING INTO PREP AREA,DAMAGED FLOORING INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT AND BASEMENT.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED MISSING AND EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
APR 212021PASS W/ CONDITIONS12 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
APR 21
2021
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
12 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN REAR WALK IN COOLER, SUCH AS THREE 35LB CONTAINERS OF GREEN SALSA AT TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 50.2F- 64.1F MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 105LBS AT $366. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW . PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED COOKING EQUIPMENT SUCH AS COOKTOP STOVES, LARGE POTS, PROPANE TANKS AND PREP TABLES IN THE REAR OUTSIDE AREA - UNAPPROVED FOOD PREPARATION AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL USED AS A LINER ON SHELVING UNITS IN REAR PREP AREA, WINDOW SEALS, AND ON SHELF UNDERNEATH REAR COOKTOP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL ALUMINUM FOIL FROM SHELVING UNITS. ALL FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED RUSTY SHELVING UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PAINT/SEAL/REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE REACH IN COOLER WITH FOOD STORED INSIDE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED LEAKY PIPE AT HAND SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED NO UTILITY SINK ON SITE. MANAGER INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL UTILITY SINK.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DEBRIS/ FOOD SPLATTER ON CEILING IN REAR PREP AREA ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN REAR PREP AREA OVER COOKTOP UNDER VENTILATION HOOD AND BURNED OUT LIGHT BULB OVER FRONT GRILL AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR, REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
JAN 92020PASSED1 violationDETAILS
JAN 9
2020
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED THE FLOOR UNDER THE PREP AREA NO CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN
FEB 142019PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
FEB 14
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
Observed no employee health policy on site. Must provide written policy. Priority foundation.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
Observed no vomit and diarrhea clean up policy/kit on site. Must provide written clean up procedure and corresponding equipment. Priority foundation.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Backflow preventer not located. Must provide back flow prevention device for utility sink. Must maintain same.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
No proof of allergen training on site. Must provide proof of allergen training for all Chicago certified food managers.
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 →