HABANERO BAJA GRILL.

Chicago Health Dept

2 N RIVERSIDE PLZ · LOOP, CHICAGO

Last inspected 2022.

14 inspections on record since 2013 · Last inspected Apr 2022.

Last inspected Apr 2022. Records may not reflect current conditions.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

APR 2022

INSPECTION HISTORY

APR 19

2022

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

FOUND NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER OR CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (CHICKEN) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

Serious Food Temperature

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

FOUND TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS AT IMPROPEER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 49 - 61F: SLICED LETTUCE, CHEESE AND SPRNG MIX. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A MINIMUM COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

FOUND FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

FOUND NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLEGREN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.

JUL 25

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 9 violations 3 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND SIGNATURES FOR REVIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED

Critical Employee Hygiene

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

2-501.11 OBSERVED NO VOMITOUS AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT CLEAN UP POLICY IN PLACE AND KIT (GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS, SANITIZER) ON SITE. KIT MUST MATCH POLICY IN PLACE FOR FACILITY. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

5-202.12 (B-D) OBSERVED FACILITY HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA IN DISREPAIR (COLD) KNOB DOES NOT TURN OFF WATER (CONTINUOUSLY RUNS/FLOWS) FOOD HANDLER TURNING (CONTROLLING WATER FROM SHUT SHUT OFF VALVES. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

3-602.12 OBSERVED FACILITY NOT LABELING BULK ITEMS REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME. MUST LABEL AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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

4-202.11 OBSERVED NOT MEETING EQUIPMENT STANDARDS FACILITY UTILIZING A HAND CRAFTED NON FOOD GRADE TORTILLA PRESSER IN FRONT PREP KITCHEN AREA. NOT EASILY CLEANABLE BARE EXPOSED WOOD, SCREWS, BOLTS ETC.INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DISCONTINUE USE OF EQUIPMENT AND REPLACE WITH FOOD GRADE APPROVED EQUIPMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-205.15 OBSERVED THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISREPAIR ( FAUCET & SPRAYER) WATER RUNS CONTINUOUSLY (LEAKING). MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Pest Activity

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.16 OBSERVED FACILITY NOT MEETING MOP STORAGE REQUIREMENTS, MOPS STORED DOWN INSIDE UTILITY SINK AND ON FLOOR (CONDITION FOR PEST HARBORAGE). MUST STORE PROPERLY TO MEET REQUIREMENTS AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

2-102.13 OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATION FOR ALL FOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEES. FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ALL REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATION FOR ALL FOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEES ON SITE FOR INSPECTION REVIEW.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

2-102.13 OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS WITHOUT REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.

JUL 23

2019

FAIL 11 violations 6 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

2-102.14 OBSERVED LICENSEE HOLDER DESIGNATED PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SAFETY MANAGER CERTIFICATE.DESIGNATED PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE PROOF OF ENROLLMENT INCLUDING OR ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SAFETY MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE OR FOR REVIEW. EDUCATED PERSON IN CHARGE OF PROPER FOOD HANDLING DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

Critical Food Temperature

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

2-101.11 OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT VALID ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER AND CERTIFICATE ON SITE OR POSTED. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST REMAIN POSTED ON SITE AND CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE DURING TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOOD PREP, COOKING, SERVING AND DURING OPERATING HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Documentation & Training

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND SIGNATURES FOR REVIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED

Critical Employee Hygiene

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED FACILITY HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA IN DISREPAIR (COLD) KNOB DOES NOT TURN OFF WATER (CONTINUOUSLY RUNS/FLOWS) FOOD HANDLER TURNING (CONTROLLING WATER FROM SHUT SHUT OFF VALVES. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED FACILITY NOT LABELING BULK ITEMS REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME. MUST LABEL AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-205.15 OBSERVED THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISREPAIR ( FAUCET & SPRAYER) WATER RUNS CONTINUOUSLY (LEAKING). MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Critical Plumbing & Waste

SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED

OBSERVED FACILITY NOT MEETING SEWAGE & WASTE WATER DISPOSAL REQUIREMENTS. FACILITY WASTE WATER IS CONVEYING ON FLOOR FROM GREASE TRAP ONCE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK BASIN IS RELEASED FOR DISPOSAL. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE FACILITY MUST MEET REQUIREMENTS AND MAINTAIN PROPER DISPOSAL AND CONVEYANCE OF SEWAGE AND WASTE WATER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Pest Activity

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

2-102.13 OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS WITHOUT REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.

MAR 19

2018

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

FILTERS ON LEFT SIDE OF HOOD. NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/MAINTAIN.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

NECK OF FAUCET ON 3- COMPARTMENT SINK LEAKY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.

AUG 29

2017

PASS 2 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (RICE, MOLE SAUCE) OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR 24 HOURS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING PRODUCT NAME LOCATED IN THE WALK IN COOLER AND REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED MOP HEADS STORED DOWNWARD IN UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL MOP HEADS UPRIGHT AND MAINTAIN.

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AUG 22

2017

FAIL 3 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

OBSERVED 10 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE WALLS BY THE REAR DOOR, 5 LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND THE DRY STORAGE AREA, 5 LIVE SMALL FLIES BY THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND 20 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE CEILING OF THE CUSTOMER DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

Minor Sanitation

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED MOP HEADS STORED DOWNWARD IN UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL MOP HEADS UPRIGHT AND MAINTAIN.

APR 26

2016

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

OBSERVED UPPER PANEL INSIDE ICE MACHINE NOT CLEAN.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

OBSERVED PAPER STORAGE SUPPLIES STORED ON FLOOR IN UNSED WASHROOM.MUST ELEVATE ALL STORAGE AT LEAST 6-INCHES ON ADEQUATE SHELVING.

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

NO THERMOMETER INSIDE PREP FRONT COOLERS BEHIND COUNTER.MUST INSTALL.

MAY 1

2015

PASS 3 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

MUST PROPERLY LABEL ALL FOODS NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINERS. FOUND A LARGE PLASTIC CONTAINER HOLDING RICE NOT PROPERLY LABELED. MUST PROVIDE.

Minor Sanitation

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

MUST DECLUTTER AND BETTER ORGANIZE THE STAFF RESTROOM AREA SO AS TO HAVE ALL ITEMS AND BOXES 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Documentation & Training

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

MUST PROVIDE THE ILLINOIS FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATE FOR THE NEXT ROUTINE INSPECTION FOR ALL FOOD STAFF MEMBERS AT ALL TIMES.

DEC 8

2014

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

CLEAN FLOOR BEHIND SERVICE COUNTER AND IN WALK-IN COOLER AT CORNERS UNDER RACKS.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

REPLACED WATER DAMAGED TILES AT CEILING IN CUSTOMER SERVICE AREA.

Minor Sanitation

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

REMOVE CLUTTER AT REAR. ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

SEP 11

2014

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

CLEAN FLOORS AT REAR AND IN PREP AREA.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

REPLACE/REPAIR WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES WHERE NECESSARY.

APR 22

2014

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

CLEAN FLOOR BEHIND SERVICE COUNTER AND AT REAR.

Minor Pest Activity

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

REMOVE CLUTTER AT REAR BY EXIT DOOR IN THE FORM OF BOXES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

DEC 16

2013

PASS 1 violation

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

NOTED MISSING WALL BASE COVEING ON THE WALL NEXT TO THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

DEC 3

2013

FAIL 5 violations 1 CRITICAL

Serious Food Storage & Handling

FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

NO SNEEZE GUARDS INSTALLED AT THE HOT AND COLD FOOD BAR TO PROTECT THE FOODS. MUST INSTALLED AND MAINTAIN.

Critical Pest Activity

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

NOTED THE OVERHEAD DOOR IN THE GARBAGE ENCLOSED AREA NOT RODENT PROOF FOUND 1" GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A WEATHER STRIP.

Serious Documentation & Training

* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED

MANAGER COULD NOT PROVIDE HIS CITY FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION.

Serious Plumbing & Waste

DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED

NOTED END CAP ON THE WASTE WATER PIPE AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS GREASE TRAP MISSING. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

NOTED MISSING WALL BASE COVEING ON THE WALL NEXT TO THE STOVE. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

DEC 2

2013

FAIL 0 violations

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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