Chicago
39
BEAT

LA Azteca Paleteria

3018 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60623 · North Lawndale · Restaurant · High risk
BEAT
39/100

Passed most recently but 6 prior failures on record

Inspections
18
11 passed
Last Inspected
2025-05-13
Pass Rate
61%
6 failures
Score
39/100
BEAT
Passed most recent inspection (2025-05-13)
Failed 6 inspections (2024, 2023, 2018...)
Sanitation issues found across 32 inspections
Pest Activity issues found across 8 inspections
Issues were corrected on re-inspection
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Sanitation critical 32×
🐀
Pest Activity critical
🚰
Plumbing & Waste minor
🔧
Facility Condition minor
📦
Food Storage & Handling minor
📋
Documentation & Training critical
📌
Other serious
2025-05-13 Pass Canvass
CRITICAL 4
critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED REAR EXTERIOR DOOR(RED) WITH 1/2IN GAP AT BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR DOOR TO BE TIGHT FITTING.

critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED FLY PAPER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE AND INFORM LICENSED PEST CONTROL TECHNICIAN OF NEED FOR SERVICE.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED CLUTTER AND ITEMS UNNECESSARY TO FOOD OPERATION STORED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ITEMS AND ORGANIZE AREA.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED BROKEN AREA OF WALL BEHIND TABLES USED FOR STORAGE IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

2024-11-04 Fail Canvass
CRITICAL 3
critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 40 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA ALONG THE WALLS. APPROXIMATELY 20 MOUSE DROPPINGS WERE OBSERVED ON THE FIRST-FLOOR REAR PREP AREA ALONG THE WALLS...

minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT SINK STOPPERS MISSING IN ALL THREE COMPARTMENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE WORKING STOPPERS AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.

minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDE FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.

2023-06-23 Pass Canvass Re-Inspection
2
minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED LEAK AT BOTTOM PIPE OF HANDSINK IN MIDDLE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED BOXES STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER.OBSERVED CLUTTER IN FRONT COUNTER AREA ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL BOXES AND ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

2023-06-15 Fail Canvass
CRITICAL 4
critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED GAP IN WINDOW NEAR AIR CONDITIONING UNIT, OBSERVED 1/4IN GAP ON SIDE OF GREEN DOOR LEADING TO EXTERIOR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ALL GAPS FOR THE PREVENTION OF PEST ENTRY.

critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 80 MOUSE DROPPINGS SCATTERED THROUGHOUT FACILITY: IN FRONT COUNTER AREA BEHIND EQUIPMENT AND BOXES, IN MIDDLE PREP AREA BEHIND EQUIPMENT AND UNDER SHELVING, IN CORNERS BY PALLETS OF SUGAR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ...

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED LEAK AT BOTTOM PIPE OF HANDSINK IN MIDDLE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED BOXES STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER.OBSERVED CLUTTER IN FRONT COUNTER AREA ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL BOXES AND ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

2022-10-11 Pass Canvass
1
minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED CARDBOARD BOXES STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.

2021-02-10 Pass Canvass
3
minor Sanitation

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

MISSING COVERS FOR FAN IN WALK IN COOLER (D). INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

EXCESSIVE ICE ACCUMULATION AROUND CONDENSOR IN WALK IN FREEZER (A). INSTD TO REMOVE ICE AND MAINTAIN

minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

MISSING SHIELD FOR LIGHT IN WALK IN FREEZER (D). INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN

2020-11-04 Pass Canvass
5
minor Food Storage & Handling

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON FOOD NAMES; SUGAR, ETC., WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

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

FOUND TORN REFRIGERATION GASKETS ON MULTIPLE REFRIGERATION UNITS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPLACE ALL TORN GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST REMOVE ICE ACCUMULATION FROM DOOR FRAME AND AIR CURTAINS IN WALK IN FREEZER "D" IN REAR, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

MUST REPAIR LEAKY PIPE UNDERNEATH BATCH FREEZER IN PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST DETAIL CLEAN DUST ACCUMULATION FROM CEILING VENT IN STAFF TOILET ROOM, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.

2019-05-15 Pass Canvass
2
minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER AND UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR OF THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED RUFFLED CEILINGS ABOVE THE FOOD PREP AREA---------OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DUST AND DIRT IN THE CORNERS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THAT FLOORS AND CEILINGS SHOULD BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

2018-07-16 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass Re-Inspection
CRITICAL 4
critical Documentation & Training

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

Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY .MUST PROVIDE A POLICY AND MAINTAIN.

critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN-UP POLICY.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

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

Inspector Comments: OBSERVED CRATES USED FOR FOOD AND PAPER STORAGE.MUST PROVIDE SHELVING UNITS.

minor Food Storage & Handling

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector Comments: MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHT IN BASEMENT AND LABEL STORAGE ROOM

2018-07-09 Fail Canvass
CRITICAL 8
critical Documentation & Training

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW AND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND HANDLED AT THIS TIME.MUST PROVIDE CERTIFICATE AND POST.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)

critical Documentation & Training

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

OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY .MUST PROVIDE A POLICY AND MAINTAIN.

critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN-UP POLICY.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 100 OR MORE RODENT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES OF FRONT PREP AREA UNDER CABINETS,INSIDE OF MOTOR OF UNUSED COOLER,WRAPPING STATION AREA,REAR AREA UNDER HAND SINK,MACHINE ROOM NEAR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND IN BETWEEN ...

minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED CRATES USED FOR FOOD AND PAPER STORAGE.MUST PROVIDE SHELVING UNITS.

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST DEFROST FRONT ICE CREAM FREEZER.

minor Food Storage & Handling

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHT IN BASEMENT LABEL STORAGE ROOM.

minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE ON SITE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

2017-10-12 Pass Canvass
6
minor Sanitation

CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

ALL MULTIUSE UTENSILS (POPSICLE STICKS) MUST BE KEPT IN A CLEAN SANITIZED COVERED LOCATION UNTIL USED. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

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

ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES MUST BE CLEANED AND FREE FROM STICKY SUBSTANCE. CLEAN ALL EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN CLEAN.

minor Sanitation

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

FLOORS THROUGHOUT 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

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

WALL IN FRONT PREP AREA WITH PEELING PAINT. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR PREP IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DEBRIS INSIDE SHIELD. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.

minor Plumbing & Waste

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

HANDSINK NEEDED IN FRONT PREP AREA. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

2016-08-16 Pass Canvass Re-Inspection
1
minor Sanitation

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

2 COMPARTMENT UTILITY SINK AT OUTSIDE REAR OF PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND USE UTILITY SINK INSIDE PREMISES FOR CLEANING-UP PURPOSES

2016-08-09 Fail Canvass
1
serious Other

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#1562052 DATE 08-11-2015 (38)OBSERVED NO DIPPER WELL FOR ICE CREAM SCOOPS AT THE FRONT SERVICE AREA,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DIPPER WELL WITH RUNNING WATER AND A DRAIN (32)OBSERVED ACCUMULATE...

2015-08-11 Pass Canvass
7
minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED ACCUMULATED ICE BUILD UP INSIDE OF WALK IN FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ACCUMULATED ICE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL INSULATION THAT IS TORN, DIRTY, UNEVEN AND NOT EASILY CLEANABLE AROUND A CHILLER PIPE LOCATED IN THE PREP AREA BY THE CHILLERS. OBSERVED A BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE AROUND A BARREL AND PIPE USED FOR THE CHILLERS LOCATED IN THE BASE...

minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED A DOOR FRAME IN POOR REPAIR LOCATED IN THE REAR OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

OBSERVED SOME LIGHTS WITH MISSING END CAPS. OBSERVED SOME LIGHT SHIELDS NOT COVERING THE ENTIRE LIGHT BULB. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Plumbing & Waste

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

OBSERVED NO DIPPER WELL FOR ICE CREAM SCOOPS AT THE FRONT SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DIPPER WELL WITH RUNNING WATER AND A DRAIN.

minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED UTENSIL STORAGE IN THE REAR PORCH (APARTMENT COMMON AREA) OF THE FACILITY. ALSO, ITEMS SUCH AS ACCUMULATED CRATES, UNUSED EQUIPMENT, CONTAINERS AND TOOLS AT EAST SIDE OUTDOOR SPACE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS FROM AREA, ELEVA...

minor Other

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT NOT MET. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT AND MAINTAIN.

2014-08-29 Pass Canvass Re-Inspection
3
minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

WALK-IN FREEZER DOOR GASKET IN POOR REPAIR, CAUSING EXCESSIVE ICE ACCUMULATION OF INTERIOR. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME

minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

LIGHTSHIELDS AND ENCAPS MISSING ON LIGHTS THROUGH OUT PREMISES AND IN WALK IN COOLER. PROVIDE SAME.

minor Plumbing & Waste

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

NO GREASE INTERCEPTORS AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PROVIDE SAME

2014-08-21 Fail Canvass
CRITICAL 4
critical Pest Activity

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

MICE DROPPINGS NOTED (OVER 30) SCATTERED ALONG WALLBASE AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT IN REAR BY WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER. INSTD TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMEND TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. CITATION ISSUED 7...

minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

WALK-IN FREEZER DOOR GASKET IN POOR REPAIR, CAUSING EXCESSIVE ICE ACCUMULATION OF INTERIOR. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME.

minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

LIGHTSHIELDS AND ENCAPS MISSING ON LIGHTS THROUGH OUT PREMISES AND IN WALK IN COOLER. PROVIDE SAME.

minor Plumbing & Waste

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

NO GREASE INTERCEPTORS AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PROVIDE SAME.

2011-10-27 Fail Canvass

No violations found.

2010-05-17 Pass Canvass
4
minor Food Storage & Handling

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

All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. MUST LABEL STORAGE CONTAINERS.

minor Sanitation

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

All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. MUST CLEAN-SANITIZE BOTTOM PANEL OF PREP TABLE.

minor Plumbing & Waste

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

Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules...

minor Pest Activity

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

ARTICLES MUST BE STORED OFF FLOORS, AWAY FROM WALLS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

100
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73
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55
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Law Dawgs

Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health · Score calculated from inspection outcomes, violation severity & recency. · How we score
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Eat or Beat scores are independent editorial analysis of public records and do not represent official government ratings.