SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

LOS MOLCAJETES.

YOUR CALL. 53/100

3532-3536 W MONTROSE AVE · NORTH CENTER, CHICAGO

Last inspected March 5, 2025 · passed

2 of 4 inspections passed, 1 failed, 1 passed with conditions. 5 critical violations across the record.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
4
2 passed · 1 w/ conditions · 1 failed
VIOLATIONS
31
includes 5 critical
RECORDS COVER
1 YEAR
since Oct 2023

INSPECTION HISTORY

MAR 5
2025
PASSED
3 violations
DETAILS
MINOREmployee Hygiene
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

2-402.11 OBSERVED MULTIPLE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WIHTOUT HAIR RETSTRAINTS AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS WHEN HANDLING FOODS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF FOODS AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

4-602.13 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, STORAGE AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS AND MAINTAIN.

FEB 21
2025
FAILED
6 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALFood Temperature
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD HANDLERS PREPARING AND HANDLING TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS (STEAK, CHICKEN, ETC.) WITHOUT ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER AND CERTIFICATE ON SITE. VOIDED PHOTOCOPY POSTED IN KITCHEN. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED AND CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST ALSO BE ON SITE DURING TCS FOOD PREP, COOKING, SERVING AND OPERATING HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30 MICE DROPPINGS INBETWEEN BULK FOOD CONTAINERS ON STORAGE SHELVES IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS, CLEAN SURFACES, AND MAINTAIN PREMISES FREE OF PEST. RECOMMENDED RECEIVE ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.

MINOREmployee Hygiene
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

OBSERVED MULTIPLE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WIHTOUT HAIR RETSTRAINTS AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS WHEN HANDLING FOODS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF FOODS AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
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 THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, STORAGE AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS AND MAINTAIN.

SERIOUSSanitation
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 07/10/2024 INSPECTION, REPORT #2597314 NOT CORRECTED: #16-NOTED UPPER COMPARTMENT OF ICE MACHINE NOT CLEANED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.#37-NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME INCLUDING BULK FOOD CONTAINERS #39-FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE PROPER, RAISED SHELVING TO STORE FOOD CONTAINERS 6" OFF FLOOR. #47-NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE DOOR OF THE 3 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT AT THE KITCHEN PREP AND DOOR OF SMALL REFRIGERATION UNIT AT THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE. ALSO NOTED RUSTY AND DIRTY SHELVES INSIDE WALK IN COOLER AT THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, REPAINT WITH NON TOXIC FOOD GRADE PAINT AND/OR REPLACE.#48- NOTED A LARGE POTS UNABLE TO FIT INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK FOR PROPER WASHING, RINSING AND SANITIZING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR PROPER WASHING AND SANITIZING OF EQUIPMENT OR REMOVE EQUIPMENT.(LARGE POTS AND PANS). #53-NOTED EMPLOYEE WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

JUL 10
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
15 violations3 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALOther
PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE

NOTED EMPLOYEES DRINKING AND PREPARING FOOD AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEES TO DRINK AND EAT AND NOT AT THE PREP AREAS.

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED

NOTED EMPLOYEE SLICING READY TO EAT CHEESE WITH BARE HANDS. DISCUSSED WITH MANAGEMENT THE NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOODS. MUST WEAR USE GLOVES, TONGS OR SPOONS. PRIORITY #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

NOTED HAND WASH SINK AT THE KITCHEN PREP ON FIRST FLOOR AND BASEMENT PREP AREA NOT EASILY ACCESSIBLE WITH MOP BUCKET AND FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS INFRONT OF SINKS.MANAGER IMMEDIATELY HAD EMPLOYEES REMOVE THE MOP SINK AND FOOD CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL HAND WASH SINKS ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

NOTED UPPER COMPARTMENT OF ICE MACHINE NOT CLEANED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

NOTED EMPLOYEE WASHING DISHES AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WITHOUT SETTING IT UP TO WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE AS REQUIRED BY THE CODE. NO SANITIZER WAS USED TO SET UP THE SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ALWAYS SET UP THE SINK WHEN WASHING EQUIPMENT. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY HAD EMPLOYEE SET UP THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE USING THE CHLORINE. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025

MINORChemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME INCLUDING BULK FOOD CONTAINERS.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE PROPER, RAISED SHELVING TO STORE FOOD CONTAINERS 6" OFF FLOOR.

MINORSanitation
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.

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

NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE DOOR OF THE 3 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT AT THE KITCHEN PREP AND DOOR OF SMALL REFRIGERATION UNIT AT THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE. ALSO NOTED RUSTY AND DIRTY SHELVES INSIDE WALK IN COOLER AT THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, REPAINT WITH NON TOXIC FOOD GRADE PAINT AND/OR REPLACE.

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

NOTED CARDBOARD BOXES USED TO LINE SHELVES AT THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD BOXES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.

SERIOUSSanitation
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

NOTED A LARGE POTS UNABLE TO FIT INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK FOR PROPER WASHING, RINSING AND SANITIZING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR PROPER WASHING AND SANITIZING OF EQUIPMENT OR REMOVE EQUIPMENT.(LARGE POTS AND PANS)

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

NOTED LEAKING FAUCET AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

NOTED EMPLOYEE WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS

MINORPest Activity
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

NOTED OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER OVERLOADED AND PREVENTING PROPER LID CLOSURE. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAVE DUMPSTER LID CLOSED TO PREVENT FOOD SOURCE FOR PEST. ALSO NOTED OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER NOT MAINTAINED WITH THICK GREASE ON TOP OF CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN GREASE CONTAINER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(B). PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(B).

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING:- --FLOORS UNDERNEATH THE PREP TABLE AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA -- DIRTY AND DUSTY CEILING FANS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER AND FIRST FLOOR KITCHEN PREP AREA.

OCT 5
2023
PASSED
7 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OR PAINT RAW WOOD STORAGE SHELVES IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.

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

INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARD WITH STAIN AND DEEP SEAMS ON TOP OF (2) PREP COOLER IN THE KITCHEN

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

INSTRUCTED TO REPAINT OR REPLACE RUSTY METAL RACKS NEXT TO THE PREP TABLE IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA.

MINOROther
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE 3 WORKING DRAIN STOPPERS AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE KITCHEN AND 3 COMPARTMENT BAR SINK BEHIND THE BAR.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CONDENSER FAN COVER WITH DUST ACCUMULATION IN THE BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED 4 OUT OF 10 EMPLOYEES WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

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 →

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