Maria's Mexican Restaurant

Chicago Health Dept

1905 N HARLEM AVE · ELMWOOD PARK, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Aug 2026), 1 critical violation noted.

17 inspections on record since 2011 · Last inspected Aug 2026 · 1 critical violation in the last 12 months.

The numbers

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

AUG 2026

Inspection history

AUG 3

2026

PASS 3 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT BAR AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES.MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.

MAR 27

2025

PASS · 0 violations

OCT 4

2024

PASS 3 violations

Serious Sanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF MINOR CLEANING. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED GREASE SPILLS ON FRONT END OF OUTSIDE OIL TANK CONTAINER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Serious Employee Hygiene

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED MINOR LEAK AT PIPE BELOW HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED AT MAIN PREP LINE. MUST REPAIR.

MAY 12

2023

PASS 1 violation

Minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED MINOR GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

AUG 2

2022

PASS 6 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

FOUND THE WALK-IN FREEZER DOOR BROKEN - THE INTERIOR METAL DOOR PANEL IS BROKEN AND EXPOSING A POROUS MATERIAL. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DOOR PANEL THAT IS A SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE MATERIAL.

Minor Sanitation

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

FOUND BROKEN GASKETS ON THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER ON THE COOKS LINE. MUST REPAIR.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

FOUND HEAVY ICE BUILD UP INSIDE OF THE DESSERT CHEST FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST, REMOVE ICE, AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING USED AS FLOOR MATS IN THE REAR PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE FLOOR COVERINGS THAT ARE A NON-ABSORBENT, NON-CORROSIVE, SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FOUND HEAVY DIRT AND DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS MATS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN MATS AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

NOTED MISSING AND EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS WHO DO NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST OBTAIN A FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE.

show all 17 inspections →

JAN 7

2021

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 6 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HAND SINKS LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

OBSERVED MENU WITH DISCLOSURE AND FOOTNOTE BUT NO REMINDER FOR ITEMS SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. INSTRUCTED TO TO ADD REMINDER TO MENU INDICATING CEVICHE IS UNDERCOOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED SOFT DRINKS STORED BELOW WASTE PIPE IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO NOT STORE CONSUMABLE ITEMS BELOW WASTE PIPE.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT ON FLOOR NEAR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AND GRIME IN INTERIOR OF FRYER CABINETS LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

SEP 19

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 7 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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

OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BOTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Serious Food Storage & Handling

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS REFRIGERATED OVER 24 HOURS WITH NO DATE MARK TO INDICATE THE DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE CONSUMED OR DISCARDED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DATE MARK ALL APPLICABLE FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE AND DESCRIBE WHAT FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED THE COLD PLATE AND BEVERAGE LINES IN CONTACT WITH CONSUMABLE ICE IN THE ICE BINS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SEPARATE THE COLD PLATE AND DRAIN LINES FROM THE CONSUMABLE ICE.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYERS.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

SCRAPE AND REPAINT THE CHIPPED PAINT ON THE CEILING TRACKS AND CEILING TILES.

JUL 25

2018

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations 3 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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

OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISIS.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE A EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. VIOLATION PF 7-38-012(a) NO CITATIONS ISSUED.

Critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP POLICY ON PREMISIS.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE A CLEAN UP POLICY. VIOLATION PF 7-38-005 NO CITATIONS ISSUED

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO EXPOSED HAND SINK AT THE HOT LINE FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INSTALL AN EXPOSED HANDSINK AT THE HOT LINE FOOD PREP AREA.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ENROLL EMPLOYEES FOR ALLERGEN TRAINING. VIOLATION PF NO CITATION ISSUED.

JUN 8

2018

PASS 1 violation

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

OBSERVED NO EXPOSED HAND SINK AT THE HOT LINE FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INSTALL AN EXPOSED HANDSINK AT THE HOT LINE FOOD PREP AREA.

OCT 5

2017

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

Cutting boards that had deep cuts in kitchen prep areas shall be replaced.

Minor Sanitation

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

Reach in cooler door tracks not clean need detailed cleaning(crevices).

Minor Sanitation

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

Floors in front bar area under heavy equipment, 3 compartment sink not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners).

Minor Facility Condition

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

Damaged/broken light shields in kitchen prep area, shall be repaired/replaced.

APR 20

2017

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

Caulk around around exposed hand sink, 1 compartment sink, and 3 compartment sink in kitchen prep area in state of disrepair, shall be repaired/replaced. Walk in cooler shelving/racks that had peeling paint/rust, shall be repaired/replaced. Reach in cooler shelving/racks in kitchen prep areas that had peeling paint/rust, shall be repaired/replaced.

Minor Sanitation

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

Walk in cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning, (crevices).

Minor Sanitation

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

Floors in kitchen prep area by dish machine needs re-grouting. Floors in walk in cooler under shelving/not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners).

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

3 compartment sink faucet in bar area leaking at neck, shall be repaired/replaced.

AUG 16

2016

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST REMOVE BLACK MOLDY LOOKING SUBSTANCE BY WALL ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK,

Minor Facility Condition

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

LIGHT SHIELD IN KITCHEN PREP AREA IN POOR REPAIR, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE,

JUN 11

2015

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND RECAULK WORN OUT CAULKING WITH BLACK MOLD LIKE BUILD-UP BEHIND DISH MACHINE SPRAYER IN REAR AREA.

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF DISH MACHINE IN REAR AREA.----------MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SODA GUN HOLDER WITH MOLD LIKE BUILD-UP BEHIND BAR.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL EXPOSED HAND SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER EQUIPPED WITH HAND SOAP AND PAPER TOWEL BEHIND BAR.---------MUST PROVIDE BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE OR VACUUM BREAKER FOR MOP SINK FAUCET IN REAR AREA.

Minor Documentation & Training

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

MUST PROVIDE ADDITIONAL EMPLOYEE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.

FEB 21

2014

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

Cutting boards with deep, dark grooves must be sanded/bleached or replaced.Remove cardboards liners aorund the kitchen food equipments.

Minor Sanitation

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

Fan covers inside the walk-in-coolers,and bar gun holders are not clean.Instructed to clean and sanitize.

Minor Sanitation

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

Missing grout for loose floor tiles behind the kitchen hot cooking equipments,dishwashing areas.Floor drain beneath the 3 compartment sink is not clean.Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

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

Missing light shield for rear dry storage.Instructed to provide shield or shatter proof light bulb.

AUG 16

2013

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST CLEAN INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE, AND CUTTING BOARDS IN KITCHEN AREA,

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST REMOVE BLACK MOLDY LOOKING SUBSTANCE BY DISH MACHINE AND REPAIR WALL UNDER THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, IN SAME AREA,

Minor Food Storage & Handling

TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS

MUST STORE EMPLOYEES BELONGINGS ONE DESIGNATED AREA NICE AND NEATLY,

OCT 25

2012

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

THE ICE MACHINE HAS A SMALL AMOUNT OF BUILDUP ON THE INTERIOR LIP, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN THE ICE MACHINE. THE FAN GUARD IN THE WEST WALK IN COOLER IS DIRTY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE SAID SHIELD.

Minor Sanitation

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

THE BASEBOARDS AROUND THE FRYER ARE DIRTY, CLEAN THE BASEBOARDS IN DETAIL.

Minor Sanitation

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

THE VENTILATION HOOD IS FULL OF GREASE DRIPS, CLEAN OFF DRIPS.

AUG 11

2011

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE WORN OUT CAULKING AND RE CAULK AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA.-----------MUST PROVIDE TIGHT FITTING LID/COVER FOR ICE BIN BEHIND BAR AND IN BUSBOY AREA.-------MUST CLEAN AND REPAINT RUSTY METAL PREP SHELF IN THE KITCHEN.

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT REAR STORAGE AREA AND BASEMENT.----------MUST REPAIR CONCRETE FLOOR WITH GAP/OPENING BY GARBAGE DUMPSTER IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA. (NOTED WATER POOLING).

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BROKEN VENTILATION INSIDE WOMEN'S WASHROOM.--------MUST FIX LEAKY DRAINPIPE UNDER 1 COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE KITCHEN.

Minor Sanitation

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

NOTED MILK CRATES USED AS STORAGE SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE. MUST USE PROPER RAISED SHELVINGS FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.

Public inspection records from Chicago Department of Public Health. Records current as of 2026-09-06. EatOrBeat reports records and does not rate restaurants. Source dataset →

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