MAR 27
2025
PASSED
0 violationsSANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
MARIA'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT.
EAT. 86/100
1905 N HARLEM AVE · ELMWOOD PARK, CHICAGO
Last inspected March 27, 2025 · passed
Passed all 16 inspections, but 6 critical violations on file.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
16
13 passed · 3 w/ conditions
VIOLATIONS
56
includes 6 critical
RECORDS COVER
13 YEARS
since Aug 2011
INSPECTION HISTORY
OCT 42024PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
OCT 4
2024
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF MINOR CLEANING. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED GREASE SPILLS ON FRONT END OF OUTSIDE OIL TANK CONTAINER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED MINOR LEAK AT PIPE BELOW HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED AT MAIN PREP LINE. MUST REPAIR.
MAY 122023PASSED1 violationDETAILS
MAY 12
2023
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED MINOR GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
AUG 22022PASSED6 violationsDETAILS
AUG 2
2022
PASSED
6 violationsDETAILS
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.
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.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
FOUND HEAVY ICE BUILD UP INSIDE OF THE DESSERT CHEST FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST, REMOVE ICE, AND MAINTAIN.
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.
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.
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.
JAN 72021PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 7
2021
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HAND SINKS LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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.
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.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT ON FLOOR NEAR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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.
show all 16 inspections →
SEP 192019PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
SEP 19
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYERS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
SCRAPE AND REPAINT THE CHIPPED PAINT ON THE CEILING TRACKS AND CEILING TILES.
JUL 252018PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
JUL 25
2018
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
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.
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
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.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ENROLL EMPLOYEES FOR ALLERGEN TRAINING. VIOLATION PF NO CITATION ISSUED.
JUN 82018PASSED1 violationDETAILS
JUN 8
2018
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
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 52017PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
OCT 5
2017
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
Cutting boards that had deep cuts in kitchen prep areas shall be replaced.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
Reach in cooler door tracks not clean need detailed cleaning(crevices).
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).
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
Damaged/broken light shields in kitchen prep area, shall be repaired/replaced.
APR 202017PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
APR 20
2017
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
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.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
Walk in cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning, (crevices).
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).
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 162016PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
AUG 16
2016
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
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,
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
LIGHT SHIELD IN KITCHEN PREP AREA IN POOR REPAIR, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE,
JUN 112015PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
JUN 11
2015
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
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.
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.
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.
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
MUST PROVIDE ADDITIONAL EMPLOYEE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.
FEB 212014PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
FEB 21
2014
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
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.
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.
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.
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 162013PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
AUG 16
2013
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
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,
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,
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 252012PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
OCT 25
2012
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
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.
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.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
THE VENTILATION HOOD IS FULL OF GREASE DRIPS, CLEAN OFF DRIPS.
AUG 112011PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
AUG 11
2011
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
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.
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).
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.
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.
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 →