MARISCOS EL BARBAS.

Chicago Health Dept

4569 N ELSTON AVE · JEFFERSON PARK, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Jun 2025), 3 critical violations noted.

11 inspections on record since 2020 · Last inspected Jun 2025.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

JUN 2025

INSPECTION HISTORY

JUN 24

2025

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 10 violations 3 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

NO PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED AT HANDWASHING SINK AT PREP AREA.PAPER TOWEL WAS PROVIDED AFTER MY REQUEST.REVIEWED HAND WASHING PROCEDURE.MUST KEEP PAPER TOWELS AT SAID SINK AT ALL THE TIME FOR PROPER HANDWASHING PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

NO SOAP PROVIDED AT HANDWSHING AT BAR AREA,PROVIDED UPON MY REQUEST,REVIEWED HAND WASHING PROCEDURE FOR PROPER HANDWASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CONSOLIDATE WITH ABOVE VIOLATION

Critical Other

REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION

NO-TAG WAS PROVIDED FOR 45 EACH FRESH OYSTER IN CONTAINER STORED INSIDE THE 2-REACH-IN COOLER. TAG MUST REMAIN WITH PRODUCTS;MUST DATE WHEN THE LAST OYSTER IS CONSUMED ON THE SAID TAG, MUST BE RETAINED TAG FOR A MINIMUM OF 90 DAYS. PRESENT OYSTER DISCARDED AND DENATURED:45 EACH, VALUE 34. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

LABEL DRY FOOD WITH COMMON NAME

Minor Sanitation

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREAS IN SANITIZER BUCKET BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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

PREP TABLE BASE IN THE KITCHEN IS RUSTY UNABLE TO CLEAN.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE.

Serious Employee Hygiene

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

ADDITIONAL HOT WATER FLOW IS REQUIRED AT HANDLE OF HANDWASHING SINK AT BAR AREA.

Minor Sanitation

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

EXCESS WEEDS AROUND THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE CONTAINERS IN THE ALLEY,AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL, WOODS ETC BEHIND THE GARBAGE CONTAINERS.REMOVE ITEMS,CLEAN THE AREA AND KEEP IT CLEAN

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

HOLES ON WALLS AND CEILING IN REAR AREA.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON SITE FOR THE NEW MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS

SEP 17

2024

PASS 2 violations

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON WATER INTAKE LINE FOR ICE MACHINE. INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED NO DUMP SINK AVAILABLE IN ALCOHOLIC DRINK PREPARATION SERVICE AREA. INSTALL DUMP SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER IN ALCOHOLIC DRINK PREPARATION AREA.

APR 18

2024

PASS 1 violation

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON DOOR OF 2 DOOR COOLER IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

APR 11

2024

FAIL 4 violations

Serious Sanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED NO SANITIZER ON SITE FOR WASHING DISHES IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SANITIZER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON DOOR OF 2 DOOR COOLER IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED BARBEQUE GRILL ON REAR PATIO. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM PREMISES.

Serious Employee Hygiene

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING REPEAT CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2576955 DATED 6/7/2023: 39 " OBSERVED TWO MISSING SPLASH GUARDS ON HANDWASHING SINK IN KITCHEN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN." INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND COME INTO COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

JUN 7

2023

PASS 2 violations

Minor Employee Hygiene

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

3-307.11 OBSERVED TWO MISSING SPLASH GUARDS ON HANDWASHING SINK IN KITCHEN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.11 OBSERVED MISSING TILES ON WALL AT BASE NEXT TO UTILITY/MOP SINK. OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES IN HALLWAY LEADING TO UTILITY/ ICE MACHINE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

show all 11 inspections →

MAY 31

2023

FAIL 13 violations 4 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION.

Critical Documentation & Training

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE POSTED. PREMISES SERVES TCS FOODS: STEAK, CHICKEN TACOS, ETC. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN, POST CERTIFICATE VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA WITH NO SOAP AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL HAND WASHING SINKS ARE STOCKED WITH SOAP AT ALL TIMES. EMPLOYEE RESTOCKED SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING HANDWASHING SINKS IN BAR/FRONT PREP AND KITCHEN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION

Serious Food Temperature

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

OBSERVED SEVERAL TCS FOODS HELD AT INADEQUATE TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 47-57 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD FOODS ARE HELD AT A TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. MANAGER DISCARDED: 3 POUND PASTA, 3 POUNDS CHICKEN, 10 POUNDS STEAK, 10 POUNDS OYSTERS, 1/4 GALLON MILK, 1 POUND CHOPPED LETTUCE, 1/2 POUND SLICED TOMATOES, 5 POUNDS CHORIZO, AND 15 POUNDS FISH ($774) PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

Minor Food Temperature

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

OBSERVED 3 DOOR COOLER WITH AN INADEQUATE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 57 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COOLERS HOLD AN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATUE OF 41 F AND BELOW. COOLER TAGGED PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Employee Hygiene

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED TWO MISSING SPLASH GUARDS ON HANDWASHING SINK IN KITCHEN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Other

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED POT TOO LARGE TO FIT INTO 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL EQUIPMENT CAN FIT INTO 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-48-025 CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED MISSING TILES ON WALL AT BASE NEXT TO UTILITY/MOP SINK. OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES IN HALLWAY LEADING TO UTILITY/ ICE MACHINE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON HOODS IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN DOCUMENTATION OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING ON PREMISES.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENT.

Minor Sanitation

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED WITHIN SPECIFIED TIMEFRAME. REPORT#2564478 DATED SEPTEMBER 28 2022 INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN FLOORS IN REAR PREP AREA, REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS, AND TO CLEAN DUSTY VENTS IN TOILET ROOMS. OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT REAR PREP AREA, DUST ACCUMULATION ON VENTS IN TOILET ROOMS, AND CUTTING BOARD IN FRONT PREP AREA WITH DEEP SCRATCHES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADDRESS ALL PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

SEP 28

2022

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 6 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE POSTED. PREMISES SERVES TCS FOODS: STEAK, CHCIKEN TACOS, ETC. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN, POST CERTIFICATE VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP SCRATCHES AND STAINS ON PREP TABLES IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR UTILITY SINK, LOCATED IN THE REAR NEXT TO ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE LOCATED SO THAT IT MAY BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED VENT COVERS WITH DUSTA ACCUMULATION IN BOTH TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE DUST AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED DIRTY FLOORS WITH FOOD DEBRIS\SPILLS THROUGHOUT REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WITH EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN AWARENESS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL WITH THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL THAT HOLDS A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE COMPLETES ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING AND RECEIVES CERTIFICATE AND MAINTAIN.

MAY 7

2021

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 5 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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

OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Other

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO KIT AND PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA. LEFT ONE PAGER AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PROCEDURE AND ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS OF BREAD CRUMBS AND RICE WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL WITH COMMON NAME.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED 2 FOOD HANDLERS WORKING IN KITCHEN WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES SHOULD COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED CERTIFIED MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

APR 30

2021

FAIL 9 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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

Critical Other

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS OF BREAD CRUMBS AND RICE WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL WITH COMMON NAME.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

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

Minor Facility Condition

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

OBSERVED GARBAGE OVERFLOWING OUT OF BOTH EXTERIOR DUMPSTERS CAUSING LIDS TO BE UNABLE TO BE SHUT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COVERED OUTDOOR TRASH RECEPTACLES AT ALL TIMES AND RECEIVE ADDITIONAL GARBAGE PICK UP IF NECESSARY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF DUST ON VENT IN SERVER STATION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Minor Other

SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC

OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST ON SITE FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). NO CITATION ISSUED.

SEP 18

2020

PASS · 0 violations

SEP 15

2020

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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