Chicago
88
EAT

Mariscos El Kora, Inc.

5207-5209 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60632 · Brighton Park · Restaurant · High risk
EAT
88/100

Strong record across 14 inspections — minor issues only

Inspections
14
10 passed
Last Inspected
2025-07-16
Pass Rate
71%
1 failure
Score
88/100
EAT
13 consecutive passes, most recently 2025-07-16
Failed 1 inspection (2016)
Sanitation issues found across 26 inspections
Food Temperature issues found across 7 inspections
Issues were corrected on re-inspection
Advertisement · 300×250
🧽
Sanitation critical 26×
🌡
Food Temperature critical
📌
Other critical
🚰
Plumbing & Waste minor
Chemical Safety serious
🧼
Employee Hygiene critical
📋
Documentation & Training critical
📦
Food Storage & Handling minor
🔧
Facility Condition minor
2025-07-16 Pass Canvass
1
minor Employee Hygiene

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

MALE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT RESTRAINT ON BEARD. INSTD TO WEAR BEARD RESTRAINT AND MAINTAIN

2024-09-23 Pass Canvass
5
serious Sanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED BUILD UP OF WHITE CALCIUM LIKE SUBSTANCE ON INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED LOOSE GASKET ON SINGLE DOOR UPRIGHT COOLER IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED FOOD RESIDUE ON STORAGE SHELVES IN REAR STORAGE HALL. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE RESIDUE ON FILTERS IN VENTILATION SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

2023-10-27 Pass Complaint
4
minor Sanitation

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

DISPENSING UTENSILS FOR RICE IMPROPERLY STORED IN CONTAINER OF WARM WATER AND OIL. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY (I.E in hot water 135F OR above , on a clean portion of the FOOD preparation table only if the in-use utensil and the food contact surface of...

minor Food Storage & Handling

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

SINGLE SERVICE SPOONS NOT INVERTED DURING STORAGE. INSTD TO INVERT (HANDLE UP) OR HAVE PRE WRAPPED.

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

PIPES LEAKING UNDER BOTH 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN FREE OF LEAKING

minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

ALL ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATIONS EXPIRED. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON SITE

2023-02-23 Pass Complaint
4
minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

SPICE CONTAINERS AT COOKING LINE NOT LABELED. INSTD TO LABEL WITH COMMON NAME AND MAINTAIN SAME.

minor Sanitation

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

INTERIOR TOP OF REACH IN COOLER NEAR CASHIER IN POOR REPAIR (TAPED). INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TAPE AND REPAIR, MAINTAIN.

minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

SHIELDS MISSING ON LIGHTS IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO PROVIDE SHIELDS AND MAINTAIN

minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

EMPLOYEES MISSING FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON SITE.

2022-12-07 Pass Canvass
CRITICAL 7
critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

FOUND MEN'S AND WOMEN'S CUSTOMER RESTROOMS MISSING HANDWASHING SIGNS. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

FOUND PANS AND DISHES IN PREP AREA NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT DISHES AND POTS/PANS DURING STORAGE, MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

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

RUSTY SURFACE ON BOTTOM OF PREP SHELF AT GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

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

FOUND TOP OF REACH IN COOLER NEAR CASHIER IN POOR REPAIR (TAPED). INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TAPE AND REPAIR, MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

FOUND NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN STAFF UNISEX RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FOUND LOOSE CEILING VENT IN STAFF RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

FOUND EMPLOYEES MISSING FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON SITE.

2021-05-27 Pass Canvass Re-Inspection
CRITICAL 3
critical Food Temperature

REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION

3-402.12B -NO WRITTEN AGREEMENT OR STATEMENT FROM THE SUPPLIER STATING THE FISH SUPPLIED FOR CEVICHE IS FROZEN TO REQUIRED TIME AND TEMPERATURE. INSTD TO PROVIDE SAME AND MAINTAIN.

serious Sanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

4-602.11(B-E): INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE WITH SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

minor Sanitation

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

4-101.19: RUSTY SURFACE ON EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAPS OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN

2021-05-26 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
CRITICAL 6
critical Food Temperature

REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION

3-402.12B -NO WRITTEN AGREEMENT OR STATEMENT FROM THE SUPPLIER STATING THE FISH SUPPLIED FOR CEVICHE IS FROZEN TO REQUIRED TIME AND TEMPERATURE. INSTD TO PROVIDE SAME AND MAINTAIN.

serious Sanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE WITH SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

serious Food Temperature

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE IN PREP COOLER: SALSA 50.1F, CEVICHE 50.9F, GREEN SALSA 50.1F. ALSO LARGE DEEP CONTAINER OF CEVICHE IN WALK IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 54.1F (DATED YESTERDAY). ALL PRODUCT DISCARDED AND DENATU...

minor Food Temperature

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

PREP COOLER IN USE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 54.1F. COOLER TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME. INSTD TO NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED AND REINSPECTED BY CDPH. CITATION ISSUED PRIORITY 7-38-005

minor Food Temperature

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

IMPROPER COOLING OF CEVICHE NOTED. INSTD TO PROPERLY COOL: (1) ARRANGE IN EQUIPMENT (SHALLOW PANS) TO PROVIDE MAXIMUM HEAT TRANSFER THROUGH THE CONTAINER WALLS; AND (2) LOOSELY COVERED OR UNCOVERED IF PROTECTED FROM OVERHEAD CONTAMINATION DURING THE ...

minor Sanitation

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

RUSTY SURFACE ON EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAPS OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN

2020-01-29 Pass Canvass
CRITICAL 7
critical Other

REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION

OBSERVED NO DATE ON THE SHELLFISH TAG WHEN THE LAST ONE WAS SOLD, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DATE ON THE OYSTER TAGS WHEN THE LAST ONE FROM THAT CASE WAS SOLD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.

minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED THE REAR KITCHEN CUTTING BOARD STAINED/PITTED, NEXT TO THE FREEZER, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.

serious Sanitation

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

OBSERVED THE #10 CAN OPENER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.

minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED THE FRONT STOVES AND THE FLAT GRILL DRIP TRAY NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

minor Other

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED LARGE POT USED FOR OCTOPUS UNABLE TO FULLY SUBMERGE IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE EQUIPMENT ABLE TO FULLY SUBMERGE IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK OR HAVE WRITTED PROCEDURE FOR ALTERNATIVE MANUAL WAREWASHING EQUIPMENT.

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED THE COLD WATER HANDLE AT THE UTILITY MOP SINK BROKEN, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.(USING PLIERS TO TURN ON)

minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED THE LIGHT SHIELD BROKEN IN THE KITCHEN COOKING AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE SHIELD.

2019-02-19 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
CRITICAL 9
critical Documentation & Training

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

Observed no written employee health policy on site. Must provide. Priority foundation violation.

critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

Observed no vomit and diarrhea clean up procedure or kit on site. Must provide written procedure for the clean up of vomit and diarrheal events, and corresponding equipment. Priority foundation violation.

critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Observed shrimp peeling machine in room in rear (through rear kitchen door near walk in cooler) without required hand sink. Must install a dedicated, exposed hand sink in this room with adequate city pressure, hot/cold water, soap and sanitary means ...

serious Sanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Observed small amount of pink/brown, slimy, mold like substance on plastic parts of interior of ice machine. Must detail clean and sanitize. Operator cleaned and sanitized during inspection.

serious Chemical Safety

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

Observed improper date marking on prepped TCS foods in coolers and walk in cooler. Must label all prepped, TCS foods with discard dates. Must maintain same. Priority foundation violation.

serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

Observed reminders not provided on menu. Must provide disclosure statement and reminders (*) that it pertains to on menu. Priority foundation violation.

serious Food Temperature

HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE

Observed inadequate supply of hot water in facility. Hot water temperatures ranging from 72.3F - 82.9F at hand sinks, 3 compartment sinks, and washbowl sinks in facility. Must provide adequate supply of hot water available at all sinks at all times. ...

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Observed cardboard used as floor mats. Instructed must remove. Cardboard is not an approved floor covering due to it being porous. All surfaces must be non-porous, smooth and easily cleanable.

minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Observed no proof of allergen training on site. Must provide proof of allergen training for all Chicago certified food sanitation managers.

2018-01-30 Pass Canvass
2
minor Sanitation

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

TORN DOOR GASKET AT UPRIGHT FREEZER IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

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

UNCLEAN KNIFE IN KNIFE RACK. INSTD TO MAINTAIN CLEAN KNIVES IN KNIFE RACK. INTERIOR OF STOVE NOT CLEAN, EXCEESIVE DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

2017-03-02 Pass w/ Conditions Complaint
CRITICAL 4
critical Food Temperature

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

OBSERVED CONTAINER OF FRESH MINCED GARLIC AND OIL MIXTURE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 50.9F IN COOLER. VIOLATION CRITICAL 7-38-005A. PRODUCT VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF AND DENATURED AT THIS TIME. APPROX 5LBS. $10 VALUE.

minor Chemical Safety

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

CONSUMER ADVISORY NOT POSTED. INSTD TO HAVE POSTED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS.

minor Sanitation

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

UNDERNEATH HANDLES OF COOLERS WITH EXCESSIVE DEBRIS ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

minor Plumbing & Waste

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

SMALL FRYER ON SITE WITHOUT VENTILATION. INSTD TO PROVIDE PROPER VENTILATION.

2016-11-22 Pass Complaint
2
minor Chemical Safety

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

NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED IN THE RESTAURANT OR ON THE MENU. RAW OYSTERS ARE SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO POST A CONSUMER ADVISORY IN THE RESTAURANT OR ON THE MENU.

minor Sanitation

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

CLEAN THE GREASE FROM THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS.

2016-09-26 Pass License
2
minor Food Storage & Handling

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

INADEQUATE LIGHTING PROVIDED IN THE REAR STORAGE ROOM. MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN ALL AREAS.

minor Plumbing & Waste

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

THE SPRAY NOZZLE AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND 1 COMPARTMENT SINK BOTH FALL BELOW THE FLOOD RIM LEVEL OF THE SINK. MUST INSTALL A HOOK TO KEEP THE SPRAY NOZZLES ABOVE THE FLOOD RIM LEVEL OF THE SINKS.

2016-09-19 Fail License

No violations found.

100
Tita'S Sombrero Restaurant, Inc.
100
Burger King # 3386
65
El Paiza Restaurant
58
Don Beto Grill, Inc.
35
El Plan Inc

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