SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

MEXICANA RESTAURANT & PASTRY INC.

BEAT. 35/100

2890 N MILWAUKEE AVE · NORTH CENTER, CHICAGO

Last inspected February 19, 2016 · failed

Failed 4 of 10 inspections. 6 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
10
6 passed · 4 failed
VIOLATIONS
43
includes 6 critical
RECORDS COVER
2 YEARS
since Jun 2013

INSPECTION HISTORY

FEB 19
2016
FAILED
6 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALFood Temperature
FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE

DURING INSPECTION FOUND 1 NON-WORKING 2DR COOLERS WITHOUT ANY POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS INSIDE. UNIT WAS TAGGED AT THIS TIME.DO NOT USE AND DO NOT REMOVE TAG UNTIL CDPH INSPECTS UNITS. NO CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALPest Activity
OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED

DURING INSPECTION FOUND NO GARBAGE DUMPSTER FOR THE USE OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN A GARBAGE DUMPSTER FOR THE FACILITY. ALSO REMINDED MANAGER THAT A GARBAGE DUMPSTER IS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES FOR THE RESTAURANT. FACILITY SHOULD NEVER NOT HAVE A GARBAGE DUMPSTER. SERIOUS VIOLATION ISSUED.

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

OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS BEING USED FOR FOOD STORAGE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE MATERIALS AND TO MAINTAIN.

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

MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR OF ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS, GRILL STATION COUNTER TOPS AND SHELVING AT THE GRILLING STATION TO BE REMOVE ENCRUSTED GREASE, FOOD DEBRI AND DRINK SPLASHES. ALSO DETAIL CLEAN ALL BAKING STORAGE CONTAINERS ON THE EXTERIOR AS WELL AS ALL HEAVY BAKING EQUIPMENT.

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

MUST DETAIL CLEAN ANS SANITIZE EXHAUST HOOD CANOPY AND FILTERS TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE AND ENCRUSTED GREASE.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

MUST REPAIR SLOW DRAINING REAR KITCHEN HAND SINK. ALSO REPAIR DIFFICULT TO OPEN AND CLOSE FAUCET HANDLES AT ABOVE STATED SINK. ALSO REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMP SINK AND AT THE HOT AND COLD WATER FAUCET HANDLES.

NOV 23
2015
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS BEING USED FOR FOOD STORAGE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE MATERIALS AND TO MAINTAIN.

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

OBSERVED OIL ON THE FLOOR UNDERNEATH THE COOKING SURFACES. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

FEB 9
2015
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINOROther
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT NOT MET. MUST PROVIDE.

JAN 30
2015
FAILED
6 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

FOUND APPROXIMATELY 20 RODENT RAT DROPPINGS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS BEHIND KITCHEN REFRIGERATION UNIT AND AT REAR PARTY ROOM AND INSIDE CLUTTERED CLOSET NEAR THE REAR EXIT DOOR. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY AND PROVIDE UPDATED LOG BOOK HAS EXPIRED IDPH LICENSE. ALSO, THE REAR DOOR FROM THE PARTY ROOM IS NOT RODENT PROOF. THERE IS A 1/4" GAP ALONG THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR. MUST RODENT PROOF THE REAR EXIT DOOR,CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS IN DETAIL,REMOVE CLUTTER. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.

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

MUST CLEAN HOODS/FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENTS,INTERIORS/EXTERIORS OF COOLERS,TOPS/BOTTOMS OF PREP TABLES AND SHELVINGS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN AREAS AND MAINTAIN.

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

FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT IN NEED FOR A DETAIL CLEANING AND SEAL HOLES ON FLOORS WHERE NOTED TO MANAGER.

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

TOILET ROOM DOORS MUST BE SELF CLOSING AND MAINTAIN.

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

CLEAN AND ORGANIZE REAR STORAGE AREAS AND REMOVE CLUTTERED CONDITIONS DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE.ELEVATE STORED ARTICLES TO 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALL FOR EASIER CLEANING.

MINOROther
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT NOT MET. MUST PROVIDE.

NOV 5
2014
PASSED
7 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

ALL SINGLE SERVE ARTICLES MUST BE FACING IN ONE DIRECTION, FRONT COUNTER AREA,

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

MUST REPAIR LEAKING CONDENSATION FROM FRONT POP COOLER,

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

ALL SURFACES NEEDS DETAILED CLEANING: ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, VENTS ABOVE COOING EQUIPMENTS, BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS, HOT HOLDING UNIT FOR PASTRY ITEMS, AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOLERS,

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

FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND ALL EQUIPMENT, AND IN ALL STORAGE AREAS NEEDS DETAILED CLEANING, AND PROVIDE FLOOR DRAIN COVERS FOR HOLES IN FLOOR,

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

WALLS/CEILINGS IN POOR REPAIR, HOLE IN CEILING FRONT AREA, ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE,

MINORPlumbing & Waste
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

MUST REPAIR LEAKING AND SLOW DRAINING EXPOSED HAND SINK REAR KITCHEN AREA, AND LEAKING FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK,

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

ALL STORAGE CLOSETS CLUTTER WITH UNUSED ARTICLES, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN AND BETTER MAINTAINED, OFFICE AREA ALSO, INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN,

show all 10 inspections →
MAR 26
2014
PASSED
5 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

RUSTY WIRE SHELVING INSIDE REACH-IN COOLER MUST REPLACE/SEAL AND BETTER MAINTAIN,

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

ALL SURFACES NEEDS DETAILED CLEANING: ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, VENTS ABOVE COOING EQUIPMENTS, AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOLERS,

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

FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND ALL EQUIPMENT, AND IN ALL STORAGE AREAS NEEDS DETAILED CLEANING,

MINORPlumbing & Waste
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

NO THREE SINK STOPPERS AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK MUST PROVIDE,

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

ALL STORAGE CLOSETS CLUTTER WITH UNUSED ARTICLES, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN AND BETTER MAINTAINED,

OCT 28
2013
PASSED
0 violations
OCT 21
2013
FAILED
6 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF INSECTS; OVER 15 FRUIT FLIES ON JUICE MACHINE/JUICER AND ON WEST WALL BEHIND JUICER AT FRONT JUICE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/SANITIZE JUICER, WALL AND REMOVE ORANGES DEBRIS AFTER EACH USE TO PREVENT FRUIT FLIES. ADVISED TO CALL PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED, 7-38-020.

CRITICALPest Activity
OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED

OBSERVED OUTSIDE DUMPSTER AND DUMPSTER AREA WITH EXCESSIVE DEBRIS/GARBAGE ON GROUND AND DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEBRIS/GARBAGE AND MAINTAIN DUMPSTER LID CLOSE. ENCOURAGE ADDITIONAL CONTAINER. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED, 7-38-020.

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

FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE ON EQUIPMENT; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/SANITIZE; COOLERS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, BOTTOM PANELS OF PREP TABLES, LARGE BAKERY EQUIPMENT, MICROWAVE OVEN, AND STORAGE CABINETS AT FROM SERVING AREA AND JUICE BAR.

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

DEBRIS/FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS; INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS; UNDER, BEHIND EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS IN THE PREP AREAS, STORAGE CLOSET AND THRU-OUT PARTY ROOM.

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

OBSERVED LARGE HOLE/OPENING ON WEST WALL BEHIND THE TWO DOORS PREP REACH IN COOLER; INSTRUCTED TO SEAL/REPAIR WALL.

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

CLUTTER NOTED INSIDE STORAGE CLOSET AND MOP CLOSET; INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CLUTTER, CLEAN AND ORGANIZE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. ARTICLES MUST BE STORED OFF FLOORS, AWAY FROM WALLS.

JUL 1
2013
PASSED
0 violations
JUN 19
2013
FAILED
10 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
SERIOUSFood Storage & Handling
FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A BARRIER/DOOR BETWEEN KITCHEN AND CUSTOMERS HALLWAY.

CRITICALPest Activity
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

FOUND MICE DROPPINGS AND LIVE ANTS INSIDE SMALL CLOSET, BACK DOOR AND SIDE DOORS NOT RODENT PROOFED; INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREA, PROPERLY SEAL BOTTOM AREA OF BACK DOOR, PROPERLY ENCLOSE OPENINGS AROUND SIDE DOORS. ENCOURAGED TO CALL PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE.

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

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN EXPOSED SINK AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK DRAIN BOARD, REMOVE BRUSH ATTACHED TO EXPOSED SINK FAUCET AT REAR PREP AREA, REPAIR BROKEN DOORS FOR CABINETS AT FRONT AREA, AND REPAIR ICE BIN COVER. ALSO MUST PROVIDE PROPER TABLE TO PLACE THE SMALL FRYER.

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

MUST CLEAN/SANITIZE ALL EQUIPMENT AT PREP AREA, CABINETS AT FRONT DINING AREA AND MOP SINK INSIDE THE CLOSET.

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

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR INSIDE STORAGE ROOMS AND MOP CLOSET AND REPAIR FLOOR AT REAR DINING/PARTY ROOM, FLOORS MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

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

INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OPENINGS AT BOTTOM OF WALLS AT REAR DINING/PARTY ROOM,SEAL UNFINISH WOOD BEHIND PREP AREA EXPOSED SINK AND EAST WALL AT REAR DINING/PARTY ROOM, CLEAN/REMOVE DUST BUILD-UP ON VENT COVERS IN WASHROOMS, CLEAN AND REPAINT WALLS INSIDE THE MOP CLOSET AND OTHER AREAS WHERE NEEDED THRU-OUT PREMISES,

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

MUST PROVIDE MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS AT PREP AREA ABOVE 3PART SINK AND PREP REACH IN COOLER.

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

MUST PROVIDE A SELF-CLOSING DEVICE FOR WASHROOM DOORS.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY INSTALL ICE MACHINE AND PROVIDE VISIBLE BACK FLOW PREVENTER

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

INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES FROM FRONT CLOSET, CLEAN AND ORGANIZE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. ARTICLES MUST BE STORED OFF FLOOR, AWAY FROM WALLS.

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 →

NEARBY IN NORTH CENTER