MIMA'S TASTE OF CUBA.
2925 W IRVING PARK RD · NORTH CENTER, CHICAGO
Failed 3 of 10 inspections. 13 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
OCT 282025PASSED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED PEST CONTROL DEVICES IN THE REAR STORAGE ROOM INSTALLED DIRECTLY ABOVE OPEN FOOD CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE PEST CONTROL DEVICES SUCH THAT THEY DO NOT POSE RISK OF CONTAMINATION OF FOOD, CLEAN EQUIPMENT, OR UTENSILS AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL USED TO LINE NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES ALONG FULL LENGTH OF WALL SHELF IN THE MAIN KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALUMINUM FOIL AND MAINTAIN NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT SMOOTH AND EASILY-CLEANABLE.
OBSERVED PANINI PRESS WITH HEAVY BUILD UP OF ENCRUSTED GREASE DEPOSITS ON FOOD- AND NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FOOD- AND NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT ACCUMULATION OF ENCRUSTED GREASE DEPOSITS AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED EXTERIOR SURFACES OF OUTDOOR GREASE DISPOSAL RECEPTACLE TO BE HEAVILY SOILED WITH ACCUMULATED GREASE AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN OUTDOOR WASTE RECEPTACLE SURFACES AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF GREASE OR OTHER SOILS AND BECOMING AN ATTRACTANT TO PESTS AND MAINTAIN.
OCT 212025FAILED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED PEST CONTROL DEVICES IN THE REAR STORAGE ROOM INSTALLED DIRECTLY ABOVE OPEN FOOD CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE PEST CONTROL DEVICES SUCH THAT THEY DO NOT POSE RISK OF CONTAMINATION OF FOOD, CLEAN EQUIPMENT, OR UTENSILS AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL USED TO LINE NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES ALONG FULL LENGTH OF WALL SHELF IN THE MAIN KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALUMINUM FOIL AND MAINTAIN NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT SMOOTH AND EASILY-CLEANABLE.
OBSERVED FACILITY UTILIZING QUATERNARY AMMONIUM SANITIZER IN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK WITH NO QUATERNARY AMMONIUM SANITIZER TEST KIT AVAILABLE FOR USE ON-SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SANITIZER TEST KIT FOR THE TYPE OF SANITIZER USED IN WAREWASHING AND MAINTAIN AVAILABLE FOR USE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED PANINI PRESS WITH HEAVY BUILD UP OF ENCRUSTED GREASE DEPOSITS ON FOOD- AND NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FOOD- AND NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT ACCUMULATION OF ENCRUSTED GREASE DEPOSITS AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED EXTERIOR SURFACES OF OUTDOOR GREASE DISPOSAL RECEPTACLE TO BE HEAVILY SOILED WITH ACCUMULATED GREASE AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN OUTDOOR WASTE RECEPTACLE SURFACES AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF GREASE OR OTHER SOILS AND BECOMING AN ATTRACTANT TO PESTS AND MAINTAIN.
NOV 212024PASSED1 violationDETAILS
OBSERVED ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
JUN 272023PASS W/ CONDITIONS9 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
FOUND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (BEEF, PORK, CHICKEN, SANDWICHES, ETC) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHEN HANDLING TCS FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE AND ACCURATE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE INSIDE CHEST FREEZER IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS.
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CONDENSER FAN COVER INSIDE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH GREASE ACCUMULATION. MUST CLEAN WALLS WITH DRIED FOOD SPILLAGE AROUND FOOD PREP/COOKING AREA
LIGHTBULBS MUST BE SHIELDED ABOVE REACH-IN COOLERS AND CHEST FREEZERS IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE NON WORKING LIGHTBULB INSIDE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
SOME FOOD HANDLERS WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CURRENT CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.
JUL 62022PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
4-501.11--OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE REAR 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET AND MAINTAIN.
5-205.15--BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT COFFEE ESPRESSO MACHINE. MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED
show all 10 inspections →
JUN 292022FAILED12 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (PORK,RICE ETC.) ARE PREPARED AND SERVED TO CUSTOMERS. INSTRUCTED A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES FOODS WHILE (TCS FOODS) ARE BEING HANDLED PREPARED AND SERVED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012,CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENUS (CEVICHE). INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED "RAW" OR UNDER COOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK (*) TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT STATES THAT EATING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDED HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE REAR 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED MISSING SINK STOPPERS FOR THE KITCHEN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN 3 ADEQUATE WORKING SINK STOPPERS.
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE PREP COOLERS AND DEEP FRYER.
BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT COFFEE ESPRESSO MACHINE. MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THE FAR RIGHT COMPARTMENT OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE UNISEX WASHROOM.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON THE UNISEX WASHROOM DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE AT MENTIONED WASHROOM DOOR.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2492378 DATED:03/03/2021 #10--OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HAND SINK IN THE KITCHEN, MEN AND WOMEN PUBLIC/EMPLOYEE TOLIET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. #41--OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTH LAYING ON THE PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE. #58--OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT NOTED VIOLATIONS AND MAINTAIN BY 7/6/2022. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090,CITATION ISSUED.
MAR 32021PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD HANDLERS PREPARING AND HANDLING TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS(STEAK, CHICKEN) WITHOUT ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER AND CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST REMAIN POSTED ON SITE AND CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE DURING TCS FOOD PREP, COOKING, SERVING AND OPERATING HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HAND SINK IN THE KITCHEN, MEN AND WOMEN PUBLIC/EMPLOYEE TOLIET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTH LAYING ON THE PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
OBSERVED EXCESS CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN ALL CLUTTER, ORGANIZE, AND MAINTAIN AREAS AT ALL TIMES.
OBSERVED TWO BURNT OUT LIGHT BULBS ON THE CEILING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.
FEB 72020PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN THE REAR REFRIGERATION/FREEZER ROOM. MUST REPLACE/PROVIDE.
NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. MUST PROVIDE.
JAN 312020FAILED14 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
NO PERSON IN CHARGE DURING INITIAL INSPECTION WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED A PERSON IN CHARGE WITH A CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON SITE DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING INITIAL INSPECTION WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGER TELEPHONED TO ARRIVE 30 MINUTES LATER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE A WRITTEN, VERIFIED HEALTH POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED RAW ANIMAL ORIGIN BEEF BEING STORED IN A REFRIGERATOR ON SHELVING DIRECTLY ABOVE COOKED PORK AND COOKED BEANS. ALSO OBSERVED RAW EGGS STORED AT AN ADDITIONAL COOLER ON TOP SHELVING ABOVE RAW, FRESH VEGETABLES. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL ANIMAL ORIGIN FOODS PROTECTED FROM PREPARED AND FRESH FOODS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED TCS COOKED PORK HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN HOT HOLDING UNIT AT 106.5 AND 88.5 F. APPROXIMATELY 20 LBS DISCARDED. ESTIMATED VALUE AT $40.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED RAW CHICKEN BEING THAWED IN A CONTAINER ON STORAGE SHELVING. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY THAW UNDER REFRIGERATION OR COLD RUNNING WATER.
ALL COOKS WITH BEARDS MUST WEAR BEARD RESTRAINTS.
COOKS LINE WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
NO QUATERNARY CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE FOR THE QUATERNARY SANITIZER BEING USED AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE QUATERNARY CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
EXTREMELY SLOW DRAINING KITCHEN/DISH HAND WASHING SINK. MUST REPAIR TO PROPERLY DRAIN.
FLOORS ALONG BASEBOARDS UNDER ALL SINKS AND UNDER COOLERS, PREP TABLES WITH FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.-----MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS LINER FOR WALLS ON THE COOKS LINE. WALLS MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.------MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD/STYROFOAM AS LINER ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE REAR BOX FREEZER. MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD/STYROFOAM.
MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN THE REAR REFRIGERATION/FREEZER ROOM. MUST REPLACE/PROVIDE.
NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. MUST PROVIDE.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 2-13-19 #2261914 NOT CORRECTED. #51- 3-COMPARTMENT SINK PIPES DRAINING SLOWLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK PIPES MUST DRAIN QUICKLY.#55-: STORAGE ROOM FLOOR CLUTTERED THROUGHOUT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF FLOOR OR REMOVE ITEMS.#55-: OBSERVED HOLE IN WALL UNDER MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST SEAL/COVER HOLE IN WALL UNDER MOP SINK.#56-: OBSERVED CEILING LIGHT BULB (X1) END CAPS MISSING ABOVE PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE END CAPS FOR SAID CEILING LIGHT BULB.#57- NO EMPLOYEE FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER FOOD HANDLERS MUST BE CERTIFIED WITH NAMES OF EMPLOYEES ON PREMISES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
FEB 132019PASS W/ CONDITIONS8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST HAVE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST HAVE A VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE WITH ALL NECESSARY ITEMS AS OUTLINED IN POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR MOP SINK.
3-COMPARTMENT SINK PIPES DRAINING SLOWLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK PIPES MUST DRAIN QUICKLY.
OBSERVED HOLE IN WALL UNDER MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST SEAL/COVER HOLE IN WALL UNDER MOP SINK.
STORAGE ROOM FLOOR CLUTTERED THROUGHOUT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF FLOOR OR REMOVE ITEMS.
OBSERVED CEILING LIGHT BULB (X1) END CAPS MISSING ABOVE PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE END CAPS FOR SAID CEILING LIGHB BULB.
NO EMPLOYEE FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER FOOD HANDLERS MUST BE CERTIFIED WITH NAMES OF EMPLOYEES ON PREMISES.
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 →