NEVERIA EL SABOR DE MEXICO.
1639 W 18TH ST · PILSEN, CHICAGO
Failed 2 of 9 inspections. 19 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
AUG 82025PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED THE COLD HOLDING EQUIPMENT AND SHELVES UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLES IN NEED OF CLEANING.
OBSERVED THE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING ON THE WALLS AND FLOORS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
NOV 132024PASS W/ CONDITIONS8 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010.
3-501.16(A:2,&B) OBSERVED TCS FOODS AT INADEQUATE COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES LOCATED IN A 3 DOOR PREP COOLER. OBSERVED ABOUT 2 LBS OF COOKED CHICKEN FLAUTAS AT 57F AND ABOUT 2 LBS OF SLICED TOMATOES AT 53F. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID TCS FOODS AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL COLD-HOLDING TCS FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
4-301.11 OBSERVED A 3-DOOR PREP COOLER UNIT, WITH TCS FOODS INSIDE, AT AN INADEQUATE COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 60F DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
3-602.11 OBSERVED PREPACKAGED DESSERTS INSIDE OF A REACH-IN COOLER FOR SALE WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE BUSINESS NAME, BUSINESS ADDRESS, AND INGREDIENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS FOR ALL PREPACKAGED DESSERTS THAT ARE FOR SALE.
2-402.11 OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
6-501.12 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DEBRIS BETWEEN AND BEHIND THE REACH-IN FREEZERS LOCATED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
6-304.11 OBSERVED NO MECHANICAL VENTILATION FOR THE SMALL COOKING EQUIPMENT ON SITE (PANINI PRESS AND SMALL FRYERS). OBSERVED EXCESSIVE SMOKE FROM SAID UNITS IN THE FACILITY DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED FACILITY MUST INSTALL MECHANICAL VENTILATION OR REMOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER THAT IS ON DUTY WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS.
DEC 112023PASS W/ CONDITIONS8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
OBSERVED SMALL PAPER CUPS USED AS DISPENSING UTENSILS FOR TOPPINGS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LONG HANDLE UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
OBSERVED UNWRAPPED STRAWS FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE WRAPPED STRAWS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
OBSERVED DEBRIS ON BOTTOM OF PREP TABLES AND INSIDE DOOR GASKETS OF COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MANTAIN.
OBSERVED FOOD SPILLS ON WALLS AND UNDER PREP TABLES IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED NO VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
DEC 122022PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
2-101.11 OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT AN I.D. TO SHOW PROOF THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE IS ACTUALLY THEIR OWN CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL PERSONS IN CHARGE MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION WRITTEN UNDER VIOLATION #2.
2-101.11 OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT AN I.D. TO SHOW PROOF THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE IS ACTUALLY THEIR OWN CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL PERSONS IN CHARGE MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
6-301.12 OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION AT THE HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A HAND DRYING PROVISION SUCH AS PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. EMPLOYEE PROVIDED PAPER TOWELS DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).
4-602.11(B-E) OBSERVED THE SMALL FRYERS WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
3-601.11 OBSERVED NO PROPER LABELS ON ALL PREPACKAGED FOODS THAT CONTAIN THE BUSINESS NAME, BUSINESS ADDRESS AND INGREDIENTS FOR THE PREPACKAGED DESSERTS AND POTATO CHIPS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
4-601.11(C) OBSERVED RUST ON THE GREASE TRAP LOCATED UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND RUST ON THE LOWER SHELF OF THE PREP TABLE LOCATED IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST AND MAKE SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
DEC 52022FAILED16 violations8 CRITICALDETAILS
2-101.11 OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE AND THE OTHER PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT AN I.D. TO SHOW PROOF THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE IS ACTUALLY THEIR OWN CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL PERSONS IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE AND PROVIDE PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION WRITTEN UNDER VIOLATION #2.
2-101.11 2-101.11 OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE AND THE OTHER PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT AN I.D. TO SHOW PROOF THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE IS ACTUALLY THEIR OWN CERTIFICATE, WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED HANDLED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED ALL PERSONS IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE AND PROVIDE PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY PRESENTED FOR INSPECTOR'S REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010.
2-501.11 OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE NOR ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE TO PROPERLY RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
5-205.11 OBSERVED A HAND WASHING SINK BLOCKED WITH UTENSILS, A HEAD OF LETTUCE AND A WATER PURIFIER ATTACHED TO THE HAND WASHING SINK FAUCET. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS AND ONLY USE THE HAND WASHING SINK TO WASH HANDS ONLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).
6-301.11 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING CLEANSER AT THE REAR HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING CLEANSER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION WRITTEN UNDER ABOVE VIOLATION.
4-602.11(B-E) OBSERVED THE SMALL FRYERS WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
3-502.11 OBSERVED SPECIAL PROCESS DRINKS (PER EMPLOYEE, "FERMENTED PINEAPPLE DRINK) BEING STORED ON SITE IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID SPECIAL PROCESS ITEMS OR THE FACILITY MUST CONTACT CDPH TO INQUIRE "HOW TO OBTAIN A VARIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
8-103.11 OBSERVED NO VARIANCE OBTAIN BY THE FACILITY FOR THE "SPECIAL PROCESS FERMENTED PINEAPPLE DRINK" ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN A VARIANCE FOR ALL SPECIAL PROCESSES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION WRITTEN UNDER VIOLATION #29.
4-302.12 OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE TO TAKE TEMPERATURES OF COLD AND HOT TCS FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
3-601.11 OBSERVED NO PROPER LABELS ON ALL PREPACKAGED FOODS THAT CONTAIN THE BUSINESS NAME, BUSINESS ADDRESS AND INGREDIENTS FOR THE PREPACKAGED DESSERTS AND POTATO CHIPS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY ON SITE. OBSERVED TWO LIVE ROACHES CRAWLING ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AND 2 LIVE LARGE FLIES FLYING AROUND THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).
6-501.112 OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF DEAD COCKROACHES ON THE FLOOR BETWEEN THE WALL AND 3 DOOR REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
4-601.11(C) OBSERVED RUST ON THE GREASE TRAP LOCATED UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND RUST ON THE LOWER SHELF OF THE PREP TABLE LOCATED IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST AND MAKE SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
8-404.13(B:4) OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2529020 DATED 9/3/21; 6-501.11: **C** Maintained in Good Repair, Facilities (FACILITIES NOT IN GOOD REPAIR) OBSERVED FLOOR TILE IN FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA UNDER THE THREE DOOR REFRIGERATOR BROKEN, CRACKED AND MISSING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN TO MAKE FLOOR EASY TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090.
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SEP 32021PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED THE GASKET SEAL TO THE THREE DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN THE FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA BROKEN, HELD TOGETHER BY TAPE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL BEING USED TO LINE A SHELVING UNIT IN THE FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA WHERE THE FOOD CONTAINERS ARE KEPT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AS A MEANS ON PREVENTING POSSIBLE INSECT HARBORING.
OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF THE TWO DOOR FOOD PREP COOLER WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND NON FOOD PARTICLES ON FLOOR UNDER THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, UNDER SHELVING AND AROUND DEEP FREEZERS IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED FLOOR TILE IN FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA UNDER THE THREE DOOR REFRIGERATOR BROKEN, CRACKED AND MISSING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN TO MAKE FLOOR EASY TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
FEB 62020PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
2-501.11 OBSERVED NO ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE TO PROPERLY RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
4-502.13 OBSERVED FROZEN FRUITS BEING STORED IN GROCERY BAGS IN THE REACH IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO ONLY USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR FOOD GRADE STORAGE CONTAINERS FOR ALL FOOD STORAGE.
5-501.17 OBSERVED NO CLOSED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
2-102.13 OBSERVED 2 OUT OF 3 CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
FEB 82019PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIED THE NECESSARY ITEMS, GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS, AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER/DISINFECTION RATED FOR NOROVIRUSES, OR PROPER CHLORING 5.25% WITH PROPER TEST STRIPS FOR THE HIGH CONCENTRATION LEVELS OF CHLORING 1000-5000 PPM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED THE WALLS GOING TO THE BASEMENT NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE, INSTRUCTED TO MAKE SMOOTH, AND MAINTAIN.
NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
FEB 62019FAILED5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010, NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. NECESSARY ITEMS GLOVES, FACE MASK, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER. DISINFECTION RATED FOR NOROVIRUSES, OR PROPER CHLORINE 5.25% WITH PROPER TEST STRIPS FOR THE HIGH CONCENTRATION LEVELS OF CHLORINE 1000-5000 PPM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED,
OBSERVED NO DATE MARKING FOR TCS FOODS HELD IN THE ESTABLISHMENT FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS MUST CLEARLY BE MARKED WITH THE DATE BY WHICH THE FOOD IS TO BE SOLD, DISCARD, OR CONSUMED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED THE WALLS GOING TO THE BASEMENT NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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 →