Chicago
73
YOUR CALL

Palenque Inc.

2756 W 55th St, Chicago, IL 60632 · Brighton Park · Restaurant · High risk
YOUR CALL
73/100

Mostly clean — 9 of 14 passed, one prior failure

Inspections
14
9 passed
Last Inspected
2025-07-28
Pass Rate
64%
1 failure
Score
73/100
YOUR CALL
4 consecutive passes, most recently 2025-07-28
Failed 1 inspection (2022)
Sanitation issues found across 30 inspections
Employee Hygiene issues found across 6 inspections
Issues were corrected on re-inspection
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🧽
Sanitation critical 30×
📌
Other serious 12×
🧼
Employee Hygiene critical
🔧
Facility Condition minor
Chemical Safety serious
🌡
Food Temperature critical
🚰
Plumbing & Waste minor
🐀
Pest Activity critical
📋
Documentation & Training minor
📦
Food Storage & Handling minor
2025-07-28 Pass Canvass
1
minor Sanitation

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

RUSTY WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN

2024-09-26 Pass Canvass
3
serious Sanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED LIGHT BUILD UP ON DOOR OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED BUILD-UP ON FILTERS ABOVE GRILL IN HOOD. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER ON SITE WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REQUIRE FOOD HANDLER TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND RETAIN CERTIFICATE ON SITE.

2023-09-14 Pass Canvass
1
minor Food Storage & Handling

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS. INSTD TO LABEL WITH COMMON NAME AND MAINTAIN

2022-10-07 Pass Canvass Re-Inspection
10
minor Sanitation

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector Comments: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED ON SIDE LEDGE OF ICE MACHINE STORE ICE SCOOP IN A CLEAN CONTAINER.

minor Sanitation

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

Violation Codes: 4-903.11 (A;B;D) Inspector Comments: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES.

minor Other

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

Violation Codes: 4-903.11(A;C) Inspector Comments: MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Violation Codes: 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN BUILD UP ON INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE.

minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO LID ON GARBAGE CAN IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT PREMISES,DAMAGED WALL TILE AND WALL BASES UNDER 3- COMPARTMENT SINK,BEHIND WALK IN COOLER AND AT FRONT WINDOW NEXT TO STEAM TABLE,HOLE IN WALL IN TOILET ROOM,DAMAGED FLOOR TI...

minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Violation Codes: 6-501.14 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTER AND HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.

minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Violation Codes: 4-301.14 Inspector Comments: MUST PLACE COOKING EQUIPMENT COMPLETELY UNDER VENTILATION HOOD.

minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Violation Codes: 6-202.11 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHT IN DISH WASHING AREA.

minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR NEW FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE.

2022-09-30 Fail Canvass
CRITICAL 12
critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINKS NOT ACCESSIBLE OBSERVED FRONT HAND SINK WITH A ROLLING CART STORED IN FRONT OF AND THE REAR HAND SINK WITH A TRAY AND 2- BOWLS INSIDE OF HAND SINK BASIN WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED. ARTICLES WERE ...

minor Sanitation

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED ON SIDE LEDGE OF ICE MACHINE STORE ICE SCOOP IN A CLEAN CONTAINER.

minor Sanitation

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

MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES.

minor Other

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

MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST CLEAN BUILD UP ON INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE.

minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO LID ON GARBAGE CAN IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Other

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

OBSERVED OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER ENCRUSTED WITH GREASE DRIPPING ALONG BOTH SIDES AND POOLING ON TO GROUND MUST REMOVE GREASE FROM CONTAINER AND GROUND AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B)(CITATION ISSUED)

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT PREMISES,DAMAGED WALL TILE AND WALL BASES UNDER 3- COMPARTMENT SINK,BEHIND WALK IN COOLER AND AT FRONT WINDOW NEXT TO STEAM TABLE,HOLE IN WALL IN TOILET ROOM,DAMAGED FLOOR TILES NEAR REAR DOOR,F...

minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHT IN DISH WASHING AREA.

minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

MUST PLACE COOKING EQUIPMENT COMPLETELY UNDER VENTILATION HOOD.

minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTER AND HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.

minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR NEW FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE.

2021-02-04 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
CRITICAL 4
critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT/PROCEDURE ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR THE CLEAN UP OF VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS, AND CORRESPONDING EQUIPMENT OUTLINE IN PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

BOTH SIDES OF TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT CLEAN, BLACK DEBRIS ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

SEE 60

minor Other

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM 4/24/2019 REPORT 2285675 NOT CORRECTED; 58 OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS PRIORUTY FOUNDATION 7-42-090

2019-04-24 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
CRITICAL 8
critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT/PROCEDURE ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR THE CLEAN UP OF VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS, AND CORRESPONDING EQUIPMENT OUTLINE IN PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005

serious Chemical Safety

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

OBSERVED IMPROPER DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS IN FRONT PREP COOLER AND WALK IN COOLER. MUST LABEL ALL TCS FOODS WITH DISCARD OR SELL BY DATE, NO MORE THAN 7 DAYS FROM THE PREPARATION DATE. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN SAME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED ALLERGEN LABEL MISSING ON PACKAGED DESERTS IN THE DISPLAY COOLER. MUST LABEL THE NAME OF THE FOOD SOURCES OF ANY MAJOR FOOD ALLERGENS (I.E. MILK, EGGS, ETC.) MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN SAME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED IMPROPER LABELS ON FOODS PACKAGED DESERTS IN THE DISPLAY COOLER. (DESERT BEAR LABEL WITH SELL BY DATE AND INGREDIENTS ONLY.) TCS PACKAGED FOODS SHALL BE LABELED AS SPECIFIED BY LAW. LABELS MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: THE COMMON NAME OF FOOD;...

minor Sanitation

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED DRY STORAGE ITEMS (VEGETABLE OIL, ETC.) STORED INSIDE RESTROOM. MUST REMOVE THESE ITEMS. INSTRUCTED MUST NOT STORE ANY DRY STORAGE ITEMS, UTENSILS OR FOOD RELATED ITEMS IN RESTROOM TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED RESTROOM DOOR OPEN TO REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED ALL RESTROOM DOORS IN PREP AREAS MUST BE SELF CLOSING. MUST PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON DOOR. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED BOXES AND DRY STORAGE ITEMS STORED THROUGHOUT FACILITY ON FLOORS. MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR TO ALLOW FOR PROPER CLEANING. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.

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 MANAGERS.

2017-05-26 Pass Canvass
1
minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED THE WALL IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN POOR REPAIR, BEHIND HANDSINK FRONT,SIDE CUP/LID STORAGE,KNIFE RACK, AND SIDE OF THE REAR 2 DOOR COOLER, INSREUCTED TO REPAIR.

2016-02-19 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
CRITICAL 4
critical Food Temperature

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

OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. OBSERVED COOKED RICE WITH A TEMPERATURE OF 45.3F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 80# OF FOOD WORTH $100. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.

critical Employee Hygiene

HANDS WASHED AND CLEANED, GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES; NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS.

OBSERVED UNHYGIENIC FOOD HANDLING PRACTICES BY FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES DURING THE INSPECTION. OBSERVED EMPLOYEES WASH AND RINSE THEIR HANDS IN THE 1 COMPARTMENT PREP SINK INSTEAD OF THE HANDWASHING SINK, AND USE COMMON TOWELS TO DRY THEIR HANDS. AL...

critical Food Temperature

SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME

OBSERVED AN EMPLOYEE WASH AND RINSE UTENSILS AND DISHES WITHOUT SANITIZING THEM AND THEN PUT THEM ON A SHELF TO DRY. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO PROPERLY SET UP THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE DISHES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-...

serious Other

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION FROM REPORT #1547300 ON 6/18/15 NOT CORRECTED: 45 - FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET. NO LOGS, RECORDS IN PLACE. INSTD TO PROVIDE SAME. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.

2015-06-18 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
CRITICAL 9
critical Employee Hygiene

HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA

NO SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICE AT REAR EXPOSED HANDSINK OR IN EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND HAVE ACCESSIBLE AT HANDSINKS AT ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030 CRITICAL.

serious Other

* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED

NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (CHICKEN, RICE, ETC). INSTD TO HAVE ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES. CITAITON ISSUED 7-38-012 SERIOUS.

minor Sanitation

CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

CLEAN EQUIPMENT IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY (ELEVATE AND INVERT).

minor Sanitation

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

EXTERIOR TOP OF GREASE TRAP WITH RUSTY SURFACE. INSTD TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN. 2 DOOR UPRIGHT COOLER RUBBER GASKETS IN POOR REPAIR. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME. GROCERY BAGS BEING USED TO STORE FOOD. INSTD TO STORE FOOD IN FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.

minor Sanitation

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

LIGHTSHIELDS NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.

minor Plumbing & Waste

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

LARGE POTS ON SITE THAT ARE UNABLE TO COMPLETELY SUBMERGE IN BASIN OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO PROVIDE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LARGE ENOUGH FOR COMPLETE SUBMERSION OF LARGEST MULTI-USE EQUIPMENT ON SITE.

minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR FOOD HANDLERES. PROVIDE SAME.

minor Sanitation

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

CLUTTER/UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN TOILET ROOM. INSTD TO REMOVE SAME.

minor Other

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET. NO LOGS, RECORDS IN PLACE. INSTD TO PROVIDE SAME.

2014-06-12 Pass Canvass
3
minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED GREASE TRAP RUSTY AND UNCLEAN. REMOVE RUST AND RESTORE SURFACE TO A SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Employee Hygiene

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

INSTALL SPLASH GUARDS ON EACH SIDE OF HAND WASH SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA.

minor Employee Hygiene

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

MOVE OR INSTALL ADDITIONAL PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER/HOLDER ABOVE REAR HAND WASH SINK THAT IT IS CONVENIENT AND EASILY ACCESSIBLE.

2013-05-01 Pass Canvass
CRITICAL 3
minor Plumbing & Waste

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

MUST REPAIR VENTILATION IN WASHROOM IN REAR OF PREMISES

minor Facility Condition

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

MUST PROVIDE A THERMOMETER INSIDE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER WHERE RAW CHICKEN IS STORED AT FRONT PREP AREA

critical Pest Activity

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

REMOVE CLUTTER FROM WASHROOM IN REAR OF PREMISES AND REMOVE CLUTTER IN REAR NEAR 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE

2012-12-04 Pass Canvass
CRITICAL 5
minor Sanitation

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

CLEAN THE HOOD,FILTERS, FRYER AND CABINET BELOW HAS SOME GREASE BUILDUP ON THEM.

minor Sanitation

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

CLEAN THE FLOOR UNDERNEATH THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND ALONG THE FLOORS AND IN THE CORNERS THEY ARE DUSTY.

minor Sanitation

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

CLEAN THE CEILING VENTS ABOVE THEY ARE DUSTY.

critical Pest Activity

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

CLUTTER IN THE FRONT STORE ROOM/OFFICE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND ORGNIZE SO NO INSECT OR RODENT HARBORAGE.

minor Employee Hygiene

APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

SOME EMPLOYEES NO WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT EMPLOYEES MUST WERE HATS,CAPS OR HAIR NETS WHEN HANDLING FOOD.

2012-03-19 Pass License

No violations found.

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Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health · Score calculated from inspection outcomes, violation severity & recency. · How we score
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