SEP 18
2025
PASSED
0 violationsSANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
PALETERIA AZTECA #2.
YOUR CALL. 74/100
3119 W CERMAK RD · NORTH LAWNDALE, CHICAGO
Last inspected September 18, 2025 · passed
7 of 10 inspections passed, 2 failed, 1 passed with conditions. 9 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
10
7 passed · 1 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
34
includes 9 critical
RECORDS COVER
15 YEARS
since Jun 2010
INSPECTION HISTORY
JUL 12019PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
JUL 1
2019
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED
PERSONAL BELONGINGS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN DESIGNATED AREA.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
EXCESSIVE ICE BUILD UP IN CHEST FREEZERS. INSTD TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE ICE AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
NON USED/UNNECESSARY EQUIPMENT ON SITE. (COFFEE MAKER, BLENDER, JUICER, PANINI MACHINE, ETC). INSTD TO REMOVE FROM PREMISES.
AUG 22018PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 2
2018
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY PROCEDURE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD IN BETWEEN HAND SINK AND 3- COMP SINK THAT WAS RECENTLY INSTALLED.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector Comments: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR IN BASEMENT.
JUL 262018FAILED8 violations5 CRITICALDETAILS
JUL 26
2018
FAILED
8 violations5 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY PROCEDURE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN DISH WASHING AREA.MUST INSTALL A HAND SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY-NO CITATION ISSUED
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX.75 OR MORE RODENT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR AND ALONG WALL BASES IN PREP AREA,DISH WASHING AREA,SALES FLOOR BEHIND CHEST FREEZERS,WALL OUTLETS,UNUSED WALK IN FREEZER.ALSO,SEVERAL BAGS OF RODENT POISON ON FLOOR IN SAME AREAS,INCLUDING BASEMENT.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS.CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 7/26/18.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020A)
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
MUST MAKE FRONT AND BOTH REAR DOORS TIGHT FITTING ALONG ALL SIDES TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT ,INCLUDING UNUSED WALK IN FREEZER.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE HOLE IN LOWER WALL IN BASEMENT NEAR PUSH CART.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
MUST REPLACE VERY DIM LIGHTING IN 1ST FL. TOILETROOM.
show all 10 inspections →
AUG 262016PASSED1 violationDETAILS
AUG 26
2016
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
REPLACE MISSING PARTS OF DIPPER WELL FOR PACKED ICE CREAM CASE. MUST INSTALL AN EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE DISH WASHING PREP AREA. MUST INSTALL A HOOD WITH EXHAUST ABOVE THE COOKING STOVE IN THE REAR OR REMOVE STOVE FROM PREMISES
AUG 182016FAILED8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 18
2016
FAILED
8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
REFRIGERATED PREP COOLER IN FRONT FOOD PREP AREA NOT MAINTAINING ADEQUATE TEMPERATURE, AIR TEMP RECORDED AT 44.1F. NO POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS INSIDE AT TIME OF INVESTIGATION. MUST HAVE UNIT SERVICED, MUST BE CAPABLE OF MAINTAINING 40 DEGREES OR BELOW. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
IMPROPER PEST CONTROL NOTED ON PREMISES. 70 MICE DROPPINGS NOTED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: SCATTERED ALONG THE BASES OF THE WALLS, IN ALL PREP, STORAGE, DISHWASHING, WASHROOM, AND BASEMENT AREAS. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS, SEAL UP ANY OPENINGS FOUND IN FLOORS, WALLS, AND CEILINGS AND REQUEST SERVICE VISIT FROM PEST CONTROL COMPANY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
REMOVE EXCESSIVE ICE BUILD-UP FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE WALK-IN COOLER ON THE FAN COVERS AND REMOVE ICE BUILD-UP FROM THE INTERIOR OF ALL DISPLAY CASES.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
CLEAN THE INTERIOR UPPER PANEL AREA OF THE ICE MACHINE.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT AND ALL OTHER ROOMS THROUGHOUT.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
REMOVE DEBRIS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT WHERE PRESENT. REPLACE ALL STAINED CEILING TILES.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
REPLACE MISSING PARTS OF DIPPER WELL FOR PACKED ICE CREAM CASE. MUST INSTALL AN EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE DISH WASHING PREP AREA. MUST INSTALL A HOOD WITH EXHAUST ABOVE THE COOKING STOVE IN THE REAR OR REMOVE STOVE FROM PREMISES.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY EQUIPMENT AND ITEMS IN STORAGE AREAS AND PROPERLY ELEVATE ALL ARTICLES 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOORS THROUGHOUT. ELIMINATE CLUTTER INSIDE DISCONNECTED WALK-IN COOLER IN REAR(UNABLE TO PROPERLY CLEAN OR INSPECT UNIT. MUST PROPERLY ELEVATE ALL ITEMS INSIDE AND CLEAN FLOOR.
AUG 112014PASSED1 violationDETAILS
AUG 11
2014
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
NO GREASE INTERCEPTOR LOCATED FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO PROVIDE SAME. NO BACKFLOW DEVICE AT ICE MACHINE LINE. PROVIDE SAME.
SEP 62012PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
SEP 6
2012
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
SEAL HOLE IN WALL BY ELEVATOR. SEAL HOLE IN BASEMENT WALL NEAR WASHROOM. REMOVE DUST FROM VENT FANS IN WASHROOMS ON CEILING.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
CLEAN BATHROOM IN BASEMENT AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED A DIPPER WELL AT HANDPACKED ICECREAM FREEZER WITH SANITIZED WATER INSIDE BUT NO FAUCET FOR A CONSTANT FLOW OF WATER; MUST INSTALL.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
PROVIDE INTERNAL THERMOMETERS FOR REFRIGERATION UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN ALL STORAGE AREAS.
JUN 22010PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
JUN 2
2010
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. MUST CLEAN-SANITIZE; CHEST FREEZERS, TABLES, MOP SINK, HAND BOWL, AND 2PART SINK.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. MUST CLEAN FLOORS THRU-OUT PREMISES, INCLUDING BASEMENT.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. MUST REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING TILES THRU-OUT AND SEAL OPENING ON CEILING AT BACK STORAGE ROOM TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY. ALSO MUST CLEAN SOUTH WALL AT PALETAS STORAGE ROOM.
TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
Toilet rooms shall be completely enclosed and shall be vented to the outside air or mechanically ventilated. MUST PROVIDE A SELF-CLOSING DEVICE FOR 1ST FLOOR WASHROOM DOOR.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES THRU-OUT PREMISES, CLEAN AND ORGANIZE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. ARTICLES MUST BE STORED OFF FLOORS, 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 →