DEC 10
2025
PASSED
7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
PANADERIA EL ACAMBARO.
BEAT. 35/100
1720 W 18TH ST · PILSEN, CHICAGO
Last inspected December 10, 2025 · passed
Failed 2 of 10 inspections. 14 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
10
5 passed · 3 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
55
includes 14 critical
RECORDS COVER
14 YEARS
since Mar 2011
INSPECTION HISTORY
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
FRONT DOOR WITH A 1/4" GAP UNDERNEATH AND IS NOT RODENT/INSECT PROOFED. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT/INSECT PROOF FRONT DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
FEMALE FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT WHEN PREPARING FOOD AND IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
TONGS FOR RETRIEVING PASTRIES ARE NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE A CLEAN CONTAINER/BIN. MAINTAIN SAME.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
LOWER SURFACE OF THE PREP TABLES IN THE REAR WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SURFACES.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
THE HAND WASHING SINK SLOWLY DRAINS. THERE IS A LEAK AT THE COLD WATER KNOB ON THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX ALL PLUMBING ISSUES AND MAINTAIN GOOD PLUMBING.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FLOORS IN THE CORNERS, UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND SINKS WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO PROOF THAT THEY TOOK THE FOOD HANDLER'S COURSE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATE.
MAR 122021PASS W/ CONDITIONS11 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
MAR 12
2021
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
11 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
2-101.11 OBSERVED PIC WITHOUT A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION WRITTEN UNDER VIOLATION #2.
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE NOR A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (EGGS, MILK) ARE BEING HANDLED PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE AND A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
4-302.12 OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE TO PROPERLY TAKE TEMPERATURES OF COLD AND HOT FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
3-601.11 OBSERVED SOME PREPACKAGED DESSERTS FOR SALE AT THE FRONT CUSTOMER COUNTER WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING BUSINESS NAME, BUSINESS ADDRESS AND INGREDIENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
3-602.11 (B:5) OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN WARNING LABELS ON SOME OF THE PREPACKAGED DESSERTS FOR SALE AT THE FRONT CUSTOMER COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
6-202.13 OBSERVED AN OPEN BAIT TRAP UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND ONLY ALLOW PEST CONTROL TO SET PEST TRAPS.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
4-603.15 OBSERVED CIP EQUIPMENT TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGE IN THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO BE PROPERLY WASHED RINSED AND SANITIZED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON HOW THE FACILITY WASHES RINSES AND SANITIZES LARGE CIP EQUIPMENT.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.12 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DIRT AND FLOUR DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA IN VARIOUS PLACES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
2-102.13 OBSERVED TWO MALE AND ONE FEMALE FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
MAY 282019PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 28
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME WHEN TCS FOODS BE PREPARED AND SERVED EGGS, MILK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CITY OF CHICAGO MANAGER FOR EACH SHIFT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010, NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIRRHEAL EVENTS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED CLEAN IN PLACE EQUIPMENT TOO LARGE FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR ALTERNATIVE MANUAL WAREWASHING.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED THE FLOOR NOT CLEAN UNDER REAR STORAGE SHELVES 1ST.FLOOR, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES, INSTRUCTED TO NPROVIDE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
MAY 142019FAILED6 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 14
2019
FAILED
6 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010, NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED 10 RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE BASEMENT, INSTRUCTED TO HAVE PEST CONTROL RETURN FOR SERVICE, ALSO REMOVE DROPPINGS AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(a), CITATION ISSUED.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED CLEAN IN PLACE EQUIPMENT TOO LARGE FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR ALTERNATIVE MANUAL WAREWASHING EQUIPMENT.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED THE FLOOR NOT CLEAN UNDER THE REAR STORAGE SHELVES 1ST. FLOOR, AND IN THE BASEMENT (REMOVE RODENT DROPPINGS), INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED TWO BAKERS WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
AUG 312016PASSED1 violationDETAILS
AUG 31
2016
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
OBSERVED TORN CEILING IN THE BASEMENT OVER DRY STORAGE SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
show all 10 inspections →
OCT 82015PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
OCT 8
2015
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
SEAL ALONG RIGHT SIDE OF WEST BASEMENT DOOR.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
REPLACE MISSING ENDCAPS ON LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
INSTALL MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN WASHROOM. PROVIDE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT UTILITY SINK IN BASEMENT.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
REMOVE SOILED WATER AND STORE MOP HEAD UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING. ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR IN PREP AREA.
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
SEP 122014PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violationsDETAILS
SEP 12
2014
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violationsDETAILS
* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE, WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE HANDLED, AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION, INSTRUCTED TO ENROLL IN A CLASS AND A CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED.(EGGS 40F.). SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
THE FOLLOWING REQUIRES A DETAIL CLEANING FAN COVERS,SHELVINGS INSIDE THE 3 DOOR EGG COOLER,KITCHEN HOOD/FILTER ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT,TOPS/BOTTOMS OF KITCHEN FOOD PREP TABLES WITH FOOD DEBRIS.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
EXHAUST FAN ON EAST WALL IN KITCHEN AREA HAS DUST BUILD UP.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
NO END CAPS ON LIGHT SHIELDS AT KITCHEN AREAS.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
STOCK ITEMS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED AT LEAST 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND AWAY FROM THE WALL.
NOV 42013PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
NOV 4
2013
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
OBSERVED SOME PREPACKAGED GOODS PROPERLY LABELED NEED TO LABEL THE 3 LACHE CAKE, COOKIES AND PAN ALSO.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
CLEAN INTERIOR OF REAR PROOFER, MICROWAVE.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
NEED TO CLEAN REAR FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND REAR EQUIPMENT.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
NEED TO CLEAN CEILING LIGHT SHIELDS.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED PLASTIC WRAP ON HANDSINK LOWER PIPE NEED TO REMOVE AND REPAIR PIPE.
MAR 42011FAILED9 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MAR 4
2011
FAILED
9 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. MUST REMOVE THE OLD RAT DROPPINGS UNDER THE STAIRS AND REAR BASEMENT.
OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED
The area outside of the establishment used for the storage of garbage shall be clean at all times and shall not constitute a nuisance. MUST REMOVE ABOUDONED GARBAGE DUMPSTER IT IS FULL OF STALE GARBAGE IN REAR AND CLEAN AROUND DUMPSTER. MUST REMOVE ARTICLES IN AREA OUTSIDE REAR DOOR.
DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED
All dishwashing machines must be of a type that complies with all requirements of the plumbing section of the Municipal Code of Chicago and Rules and Regulation of the Board of Health. MUST PROVIDE A GREASE TRAP FOR 2 COMPARTMENT.
ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED AND INSTALLED
When toilet and lavatory facilities are provided for the patrons of food establishments, such facilities shall be adequate in number, convenient, accessible, properly designed, and installed according to the municipal code. REMOVE OR REPAIR BATHROOM FACILITIES IN THE BASEMENT INCLUDING THE CEILING.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MUST SEAL OR PAINT ALL THE RAW WOOD CABINETS,BOTTOM OF THE PREP TABLES AND STORAGE SHELVES.
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 THE TOILET BOWL AND SEAT. MUST CLEAN TRAVEL RACKS AND BAKING TRAYS AND SINK SURFACES.
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. SEAL THE GAP FROM THE FLOOR TO THE COVING (BASEBOARDS.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces. MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS TO THE LIGHTS IN PREP AREA IN PREP AREA.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
The flow of air discharged from kitchen fans shall always be through a duct to a point above the roofline. DRAIN PIPE DRAINING ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT BY MOP SINK. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE PIPE. MUST PROVIDE A BACK FLOW DEVICE AT THE FAUCET AT UTILITY SINK.
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 →