PANADERIA EL ACAMBARO.

Chicago Health Dept

1720 W 18TH ST · PILSEN, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Dec 2025), 1 critical violation noted.

10 inspections on record since 2011 · Last inspected Dec 2025 · 1 critical violation in the last 12 months.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

DEC 2025

INSPECTION HISTORY

DEC 10

2025

PASS 7 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

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.

Minor Employee Hygiene

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Serious Employee Hygiene

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Documentation & Training

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 12

2021

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 11 violations 4 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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.

Critical Documentation & Training

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.

Critical Documentation & Training

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.

Minor Food Temperature

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.

Minor Chemical Safety

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.

Minor Chemical Safety

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.

Critical Pest Activity

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.

Serious Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Documentation & Training

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 28

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 6 violations 3 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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.

Critical Documentation & Training

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.

Critical Other

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED THE FLOOR NOT CLEAN UNDER REAR STORAGE SHELVES 1ST.FLOOR, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES, INSTRUCTED TO NPROVIDE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.

MAY 14

2019

FAIL 6 violations 4 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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.

Critical Other

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.

Critical Pest Activity

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Critical Pest Activity

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.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED TWO BAKERS WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

AUG 31

2016

PASS 1 violation

Minor Sanitation

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 8

2015

PASS 5 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

SEAL ALONG RIGHT SIDE OF WEST BASEMENT DOOR.

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

REPLACE MISSING ENDCAPS ON LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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.

Minor Pest Activity

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.

Minor Documentation & Training

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.

SEP 12

2014

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 5 violations

Serious Documentation & Training

* 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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

NO END CAPS ON LIGHT SHIELDS AT KITCHEN AREAS.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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 4

2013

PASS 5 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

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.

Minor Sanitation

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

CLEAN INTERIOR OF REAR PROOFER, MICROWAVE.

Minor Sanitation

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

NEED TO CLEAN REAR FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND REAR EQUIPMENT.

Minor Sanitation

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

NEED TO CLEAN CEILING LIGHT SHIELDS.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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 11

2011

PASS · 0 violations

MAR 4

2011

FAIL 9 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

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.

Critical Pest Activity

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.

Serious Plumbing & Waste

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.

Serious Plumbing & Waste

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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.

Public inspection records from Chicago Department of Public Health. Records current as of 2026-07-05. EatOrBeat reports records and does not rate restaurants. Source dataset →

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