Chicago
64
YOUR CALL

Pepes Mexican Restaurant

8227 S Exchange Ave, Chicago, IL 60617 · South Chicago · Restaurant · High risk
YOUR CALL
64/100

Mostly clean — 12 of 16 passed, one prior failure

Inspections
16
12 passed
Last Inspected
2025-02-27
Pass Rate
75%
1 failure
Score
64/100
YOUR CALL
3 consecutive passes, most recently 2025-02-27
Failed 1 inspection (2023)
Other issues found across 12 inspections
Employee Hygiene issues found across 7 inspections
Issues were corrected on re-inspection
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🧽
Sanitation serious 26×
📌
Other critical 12×
🧼
Employee Hygiene critical
🚰
Plumbing & Waste minor
📦
Food Storage & Handling minor
🐀
Pest Activity critical
🔧
Facility Condition minor
Chemical Safety minor
📋
Documentation & Training critical
🌡
Food Temperature critical
2025-02-27 Pass Canvass
CRITICAL 6
critical Other

PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE

OBSERVED OPEN CUP OF PINK LEMONADE IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CLOSED LID CONTAINERS FOR EMPLOYEE BEVERAGES.

minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED PICKLED PEPPERS NOT COVERED NEAR CARRY OUT WINDOW, BULK SALT CONTAINER NOT COVERED ON REAR PREP TABLE, AND FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER AND WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY COVER AND ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS TO P...

minor Sanitation

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED PLASTIC CUPS USED FOR DISPENSING SALT ON REAR PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LONG HANDLE UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

minor Other

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

OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES NOT INVERTED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.

serious Employee Hygiene

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER HAND WASHING SINK IN WASHROOM AND LEAKING FAUCET ON UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING.

2024-03-07 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
3
minor Other

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

OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE CONTAINERS NOT INVERTED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON VENTILATION FAN IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

minor Other

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2579024 ON 7-25-23:58- OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED

2023-07-25 Pass Canvass Re-Inspection
3
minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-205.15 : MUST PROVIDE AN EXTENTION TO DRAIN LINE OF ICE MACHINE TO OPEN SITE FLOOR DRAIN UNDER ICE MACHINE.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED AND MISSING WALL TILES,WALL BASES,STAINED IN VESTIBULE,DINING AREA,TOILET ROOM .MUST GROUT FLOOR AROUND FLOOR DRAIN UNDER 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.

minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

2-102.13; OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

2023-07-18 Fail Canvass
CRITICAL 15
critical Employee Hygiene

NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED

OBSERVED BARE HAND CONTACT WITH TCS READY TO EAT FOODS BY FEMALE EMPLOYEE.OBSERVED HER PUTTING TOMATO,CHEESE AND LETTUCE ON A ORDER OF FOOD WITH BARE HANDS.MUST PROVIDE UTENSILS,GLOVES OR DELI PAPER TO HANDLE FOODS.(COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(CITATION I...

critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA MUST INSTALL A HAND SINK WITH HOT & COLD RUNNING WATER,SOAP AND TOWELS AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)

minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

MUST LABEL FOOD SHAKERS ,CONTAINERS AND SQUEEZE BOTTLES WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.

critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 25 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR NEXT TO ICE MACHINE,CO2 TANKS, HOT WATER TANK.APPX. 10 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES ON LOWER WALL UNDER SODA MACHINE AND FLOOR DARIN AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS.CLEAN AND SAN...

minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN FREEZER & COOLER.MUST ELEVATE OFF OF FLOOR 6 INCHES AND MAINTAIN.

minor Other

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

MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.

minor Employee Hygiene

GLOVES USED PROPERLY

OBSERVED FEMALE FOOD HANDLER HANDLING TCS READY TO EAT FOODS WITH BARE HANDS.MUST PROVIDE GLOVES,UTENSILS OR DELI PAPER .(COS)

minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED RAW WOOD SHELVING UNIT IN WALK IN FREEZER MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT.MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM LOWER SHELVES OF GRILL AND PREP TABLES.

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINETS,WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY FAUCET AND BACK FLOW DEVICE ON 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND MOPSINK.MUST PROVIDE AN EXTENTION TO DRAIN LINE OF ICE MACHINE TO OPEN SITE FLOOR DRAIN UNDER ICE MACHINE.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED AND MISSING WALL TILES,WALL BASES,STAINED CEILING TILES IN VESTIBULE,DINING AREA,TOILET ROOM AND PREP AREAS.MUST GROUT FLOOR AROUND FLOOR DRAIN UNDER 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT CHIPPING PAINT ON CEILING OVER FRONT SERVICE COUNTER.

minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

MUST REPLACE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD OVER ICE MACHINE.

minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR SOME EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

2022-11-07 Pass Short Form Complaint
CRITICAL 1
critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED THE INTERIOR REAR DOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING ON THE SIDES AND BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADD WEATHER STRIPPING AROUND THE DOOR TO PREVENT ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.

2022-09-16 Pass Canvass
CRITICAL 2
critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED THE INTERIOR REAR DOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING ON THE SIDES AND BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADD WEATHER STRIPPING AROUND THE DOOR TO PREVENT ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.

minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED COOKED TACO BOAT SHELL STORED ON TOP SHELF ABOVE PREP STATION NOT PROTECTED FOR THE ELEMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY COVER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

2021-06-01 Pass Canvass
6
serious Sanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED ICE SCOOPER BEING STORED INSIDE THE ICE BIN WITH THE HANDLE IN CONTACT WITH THE ICE. INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOP BETWEEN USES.

minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED BOXES OF FOOD STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.

minor Sanitation

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTH LAYING ON THE FRONT COUNTER. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.

minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE ONE DOOR CONDIMENT COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED FOOD SPALSH AND DEBRIS IN THE INTERIOR OF THE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED A LEAK FROM THE BOTTOM DRAINPIPE AND THE FAUCET OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

2019-02-19 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
CRITICAL 8
critical Documentation & Training

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

2-102.14(N) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.

critical Employee Hygiene

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

2-501.11 OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE NOR SUPPLIES (DISPOSABLE MASK, DISPOSABLE MOP, AND DISPOSABLE GLOVES) ON SITE TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY ...

critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN LOCATED AT THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED NOR A DISCLOSURE AND A REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS (EGGS) THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. INSTRUCTED TO POST A CONSUMER ADVISORY AND ADD A DISCLOSURE AND A REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEM...

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.12 OBSERVED MINOR ACCUMULATED DIRT DEBRIS LOCATED AROUND THE HOT WATER HEATER AND UNDER THE SODA DISPENSER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

serious Employee Hygiene

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-201.11 OBSERVED WALL NEEDS TO BE RE-CAULKED AROUND THE HAND WASHING SINK AND VARIOUS AREAS OF THE WALL LOCATED INSIDE OF THE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE SURFACE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.

2018-01-05 Pass Complaint
1
minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER SHELVES, BEHIND ICE MACHINE AND AROUND AND BEHIND SODA SYRUP BOXES.

2017-11-07 Pass w/ Conditions Complaint
CRITICAL 3
critical Food Temperature

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

FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD- APPROX 25-LBS OF COOKED GROUND BEEF INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER AT IMPROPER COLD TEMPERATURE,( 48.0F-52.0F). MUST MAINTAIN COLD FOODS AT 40.0F OR BELOW.FOOD REMOVED AND DISCARDED BY MANAGER AT COST APPROX $ 60.00, CDI....

minor Chemical Safety

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

MUST LABLE/ DATE ALL COOKED FOODS AND FOODS NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER,( BEEF, BEANS,ETC).

minor Other

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEE. MUST PROVIDE

2017-01-24 Pass Canvass
3
minor Sanitation

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

MUST REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARD NEAR THE GRILL IN PREP AREA ,HAS DARK DEEP OPEN SEAMS,INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE CUTTING BOARD

minor Sanitation

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

MUST CLEAN THE FANS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER IN REAR OF PREMISES,HAS DUST BUILD-UP,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA

minor Sanitation

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION,WHEN NOT IN USE AT PREP AREA

2016-04-29 Pass Canvass
1
minor Plumbing & Waste

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

NOTED A LEAK AT THE BASE OF THE FAUCET MOP SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

2015-08-10 Pass Canvass
2
minor Facility Condition

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

MUST PROVIDE A BULB INSIDE THE VENTILATION HOOD AND PROVIDE A LIGHT SHIELD COVER

minor Sanitation

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZER SOLUTION ,WHEN NOT IN USE

2014-12-05 Pass Canvass
4
minor Sanitation

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

PAINT OR REPLACE RUSTY STORAGE RACKS IN DISHWASHING AREA AND IN WALK-IN COOLER.

minor Sanitation

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

CLEAN DUST BUILD-UP FROM FAN GAURDS AND COILS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER, AND UPPER SHELVES IN REAR BY EXIT DOOR.

minor Sanitation

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

CLEAN WALLS AND DIRT FROM WALLS IN REAR SECTION NEAR EXIT DOOR AND FROM CEILING TILES NEAR WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER.

minor Plumbing & Waste

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

WASTELINE FROM SMOOTHIE MACHINE DRAINING INTO BUCKET,INSTRUCTED TO RE-DIRECT LINE TO GO DIRECTLY INTO FLOOR DRAIN IN SAME AREA.

2014-08-29 Pass Canvass
2
minor Sanitation

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

REPAIR THE DOOR ON THE PREP COOLER AT PREP AREA,THE DOOR FALLS OFF HINGES WHEN DOOR IS OPEN

minor Sanitation

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

DETAIL CLEAN DEEP FRYERS AT BOTTOM COMPARTMENT OF FRYERS,HAS GREASE BUILD-UP,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EQUIOMENT

2013-10-18 Pass License
7
minor Sanitation

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

INVERT ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES AND TRAYS TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.

minor Sanitation

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

REPAIR/REPLACE GASKET ON PREP COOLER DOOR.

minor Sanitation

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

ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. REPAIR THRESHOLD AT REAR DOOR.

minor Sanitation

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

PROVIDE BASEBOARDS ALONG WALLS IN PREP AREA.

minor Facility Condition

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

REPLACE DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE ICE MACHINE.

minor Plumbing & Waste

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

REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.

minor Pest Activity

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

STORE MOP HEAD UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.

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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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