POLLO EXPRESS.

Chicago Health Dept

1315 W 18TH ST · PILSEN, CHICAGO

Last inspected 2021.

14 inspections on record since 2011 · Last inspected Sep 2021.

Last inspected Sep 2021. Records may not reflect current conditions.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

SEP 2021

INSPECTION HISTORY

SEP 30

2021

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED THE COVER FOR THE RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM MISSING. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED THE FLOOR TILES IN POOR REPAIR(CRACKED/BROKEN) THROUGH OUT THE PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED THE CEILING TILE IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA IN POOR REPAIR(WATER DAMAGED). MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

DEC 9

2020

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 8 violations 5 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

2-101.11 OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012.

Critical Food Temperature

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

2-101.11 OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (CHICKEN, RICE) ARE BEING HANDLED PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES THE FACILITY IS OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-012.

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

6-301.14 OBSERVED HAND WASHING SIGNS ARE NEEDED INSIDE OF THE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

5-203.11 OBSERVED A HAND WASHING SINK IS NEEDED AT THE DRINK PREP AREA IN THE CUSTOMER DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL ADDITIONAL HAND WASHING SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C).

Critical Other

FOOD OBTAINED FROM APPROVED SOURCE

3-201.11(B) OBSERVED DESSERTS FOR SALE AT THE FRONT CUSTOMER COUNTER FROM AN UNAPPROVED SOURCE, EMPLOYEE STATES THE DESSERTS ARE "MADE AT HOME BY THE OWNER'S DAUGHTER" INSTRUCTED TO NOT SELL FOODS MADE AT HOME AND DO NOT SELL FOODS FROM UNAPPROVED SOURCES. ALL FOODS SOLD IN THE FACILITY MUST BE FROM APPROVED SOURCES. INSTRUCTED EMPLOYEE TO DISCARD AND DENATURE ABOUT 50 PACKAGES OF DESSSERTS. EMPLOYEE DISCARDED SAID DESSERTS DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

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

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

2-102.13 OBSERVED THE FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES ARE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.

MAY 31

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 5 violations 2 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 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Other

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED MADE ON SITE FLAN, RICE PUDDING, AND CATUS SALAD PRE-PACKAGED FOR RETAIL SALE WITH OUT PROPER LABELING, INSTRUCTED TO PROPER LABEL ABOVE ITEMS.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED THE SPRAYER AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LEAKING, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/MAINTAIN.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ONPREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO MANAGERS.

JAN 30

2018

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST BE ABLE TO FULLY SUBMERGE COOKING UTENSILS IN 3-COMP SINK IN ORDER TO PROPERLY WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE. MUST USE SMALLER UTENSILS(POTS)OR PROVIDE A LARGER 3-COMP SINK.

Minor Sanitation

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

REPLACE WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES WHERE NECESSARY THROUGHOUT FRONT CUSTOMER DINING AREA AND 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA.

Minor Sanitation

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

REMOVE CLUTTER OR PROPERLY STORE ITEMS LOCATED BEHIND REAR FRONT BEVERAGE COUNTER. ORGANI.ZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES

FEB 22

2017

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

CLEAN THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE BASEMENT FREEZERS AND GRILL.

Minor Facility Condition

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

MUST INSTALL LIGHT SHIELDS ON ALL LIGHT FIXTURES IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA.

show all 14 inspections →

FEB 14

2017

FAIL 7 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Sanitation

WATER SOURCE: SAFE, HOT & COLD UNDER CITY PRESSURE

NO HOT WATER PROVIDED THROUGHOUT THE ESTABLISHMENT. OBSERVED HOT WATER AT 68F AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF HOT WATER ABOVE 110F TO PROPERLY WASH DISHES AND UTENSILS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.

Critical Employee Hygiene

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

OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP PROVIDED IN THE MEN'S WASHROOM AND NO PAPER TOWELS AT THE BASEMENT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.

Serious Sanitation

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

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #1938112 ON 7/6/16 NOT CORRECTED: 33 - OBSERVED THE FRONT STORAGE SHELVES NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. 34 - OBSERVED STANDING WATER IN BASEMENT ON FLOOR, INSTRUCTED TO DRY MOP. 45 - FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES NOT AVAILABLE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES, MUST PROVIDE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.

Minor Sanitation

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

CLEAN THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE BASEMENT FREEZERS AND GRILL.

Minor Sanitation

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

REPLACE THE BROKEN FLOOR TILE IN THE BASEMENT.

Minor Facility Condition

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

MUST INSTALL LIGHT SHIELDS ON ALL LIGHT FIXTURES IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA.

Minor Employee Hygiene

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

MUST PROVIDE WORKING VENTILATION FANS IN BOTH WASHROOMS. MUST INSTALL A MOP SINK. THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE BASEMENT IS LEAKING WATER FROM THE DRAIN LINE. MUST REPAIR THE SOURCE OF THE LEAK. THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IS SLOW DRAINING AND HAS A DRAIN LINE WATER LEAK UNDERNEATH THE MIDDLE COMPARTMENT. MUST REPAIR.

JUL 6

2016

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 7 violations

Serious Documentation & Training

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

OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING MINOR NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT # 1533242 DATE 11/20/2015 VIOLATION # 29 FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES NOT AVAILABLE, MUST PROVIDE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.

Minor Chemical Safety

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

OBSERVED PRE-PACKAGED FOOD FOR SALE WITH OUT PROPER LABEL, INSTRUCTED ON PROPER LABELING.(FLAN, AND SALSA).

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED KNIFES IMPROPERLY STORED IN FRONT PREP AREA, STORED BETWEEN CABINTS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE KNIFE RACK.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED THE BASEMENT MIDDLE BOX FREEZER LID BROKEN OFF/RUSTY, INSNTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED THE FRONT STORAGE SHELVES NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. ALSO CLEAN AND SANITIZE KNIFES,

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED STANDING WATER IN BASEMENT ON FLOOR, INSTRUCTED TO DRY MOP.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES ABOVE THE JET SPRAY MACHINE, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE. ALSO CLEAN ALL LIGHT SHIELDS.

NOV 20

2015

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 3 violations

Serious Documentation & Training

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

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #1537298 ON 4-24-15 45-FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES NOT AVAILABLE MUST PROVIDE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

REPAIR LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.

Minor Sanitation

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

ELEVATE ALL STOCK, SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES, ETC OFF FLOOR IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.

APR 24

2015

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

ELEVATE STOCK OFF FLOOR IN PREP AREA.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

STORE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.

Minor Documentation & Training

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES NOT AVAILABLE. MUST PROVIDE BY 7-24-15.

OCT 17

2014

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES MUST BE SANDED/BLEACHED OR REPLACED AND RUSTY SHELVINGS,TOPS OF CHEST FREEZERS IN BASEMENT PREP AREAS MUST BE REPLACED OR REPAIRED USING A NON-TOXIC FINISH AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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

REMOVE DUSTS ACCUMULATIONS ON VENTILATION COVERS INSIDE THE TOILET ROOMS AND MAINTAIN ALSO,SECTION OF WALL IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREA MUST BE SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE,SEAL OPENING AT CEILING IN BASEMENT PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Facility Condition

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

LIGHT BULBS ON WALL IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA MUST BE SHIELDED OR PROVIDE SHATTER-PROOF LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Employee Hygiene

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

FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS WHEN WORKING AROUND OPEN FOODS AND MAINTAIN.

MAY 29

2014

PASS 1 violation

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

PREMISES DO NOT HAVE AN UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL UTILITY SINK.

SEP 25

2013

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 3 violations

Serious Documentation & Training

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

NO CERTIFIED CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED AT THIS TIME WHEN FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. CHICKEN 144.6*F

Minor Sanitation

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

NEED TO SEAL THE RAW WOOD STORAGE SHELVES IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

NEED SINK STOPPERS FOR THE 3 COMP. SINK.

OCT 5

2011

PASS 4 violations 1 CRITICAL

Minor Sanitation

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

All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. CLEAN THE HOOD ABOVE THE GRILL HAS SPLASHED ON FOOD DEBRIS ON IT.

Minor Sanitation

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. CLEAN THE WALL BEHIND THE GRILL HAS SPLASHED ON FOOD DEBRIS ON IT. CLEAN THE CEILING TILES IN THROUGHOUT PREMISES OR REPLACE THEM HAS DUST AND DIRT ON THEM.

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. REPLACE THE BROKEN LIGHT ON THE WEST WALL IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA SO THERE IS MORE LIGHT.

Critical Pest Activity

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

All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. LARGE AMOUNT OF CLUTTER IN THE WATER HEATER ROOM IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE CLUTTER AND CLEAN AND ORGNIZE SO NO INSECT OR RODENT HARBORAGE.

MAR 2

2011

PASS 4 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

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

All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. THE LARGE FOOD CONTAINERS HOLDING THE RICE, BEANS ECT. NOT LSBELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL SAME.

Minor Sanitation

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

All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. THE HOOD AND FILTERS NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SAME

Minor Sanitation

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

Use dustless cleaning methods. CLEAN THE CEILINGS THROUGHOUT PREMISES HAS DUST BUILDUP.

Minor Sanitation

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. CLEAN THE VENTS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES HAS DUST BUILDUP.

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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