PONCITLAN #5.
3400 N CICERO AVE · AVONDALE, CHICAGO
Failed 4 of 23 inspections. 9 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
JAN 122026FAILED3 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED IMPROPER HOT WATER TEMPERATURE AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. FOUND TEMPERATURE AT 94-97.1F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER HOT WATER TEMPERATURE AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK MUST BE MAINTAINED AT LEAST 110.0F DURING ALL TIMES OF OPERATION TO PROPERLY WASH UTENSILS AND EQUIPMENT. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED 1 FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
JAN 72026FAILED3 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED IMPROPER HOT WATER TEMPERATURE AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. FOUND TEMPERATURE AT 99-100F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER HOT WATER TEMPERATURE AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK MUST BE AT LEAST 110.0F TO PROPERLY WASH UTENSILS AND EQUIPMENT. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
JUL 282025PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF ICE INSIDE 2 DOOR FREEZER LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO THAW AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
OBSERVED 2 OF 4 CERTIFIED MANAGERS WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
MAR 122025PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED TORTILLA CHIPS AT HEAT LAMP STATION STORED DIRECTLY BENEATH PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER AT THE FRONT PREP AREA HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE TORTILLA CHIPS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION FROM SPLASH OR DRIP FROM FOOD EMPLOYEES WASHING HANDS AND MAINTAIN ALL FOOD STORED OUTSIDE OF PROHIBITED AREAS.
OBSERVED SEVERAL WIPING CLOTH BUCKETS THROUGHOUT MAIN COOK LINE AREA STORED WITH WIPING CLOTHS IN STILL WATER WITHOUT ADEQUATE SANITIZER. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN WIPING CLOTHES IN AN ADEQUATE SANITIZER SOLUTION BETWEEN USES OR MAINTAINED DRY.
OBSERVED NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE TO BE SOILED WITH DUST AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE AND OTHER FOOD EQUIPMENT AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF SOIL AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED CLOSED EMPLOYEE BEVERAGE CONTAINERS STORED ABOVE MICROWAVE AT THE MAIN COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE EMPLOYEE BEVERAGE CONTAINERS AND PROVIDE DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEE BEVERAGE AND PERSONAL ITEM STORAGE THAT DOES NOT POSE RISK OF CONTAMINATION FOR FOOD, UTENSILS, OR CLEAN EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED PERSON-IN-CHARGE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE WITHOUT ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING OR CERTIFICATE ON-SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS WITH ADDITIONAL ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATE(S) ON-SITE AT ALL TIMES FOR INSPECTOR REVIEW.
show all 23 inspections →
JUL 232024PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED SALT AND SUGAR OUT OF THEIR ORIGINAL CONTAINERS IN PLASTIC INGREDIENT BINS IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED BOXED FOOD ITEMS BEING STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS AND MAINTAIN.
APR 142023PASSED1 violationDETAILS
OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITH AN EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST HAVE A VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.
OCT 112022PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE BIN AND INTERIOR GUARD WITH SOME DIRT, NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED FOIL BEING USED AS LINER ON SHELVING UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD FROM SHELVING UNITS. ALL FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
OCT 292021FAILED8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK LOCATED AT FRONT PREP AREA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ENCRUSTED ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.MUST REMOVE DEBRIS, DETAIL CLEAN INSIDE ICE MACHINE/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE AT ALL TIMES.
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS FOR LARGE BULK FOOD CONTAINERS/BINS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
OBSERVED CHIPPED PAINT AND RUST ON THE STORAGE RACK WHERE CUTTING BOARDS ARE STORED.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CHIPPED PAINT AND RUST AND REPAINT OR REPLACE THE STORAGE RACK AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED SOME EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN CURRENT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES.
ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2366267 DATED:03/24/2020 #38--EXIT DOOR WITH 1/3 OF AN INCH GAP ON THE LEFT BOTTOM CORNER OF THE DOOR AND THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR ALSO. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT/INSECTS PROOFED THE DOOR. Jun 24, 2020 #53--WASTE RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE UNISEX WASHROOM MUST HAVE A LID/COVER FOR FEMININE ITEMS. Jun 24, 2020 #55--FLOOR BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH GREASE ACCUMULATED. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. Jun 24, 2020 #56--MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE CEILING VENT COVER INSIDE THE UNISEX WASHROOM( WITH DUST BUILD UP) AND MAINTAIN. Jun 24, 2020 INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT NOTED VIOLATIONS AND MAINTAIN BY 11/5/2021. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090.
PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY FROM (03/24/2020) WAS NOT DISPLAYED FOR THE PUBLIC TO VIEW.TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY WAS ISSUED AND MUST BE DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010 (B).
MAR 242020PASSED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
EXIT DOOR WITH 1/3 OF AN INCH GAP ON THE LEFT BOTTOM CORNER OF THE DOOR AND THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR ALSO. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT/INSECTS PROOFED THE DOOR.
WASTE RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE UNISEX WASHROOM MUST HAVE A LID/COVER FOR FEMININE ITEMS.
FLOOR BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH GREASE ACCUMULATED. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE CEILING VENT COVER INSIDE THE UNISEX WASHROOM( WITH DUST BUILD UP) AND MAINTAIN.
JUL 252019PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER OF RAW AND UNDER COOKED FOODS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED) STATEMENT THAT EATING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT POTS/PANS STORED ON SHELF ABOVE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE AND TO MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED THAT PLASTIC LINING INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLER IS BROKEN. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
JUL 52019PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED
OBSERVED READY TO EAT, TIME FOR TEMPERATURE SAFETY FOR CONTROL FOODS NOT PROPERLY DATED AND MARKED STORED IN WALK IN COOLER. (COOKED GROUND BEEF 3.00 LBS 25.00, COW TANG 1.0 LBS VALUE &15.00) IN WALK IN COOLER . INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER DATE MARKING WITH DISPOSITION DATE FOR RTE FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24 HOURS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005 MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 4.0 LBS VALUE & 40.00 .
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER OF RAW AND UNDER COOKED FOODS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED) STATEMENT THAT EATING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED THAT PLASTIC LINING INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLER IS BROKEN. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
SEP 272018PASS W/ CONDITIONS17 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
2-102.14(N)-NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-30-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
2-501.11- NO CLEAN UP POLICY FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
5-202.12(A)- NO HAND WASHING SINK IN THE FRONT SERVING STATION AREA WITH COFFEE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL WITH OT AND COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE AND PROVIDE HAND SOAP AND PAPER TOWEL PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED.
3-501.17- ALL READY TO EAT TCS FOOD INSIDE TE WALK IN COOLER AND REACH IN COOLER MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED AND DATED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
3-302.12(C)-ALL DRY FOOD CONTAINER IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME.
2-402.11(C)-ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE PREP AREA HELPING PREPARE FOOD MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINT TO CONFINE THE HAIR.
3-304.14- ALL WIPING CLOTH FOR WIPING THE PREP TABLES, CHOPPING BOARD, MUST BE STORED ON A BUCKET WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION IN BETWEEN USES.
4-201.11-FOUND GROCERY BAG BEING USED TO STORE FROZEN FOOD. MUST REPLACE WITH FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAG.
4-202.16- WOOD SHELVINGS IN THE REAR PREP AREA WORN OUT. MUST RE REPAINT AND MAINTAIN.
4-501.11- RUBBER GASKET ON THE DOOR OF THE WALK IN CCOLER RIPPED OFF. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
4-204.119- MISSING DRAIN STOPPERS FOR THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK (ESTABLISHMENT IS USING ROLLED PLASTIC AS A DRAIN STOPPER). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
6-201.13- COVING(BASEBOARD) IN THE REAR PREP AREA BY THE PREP TABLE,NOT IN GOOD REPAIR. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
6-501.11-DAMAGED, STAINED CEILING PANELS ABOVE THE AND SINK IN THE PREP AREA AND IN THE COOK LINE. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
6-201.17-CEILING VENT COVER IN THE WASHROOM WITH HEAVY DUST BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN,REMOVE DUST AND MAINTAIN.
6-202.11(C)- MISSING SOLID LIGHT SHIELD IN THE REAR PREP AREA ABOVE THE REACH IN FREEZER. MUST PROVIDE.
4-202.18(C)-VENTILATION HOOD,FILTER WITH GREASE BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN,REMOVE GREASE AND MAINTAIN.
PA 100-0367-NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE.100-0367-
MAR 142018PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN FRONT AND IN REAR PREP AREA ESPECIALLY FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND BEHIND GREASE BOX WITH POOLED WATER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE INOPERABLE LIGHT BULBS ABOVE FRONT PREP/COOKING AREA TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL LIGHTING.
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REORGANIZE REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA. USABLE ITEMS (FOOD AND NON FOOD) MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.---------CLEANING EQUIPMENT (MOPS, BROOMS ETC) MUST BE STORED OFF THE FLOOR.
MAR 162017FAILED5 violationsDETAILS
PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT # 1779411 DATED 5/9/16. #38- Found faucet on mop sink without back flow device. Instructed must install back flow device on utility faucet. Must maintain. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090
OBSERVED BREAD ALL STORED ON A GROCERY BAG IN THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BAG WITH FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAG.
DUST BUILD-UP ON THE FAN GUARD OF THE REACH IN COOLER IN THE FRONT AREA. MUST CLEAN,REMOVE DUST AND MAINTAIN.
MISSING DRAIN STOPPERS FOR THE 3 COMPT SINK(ESTABLISHMENT IS USING PLASTIC AS A DRAIN STOPPERS). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DRAIN STOPPERS FOR THE 3 COMPT SINK.
WIPING CLOTH FOR WIPING THE PREP TABLES, CHOPPING BOARDS MUST BE STORED ON A BUCKET WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION(NOT ALL OVER THE CHOPPING BOARD AND PREP TABLE).
MAY 92016PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
Found several prepped items without labels. Instructed must label all prepared or prepackaged potentially hazardous foods with proper label (if holding more that 24 hrs-must have date).
Found bowls stored upright, on shelf near cooking line. Instructed must invert all multi-use items during storage to prevent contamination. Must maintain.
Found missing floor tiles near front door. Instructed to repair and maintain.
Found 1 light out in kitchen over cooking line. Instructed must provide adequate lighting throughout. Must maintain.
Found faucet on mop sink without backflow device. Instructed must install back flow device on utility faucet. Must maintain.
OCT 52015PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED COOK HANDLE READY TO EAT TORTILLAS FROM THE GRILL AND FRESH CILANTRO FOR THE FOOD BEING ASSEMBLED WITH BARE HANDS. REVIEWED NO BARE HANDS WITH READY TO EAT FOODS AGAIN AND INSTRUCTED TO WASH HANDS AND USE GLOVES ON SITE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-010(A)
NO PAPER TOWELS AT THE COOKS LINE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK. MUST PROVIDE AT THE SINK, ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL VIOLATIN 7-38-030.
MUST NOT STORE DIRTY KNIVES BETWEEN THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND THE CLEAN FOOD PREP TABLE.
MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS LINER FOR COOKING EQUIPMENT.
MAY 152015PASSED7 violationsDETAILS
ALL PREPARED READY TO EAT SALSA MUST BE LABELED AND DATED.
MUST NOT USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE COOLERS AND FREEZERS. MUST PROVIDE FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE BAGS OR WASHABLE CONTAINERS.
MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS LINER FOR SHELVING.
INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINES UPPER WATER RESERVOIR WITH SOME DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
INOPERABLE CEILING VENTILATION IN THE WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE. MUST PROVIDE PROPER STOPPERS FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
COOKS LINE WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE STORED IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
NO IDPH FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE OR PROOF OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
OCT 172014PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING VENT COVER WITH HEAVY DUST BUILD-UP ABOVE FRONT PREP AREA.
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPLACE SOME CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE REAR PREP AREA.
MAY 132014PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
NOTED WALLS BEHIND PREP TABLE IN REAR (ACROSS 1 COMP SINK) IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO FIX OR INSTALL FRP SHEET. MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN.----------MUST SEAL HOLE AROUND PIPE ON WALL BEHIND MOP SINK.
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REORGANIZE REAR STORAGE SHELVES, MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
AUG 232013PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
BULK INGREDIENT CONTAINERS NOT LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME. MUST PROPERLY LABEL CONTAINERS.
WOOD SHELVES IN REAR PREP AND STORAGE AREAS ARE UNCLEAN AND HAVE PEELING PAINT. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE SHELVES AND MAINTAIN.
NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICES INSTALLED AT WATER SUPPLIES TO ICE MAKER OR COFFEE MACHINE. NO AIR GAP AT DRAIN FOR ICE MAKER. MUST INSTALL BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICES AND CREATE AIR GAP BETWEEN DRAIN TUBE AND FLOOR DRAIN AT ICE MAKER.
REACH-IN COOLERS MISSING CONSPICUOUSLY PLACED INTERNAL THERMOMETERS. MUST PROVIDE SAME.
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 →