POZOLERIA EL MEXICANO INC..
5037-5039 W DIVERSEY AVE · BELMONT CRAGIN, CHICAGO
Failed 3 of 12 inspections. 13 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
MAY 62026PASSED8 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
3-302.12 OBSERVED FOOD STORED IN CONTAINERS IN ALL THE COOLERS, WALK IN COOLER AND DRY STORAGE WITHOUT PROPER LABELING OF NAME. INSTRUCTED TO PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A LABEL REFLECTING THE FOOD ITEM'S NAME WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVE FROM ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING.
6-501.112 OBSERVED DEAD INSECTS ON FLOORS IN BOTH BOILER ROOMS AND ON FLOOR IN UNUSED DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, DETAIL CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
3-305.11 OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
4-101.17 OBSERVED LARGE WOOD STORAGE RACK IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PAINT OR SEAL TO PROVIDE A SMOOTHE AND EASIL CLEANABLE SURFACE.
4-101.19 OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
4-101.11(B, C, D, E) OBSERVED SALSA, CHICKEN, AND SOUP STORED IN NON-FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
5-205.15 OBSERVED DRAINPIPE AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN MAIN WAREWASHING AREA LEAKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
6-501.12 OBSERVED FOOD SPILLS, GREASE, DIRT BUILDUP THROUGHOUT PREMISES IN ALL CORNERS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
APR 292026FAILED9 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED FOOD STORED IN CONTAINERS IN ALL THE COOLERS, WALK IN COOLER AND DRY STORAGE WITHOUT PROPER LABELING OF NAME. INSTRUCTED TO PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A LABEL REFLECTING THE FOOD ITEM'S NAME WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVE FROM ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING.
OBSERVED DEAD INSECTS ON FLOORS IN BOTH BOILER ROOMS AND ON FLOOR IN UNUSED DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, DETAIL CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
OBSERVED SALSA, CHICKEN, AND SOUP STORED IN NON-FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
OBSERVED LARGE WOOD STORAGE RACK IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PAINT OR SEAL TO PROVIDE A SMOOTHE AND EASIL CLEANABLE SURFACE.
OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
OBSERVED DRAINPIPE AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN MAIN WAREWASHING AREA LEAKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED FOOD SPILLS, GREASE, DIRT BUILDUP THROUGHOUT PREMISES IN ALL CORNERS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSEREVD PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2618764 DATED 06/06/2025 NOT CORRECTED. THEY ARE AS FOLLOWS: #47. OBSERVED MOP SINK IN ROOM CONTAINING ICE MACHINE WITH A LARGE HOLE IN THE SIDE. REPLACE SINK AND MAINTAIN MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT ALL VIOLATIONS BY 05/06/2026. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
JUN 62025PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
4-101.11(B, C, D, E) Inspector Comments: OBSERVED MOP SINK IN ROOM CONTAINING ICE MACHINE WITH A LARGE HOLE IN THE SIDE. REPLACE SINK AND MAINTAIN MOP SINK.
6-201.11 OBSERVED CEILING TILES IN NORTH EAST CORNER OF KITCHEN ABOVE ELECTRICAL BOX MISSING CEILING TILES. REPLACE CEILING TILES ABOVE ELECTRICAL BOXES. OBSERVED CEILING TILES ABOVE SHELVING CONTAINING POTS AND PANS STAINED. REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN CEILING IN FOOD PREPARATION AREAS.
OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE ALLERGEN TRAINING. PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
JUN 42025PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 50 LBS OF SLICED RAW BEEF AT 50.4F, APPROXIMATELY 25 LBS OF CHICKEN FLAUTAS AT 47.9, OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS OF COOKED RICE AT 47.2, APPROXIMATELY 20 LBS OF COOKED GROUND BEEF AT 48.4. ALL FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES WAS VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005
OBSERVED WALK IN COOLER AT 50.0F WITH TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOOD INSIDE INCLUDING RAW BEEF, COOKED BEEF, AND COOKED RICE. COOLER WAS TAGGED DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005
OBSERVED MOP SINK IN ROOM CONTAINING ICE MACHINE WITH A LARGE HOLE IN THE SIDE. REPLACE SINK AND MAINTAIN MOP SINK.
OBSERVED CEILING TILES IN NORTH EAST CORNER OF KITCHEN ABOVE ELECTRICAL BOX MISSING CEILING TILES. REPLACE CEILING TILES ABOVE ELECTRICAL BOXES. OBSERVED CEILING TILES ABOVE SHELVING CONTAINING POTS AND PANS STAINED. REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN CEILING IN FOOD PREPARATION AREAS.
OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE ALLERGEN TRAINING. PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
DEC 92024PASS W/ CONDITIONS9 violations5 CRITICALDETAILS
MUST PROVIDE DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEES PERSONAL DRINKS. ALL OPEN DRINKS ARE PROHIBITED IN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN
OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN DISHWASHING AREA RENDERED INACCESSIBLE BY SOAP AND CONTAINER BEING PLACED INSIDE IT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS OPEN AND ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP AVAILABLE AT HANDSINK IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDSOAP AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C) CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE
OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PAPER TOWELS AT ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
OBSERVED SEVERAL DEAD ROACHES IN THE PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE AND CLEAN
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
OBSERVED TORN/DAMAGED AND DIRTY RUBBER GASKET ON SEVERAL DOOR OF THE COOLER IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GSASKET.
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 SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
show all 12 inspections →
JUL 222024PASSED6 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD ON MAIN COOK LINE COVERED WITH DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACES.
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.
MUST FULLY CLOSE AND SEAL THE GREASE TRAPS UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS AT THE KITCHEN AND BAR AREA TO PREVENT PEST ACTIVITY.
OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND HEAVY COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRY AT ALL TIMES.
OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
MAY 242023FAILED6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE 1 DOOR PREP COOLER. OBSERVED CHICKEN AT 48F, BEEF AT 47F, GUACAMOLE AT 49F, SALSA AT 45F, AND COOKED PEPPERS AT 44F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED APPROX. 15 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS AND CEILING OF THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AND THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE ALL PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE, PREP TABLE AND THE LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE THE FOOD PREP AREA.
MUST FULLY CLOSE AND SEAL THE GREASE TRAPS UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS AT THE KITCHEN AND BAR AREA TO PREVENT PEST ACTIVITY.
MUST PROVIDE A COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM.
CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE WALK-IN COOLER. CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE FOOD PREP AREA ESPECIALLY BEHIND AND UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
JUL 202022PASSED1 violationDETAILS
FOUND A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
JUL 122022FAILED10 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED AN INCOMPLETE CONSUMER ADVISORY FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOODS - ADVISORY IS MISSING A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ADD A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT TO THE CURRENT ADVISORY THAT SAYS "ITEMS CAN BE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR CONTAIN UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS" OR "ITEMS ARE COOKED TO ORDER". PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 RODENT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE HOT WATER HEATER INSIDE THE MOP SINK/STORAGE ROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM SAID AREA, AND TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICE TO ELIMINATE ALL ACTIVITY FROM PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
FOUND BAGS OF ONIONS STORED DIRECTLY ON THE FLOOR INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ELEVATE FOOD OFF THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING USED AS SHELF LINER IN THE COOKS LINE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD SO SURFACE IS SMOOTH, NON-ABORBENT, AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
FOUND CRACKED EGGS, DIRT, AND OTHER OLD FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE THE REACH IN BEER COOLER IN THE BAR. COOLER IS CURRENTLY TURNED OFF. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REMOVE ALL OLD FOOD AND DETAIL CLEAN.
OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON THE STAFF WASHROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT TOILET ROOM DOORS MUST BE TIGHT FITTING AND SELF CLOSING.
OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING USED AS FLOOR MATS IN THE REAR PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE FLOOR COVERINGS THAT ARE A NON-ABSORBENT, NON-CORROSIVE, SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
FOUND HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE BUILD UP IN THE CREVICES OF THE KITCHEN FLOOR MATS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR MATS AND MAINTAIN.
FOUND HEAVY SOOT AND GREASE BUILD UP ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS AND MAINTAIN.
FOUND A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
OCT 262021PASS W/ CONDITIONS11 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTRS NEAR HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED NEXT TO 3-COMPARTMNT SINK. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
OBSERVED MISSING SINK STOPPERS FOR THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADAQUATE SINK STOPPERS AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED RUSTY FOOD STORAGE SHEVING IN REAR STORAGE ROOM. MUST REPAINT OR REPLACE SHELVING.
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN SIDE ROOMS. MUST REMOVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND HEAVY COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRY AT ALL TIMES.
OBSERVED DIRT AND GREASE BUILD UP ON LIGHT SHIELD COVERS ABOVE FOOD PREPARATION TABLES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP IN VENTILATION VENST INSIDE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES NO RECORDS ON SITE AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE FOR EMPLOYEES WHO DO NOT HAVE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE.
JUL 292021PASSED1 violation1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP AT REAR EXIT DOOR SWEEP LEADING TO GARAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR.
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 →