JAN 12
2026
PASSED
1 violation1 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
PUPUSERIA & RESTAURANT EL CUSCATLECO.
YOUR CALL. 51/100
3125 W LAWRENCE AVE · LINCOLN SQUARE, CHICAGO
Last inspected January 12, 2026 · passed
8 of 14 inspections passed, 3 failed, 3 passed with conditions. 15 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
14
8 passed · 3 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
55
includes 15 critical
RECORDS COVER
9 YEARS
since Dec 2016
INSPECTION HISTORY
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
MUST PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE DISHWASHING AREA.
APR 112025FAILED7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
APR 11
2025
FAILED
7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE THE CHEESE REFRIGERATION UNIT LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A VISIBLE ACCURATE,WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE SAID COOLER.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES.OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30 RODENT (RAT) DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN A CLUTTERED NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM AND BEHIND THE CHEST FREEZERS IN SAME AREA.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AFFECTED AREAS IN DETAIL.ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A),CITATION ISSUED.
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDED HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED MISSING SINK STOPPERS FOR THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN 3 ADEQUATE WORKING SINK STOPPERS.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT UTILITY MOP SINK.MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE THE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE MOPS,BROOMS CLEANING EQUIPMENTS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF DUSTS ON THE CEILING VENTILATION COVER INSIDE THE EMPLOYEE UNISEX WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.
AUG 122024PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 12
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE.
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE AND NO CERTIFICATE POSTED WHILE (TCS FOODS)PUPUSAS,CHICKEN TAMALES,BEEF ETC. IS BEING PREPARED/SERVED.INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE,THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN (TCS FOODS) ARE PREPARED,HANDLED, AND/OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012,CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK NEXT TO THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED BROKEN DAMAGED WEATHERSTRIP AT BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOM TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS STORED ON SHELF ABOVE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
OCT 52023PASSED1 violationDETAILS
OCT 5
2023
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
4-101.19 OBSERVED RUSTED RACKS IN 2-DOOR PREP COOLER AND SHELVING ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE OR REPAINT RACKS.
show all 14 inspections →
OCT 32023FAILED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OCT 3
2023
FAILED
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED SEVERAL TCS FOODS HELD AT INADEQUATE TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 44-51 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD TCS FOODS ARE HELD AT 41 F AND BELOW. MANAGER DISCARDED: 1 POUND TAMALES, 1 GALLON SOUP, 5 POUNDS CHICKEN, 7 POUNDS BEEF, AND 10 POUNDS OF RICE ($300). PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
OBSERVED 2-DOOR PREP COOLER WITH AN INADEQUATE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 47 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS HAVE AN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. COOLER TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED RUSTED RACKS IN 2-DOOR PREP COOLER AND SHELVING ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE OR REPAINT RACKS.
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
OBSERVED INADEQUATE WASTE WATER DISPOSAL AT THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK. WHEN ONE COMPARTMENT DRAINS, ANOTHER ONE FLOODS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED
MAY 232022PASSED7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 23
2022
PASSED
7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
INSTRUCTED TO LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (FLOUR, SALT ETC)
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRANCE/EXIT DOOR.
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
FOUND ICE COOP STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE IN A CLEAN SEPARATE CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS (TOMATO PASTE) FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OR PAINT RAW WOOD STORAGE SHELVINGS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE MISSING AT MOPSINK FAUCET. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
MAR 102021FAILED2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MAR 10
2021
FAILED
2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
PREMISES DOES NOT HAVE A PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK FROM A LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A LOG BOOK FROM AN IDPH LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY WITH A CURRENT PEST INSPECTION REPORT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A HAIR RESTRAINT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
AUG 92019PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 9
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
FOUND NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010,NO CITATION ISSUED. - -
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES OR KIT. (NECESSARY ITEMS AT A MINIMUM: GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER THAT KILLS NOROVIRUS).PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED. - -
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT ICE MAKER. MUST INSTALL SO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY FOR CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENCE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATE ON SITE. -
JUL 162019PASS W/ CONDITIONS12 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
JUL 16
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
12 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
FOUND NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010,NO CITATION ISSUED. - -
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES OR KIT. (NECESSARY ITEMS AT A MINIMUM: GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER THAT KILLS NOROVIRUS).PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED. - -
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS (SOUPS,BEEF,BEANS ETC) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE CONSUMED OR DISCARDED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DATE MARK ALL READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED. - -
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
FOUND NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED "RAW" OR UNDER COOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK (*) TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT STATES THAT EATING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED. - -
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
EQUIPMENT NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE.FOUND INTERNAL AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE AT 57.9 F. NO TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE COOLER AT THIS TIME.THE COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION MUST NOT USE.ONCE COOLER IS REPAIRED YOU CAN FAX A LETTER TO 312-746-4240 OR E-MAIL: CDPHFOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG TO REQUEST A TAG REMOVAL. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED. - COS
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
MUST PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS WHEN WORKING AROUND OPEN FOODS AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
TORN GASKET LEFT DOOR INSIDE OF THE STAND-UP 2 DOOR COOLER AT FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT ICE MAKER. MUST INSTALL SO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
NO WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WASH ROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WASH ROOM.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
NO MILK CRATES FOR STORING STOCK ITEMS.MUST PROVIDE PROPER RAISED SHELVING 6" INCHES OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASIER CLEANING AND TO MAINTAIN.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY FOR CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENCE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATE ON SITE. -
FEB 262018PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
FEB 26
2018
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
ALL FOOD CONTAINERS WITH READY TO EAT POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MUST HAVE A LABEL (NAME OF THE PRODUCT)AND DATE. ALL DRY FOOD CONTAINERS MUST HAVE A LABEL ALSO.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL THE LIDS OF BULK FOOD CONTAINERS AND MAINTAIN.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
FLOOR UNDERNEATH THE WIRE RACK SHELVINGS IN THE BASEMENT NEEDS CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
ALL EMPLOYEES HELPING IN THE PREP AREA PREPARING FOODS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT TO CONFINE THE HAIR.
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
ALL WIPING CLOTH FOR WIPING THE PREP TABLES, CHOPPING BOARD, COOLERS, DINING TABLES, MUST BE STORED ON A BUCKET WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION.
JUN 292017PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
JUN 29
2017
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED TORN GASKET AT THE 1 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER NEXT TO DRY STORAGE SHELVINGS.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SPLASHGUARD AT THE MOP SINK AREA NEXT TO DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE 3 ADEQUATE WORKING SINK STOPPERS FOR THE DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
ELEVATE STOCK ITEMS AT LEAST 6" INCHES OFF THE FLOOR/WALL FOR EASIER CLEANING AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND MAINTAIN.
DEC 92016PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
DEC 9
2016
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
Observed slight dirt accumulation in upper interior portion of the ice machine. Instructed facility to clean, sanitize, and maintain.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
Observed stained ceiling tiles in the kitchen. Instructed facility to replace and maintain.
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 →