PUPUSERIA & RESTAURANT EL CUSCATLECO.

Chicago Health Dept

3125 W LAWRENCE AVE · LINCOLN SQUARE, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Jan 2026), 1 critical violation noted.

14 inspections on record since 2016 · Last inspected Jan 2026 · 1 critical violation in the last 12 months.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

JAN 2026

INSPECTION HISTORY

JAN 12

2026

PASS 1 violation 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

MUST PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE DISHWASHING AREA.

APR 22

2025

PASS · 0 violations

APR 11

2025

FAIL 7 violations 1 CRITICAL

Minor Food Storage & Handling

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.

Critical Pest Activity

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.

Minor Employee Hygiene

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.

Minor Other

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.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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.

Minor Pest Activity

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.

Minor Facility Condition

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 12

2024

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 6 violations 4 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE.

Critical Documentation & Training

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.

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK NEXT TO THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.

Minor Chemical Safety

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).

Critical Pest Activity

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.

Minor Sanitation

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 5

2023

PASS 1 violation

Minor Sanitation

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 3

2023

FAIL 4 violations 1 CRITICAL

Serious Food Temperature

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.

Minor Food Temperature

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

Minor Sanitation

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.

Critical Plumbing & Waste

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 23

2022

PASS 7 violations 1 CRITICAL

Minor Other

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

INSTRUCTED TO LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (FLOUR, SALT ETC)

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRANCE/EXIT DOOR.

Minor Sanitation

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

FOUND ICE COOP STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE IN A CLEAN SEPARATE CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OR PAINT RAW WOOD STORAGE SHELVINGS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE MISSING AT MOPSINK FAUCET. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.

MAR 18

2021

PASS · 0 violations

MAR 10

2021

FAIL 2 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

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.

Minor Employee Hygiene

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 9

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 5 violations 3 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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. - -

Critical Employee Hygiene

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. - -

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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.

Minor Documentation & Training

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 16

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 12 violations 3 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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. - -

Critical Employee Hygiene

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Serious Food Storage & Handling

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. - -

Serious Other

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. - -

Minor Food Temperature

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

Minor Employee Hygiene

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

MUST PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS WHEN WORKING AROUND OPEN FOODS AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Documentation & Training

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 26

2018

PASS 5 violations

Minor Food Storage & Handling

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.

Minor Sanitation

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

CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL THE LIDS OF BULK FOOD CONTAINERS AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Employee Hygiene

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.

Minor Sanitation

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 29

2017

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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.

Minor Pest Activity

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 9

2016

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

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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