JUL 18
2025
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
QUE RICO!.
BEAT. 36/100
4454 S WESTERN AVE · BACK OF THE YARDS, CHICAGO
Last inspected July 18, 2025 · passed with conditions
Failed 3 of 8 inspections. 10 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
8
4 passed · 1 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
34
includes 10 critical
RECORDS COVER
4 YEARS
since Oct 2020
INSPECTION HISTORY
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION AVAILABLE IN PLACE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES FOR PROPER HANDWASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED. PIC PROVIDED PAPERTOWELS AT THIS TIME.
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS @IMPROPER TEMPERATURE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. THEY ARE AS FOLLOWS... APPROX 2.5LBS BAKED POTATOES, 1.5 LBS POTATO CREAM CHEESE MIX, APPROX 5 LBS COOKED CHICKEN, 2.5 LBS RAW CHICKEN ALL STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLE AS WELL AS INSIDE LARGE REFRIGERATOR WITH COLD HOLD UNIT ATTACHED NOTED TEMPERATURE OF SAID FOOD ITEM RANGED BETWEEN 48-53.0F.INSTRUCTED TO HOLD ALL COLD TCS FOODS @41F OR BELOW. ALL SAID FOOD WAS VOLUNTARLY DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. TOTAL COST APPROX. $115. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
OBSERVED CHICKEN THAWING IMPROPERLY INSIDE OF SINK BASIN OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO THAW UNDER RUNNING WATER OR UNDER REFRIGERATION AND MAINTAIN. NOTED TEMPERATURE OF CHICKEN @30F.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
INSTRUCTED TO RPOVIDE AMBIENT THERMOMETERS FOR INSIDE COOLING UNITS LOCATED THROUGOUT PREP AREA.INSRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED DEAD INSECTS ON FLOOR THROUGHOUT SEATING AREA OF FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES IMPROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO STORE INSIDE SANITIZING BUCKET AT @LEAST 50 PPM. MUST MAINTAIN.
JUN 22023PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
JUN 2
2023
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
3-302.12-OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
3-307.11-OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN FRONT EXPOSED HAND SINK AND WASH COMPARTMENT OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN KITCHEN PREP AREA. OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN BASEMENT PREP HAND SINK AND UTILITY SINK. MUST INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARDS.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
2-102.13-OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
MAY 252023FAILED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 25
2023
FAILED
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN FRONT EXPOSED HAND SINK AND WASH COMPARTMENT OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN KITCHEN PREP AREA. OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN BASEMENT PREP HAND SINK AND UTILITY SINK. MUST INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARDS.
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
3-COMPARTMENT SINK IMPROPERLY DRAINING, WASTE WATER WITH FOOD DEBRIS IMMEDIATELY BACKING UP FROM DRAIN ONTO FLOOR WHEN WATER BEING DRAINED (ONE BASIN AT TIME). INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SINK TO DRAIN PROPERLY WITHOUT WASTE WATER BACKING UP AND ACCUMULATING ONTO FLOOR. 7-38-030(C) PRIORITY. CITATION ISSUED.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
OCT 202022FAILED12 violations5 CRITICALDETAILS
OCT 20
2022
FAILED
12 violations5 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED A HAND WASHING SINK IS NEEDED IN BASEMENT PREP AREA WHERE FOOD IS BEING PREPARED FROM RAW INGREDIENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED UNDER 6-301.12 ABOVE.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION AT HANDSINK IN KITCHEN PREP AREA, OR DOWNSTAIRS BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE HAND DRYING PROVISION AT ALL TIMES AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING CLEANSER AT SINK IN BASEMENT AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING CLEANSER AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES AND MAINTAIN. #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED UNDER 6-301.12 ABOVE.
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
OBSERVED ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN BASEMENT AREA WITH EXCESSIVE A BUILD-UP RUST AND WHITE SLIME SUBSTANCE, DRIPPING ONTO ICE CUBES IN INTERIOR ICE BIN(ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED NO CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON THE PREMISES. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY AND OPERATOR MUST PROVIDE AT LEAST 2 PEST INSPECTIONS A YEAR AND THE REPORTS MUST BE MAINTAINED IN THE LOG BOOK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK AND PEST INSPECTION REPORTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C). CITATION ISSUED.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 1000 RAT DROPPINGS SCATTERED THROUGHOUT BASEMENT AREA WHERE FOOD PREP IS DONE, AREA IS CONNECTED TO ADJOINING BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ALL RAT DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS, AND INFORM PEST CONTROL SERVICE OF ACTIVITY.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-020(A).CITATION ISSUED.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT (CHLORINE SANITIZER) AVAILABLE DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER CONCENTRATION IN SANITIZING SOLUTIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD RESIDUE AND SPILLAGE ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS DOORS AND BOTTOMS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DAMAGED AND SEVERELY WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN COUNTER SALES/DINING ROOM AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED HOLES AND IN WALLS IN BASEMENT AREA BY WALK IN COOLER AND NEED SODA SYRUP CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED UNNECESSARY ITEMS STORED IN BASEMENT AREA, AND PEELING PAINT ON CEILING OVER PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR PAINT AND ELEVEATE ALL ITEMS FROM FLOOR AT LEAST SIX INCHES AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE OF FILTERS IN HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
show all 8 inspections →
DEC 82020PASSED1 violationDETAILS
DEC 8
2020
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
NOV 32020PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
NOV 3
2020
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
REMOVE/PROPERLY STORE UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN KITCHEN AREA.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
COVER/SEAL OPENING IN FLOOR OF AREA BY 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
OCT 272020FAILED5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OCT 27
2020
FAILED
5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
MUST PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT WASHBOWL IN WASHROOM.
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
HOT HOLDING EQUIPMENT ON PREMISES NOT FUNCTIONING AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE ENOUGH EQUIPMENT WITH SUFFICIENT CAPACITY FOR HOT HOLDING OF FOODS REQUIRING TEMPERATURE CONTROL TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF THE OPERATION. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
REPLACE MISSING FLOOR TILE BY 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND COVER/SEAL OPENING IN FLOOR OF SAME AREA.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
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 →