OCT 4
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
SALSA PICANTE.
YOUR CALL. 54/100
949 N WESTERN AVE · WICKER PARK, CHICAGO
Last inspected October 4, 2023 · passed with conditions
6 of 12 inspections passed, 2 failed, 4 passed with conditions. 7 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
12
6 passed · 4 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
48
includes 7 critical
RECORDS COVER
8 YEARS
since Jun 2015
INSPECTION HISTORY
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT THE PERSON IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS (STEAK, CHICKEN, RICE, BEANS, ETC.) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED FACILITY STORING RAW VEGGIES AND ORANGE PEPPERS INSIDE OF SINGLE USE THANK YOU BAGS IN THE FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE FOOD ITEMS IN FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS OR BAGS.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED DAMAGED/TORN GASKETS INSIDE THE TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED SPILL FOOD DEBRIS ON THE BOTTOM AND IN BETWEEN GASKETS IN REACH-IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
UNABLE TO LOCATE AND VERIFY FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES DURING INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE AND KEEP CERTIFICATES ON SITE.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
SEE VIOLATION #60
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
FOUND PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT DATED 05-17-22 INSPECTION #2555916. VIOLATION 58: OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED, 7-42-090.
MAY 172022PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
MAY 17
2022
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE ACROSS FROM THE GRILLS TO BE SOILED WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND SPLASH. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED VEGETABLES AND CHICKEN STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING OF WATER AT THE FOOD PREP/ DISH AREA HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN PLUMBING.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
SEP 12020PASSED1 violationDETAILS
SEP 1
2020
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED LOW WATER PRESSURE AT WASHBOWL SINK LOCATED IN TOILET ROOM LOCATED ON EAST SIDE OF BUILDING CLOSEST TO PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
MAY 282020PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violationsDETAILS
MAY 28
2020
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
7 violationsDETAILS
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS BEING HELD AT THE FOLLOWING IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN THE PREP COOLER LOCATED NEXT TO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR OF FACILITY: CHEESE SAUCE HELD AT 65.1F AND SOUP 45.1F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 20LBS OF CHEESE SAUCE VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $400 AND APPROXIMATELY 10LBS OF SOUP VALUED AT $70. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD ALL TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS AT OR BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
OBSERVED EGGS SERVED POTENTIALLY UNDER COOKED ON MENU IN BREAKFAST SECTION WITHOUT REMINDER, DISCLAIMER, AND FOOTNOTE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL REMINDER, DISCLOSURE, AND FOOTNOTE FOR ALL POTENTIALLY UNDER COOKED ITEMS ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
OBSERVED FROZEN MEAT THAWING IN A PAN ON THE COUNTER OF THE MAIN PREP LINE. MANAGEMENT PUT MEAT UNDER CONTINUOUSLY RUNNING WATER DURING INSPECTION.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE PREP COOLER CONTAINING MEAT AND TORTILLAS ON MAIN COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED A LARGE YELLOW CUTTING BOARD IN REAR PREP AREA ACROSS FROM 3 COMPARTMENT SINK COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED A TORN GASKET HELD TOGETHER WITH DUCT TAPE IN PREP COOLER LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA NEXT TO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF GREASE ON USED COOKING OIL CONTAINER LOCATED IN REAR ALLEY. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
show all 12 inspections →
SEP 32019FAILED6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
SEP 3
2019
FAILED
6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION DURING STORAGE. OBSERVED BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE IN THE INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACE OF ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. SLIME LIKELY TO CONTAMINATE ICE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE USING MACHINE UNTIL SERVICE CLEANED AND SANITIZED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
SEE VIOLATION #60
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE CLEAN AND ORGANIZE AREA TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR IN REAR OF BASEMENT.MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
SEE VIOLATION #60
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 2252343, 01/10/19. #58 OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON SITE WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING. #51 OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
JAN 102019PASS W/ CONDITIONS9 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 10
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
9 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE FOR EMPLOYEE TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED NO DATE MARKETING ON TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED FROZEN FOOD ITEMS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS INSIDE FRONT CHEST FREEZER. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS. MUST USE A FOOD GRADE BAGS.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS IN THE INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACES OF DEEP FRYER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED ITEMS NOT ELEVATED 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR IN FRONT STORAGE AREA AND INSIDE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST ELEVATE ITEMS AND MAINTAIN.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON SITE WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
JUL 252017PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
JUL 25
2017
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
MUST REMOVE DUST DEBRIS BUILDUP FROM THE FAN VENT COVER IN THE 2-DOOR REACH-IN REFRIGERATION UNIT.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP FROM THE GASKETS OF THE REFRIGERATION UNIT WHERE TORTILLAS ARE STORED AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON THE BOTTOM SHELF OF THE 2-DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZER SOLUTION IN BETWEEN USE.
APR 202017PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
APR 20
2017
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST THE DEEP FREEZER TO REMOVE HEAVY FROST BUILDUP ON THE INTERIOR WALLS OF ABOVE MENTIONED FREEZER AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE GREASE BUILDUP IN THE LOWER COMPARTMENT DEEP FRYER AND DETAIL CLEAN THE EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE MICROWAVE TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON THE CUSTOMER BATHROOM CEILING VENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING VENTS TO PROVIDE PROPER VENTILATION.
JUN 32016PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violationsDETAILS
JUN 3
2016
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violationsDETAILS
* INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS
INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT FROM 5-24-16,REPORT #1931512 NOT POSTED VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. POSTED BY THE LICENSE WAS SINSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT FROM JUNE 2,2015. NEW REPORT GIVEN AND POSTED. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-42-010(B)
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
BROKEN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE DOOR OF REACH-IN COOLER
MAY 242016FAILED3 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 24
2016
FAILED
3 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
HANDS WASHED AND CLEANED, GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES; NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS.
POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES.OBSERVED EMPLOYEES HANDLING NOT FOOD SURFACES FROM WIPING COUNTER, STORE FOOD(RAW AND COOKED)AWAY,MOVING GARBAGE CONTAINERS,WASHING,RINSING AND STORE CLEAN DISHES. MAKING READY TO EAT FOOD(TACOS)WITHOUT HAND WASHING,JUST GLOVING THEIR HANDS. MUST WASH HANDS PRIOR TO GLOVE HANDS.MUST WASH HANDS EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION. MANAGER CORRECTED PROBLEM DURING INSPECTION. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-010(A)
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
OBSERVED 30 OR MORE RAT DROPPINGS IN THE BASEMENT AREA WERE MOP SINK IS INSTALLED. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DROPPINGS,REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENTS,INCLUDED REACH-IN COOLER,STOVE, ETC. SEAL ANY HOLES IF NEEDED AND CONTACT PEST CONTROL COMPANY. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-020
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
BROKEN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE DOOR OF REACH-IN COOLER
JUN 22015PASSED1 violationDETAILS
JUN 2
2015
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
MOP SINK NEEDED MUST INSTALL.
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 →