SALSA PICANTE.

Chicago Health Dept

949 N WESTERN AVE · WICKER PARK, CHICAGO

Last inspected 2023.

12 inspections on record since 2015 · Last inspected Oct 2023.

Last inspected Oct 2023. Records may not reflect current conditions.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

OCT 2023

INSPECTION HISTORY

OCT 4

2023

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 8 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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.

Critical Documentation & Training

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

UNABLE TO LOCATE AND VERIFY FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES DURING INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE AND KEEP CERTIFICATES ON SITE.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

SEE VIOLATION #60

Minor Documentation & Training

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 17

2022

PASS 5 violations

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING OF WATER AT THE FOOD PREP/ DISH AREA HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN PLUMBING.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training

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 1

2020

PASS 1 violation

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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 28

2020

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 7 violations

Serious Food Temperature

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.

Serious Other

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.

Minor Food Temperature

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.

Minor Other

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE PREP COOLER CONTAINING MEAT AND TORTILLAS ON MAIN COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

SEP 18

2019

PASS · 0 violations

show all 12 inspections →

SEP 3

2019

FAIL 6 violations 1 CRITICAL

Serious Sanitation

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.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

SEE VIOLATION #60

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR IN REAR OF BASEMENT.MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Critical Pest Activity

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE CLEAN AND ORGANIZE AREA TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

SEE VIOLATION #60

Minor Other

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 10

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 9 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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.

Critical Documentation & Training

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.

Serious Other

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

OBSERVED NO DATE MARKETING ON TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Other

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 25

2017

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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 20

2017

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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 3

2016

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 2 violations

Serious Documentation & Training

* 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)

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

BROKEN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE DOOR OF REACH-IN COOLER

MAY 24

2016

FAIL 3 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

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)

Critical Pest Activity

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

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

BROKEN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE DOOR OF REACH-IN COOLER

JUN 2

2015

PASS 1 violation

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

MOP SINK NEEDED MUST INSTALL.

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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