TAQUERIA EL PASTOR.
4418 W 63RD ST · CHICAGO LAWN, CHICAGO
Failed 2 of 23 inspections. 10 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
JUN 52025PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY, TCS, FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES FOR CHICKEN AT 49.0F, CHEESE AT 62.0F, LETTUCE AT 47.7F, TOMATOS AT 49.2F AND SOUR CREAM AT 61.4F LOCATED IN THE PREP COOLER BY THE GRILL AREA. ALL DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROX 5LBS $20 VALUE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN TCS FOODS AT 41.0F AND BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS IN CONTAINERS IN THE COOLER UNCOVERED. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE LIDS/COVERINGS.
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT HAIR NET/RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF WIPING CLOTHS IN THE PREP AND DISHWASH AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY.
OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF FOOD ITEMS IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRAD BAGS/CONTAINERS.
JUL 12024PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violationsDETAILS
THERMOMETER IN 2-DOOR COOLER IN FRONT PREP AREA IN DISREPAIR. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
5-204.12: UNABLE TO LOCATE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT ICE MACHINE. INSTD TO INSTALL AND HAVE ACCESSIBLE FOR SERVICE AND MAINTAINENCE.
JUN 172024PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violationsDETAILS
THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES IN UPRIGHT 2-DOOR COOLER AND WALK IN COOLER: LARGE/DEEP TIGHTLY COVERED CONTAINERS OF GREEN SALSA AT 50.2F, RED SALSA 57.5F, AND COOKED PORK AT 50.9F. ALL PREPARED/COOKED AND DATED 6/16/24. INSTD TO MAINTAIN PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES AT 41F OR BELOW. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY VIOLATION. ALL ABOVE NOTED DISCARDED AND DENATURED AT THIS TIME. APPROX 30LBS $ 100 VALUE.
EMPLOYEE PERSONAL BELONGINGS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE PERSONAL BELONGING IN DESIGNATED AREA.
IMPROPER COOLING OF COOKED PORK AND SALSAS. INSTD TO PROPERLY COOL: (1) ARRANGE IN EQUIPMENT TO PROVIDE MAXIMUM HEAT TRANSFER THROUGH THE CONTAINER WALLS; AND (2) LOOSELY COVERED OR UNCOVERED IF PROTECTED FROM OVERHEAD CONTAMINATION DURING THE COOLING PERIOD TO FAICLITATE HEAT TRANSFER FROM THE SURFACE OF THE FOOD
UPRIGHT COOLER IN FRONT PREP AREA UNABLE TO MAINTAIN PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE, INTERNAL AIR TEMPERATURE OF 52.F. COOLER TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. INSTD NOT TO USE UNTIL ABLE TO MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW AND REINSPECTED BY CDPH. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY
MISSING THERMOMETER IN 2-DOOR COOLER IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
UNABLE TO LOCATE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT ICE MACHINE. INSTD TO INSTALL AND HAVE ACCESSIBLE FOR SERVICE AND MAINTAINENCE.
SEP 192023PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
3-302.12 OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
6-501.12 OBSERVED LOOSE DEBRIS, DIRT AND DUST BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS AND CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY OF FLOORS. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
6-501.14 OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON VENTILATION FAN IN RESTROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAI
SEP 122023FAILED7 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (STEAK, CHICKEN, EGGS,PORK,ETC) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY, DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER TO INFORM CONSUMERS OF THE SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS FROM CONSUMING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED MEATS, POULRTY, SEAFOOD, SHELLFISH OR EGGS. PRIORITY VOUNDATION 7-38-005
OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
OBSERVED PEST ACTIVITY WITH APPROX. 150 SMALL FLIES NOTED DURING INSPECTION IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. ADVISED TO CONSULT PEST CONTROL AS ADDITIONAL SERVICES ARE NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE ACTIVITY PRIOR TO RE-INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED LOOSE DEBRIS, DIRT AND DUST BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS AND CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY OF FLOORS. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON VENTILATION FAN IN RESTROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
show all 23 inspections →
JAN 312022PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
Violation Codes: 4-501.11 Inspector Comments: MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE IN FRONT PREP AREA.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SOME TORN BOOTH SEATS IN DINING AREA.
Violation Codes: 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON FAN GUARD COVERS IN WALK IN COOLER AND FRONT GLASS REACH IN COOLER.MUST DEFROST SMALL CHEST FREEZER IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
Violation Codes: 6-201.11 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON CEILINGS IN REAR PREP AREA.
Violation Codes: 6-201.13 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED LOWER WALL BASE IN FRONT PREP AREA.
JAN 242022FAILED7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT JUICING/DRINK STATION PREP AREA.MUST INSTALL A HAND SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER,SOAP & TOWELS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)
OBSERVED DISHES ON OVERHEAD SHELF IN FRONT PREP AREA ADJACENT TO DINING AREA.MUST REMOVE DISHES OR PROVIDE A BARRIER FOR PROTECTION FROM CUSTOMERS.
MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE IN FRONT PREP AREA.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SOME TORN BOOTH SEATS IN DINING AREA.
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON FAN GUARD COVERS IN WALK IN COOLER AND FRONT GLASS REACH IN COOLER.MUST DEFROST SMALL CHEST FREEZER IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON CEILINGS IN REAR PREP AREA.
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED LOWER WALL BASE IN FRONT PREP AREA.
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR FOLLOWING PROTOCOL ON CHECKING VACCINATIONS IN A PUBLIC PLACE.
MAR 52021PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
TOILET ROOM GARBAGE CAN IN NEED OF COVERING. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
FLOORS IN BASEMENT AND GARAGE STORAGE AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
SEP 302020PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violationsDETAILS
WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION AT ALL TIMES.
OBSERVED 1 MALE EMPLOYEE NOT WEARING MASK IN FRONT PREP AREA WHERE MULTIPLE EMPLOYEES ACTIVELY WORKING AND WEARING MASKS. INSTD TO WEAR MASKS AT ALL TIMES CITATION ISSUED 7-28-060.
AUG 52020PASSED2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OPEN EMPLOYEE BEVERAGE CONTAINERS IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO PROVIDE CLOSED BEVERAGES IN DESIGNATED AREAS
EMPLOYEE PERSONAL BELONGINGS (CELL PHONES) IMPROPERLY STORED NEXT TO MULTI USE UTENSILS (PLATES). INSTD TO STORE IN DESIGNATED AREA.
AUG 122019PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
FOUND MOPS STORED INSIDE THE MOP CLOSET INSIDE THE BUCKETS OF DIRTY WATER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE HANGING UP. MAINTAIN SAME.
FOUND THE FLOORS IN THE REAR AND FRONT CORNERS, UNDER THE SINKS, COOLERS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH DIRT, FOOD AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS.
FOUND NO VERIFICATION OF FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED PIC THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
APR 162019PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED PIC THAT DOCUMENTATION MUST BE PROVIDED REGARDING EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED
NO EMPLOYEE CLEAN UP PROCEDURE FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED PIC THAT A VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE IS REQUIRED TO BE IN PLACE FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
HAND WASHING SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA HAS NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE OR POSTER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
FOUND WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (WHICH MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM)WHEN NOT IN USE.
FOUND THE CUTTING BOARD IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO SAND OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS. MUST MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED TO TAKE THE TRAINING AND PROVIDE CURRENT CERTIFICATION. MAINTAIN SAME.
FOUND NO VERIFICATION OF FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED PIC THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
AUG 82018PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED PIC THAT DOCUMENTATION MUST BE PROVIDED REGARDING EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012(A); NO CITATION ISSUED.
NO EMPLOYEE CLEAN UP PROCEDURE FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED PIC THAT A VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE IS REQUIRED TO BE IN PLACE FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005; NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED MEAT AND GREASE UNDERNEATH THE GRILL IN THE FRONT PREP AREA; CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
FOUND NO VERIFICATION OF FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED PIC THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
APR 202018PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violationsDETAILS
FOOD NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE. OBSERVED RAW PORK STORED ON WIRE SHELF IMMEDIATELY ABOVE READY TO EAT ICEBURG LETTUCE (USED FOR CONDIMENTS/TOPPINGS ON TACOS, BURRITOS, ETC) IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTD TO STORE RAW FOOD PROPERLY. VIOLATION 7-38-005A SERIOUS.
MALE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM LOCATED IN REAR NOT CLEAN OR MAINTAINED. UNCOVERED RECEPTACLE WITH FOUL SMELL AND FILLED TO TOP WITH FECES SOILED TOILET PAPER. INSTD TO MAINTAIN TOILET ROOM CLEAN, EMPTY RECEPTACLE AT PROPER FREQUENCY, AND DISPOSE OF SOILED TOILET PAPER PROPERLY. VIOLATION 7-38-030 SERIOUS.
COOKED FOODS NOT PROPERLY LABELED OR DATED. INSTD TO PROPERLY LABEL.
TORN RUBBER GASKET ON INTERIOR UPRIGHT FREEZER IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. WORN, STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTD TO REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
MISSING METAL STEM THERMOMETERS FOR FOOD HANDLERS. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
JAN 202017PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED THE FRONT 2 DOOR COOLER INTERIOR NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
OBSERVED A BLACK SUBSTANCE ON THE WALL BEHIND THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, OR RECAULK.ALSO CLEAN REAR PREP LIGHT SHIELDS.
APR 52016PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
NEW CUTTING BOARDS NEEDED, WORN WITH DEEP CUTS. NEW RUBBER GASKETS NEEDED WHERE IN POOR REPAIR. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
AIR VENTS IN REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE DUST BUILD UP. HOOD VENTILATION IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD UP. ORANGE JUICE MACHINE IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
FLOOR IN MOP ROOM IN NEED OF CLEANING. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
WALLS IN MOP ROOM IN NEED OF CLEANIG TO REMOVE SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
JAN 72015PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED THE CUTTING BOARD AT THE STEAM TABLE NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
OBSERVED THE FRONT PREP AREA FLOOR NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE, GIVEN COPY OF IDPH'S FOOD HANDLER INFORMATION FOR CLASSES.
SEP 182014PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
THE MEDIUM FOODS CONTAINER NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL THEM.
DEFROST AND CLEAN THE REACH IN FREEZER LOCATED IN THE REAR AREA IT HAS LARGE AMOUNT OF ICE BUILDUP.
THE CEILING VENT IN THE WOMENS TOILET ROOM HAS DUST BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN IT.
APR 42013PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
COOKED FOODS IN COOLER NOT LABELED OR DATED. INSTD TO PROPERLY LABEL
CLEAN EQUIPMENT IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY
VENTS AND SURROUNDING CEILING TILES NOT CLEAN, DUST ACCUMULATION. CLEAN SAME.
JAN 112013PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
COOKED FOODS IN COOLER NOT LABELED OR DATED. INSTD TO PROPERLY LABEL.
CLEAN EQUIPMENT IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY.
VENTS AND SURROUNDING CEILING TILES NOT CLEAN, DUST ACCUMULATION. CLEAN SAME.
FEB 272012PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING. WORN, DISCOLORED. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. FLOORS IN FRONT PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. Use dustless cleaning methods. WALL IN REAR PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
MAR 252011PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. LARGE CAN OPENER IN REAR STORAGE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE DEBRIS AND BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN AT ALL TIMES.
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. FLOORS IN BASEMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE FOOD SPILLS, FLOORS AT REAR PREP IN NEED OF CLEANING IN CORNERS TO REMOVE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. Use dustless cleaning methods. WALL AT FRONT PREP AREA IN NEED OF REPAIR. MUST SEAL WALL IN FRONT AND REMOVE PAINT THAT IS BUBBLING ABOVE DRINK MACHINES. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces. Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. LIGHTS IN REAR STORAGE AREA IN NEED OF SHEILDING WITH TUBES AND END CAPS. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
SEP 32010PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. FOUND PORK AND TOMATOES IN PLASTIC BAGS.INSTRUCTED TO PUT FOOD IN CONTAINERS WITH COVERS FOR FOOD PROTECTION
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. DEFROST AND CLEAN THE REACH IN FREEZER LOCATED IN THE REAR AREA IT HAS LARGE AMOUNT OF ICE BUILDUP.
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. CLEAN THE FLOOR IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA AND IN THE BASEMENT ALONG THE WALLS AND IN THE CORNERS HAS DUST BUILDUP.
The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. SOME CEILING TILES ARE STAINED LOCATED IN THE FRONT DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE SAME
All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. SOME COOLERS DON'T HAVE THERMOMETERS INSIDE THEM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SAME.
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 →