TEQUILA CJ RESTAURANT.
5750 S ARCHER AVE · GARFIELD RIDGE, CHICAGO
Failed 5 of 13 inspections. 17 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
DEC 172025PASSED1 violationDETAILS
4-501.11: TORN DOOR GASKET ON UPRIGHT 2 DOOR COOLER NEXT TO STEAM TABLE. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAI
DEC 42025FAILED10 violations6 CRITICALDETAILS
PIC WITHOUT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE. INSTD TO MAINTAIN AND HAVE ORIGINAL CERITICATION POSTED.
NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, BEEF, ETC) NOR ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED. INSTD TO HAVE MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES AND ORIGINAL CERTIICATES POSTED. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012 PRIORITY FOUNDATION
NO HANDWASH CLEANSER AT HANDWASH SINKS IN REAR PREP AREA OR WAREWASHING AREA. INSTD TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C) PRIORITY FOUNDATION. SOAP PROVIDED BY END OF INSPECTION
NO HAND DRYING PROVISION AT HANDWASH SINKS IN REAR PREP AREA OR WAREWASHING AREA. INSTD TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION. SEE ABOVE FOR VIOLATION ISSUED
NO SHELLFISH TAGS ON SITE NOR ON 2 BOXES OF RAW OYSTERS IN WALK IN COOLER.. INSTD TO MAINTAIN TAG WITH BOXES UNTIL LAST OYSTER SOLD AND THEN KEEP ALL TAGS ON SITE FOR 90 DAYS. ALL DISCARDED AND DENATURED. APPROXL 20LBS $200 VALUE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A PRIORITY FOUNDATION
EXCESSIVE BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE INTERIOR PANEL OF BAR ICE MACHINE. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTD TO DISPOSE OF ICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE MACHINE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY FOUNDATION
LOW TEMPERATURE WAREWASHING UNIT IN BAR UNABLE TO SANITIZE. 0PPM OF CHLORINE WHEN TESTED THRU MULTIPLE CYLES. UNIT TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTIONS: DO NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED AND REINSPECTED BY CDPH. UNIT NOT IN USE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. VIOLATION NOT ISSUED 7-38-025 PRIORITY
OVER 50 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR IN REAR STORAGE CLOSET. INSTD TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, AND CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A)
ALUMINUM FOIL USED AS LINER ON STORAGE SHELVES. INSTD TO REMOVE FOIL AND MAINTAIN
TORN DOOR GASKET ON UPRIGHT 2 DOOR COOLER NEXT TO STEAM TABLE. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
AUG 132024PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED WITH COMMON NAME OF INGREDIENTS. INSTRUCTED PIC TO LABEL CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF INGREDIENTS (CHILES, HIBISCUS) AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED THROUGHOUT FACILITY ON COOLER FLOORS AND SHELVING. . INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN ALL SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE
OBSERVED DAMAGED CEILING TILES WITH WATER STAINING IN DRY STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
JUL 182023PASSED7 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
OBSERVED CLEAN MULTI-USE CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RE-WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE ALL CONTAINERS, INVERT AND STORE OFF FLOOR
OBSERVED COOKED RICE STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAG IN HOT HOLDING UNIT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE OPEN FOOD FROM GROCERY BAGS AND PROPERLY STORE FOOD IN FOOD BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKET ON RIGHT DOOR OF TWO-DOOR PREP COOLER IN WAIT STATION AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED LEAKING DRAINPIPE ON HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. OBSERVED TOILETS SLOWLY FLUSHING IN CUSTOMER WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED EXPOSED BRICK WALLS IN BAR AND WAIT STATION AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES IN FRONT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGERS ON DUTY. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
JUL 112023FAILED12 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM AND BEVERAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
OBSERVED COLD TCS FOOD STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE IN PREP COOLER, DICED TOMATOES 52.7F, COOKED CHICKEN 53.4F, RAW CHICKEN 52.9F, COOKED BEEF 53.9F, RAW BEEF 51.9F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD APPROXIMATELY 30LBS AND $100 OF PRODUCT. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY AND SERVICE. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED PREP COOLER NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE 58.1F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER AT 41F OR BELOW. COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNITL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
OBSERVED CLEAN MULTI-USE CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RE-WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE ALL CONTAINERS, INVERT AND STORE OFF FLOOR.
OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKET ON RIGHT DOOR OF TWO-DOOR PREP COOLER IN WAIT STATION AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED COOKED RICE STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAG IN HOT HOLDING UNIT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE OPEN FOOD FROM GROCERY BAGS AND PROPERLY STORE FOOD IN FOOD BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
OBSERVED LEAKING DRAINPIPE ON HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. OBSERVED TOILETS SLOWLY FLUSHING IN CUSTOMER WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
OBSERVED EXPOSED BRICK WALLS IN BAR AND WAIT STATION AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES IN FRONT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGERS ON DUTY. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2572980 ON 3-22-23:56-: OBSERVED NO MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED
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MAR 222023PASSED7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE REAR SLIDING DOOR COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
OBSERVED 1/4" GAP ON REAR EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR INSIDE PREP, STORAGE, WALK-IN COOLER AND WALK-IN FREEZER AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR
OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKET ON UPRIGHT REACH-IN COOLER DOOR IN COOKING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED LEAKING DRAINPIPE ON HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES IN FRONT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED NO MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN EMPLOYEE WASHOROM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
MAR 152023FAILED15 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO SOAP AT TWO HAND WASHING SINKS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SOAP AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
OBSERVED NO HOT WATER AT HAND WASHING SNKS IN WOMEN WASHROOM (44.1F) AND MEN WASHROOM (43.4F) INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE 100-120F WATER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS. PRIORITY 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA NOT ADEQUATELY SANITIZING FOOD EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS. CHEMICAL PPM 0 INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN 100 PPM. DISH MACHINE IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. PRIORITY 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE REAR SLIDING DOOR COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
OBSERVED 1/4" GAP ON REAR EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR INSIDE PREP, STORAGE, WALK-IN COOLER AND WALK-IN FREEZER AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
OBSERVED HANDLES OF ICE SCOOP LAYING ON ICE IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE HANDLES ABOVE ICE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
OBSERVED RAW WOOD SURFACES ON SHELVING UNITS IN DRY FOOD AND LIQUPR STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL RAW WOOD SURFACES AND MAINTAINL.
OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKET ON UPRIGHT REACH-IN COOLER DOOR IN COOKING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED RESIDUE ON INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE IN BAR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED LEAKING DRAINPIPE ON HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
OBSERVED MISSING AND STAINED CEILING TILES IN FRONT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED NO MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN EMPLOYEE WASHOROM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2565858O N 10-25-22:10- MISSING HANDWASH SIGNAGE AT HANDWASH SINKS IN EMPLOYEES TOILET ROOM AND CUSTOMER MALE TOILET ROOM. INSTD TO OBTAIN SIGNAGE AND MAINTAIN.53-EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING (LOCATED IN PREP AREA). INSTD TO CORRECTED AND MAINTAIN. MISSING COVERS ON TRASH RECEPTACLES IN EMPLOYEES AND FEMALE CUSTOMERS TOILET ROOM. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
OCT 252022PASSED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MISSING HANDWASH SIGNAGE AT HANDWASH SINKS IN EMPLOYEES TOILET ROOM AND CUSTOMER MALE TOILET ROOM. INSTD TO OBTAIN SIGNAGE AND MAINTAIN
MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING IN WALK IN COOLER AND FREEZERS. INSTD TO PROVIDE PROPER SHELVING TO ALLOW FOR ADEQUATE CLEANING AND ACCESS
EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING (LOCATED IN PREP AREA). INSTD TO CORRECTED AND MAINTAIN
MISSING COVERS ON TRASH RECEPTACLES IN EMPLOYEES AND FEMALE CUSTOMERS TOILET ROOM. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
JAN 122022PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
REAR EXIT OVERHEAD DOOR NOT PROTECTED, GAPS AT BOTTOM OF DOOR, TOWELS BEING USED TO COVER. INSTD TO REPAIR DOOR PROPERLY AND HAVE TIGHT FITTING
FOOD STORAGE ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER AND FREEZER. INSTD TO PROVIDE PROPER SHELVING AND ELEVATE 6 INCHES
RAW WOOD STORAGES SHELVES IN REAR. INSTD TO SEAL SAME SO AS TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE
NO WRITTEN PROTOCOL. INSTD TO HAVE A WRITTEN RECORD DESCRIBING PROTOCOL FOR CHECKING PROOF OF VACCINATION IN PUBLIC PLACES.
NO RECORDS OF EMPLOYEE VACCINATION STATUS OR WEEKLY TESTING PER OSHA. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE.
DEC 152021PASS W/ CONDITIONS12 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
HAND WASHING SINKS IN NEED OF SIGNAGE IN WASHROOM INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WITH LARGE AMOUNTS OF BLACK BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL ICE AND DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE MACHINE. MACHINE IS BEING HELD FOR INSPECTION. MACHINE MAY NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED MACHINE HAS BEEN CLEAN WHILE ON SITE
ALL REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF THERMOMETERS AT INTERIOR OF UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
ALL LARGE BULK FOOD ITEM CONTAINERS MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED WITH COMMODITY NAME. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
ALL WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
ALL WOOD SHELVES MUST BE SEALED. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
LARGE CAN OPENER IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
ALL CUTTING BOARDS THAT APPEAR WORN, DISCOLORED WITH DEEP CUTS IN NEED OF REPLACING. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
PREP TABLE LEGS IN FRONT BAR AREA WITH STICKY SPLATTER INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
FLOOR DRAIN AT DISH MACHINE IN FRONT BAR AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
GARBAGE CANS IN RESTROOM IN NEED OF COVER. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
ALL CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE HOLDERS IN NEED OF ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
JAN 62021FAILED1 violation1 CRITICALDETAILS
5-204.11 OBSERVED THE DISHWASHING AREA AND THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA MISSING HANDWASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL ADDITIONAL HANDWASHING SINKS IN SAID FOOD PREP AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C).
DEC 302020FAILED4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
5-204.11 OBSERVED THE DISHWASHING AREA AND THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA MISSING HANDWASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL ADDITIONAL HANDWASHING SINKS IN SAID FOOD PREP AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C).
3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW (BEEF, OYSTERS, EGGS). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT A ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
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 →