THE MEXICAN.

Chicago Health Dept

1967 N HALSTED · LINCOLN PARK, CHICAGO

Last inspected 2016.

8 inspections on record since 2011 · Last inspected Jun 2016.

Last inspected Jun 2016. Records may not reflect current conditions.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

JUN 2016

INSPECTION HISTORY

JUN 17

2016

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 7 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

Inspector Comments: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELVES OF PREP TABLE IN BASEMENT AND 1ST FL. PREP AREA,WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT RAW WOOD SHELVING UNITS IN CABINET IN BAR AREA.MUST REMOVE FOIL FROM COOKING PIPE IN 1ST FL. PREP AREA.MUST REPLACE GLASS WATER CONTAINERS WITH A WIDER OPENING TO CLEAN BOTTLES PROPERLY.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI FROM PIPES ,OVERHEAD SHELVING UNITS,PREP TABLE,GRILL TABLES.

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRI FROM FLOOR IN 1ST FL. PREP AREA UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT.MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE CAULKING ON FLOOR IN DISH MACHINE AREA AND MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

Inspector Comments: MUST SEAL GAPS IN BETWEEN WALL BASES AND FLOOR UNDER 2- COMP SINK AND DISH MACHINE.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE WALL PANELING BEHIND DISH MACHINE,STAINED CEILING TILES IN BASEMENT PREP AREA.

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

Inspector Comments: MUST REPLACE BURNT OUT LIGHT IN 1ST FL. PREP AREA.MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS IN BASEMENT PREP AREA

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY DRAINLINE AT FAR LEFT COMPARTMENT OF 3- COMP SINK IN DISH WASHING AREA,LOW WATER PRESSURE AT 1- COMP DUMP SINK IN BAR AREA,LOOSE FAUCET AT HAND SINK IN EMPLOYEES TOILETROOM.MUST CONNECT WATER LINES AND ADD FAUCET AT TOP OF HOPPER AT MARGARITA MACHINE BEHIND BAR.

Minor Sanitation

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

Inspector Comments: MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN BASEMENT

JUN 7

2016

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 9 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE

OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF PREP COOLER AT 45.1F WITH POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED INSIDE. A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON UNIT.ONCE REPAIRED FAX LETTER TO (312)746-4240 WHEN READY.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNIT AT 40.0F OR BELOW.(CRITICAL 7-38-005A)

Critical Food Temperature

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED INSIDE ABOVE MENTIONED PREP COOLER SUCH AS 1LB. COOKED BRISKET 44.2F,1.2 LBS. COOKED STEAK 45.0F-46.2F,3LBS. BREAD PUDDING 44.6F,1LB. CORN PICO DEGALLO 45.1F,2LBS. COOKED RICE 49.2F,.5 LBS COOKED PORK 48.0F,WALK IN COOLER 6LBS. COOKED RICE 44.9F.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING AT 40.0F OR BELOW.APPX.15 LBS.$95.75. (CRITICAL 7-38-005A)

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELVES OF PREP TABLE IN BASEMENT AND 1ST FL. PREP AREA,WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT RAW WOOD SHELVING UNITS IN CABINET IN BAR AREA.MUST REMOVE FOIL FROM COOKING PIPE IN 1ST FL. PREP AREA.MUST REPLACE GLASS WATER CONTAINERS WITH A WIDER OPENING TO CLEAN BOTTLES PROPERLY.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI FROM PIPES ,OVERHEAD SHELVING UNITS,PREP TABLE,GRILL TABLES.

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

MUST CLEAN DEBRI FROM FLOOR IN 1ST FL. PREP AREA UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT.MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE CAULKING ON FLOOR IN DISH MACHINE AREA AND MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

MUST SEAL GAPS IN BETWEEN WALL BASES AND FLOOR UNDER 2- COMP SINK AND DISH MACHINE.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE WALL PANELING BEHIND DISH MACHINE,STAINED CEILING TILES IN BASEMENT PREP AREA.

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

MUST REPLACE BURNT OUT LIGHT IN 1ST FL. PREP AREA.MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS IN BASEMENT PREP AREA

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY DRAINLINE AT FAR LEFT COMPARTMENT OF 3- COMP SINK IN DISH WASHING AREA,LOW WATER PRESSURE AT 1- COMP DUMP SINK IN BAR AREA,LOOSE FAUCET AT HAND SINK IN EMPLOYEES TOILETROOM.MUST CONNECT WATER LINES AND ADD FAUCET AT TOP OF HOPPER AT MARGARITA MACHINE BEHIND BAR.

Minor Sanitation

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN BASEMENT.

OCT 30

2015

PASS 5 violations

Minor Food Storage & Handling

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

LABEL ALL DRY FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE STORAGE ROOM.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

SEAL ALL GAP/OPENING THRU-OUT THE CEILING, AROUND THE CONDUIT AND PIPES IN THE PREP AREA BASEMENT AND MAINTAIN. PEELING PAINT ON THE WALLS IN THE EXPOSED HAND SINK AND MOP SINK IN THE DISHWASHING AREA , MUST SCRAPE PEELING PAINT AND RE PAINT THE WALLS.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

NO DRAIN STOPPERS FOR THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE. LEAK UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, MUST REPAIR TO STOP THE LEAK. INSTALL FAUCET WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER ON THE TOP OF TAYLOR MACHINE FOR MARGARITA DRINK.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED ON A SEPARATE CONTAINER TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.

Minor Documentation & Training

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

NOT ALL FOOD HANDLER HAVE THE CERTIFICATE YET. MUST PROVIDE NEXT ROUTINE INSPECTION.

JUN 13

2014

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Food Storage & Handling

SOURCE SOUND CONDITION, NO SPOILAGE, FOODS PROPERLY LABELED, SHELLFISH TAGS IN PLACE

FOUND RAW MUSSELS ON THE CONTAINER INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER WITHOUT TAG ATTACHED TO THE BAG. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL RAW SEAFOOD ON THE CONTAINER MUST HAVE A TAG ATTACHED TO IT DURING STORAGE INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER.AND TAG MUST E KEPT FOR THE NEXT 90 DAYS AFTER COOKING THE MUSSELS. CITATION ISSUED CRITICAL 7-38-005(B2). MANAGER DENATURED THE SAID PRODUCT WORTH $23.00,TOTAL 10 LBS.

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

MUST RE SEAL THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA AND INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER AND MAINTAIN, FLOOR THRU-OUT THE DINING AREA WITH BROKEN/DAMAGED FLOOR TILES. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE FLOOR TILES,MAKE IT SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST CLEAN THE FLOOR AROUND THE WATER TANK WITH (DEBRIS) AND FLOOR INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER FOR WINE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

WALLS BESIDE THE ICE MACHINE AND WALLS BESIDE THE PREP TABLE IN THE BASEMENT NEEDS DETAIL CLEANING. FILTER AND HOOD WITH GREASE AND DUST BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. MUST CLEAN THE CEILING INSIDE LIQUOR ROOM. MUST SEAL THE GAP AROUND THE PIPE CLOSE TO THE CEILING IN THE PREP AREA BASEMENT. MUST REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN. SCRAPE PEELING PAINT ON THE WALLS IN THE PREP AREA AND REPAINT.

Minor Sanitation

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

LIGHT SHIELD ON THE HOOD WITH GREASE BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

NOV 22

2013

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST INSTALL SPLASH GUARDS AT NEWLY INSTALLED EXPOSED HAND SINK IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA.

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT PREP AREA.

show all 8 inspections →

SEP 3

2013

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST INSTALL SPLASH GUARDS AT NEWLY INSTALLED EXPOSED HAND SINK IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA.

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT PREP AREA.

AUG 29

2013

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 10 violations 3 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

SOURCE OF CROSS CONTAMINATION CONTROLLED I.E. CUTTING BOARDS, FOOD HANDLERS, UTENSILS, ETC

OBSERVED CROSS CONTAMINATION OF EMPLOYEE USING COOKS LINE EXPOSED HAND SINK FOR FOOD PREPARATION PURPOSES DRAINING COOKED POTATOES IN A STRAINER. FOOD DISCARDED. REVIEWED PROPER FOOD HANDLING PRACTICES AND EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS ARE FOR HAND WASHING ONLY. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A).

Critical Food Temperature

SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME

HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE FINAL RINSE GAGE INOPERABLE WHILE DISHES BEING WASHED. GAGE DOES NOT MOVE AND IS STUCK AT 140F. UNABLE TO DETERMINE IF THE MACHINE IS REACHING A PROPER FINAL RINSE TEMPERATURE OF 180F. MACHINE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL GAGE IS REPAIRED AND FINAL RINSE TEMPERATURE REACHES 180F. INSTRUCTED TO SET AND USE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030.

Critical Employee Hygiene

HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA

OBSERVED INADEQUATE HAND WASHING FACILITIES. NO SOAP OR PAPER TOWELS AT DISH ROOMS EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK WHILE DISHES WERE BEING WASHED. MANAGEMENT PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030.

Minor Sanitation

CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

TABLEWARE MOUTHPIECES MUST BE PROTECTED, COVERED OR WRAPPED.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

EXTERIOR DISH MACHINE DIRTY WITH DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT LIQUOR STORAGE ROOMS MUST BE ELEVATED FROM FLOORS 6" OR ABOVE.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

MUST INSTALL CEILINGS IN THE RECENTLY INSTALLED BASEMENT FOOD PREPARATION AREA AND ABOVE BASEMENT ICE MACHINE. HOLES IN WALLS OF BASEMENT HALLWAY, HOLES IN CEILING AT BASEMENT HOT WATER TANK. MUST SEAL ALL. PEELING PAINT ON WALLS AT BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE/REPAIR.

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT PREP AREA.

Minor Sanitation

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

BOTH SPRAY ARMS AT DISH MACHINE REPAIRED WITH CLOTH STRING. MUST REMOVE AND PROPERLY REPAIR WITH CLEANABLE MATERIALS. MUST INSTALL AN EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE RECENTLY INSTALLED BASEMENT PREP AREA OR REMOVE ALL FOOD PREPARATION EQUIPMENT. NO COLD WATER IN BASEMENT EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND INSTRUCTED EMPLOYEES TO USE CUSTOMER WASHROOM IN BASEMENT UNTIL REPAIRED. LEAK ON NOZZLE OF BASEMENT EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR.

Minor Sanitation

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

EMPLOYEES MUST NOT STORE PERSONAL BELONGINGS IN FOOD/BEVERAGE CONTACT AREAS IE: THE BAR.

MAY 10

2011

PASS · 0 violations

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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