THE TAMALE LADY.

Chicago Health Dept

2021 W CERMAK RD · PILSEN, CHICAGO

Last inspected 2024.

5 inspections on record since 2023 · Last inspected May 2024.

Last inspected May 2024. Records may not reflect current conditions.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
5
VIOLATIONS
39
total on record
LAST INSPECTED
MAY 2024

INSPECTION HISTORY

MAY 7
2024
PASS 6 violations
Minor Chemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

3-302.12 OBSERVED CONTAINERS OF TAMALES INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER AND BAGS OF TAMALES INSIDE OF THE FREEZERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Serious Sanitation
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

4-603.15 OBSERVED CLEAN-IN-PLACE EQUIPMENT AND POTS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED IN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS TO BE PROPERLY WASHED, RINSED, AND SANITIZED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON THE WASHING, RINSING, AND SANITIZING OF CLEAN IN-PLACE EQUIPMENT AND LARGE POTS OR REMOVE CLEAN IN-PLACE EQUIPMENT AND LARGE POTS OR PROVIDE A LARGER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.

Minor Sanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVERED RECEPTACLE.

Minor Sanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-201.11 OBSERVED CONCRETE AND UNEVEN FLOORS IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA AND THE 1ST FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA FLOOR SURFACES SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBANT.

Minor Other
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

2-102.13 OBSERVED NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING PROVIDED FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS.

Minor Documentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS.

APR 24
2024
FAIL 15 violations 6 CRITICAL
Critical Documentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010.

Critical Other
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

2-501.11 OBSERVED NO ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

Critical Employee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

6-301.11 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING CLEANSER AT THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING CLEANSER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATIONS ABOVE 7-38-030(C).

Critical Employee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

5-203.11 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AND SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).

Critical Employee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

6-301.12 OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION INSIDE THE BASEMENT TOILET ROOM AND THE 1ST FLOOR REAR PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A HAND DRYING PROVISION SUCH AS PAPERTOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED UNDER VIOLATION ABOVE 7-38-030(C)

Serious Food Temperature
PROPER COOLING TIME AND TEMPERATURE

3-501.14 OBSERVED FACILITY INADEQUATE COOLING TCS FOODS; OBSERVED ABOUT 30 LBS OF COOKED CHICKEN BEING COOLED AT ROOM TEMPERATURE, SCATTERED ON PREP TABLES IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. TEMPERATURES OF COOKED CHICKEN RANGED FROM 85F-95F DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID TCS FOODS AND ALWAYS USE PROPER COOLING METHODS, SUCH AS AN ICE BATH, TO COOL ALL TCS FOODS AT ALL TIMES ADEQUATELY. EMPLOYEE DISCARDED SAID TCS FOODS DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

Minor Chemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

3-302.12 OBSERVED CONTAINERS OF TAMALES INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER AND BAGS OF TAMALES INSIDE OF THE FREEZERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Critical Pest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

6-501.111 OBSERVED NO UP-TO-DATE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH A SERVICE REPORT ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(C).

Serious Sanitation
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

4-603.15 OBSERVED CLEAN-IN-PLACE EQUIPMENT AND POTS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED IN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS TO BE PROPERLY WASHED, RINSED, AND SANITIZED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON THE WASHING, RINSING, AND SANITIZING OF CLEAN IN-PLACE EQUIPMENT AND LARGE POTS OR REMOVE CLEAN IN-PLACE EQUIPMENT AND LARGE POTS OR PROVIDE A LARGER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.

Serious Food Temperature
HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE

5-103.11(B) OBSERVED INADEQUATE HOT WATER AT ALL SINKS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION, HOT WATER RANGED FROM 71.6F-77.7F AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND TOILET ROOM AS WELL AS AT BOTH 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT HOT WATER AT ALL TIMES (110F AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS AND 100F AT THE HAND WASHING SINKS). THE PLUMBER ARRIVED DURING THE INSPECTION, AND BY THE END OF THE INSPECTION, ALL SINKS WERE MAINTAINING ADEQUATE HOT WATER TEMPERATURES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUE 7-38-030(C).

Serious Employee Hygiene
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-205.15 OBSERVED THE 1ST FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK MISSING THE P-TRAP AND EXCESSIVE WATER FALLING INTO A BUCKET WHEN THE HAND WASHING SINK IS TURNED ON. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).

Minor Sanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVERED RECEPTACLE.

Minor Sanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-201.11 OBSERVED CONCRETE AND UNEVEN FLOORS IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA AND THE 1ST FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA FLOOR SURFACES SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBANT.

Minor Other
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

2-102.13 OBSERVED NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING PROVIDED FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS.

Minor Documentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS.

MAR 29
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations 1 CRITICAL
Critical Documentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

2-102.14(O) FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGERS TO PROVIDE A VERIFIABLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND ACTIVITIES TO DISEASES THAT ARE TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD TO THE PIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010.

Serious Sanitation
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

4-603.15 FOUND MACHINE LOCATED IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA UNABLE TO BE CLEANED IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE SAID MACHINE ADEQUATELY.

Minor Other
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

2-102.13 FOUND NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.

Minor Other
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

2-102.13 FOUND NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT INSPECTION TIME. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS

MAR 27
2023
FAIL 5 violations 1 CRITICAL
Critical Documentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

2-102.14(O) FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGERS TO PROVIDE A VERIFIABLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND ACTIVITIES TO DISEASES THAT ARE TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD TO THE PIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010.

Minor Food Storage & Handling
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

3-306.11 FOUND NO BARRIER/ SNEEZE GUARD AT THE FOOD PREP TABLE LOCATED IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE BARRIER TO PREVENT CUSTOMER CONTAMINATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005

Serious Sanitation
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

4-603.15 FOUND MACHINE LOCATED IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA UNABLE TO BE CLEANED IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE SAID MACHINE ADEQUATELY.

Minor Other
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

2-102.13 FOUND NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.

Minor Other
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

2-102.13 FOUND NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS

MAR 20
2023
FAIL 9 violations 1 CRITICAL
Critical Documentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGERS TO PROVIDE A VERIFIABLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND ACTIVITIES TO DISEASES THAT ARE TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD TO THE PIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Food Storage & Handling
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

FOUND NO BARRIER FROM CUSTOMERS AT THE FOOD PREP TABLE LOCATED IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE BARRIER TO PREVENT CUSTOMER CONTAMINATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 70-38-005

Serious Sanitation
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

FOUND MACHINE LOCATED IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA UNABLE TO BE CLEANED IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE SAID MACHINE ADEQUATELY.

Serious Sanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FOUND CEILING TOWELS IN FRONT OF FOOD PREP AREA BROKEN.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Plumbing & Waste
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

FOUND VENT LOCATED IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM BROKEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

FOUND THE VENTILATION HOOD FAN MISSING A PANEL. ALSO NOTED NO FILTERS WERE INSTALLED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. EXHAUST VENTILATION HOOD SYSTEMS IN FOOD PREPARATION AND WAREWASHING AREAS, INCLUDING COMPONENTS SUCH AS HOODS, FANS, GUARDS, AND DUCTING, SHALL BE DESIGNED TO PREVENT GREASE OR CONDENSATION FROM DRAINING OR DRIPPING ONTO FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, AND SINGLE-SERVICE AND SINGLE-USE ARTICLES

Minor Facility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

FOUND LIGHT BULBS IN REAR PREP AND FRONT SERVICE ARE WITHOUT SHIELDS. INSTRUCT MANAGER TO PROVIDE.

Minor Other
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

FOUND NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.

Minor Other
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

FOUND NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS

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 →

Report an error on this page →

NEARBY IN PILSEN