Chicago · Official inspection records

Habanero

222 W MERCHANDISE MART PLZ · Chicago, IL 60654

Restaurant

Chicago Department of Public Health reports Pass with Conditions for Habanero on .

Checked · Source updated

Most recent visit in the dataset

Latest inspection

Inspection date
Reported outcome
Pass with Conditions
Inspection type
Canvass
Recorded citations
4
Source risk category
Risk 1 (High)
Inspection ID
2631348

Location recorded for this inspection · Habanero · 222 W MERCHANDISE MART PLZ

The source labels this outcome “Pass w/ Conditions”.

Recorded violations

  • 36

    THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE REAR PREP COOLER. MANAGEMENT PROVIDED THERMOMETER DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLERS CONTAINING TCS ITEMS.

  • 37

    FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED CONTAINERS OF BULK ITEMS SUCH AS RICE AND BEANS NOT LABELLED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL WITH COMMON NAME.

  • 60

    PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING REPEAT CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2611931 DATED 2/7/2025: #57 "OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR TWO FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS." #58 "OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS." INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND COME INTO COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

  • 61

    SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC - Comments: OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2611931 DATED 2/7/2025. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.

Official inspection record

Inspection history

Chicago publishes inspection reports dating back to 2010. The city changed its procedures on July 1, 2018.

CanvassPass
Inspection date
Reported outcome
Pass
Inspection type
Canvass
Recorded citations
5
Source risk category
Risk 1 (High)
Inspection ID
2611931

Location recorded for this inspection · Habanero · 222 W MERCHANDISE MART PLZ

Recorded violations

  • 10

    ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE POSTED IN MEN OR WOMEN'S WASHROOMS USED BY EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO POST CLEARLY VISIBLE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE THAT NOTIFIES FOOD EMPLOYEES TO WASH THEIR HANDS AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS USED BY FOOD EMPLOYEES.

  • 55

    PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING GROUT IN BETWEEN TILES IN FRONT AND MIDDLE PREP AREAS OF FACILITY. OBSERVED MISSING GROUT IN BETWEEN FLOOR TILES IN FRONT PREP AREAS IN FRONT OF COLD HOLDING UNIT AND MIDDLE PREP AREA BETWEEN COLD HOLDING UNIT, THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REGROUT IN BETWEEN FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT FACILITY AND MAINTAIN.

  • 56

    ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED NON WORKING LEFT LIGHT IN HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE OR REPAIR NON WORKING LEFT LIGHT IN HOOD TO INCREASE LIGHT INTENSITY.

  • 57

    ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR TWO FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS

  • 58

    ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS.

CanvassPass with Conditions
Inspection date
Reported outcome
Pass with Conditions
Inspection type
Canvass
Recorded citations
6
Source risk category
Risk 1 (High)
Inspection ID
2596163

Location recorded for this inspection · Habanero · 222 W MERCHANDISE MART PLZ

The source labels this outcome “Pass w/ Conditions”.

Recorded violations

  • 22

    PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOOD ITEMS IN THE REAR LINE COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES FOR COLD-HOLDING: EGG AT 45.1F, SAUSAGE AT 48.1F, BEEF AT 50.2F. INSTRUCTED TO DENATURE AND DISCARD FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. PERSON-IN-CHARGE DENATURED AND DISCARDED ALL FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES ON-SITE. APPROXIMATELY 30 LBS. VALUED APPROXIMATELY $75.00 DISCARDED ON-SITE. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

  • 33

    PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED THE REAR LINE COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE FOR COLD-HOLDING OF TCS FOODS WITH INTERNAL AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 49.2F. OBSERVED FRONT REACH-IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE FOR COLD HOLDING, PERSON-IN-CHARGE AWARE OF COOLER IN POOR REPAIR AND REMOVED TCS FOODS PRIOR TO INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TCS FOOD ITEMS AND CEASE USE OF REAR LINE COOLER TO STORE TCS FOOD ITEMS. PERSON-IN-CHARGE REMOVED ALL TCS FOOD FROM REAR LINE COOLER AT TIME OF INSPECTION. TAGGED REAR LINE AND FRONT REACH-IN COOLERS FOR INSPECTION ON-SITE. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

  • 43

    IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED IN-USE KNIFE STORED IN-BETWEEN COUNTER EQUIPMENT AT THE REAR PREP LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE KNIFE FROM BETWEEN EQUIPMENT AND STORE IN-USE UTENSILS ON A CLEAN, SANITIZED SURFACE AND MAINTAIN.

  • 47

    FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL USED TO LINE NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF COOKING AND STORAGE EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALUMINUM FOIL FROM NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES AND MAINTAIN ALL NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY-CLEANABLE.

  • 49

    NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES (INTERIOR CAVITY) OF REAR LINE COOLER TO BE SOILED WITH DUST AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF SOIL AND MAINTAIN.

  • 55

    PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED GAPS BETWEEN TILES ON FLOOR OF FACILITY SOILED WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF SOIL AND MAINTAIN.

CanvassPass
Inspection date
Reported outcome
Pass
Inspection type
Canvass
Recorded citations
1
Source risk category
Risk 1 (High)
Inspection ID
2586403

Location recorded for this inspection · Habanero · 222 W MERCHANDISE MART PLZ

Recorded violations

  • 33

    PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: Improper cooling method for cooked black beans, beans container covered tightly during cooling down, instructed to cover loosely to facilitate cooling down process.

CanvassPass
Inspection date
Reported outcome
Pass
Inspection type
Canvass
Recorded citations
2
Source risk category
Risk 1 (High)
Inspection ID
2565588

Location recorded for this inspection · Habanero · 222 W MERCHANDISE MART PLZ

Recorded violations

  • 55

    PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR IN FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

  • 57

    ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST COMPLETE TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

CanvassPass
Inspection date
Reported outcome
Pass
Inspection type
Canvass
Recorded citations
6
Source risk category
Risk 1 (High)
Inspection ID
2501011

Location recorded for this inspection · Habanero · 222 W MERCHANDISE MART PLZ

Recorded violations

  • 37

    FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON FOOD NAMES; RICE, SUGAR, ETC., WHEN FOOD IS REMOVED FROM ORGINAL PACKAGING. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.

  • 40

    PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE PREPARING FOOD AT HOT FOOD LINE WITHOUT A HAIR RESTRAINT, INSTRUCTED TO WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES.

  • 49

    NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST DETAIL CLEAN LOOSE FOOD DEBRIS FROM LOWER SHELVES ON PREP TABLES THROUGHOUT, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

  • 51

    PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: MUST REPAIR LEAKY DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH HANDWASHING SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

  • 55

    PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST DETAIL CLEAN LOOSE FOOD DEBRI FROM FLOORS IN FRONT PREP AND REAR DISH AREAS, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.

  • 55

    PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST RE-GROUT FLOOR IN FRONT OF 3-COMP SINK AND THROUGHOUT REAR PREP/STORAGE ARA, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.

CanvassPass with Conditions
Inspection date
Reported outcome
Pass with Conditions
Inspection type
Canvass
Recorded citations
5
Source risk category
Risk 1 (High)
Inspection ID
2385737

Location recorded for this inspection · Habanero · 222 W MERCHANDISE MART PLZ

The source labels this outcome “Pass w/ Conditions”.

Recorded violations

  • 22

    PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS ITEMS MAINTAINED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE IN BOTH FRONT COLD-HOLD UNIT AND IN REAR 2 DOOR COOLER: IN FRONT COLD-HOLD UNIT GUACAMOLE AT 51.4F AND PICO DE GALLO AT 54.5F AND IN THE REAR 2 DOOR COOLER CHICKEN BREASTS AT 52.6F, SALSA AT 48.6F, AND UNCOOKED BACON AT 47.7F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 10LBS OF PRODUCT VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $30. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL TCS ITEMS AT OR BELOW 41F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

  • 33

    PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED 2 COOLERS CONTAINING TCS ITEMS MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE: COLD-HOLD UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA CONTAINING TCS ITEMS SUCH AS GUACAMOLE AND PICO DE GALLO MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 51.0F AND A 2 DOOR COOLER LOCATED IN REAR STORAGE AREA CONTAINING TCS ITEMS SUCH AS CHICKEN, SALSA, AND BACON MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 46.1F. BOTH COOLERS TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

  • 47

    FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD OPPOSITE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACES.

  • 47

    FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED DIRTY GASKET ON PREP COOLER LOCATED IN FRONT MAIN LINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

  • 55

    PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME ON CAULK AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR OF FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN, RE-CAULK, AND MAINTAIN.

ComplaintPass with Conditions
Inspection date
Reported outcome
Pass with Conditions
Inspection type
Complaint
Recorded citations
2
Source risk category
Risk 1 (High)
Inspection ID
2303445

Location recorded for this inspection · Habanero · 222 W MERCHANDISE MART PLZ

The source labels this outcome “Pass w/ Conditions”.

Recorded violations

  • 23

    PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: LARGE CONTAINERS OF SLASA IN DOUBLE DOOR COOLER NOT LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL TCS FOODS THAT IS HELD MORE THAN 24HRS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, NO CITATION ISSUED

  • 37

    FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: BULK-FOOD CONTAINERS ( SALT ) AND SPRAY BOTTLES NOT LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL.

Canvass Re-InspectionPass with Conditions
Inspection date
Reported outcome
Pass with Conditions
Inspection type
Canvass Re-Inspection
Recorded citations
2
Source risk category
Risk 1 (High)
Inspection ID
2252732

Location recorded for this inspection · Habanero · 222 W MERCHANDISE MART PLZ

The source labels this outcome “Pass w/ Conditions”.

Recorded violations

  • 3

    MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN

  • 5

    PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: NO VOMIT/ DIARRHEA CLEANUP PROCEDURE ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN

CanvassFail
Inspection date
Reported outcome
Fail
Inspection type
Canvass
Recorded citations
3
Source risk category
Risk 1 (High)
Inspection ID
2244001

Location recorded for this inspection · Habanero · 222 W MERCHANDISE MART PLZ

Recorded violations

  • 3

    MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.

  • 5

    PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: NO VOMIT/ DIARRHEA CLEANUP PROCEDURE ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.

  • 50

    HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE - Comments: NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT 3-COMP SINK, WATER TEMP AT 78F, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE 110F MINIMUM WATER TEMPERATURE AT WASH SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOL 7-38-030 (C)

CanvassPass
Inspection date
Reported outcome
Pass
Inspection type
Canvass
Recorded citations
0
Source risk category
Risk 1 (High)
Inspection ID
2135833

Location recorded for this inspection · Habanero · 222 W MERCHANDISE MART PLZ

This visit predates Chicago’s July 1, 2018 inspection procedure change.

The source lists no violation citations for this inspection.

CanvassOut of Business
Inspection date
Reported outcome
Out of Business
Inspection type
Canvass
Recorded citations
0
Source risk category
Risk 1 (High)
Inspection ID
1979073

Location recorded for this inspection · HABANERO BAJA GRILL · 222 W MERCHANDISE MART PLZ

This visit predates Chicago’s July 1, 2018 inspection procedure change.

The source lists no violation citations for this inspection.

Local context · Chicago

How results compare in ZIP 60654

390 of 484 establishments with a Pass, Pass with Conditions or Fail outcome since July 1, 2018 have a Pass outcome.

This calculation uses published records from the same jurisdiction. Pending, unavailable and other non-comparable results are excluded.

Checked · Source updated See the ZIP directory →

Same inspection jurisdiction

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Official source and data freshness

Chicago Department of Public Health via the City of Chicago Data Portal. Reference license 2004248.

Food Inspections

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