EL PUEBLITO MEXICAN GRILL

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED 2 LIVE ROACHES ON WALL IN MOP SINK ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REMOVE ALL ROACH/PEST ACTIVITY BY DATE OF REINSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). ADVISED TO CALL PEST CONTROL OPERATOR FOR SERVICE.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD BUILD UP INSIDE REACH IN COOLER (ALONG COOKLINE). INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF SAID REACH IN COOLER AND MAINTAIN.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: DISHWASH AREA HANDWASH SINK DRAIN PIPE LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAID HANDWASH SINK.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERED ACCUMULATED GREASE/FOOD BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN VENTILATION HOOD AND MAINTAIN.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-201.11 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED FLOORS UNCLEAN UNDER AND BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REFRIGERAITON UNITS. OBSERVED FLOORS UNCLEAN AROUND HOT WATER HEATER AND UNDER ADJACENT SHELVES. OBSERVED FLOORS UNCLEAN IN MOP ROOM. CLEAN SANTITZE AND MAINTAIN FLOORS. Friday, April 18, 2025

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-201.11 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED FLOORS UNCLEAN UNDER AND BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REFRIGERAITON UNITS. OBSERVED FLOORS UNCLEAN AROUND HOT WATER HEATER AND UNDER ADJACENT SHELVES. OBSERVED FLOORS UNCLEAN IN MOP ROOM. CLEAN SANTITZE AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED OVER 100 RODENT DROPPINGS IN REAR MOP SINK AREA AND AREA AROUND HOT WATER HEATER. ALL DROPPINGS MUST BE REMOVED AND ALL AFFECTED AREAS MUST BE CLEANED AND SANITIZED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(a)

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FLOORS UNCLEAN UNDER AND BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REFRIGERAITON UNITS. OBSERVED FLOORS UNCLEAN AROUND HOT WATER HEATER AND UNDER ADJACENT SHELVES. OBSERVED FLOORS UNCLEAN IN MOP ROOM. CLEAN SANTITZE AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES DIRECTLY ABOVE OPEN FOOD PREP AREA. REPLACE CEILING TILES TO INSURE NO LEAKING CONDITION CAN CONTAMINATE FOOD AND MAINTAIN CEILING OVER FOOD PREPARATION (IN REAR ACCROSS FROM 3 COMPARTMENT SINK).

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS ITEMS SUCH AS CHICKEN WERE PREPARED FROM 10:15AM-10:40AM. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON DOOR OF 2 DOOR PREP COOLER LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE UNISEX TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE ON FILTERS IN HOOD OVER COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED SEVERAL BURNT OUT LIGHTBULBS IN CEILING OF REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF DUST ON VENT IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED 3 EMPLOYEES WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-501.11 OBSERVED LOSE ICE MAKER DOOR WITH DAMAGED GASKETS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.11 OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES IN DINING ROOM AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE ANY STAINED CEILING TILES.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: 2-102.13 OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION FOR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH FOOD ALLERGEN REQUIREMENT

NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED - Comments: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE REMOVE SOFT TACO SHELL FROM GRILL WITH SPATULA THEN PROCEED TO HOLD THOSE TACO SHELLS WITH BARE HANDS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE THERE IS NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOODS. EMPLOYEE PUT ON GLOVES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED LOSE ICE MAKER DOOR WITH DAMAGED GASKETS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED LEAK FROM FAUCET OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. WHEN WATER IS TURNED ON WATER HEAVILY DRIPS FROM FAUCET. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.

SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED - Comments: OBSERVED INADEQUATE WASTE WATER DISPOSAL AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. WHEN ONE COMPARTMENT DRAINS ANOTHER ONE FLOODS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED OUTSIDE DUMPSTER RECEPTACLE WITH DAMAGED AND BENT LID. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING LID. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B) CITATION ISSUED.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES IN DINING ROOM AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE ANY STAINED CEILING TILES.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION FOR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH FOOD ALLERGEN REQUIREMENT

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-201.11 INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE OR REMOVE RUST ACCUMULATION ON STORAGE RACKS INSIDE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-201.11 INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS IN REAR STORAGE AREA BEHIND COOLERS AND FREEZERS.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED OVER 30 SMALL LIVE FLIES ON WALLS IN REAR STORAGE AREA AND OVER 10 SMALL LIVE FLIES IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMEND TO CONTACT LICENSED PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (A) CITATION ISSUED

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE OR REMOVE RUST ACCUMULATION ON STORAGE RACKS INSIDE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEANN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS IN REAR STORAGE AREA BEHIND COOLERS AND FREEZERS.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK INFRONT PREP/COOKING AREA AND HANDSINK INSIDE REAR WASHROOM.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO REPAINT EXTERIOR SIDE OF GREASE BOX WITH RUST ACCUMULATION UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA, REAR STORAGE AREA AND IN FRONT PREP/COOKING AREA.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING VENT COVER WITH EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION INSIDE WASHROOM.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE NON WORKING LIGHT BULB INSIDE 4 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-101.11 OBSERVED FROZEN MEATS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS. OBSERVED TORTILLA BOWLS STORED IN A CARDBOARD BOX IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE A CLEANABLE CONTAINER INSTEAD.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-602.13 CLEAN THE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON TOP OF AND INSIDE OF THE OVEN.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. OBSERVED COOKED RICE AT 49.7F, BEANS AT 44.6F, AND RED SALSA AT 47-50F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 100# OF FOOD WORTH $500. PRIORITY 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS SUCH AS COOKED CHILE RELLENO PEPPERS AND RED SALSA IN THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER STORED BEYOND THE MAXIMUM DATE OF 7 DAYS. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED THE AFFECTED FOODS. PRIORITY 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED A PLASTIC CUP USED AS A SCOOP FOR SALSA AND STORED INSIDE OF A BUCKET OF SALSA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE A UTENSIL WITH A HANDLE.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED FROZEN MEATS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS. OBSERVED TORTILLA BOWLS STORED IN A CARDBOARD BOX IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE A CLEANABLE CONTAINER INSTEAD.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON THE PREMISES TO MEASURE THE SANITIZER CONCENTRATION AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: CLEAN THE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON TOP OF AND INSIDE OF THE OVEN.