Mercadito Chicago

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed broken gaskets on interior of 4 door drawer cooler located underneath grill. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain gaskets in good condition.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed leak at faucet of sprayer sink located near low temperature dish machine in basement dish area. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain in good condition.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed unused low temperature dish machine located in basement bar. Instructed to either place "out of order" sign on machine, repair and maintain, or remove from premises.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed water leak at drainpipe underneath the 3-compartment sink in basement prep/dishwashing area.instructed to repair plumbing leaks and maintain.

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: Observed some bulk containers in rear without a label.instructed to provide the common name on all bulk containers to properly identify item (salt, sugar, flour etc).

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: All prep area wiping cloths must be held in a container with a sanitizing solution between use and maintain.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed stained cutting boards in the food prep areas.instructed to resurface or replace the cutting boards and maintain.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed a torn door gasket inside of the 3 door prep line cooler located in the basement kitchen food prep area.instructed to replace the torn door gasket and maintain.

Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed no covered waste receptacle provided in the 1st floor unisex washrooms. Must provide and maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean the kitchen exhaust hood systems to remove excessive grease build-up and maintain.

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: Observed exposed ice in ice bin at bar with no lid/cover on ice bin. Instructed to provide lid/cover for ice bin at bar to prevent contamination of ice in ice bin during storage to prevent exposure to splashes, dust or other contamination. Observed hot holding unit underneath handwashing sink in ceviche station in basement. Instructed to relocate hot holding unit in ceviche station in basement to prevent exposure to splashes.

Clean utensils, equipment, or linens weren’t stored and handled properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed no vent cover on opening in air duct in basment above equipment and utensils in storeroom in basement with ice machine. Instructed to provide cover for opening in air duct or relocate equipment and utensils to prevent contamination from dust in open air duct.

Clean utensils, equipment, or linens weren’t stored and handled properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed exposed preset knife and fork on tables in dining area. Instructed manager all preset tableware shall be protected from contamination by being wrapped, covered or inverted.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed equipment stored on beverage containers in basement storeroom with ice machine. Instructed to provide adequate shelving to elevate all food and nonfood items at least six inches off of floor for ease of cleanability and to prevent areas for pest harborage.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed dim storeroom in basement with ice machine. Instructed to increase light intensity in area with ice machine in basement.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Additional water presure needed at the hand washing sink in front food preparation are located in the basement. Mut provive and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Obserced broken ligt shield cover above dish washing machine. Must repair or replace.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed inadequate lighting in rear coffee station. Must provde adequate lighting and maintain.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Previous core violation not corrected from report#2559719 on 6/22/2022. Violation#58 observed one expired allergen training certificate on site at time of inspection. Instructed all employees holding city of chicago foodservice manager certificate must complete allergen training and maintain records thereof on site at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-42-090. Citation issued.

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: Observed bulk ingredient containers in basement storage area not labeled. Instructed to label with the common name.

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: Observed ice scoop stored directly in ice chest in rear server station. Instructed to store outside of ice.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed 1 burnt out lightbulb in hood above cook line. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain in good condition.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed build up of grease and grime on filters in hood over cook line. Instructed to correct and maintain in good condition.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed 2 cutting boards in downstairs kitchen prep area covered in deep grooves and dark stains. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain smooth, cleanable surfaces.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed a torn gasket on the interior of a prep cooler located in tortilla making area of downstairs prep kitchen. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain in good working order.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed several missing ceiling panels in ceiling of downstairs prep kitchen. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain in good working order.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed an unprotected light bulb above dish pit located in downstairs dish washing area. Instructed to cover and maintain.

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: Bulk food containers not labeled (sugar ) instructed to label and maintain.

In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Ice scoop stored on top of dusty ice maker, instructed to keep in a clean holder.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Walk-in cooler fan cover not clean, dust build_up noted, instructed to clean and maintain.

Clean utensils, equipment, or linens weren’t stored and handled properly.

Inspector’s note: Utensils not air dried after washing, instructed to air dry

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Chipped wall behind clean utensils rack, instructed to provide durable surface

No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors

Inspector’s note: Observed 3 live roaches in wall corner seam at main bar, to the left of the ceviche station hand sink. Instructed to eliminate roach activity and recommended service by licensed pest control operator. Serious violation: 7-38-020

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Observed oil accumulating in the lower compartment of the cook line fryer. Instructed to clean and maintain.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Observed garbage and stray items on the floor under the main kitchen dish machine. Also noted stray produce on the floor around the juicing machine in the basement. Instructed detail clean floors and maintain.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Observed juicing machine in storage room adjacent to the "la mez" bar prep room without conveniently accessible handsink. Instructed that an exposed handsink must be installed in this room to serve food handling activity (juicing) or relocate juicing machine to a prep area that is served by an exposed hand sink. Observed a leak at the waste piping of the hand sink in the "la mez" bar prep room. Must repair.

* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served

Inspector’s note: No city of chicago certified food manager present while potentially hazardous foods are being served. Management instructed that a certified food manager must be present at all times while potentially hazardous foods are being prepared and served. Serious violation 7-38-012.

* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served

Inspector’s note: Observed no valid city of chicago food sanitation certificate posted or available at this time operating and handling potentially hazardous foods, pulled pork,etc. Serious violation 7-38-012.

No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors

Inspector’s note: Observed 20-30 live fruit flies in dish area and near ice machines. Must eliminate fruit fly infestation and maintain. Serious violation 7-38-020

Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated

Inspector’s note: Observed 3 compartment sink not maintained. When far right compartment is drained it backs up into middle compartment. Must abate back up and maintain 3 compartment sink at all times. Serious violation 7-38-030

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Observed interior of ice machine closest to wall unclean with dirt on interior where ice is made. Clean interior of ice machine in detail.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Observed floors under and behind ice machines must be cleaned in detail. Clean and treat floor drain near ice machines. Observed floor in dish area need to be cleaned in detail and floor drains need to be cleaned and treated by pest control.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Observed ceilings and walls not finished (made of raw and broken concrete) in small room in basement near juicing station and basement bar. All ceilings and walls must be finished, smooth and easily cleanable in any area where food is prepared or stored so that food is protected.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Observed splash guards need to be installed on exposed hand sink behind main bar near ceviche station.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Observed interior of keg cooler behind main bar unclean. Clean interior of keg cooler and maintain.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Observed floors unclean under and behind all heavy equipment. Must pull all heavy equipment away from walls and clean all floors in corners and along walls.. Remove all standing water and maintain.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Observed ceiling tile missing in juicing food prep area in basement. Replace and maintain

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Observed handled ice scoops need to be used by bartenders at all times. Handles need to be kept out of ice so that ice is prtected from contamination.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Observed some reach in coolers door rubber gaskets not tight fitted. Must have reattach/make tight fit all coolers door rubber gaskets.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Observed slight lime build up inside ice machines and food build up on shelves in prep area. Must clean interior of ice machines and prep area shelves.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Observed dirt build up inside floor drains also found standing water on floor by mop sink/missing floor tiles at same. Must keep floor dry/repair floor at mop sink area and clean interior of floor drains.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Observed food debris/dust on ceiling tiles at prep and dishwash area. Must clean all ceiling tiles/ceiling vent covers.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: No exposed hand wash bowl at basement bar. Must provide exposed hand wash bowl with running hot and cold water at basement bar.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Must install a splash guard between the exposed hand sink and the ice bin behind the bar in the first floor. Rusted grease trap and lid. Must remove rust or replace. Remove cardboard being used as a shelve liner in the dry food storage shelve.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Missing part of the baseboard/coving behind the 3 compartment sink and the reach in freezer in the basemnent prep area and maintain. Must repair and maintain.

No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors

Inspector’s note: Found front entrance door with over 1/2 an inch gap on the bottom of the door and over one inch gap on the bottom side of the door. Instructed to rodent/insects proofed the doors. Serious violation 7-38-020.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Must install a splash guard between the exposed hand sink and the ice bin behind the bar in the first floor. Rubber gasket on the door of the two door prep cooler behind the bar ripped off. Must repair/replace and maintain. Rusted grease trap and lid. Must remove rust or replace. Remove cardboard being used as a shelve liner in the dry food storage shelve.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Floor in the basement prep area for tortilla and vegetables along the wall base all corner,under the wire rack shelvings and coolers with grease and debris build-up. Must clean in detail and maintain.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Missing part of the baseboard/coving behind the 3 compartment sink and the reach in freezer in the basement prep area and maintain. Must clean and maintain the walls by the dish washing area and by the prep area and maintain.

Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation

Inspector’s note: Noted a grayish,pinkish and slimy substance inside the upper compartment of ice machine dripping on to the ice. Instructed not to use ice machine until properly cleaned and maintained. Manager immediately called company to clean machine.by end of inspection at about 12:15 pm, company arrived on site and cleaned the ice machine. Citation issued for serious violation #7-38-005(a).

Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated

Inspector’s note: Noted waste water backing up inside one of the sinks at the 3 compartment sink of the basemen food prep area with dirt and food particles. Manager immediately called for repairs. Repair person arrived on site at about 12:40 pm. Citation issued for serious violation #7-38-030.

Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

Inspector’s note: Noted assorted multi use utensils (plates,cups,bowls etc) on shelves at the kitchen prep area not properly stored.instructed to invert all utensils during storage to prevent dust accumulation and contamination.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean floors along wall base and underneath heavy equipment especially by the service station at the first floor, around the dish washer room and by the bar of the basement food prep area.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Noted stained ceiling and openings on ceiling at the dry storage area of the basement. Instructed to repair or replace.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Noted slow drain at the 2 compartment sink of the basement bar area. Instructed to repair and maintain.

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Large white powder spice containers not labeled, instructed to label.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Wall next to prep cooler at first floor bar in poor repair, damaged dry wall, instructed to install a durable smooth surface thats easily cleanable.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Missing baseboard at prep area walls, instructed to install

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Missing lables on bulk food and spice container. Instructed to label.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: No drain board for 3-comp sink, instructed to install.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Missing grout at kitchen floor tiles under 3-comp sink, instructed to grout and maintian.