Pass

Palenque

2756 W 55th St, Chicago, IL 60632

Restaurant ZIP 60632 Risk 1 (High)

Passed · as of Jul 20, 2026

Palenque was last inspected on July 20, 2026 with a result of “Pass”. Inspectors found 6 violations.

Latest inspection

July 20, 2026 · Canvass

Pass

Result: Pass

5 general1 paperwork
  • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

    Inspector’s note: Observed rust on shelving units in walk in cooler and shelving unit next to filing cabinet in rear storage area. Instructed to remove rust from all shelving units in walk in cooler and rear dry storage area, instructed nonfood contact surfaces of equipment shall be constructed of a corrosion resistant, nonabsorbent and smooth material. Observed soda crates stored on floor in walk in cooler. Instructed to provide adequate shelving units to elevate all food and non food items at least six inches off of floor for ease of cleanability.

    Official wording (code 47)

    Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

    Inspector’s note: Observed leaking drainpipe underneath left compartment of three compartment sink. Instructed to repair leaking drainpipe of three compartment sink and maintain.

    Official wording (code 51)

    Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

    Inspector’s note: Observed black buildup on ground in front and rear of outside grease container. Instructed to clean ground surrounding outside grease container and maintain.

    Official wording (code 54)

    Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

    Inspector’s note: Observed stained, missing or damaged ceiling tiles in rear prep area above walkway to the right of walk in cooler. Instructed to replace all stained, missing or damaged ceiling tiles in facility and maintain. Observed peeling paint on ceiling above walkway to right of walk in cooler. Instructed to remove all peeling paint and smoothly repaint ceiling in said area for ease of cleanability. Observed rust on ceiling vent in rear prep/dishwashing area near three compartment sink. Instructed to remove rust and smoothly repaint ceiling vent in said area for ease of cleanability.

    Official wording (code 55)

    Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

    Inspector’s note: Observed non working light in hood. Instructed to replace non working light in hood and maintain. Observed dimly lit washroom with utility sink. Instructed to increase light intensity in washroom with utility sink and maintain.

    Official wording (code 56)

    Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

  • PaperworkManagement & training

    Not all food employees had food-handler training.

    Inspector’s note: At time of inspection facility provided no food handler training certificates for any food handlers. Instructed to provide food handler certificates for all food handlers.

    Official wording (code 57)

    All food employees have food handler training

Inspection history

15 inspections on record

  1. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    1 general Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Rusty wire storage racks in rear storage area. Instd to remove rust and maintain

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

  2. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    1 critical1 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalFood handling

      Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

      Inspector’s note: Observed light build up on door of ice machine. Instructed person in charge to clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 16)

      Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed build-up on filters above grill in hood. Instructed person in charge to clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Not all food employees had food-handler training.

      Inspector’s note: Observed food handler on site without food handler certificate. Instructed person in charge to require food handler to obtain training and retain certificate on site.

      Official wording (code 57)

      All food employees have food handler training

  3. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    1 general Show violations
    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Dry storage containers without labels. Instd to label with common name and maintain

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

  4. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    9 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • GeneralFood handling

      In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED ON SIDE LEDGE OF ICE MACHINE STORE ICE SCOOP IN A CLEAN CONTAINER.

      Official wording (code 43)

      In-use utensils: properly stored

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Violation Codes: 4-903.11 (A;B;D) Inspector Comments: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES.

      Official wording (code 44)

      Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled

    • GeneralFood handling

      Single-use items weren’t stored or used properly.

      Inspector’s note: Violation Codes: 4-903.11(A;C) Inspector Comments: MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.

      Official wording (code 45)

      Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Violation Codes: 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN BUILD UP ON INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO LID ON GARBAGE CAN IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

      Official wording (code 53)

      Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT PREMISES,DAMAGED WALL TILE AND WALL BASES UNDER 3- COMPARTMENT SINK,BEHIND WALK IN COOLER AND AT FRONT WINDOW NEXT TO STEAM TABLE,HOLE IN WALL IN TOILET ROOM,DAMAGED FLOOR TILES NEAR REAR DOOR,FRONT PREP AREA AND WERE NEEDED.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Violation Codes: 6-501.14 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTER AND HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Violation Codes: 4-301.14 Inspector Comments: MUST PLACE COOKING EQUIPMENT COMPLETELY UNDER VENTILATION HOOD.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Violation Codes: 6-202.11 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHT IN DISH WASHING AREA.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR NEW FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  5. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    1 critical10 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

      Inspector’s note: Observed hand washing sinks not accessible observed front hand sink with a rolling cart stored in front of and the rear hand sink with a tray and 2- bowls inside of hand sink basin while tcs foods are being prepared,handled and served. Articles were removed during inspection. Must keep hand sink accessible at all times.(priority foundation 7-38-030(c)(citation issued)(cos)

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • GeneralFood handling

      In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed ice scoop stored on side ledge of ice machine store ice scoop in a clean container.

      Official wording (code 43)

      In-use utensils: properly stored

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Must invert multi-use utensils on dish storage shelves.

      Official wording (code 44)

      Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled

    • GeneralFood handling

      Single-use items weren’t stored or used properly.

      Inspector’s note: Must store plastic wear with handles in upright position.

      Official wording (code 45)

      Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must clean build up on interior panel of ice machine.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no lid on garbage can in unisex toilet room must provide and maintain.

      Official wording (code 53)

      Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed outside grease container encrusted with grease dripping along both sides and pooling on to ground must remove grease from container and ground and maintain.(priority foundation 7-38-020(b)(citation issued)

      Official wording (code 54)

      Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace stained ceiling tiles throughout premises,damaged wall tile and wall bases under 3- compartment sink,behind walk in cooler and at front window next to steam table,hole in wall in toilet room,damaged floor tiles near rear door,front prep area and were needed.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace burntout light in dish washing area.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Must place cooking equipment completely under ventilation hood.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Must clean debris build up from filter and hood of cooking equipment.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no food allergen training for new food manager must provide.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  6. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical2 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalManagement & training

      No written plan or kit for cleaning up vomit or diarrhea.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no vomit and diarrhea clean up kit/procedure on site. Must provide written procedure for the clean up of vomit and diarrheal events, and corresponding equipment outline in procedure. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005

      Official wording (code 5)

      Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Both sides of toilet room door not clean, black debris accumulation. Instd to clean and maintain

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralRepeat violation

      A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

      Inspector’s note: Previous core violation from 4/24/2019 report 2285675 not corrected; 58 observed no proof of allergen training on site. Must provide proof of allergen training for all chicago certified food managers prioruty foundation 7-42-090

      Official wording (code 60)

      Previous core violation corrected

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: See 60

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  7. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    2 critical5 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalManagement & training

      No written plan or kit for cleaning up vomit or diarrhea.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no vomit and diarrhea clean up kit/procedure on site. Must provide written procedure for the clean up of vomit and diarrheal events, and corresponding equipment outline in procedure. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005

      Official wording (code 5)

      Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

    • CriticalFood temperature

      Prepared food wasn’t date-marked, or was kept past its discard date.

      Inspector’s note: Observed improper date marking on tcs foods in front prep cooler and walk in cooler. Must label all tcs foods with discard or sell by date, no more than 7 days from the preparation date. Must correct and maintain same. Priority foundation violation.

      Official wording (code 23)

      Proper date marking and disposition

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed allergen label missing on packaged deserts in the display cooler. Must label the name of the food sources of any major food allergens (i.e. Milk, eggs, etc.) must correct and maintain same. Priority foundation violation.

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed improper labels on foods packaged deserts in the display cooler. (desert bear label with sell by date and ingredients only.) tcs packaged foods shall be labeled as specified by law. Labels must include the following: the common name of food; a list of ingredients; an accurate net quantity; and the name and place of business of the manufacturer or packer, and a sell by date. Must correctly label all items in display cooler.

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed dry storage items (vegetable oil, etc.) stored inside restroom. Must remove these items. Instructed must not store any dry storage items, utensils or food related items in restroom to prevent contamination.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed restroom door open to rear prep area. Instructed all restroom doors in prep areas must be self closing. Must provide self closing device on door. Must maintain same.

      Official wording (code 53)

      Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed boxes and dry storage items stored throughout facility on floors. Must elevate all items at least 6 inches above the floor to allow for proper cleaning. Must maintain same.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no proof of allergen training on site. Must provide proof of allergen training for all chicago certified food managers.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  8. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    1 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed the wall in the following areas in poor repair, behind handsink front,side cup/lid storage,knife rack, and side of the rear 2 door cooler, insreucted to repair.

  9. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    3 critical1 general Show violations
    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service

      Inspector’s note: Observed potentially hazardous food at improper temperature inside of the 2 door prep cooler. Observed cooked rice with a temperature of 45.3f. Management voluntarily discarded approximately 80# of food worth $100. Critical violation 7-38-005a.

    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.

      Inspector’s note: Observed unhygienic food handling practices by food handling employees during the inspection. Observed employees wash and rinse their hands in the 1 compartment prep sink instead of the handwashing sink, and use common towels to dry their hands. Also, observed an employee put on a pair of gloves without first washing their hands. Management instructed to use only the exposed handwashing sink to wash their hands and yo wash their hands in between changing gloves or putting on gloves. Critical violation 7-38-010a.

    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time

      Inspector’s note: Observed an employee wash and rinse utensils and dishes without sanitizing them and then put them on a shelf to dry. Management instructed on how to properly set up the 3 compartment sink to wash, rinse and sanitize dishes. Critical violation 7-38-030.

    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

      Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090

      Inspector’s note: Previous minor violation from report #1547300 on 6/18/15 not corrected: 45 - food handler requirements not met. No logs, records in place. Instd to provide same. Serious violation 7-42-090.

  10. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical8 general Show violations
    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area

      Inspector’s note: No sanitary hand drying device at rear exposed handsink or in employee toilet room. Instd to provide and have accessible at handsinks at all times. Citation issued 7-38-030 critical.

    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: No city of chicago certified manager on duty while handling potentially hazardous foods (chicken, rice, etc). Instd to have on duty at all times. Citaiton issued 7-38-012 serious.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Clean equipment improperly stored. Instd to store properly (elevate and invert).

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Exterior top of grease trap with rusty surface. Instd to remove rust and maintain. 2 door upright cooler rubber gaskets in poor repair. Instd to repair same. Grocery bags being used to store food. Instd to store food in food grade containers.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Lightshields not clean. Clean same.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Large pots on site that are unable to completely submerge in basin of 3-compartment sink. Instd to provide 3-compartment sink large enough for complete submersion of largest multi-use equipment on site.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

      Inspector’s note: No metal stem thermometer for food handleres. Provide same.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

      Inspector’s note: Clutter/unnecessary articles in toilet room. Instd to remove same.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food handler requirements met

      Inspector’s note: Food handler requirements not met. No logs, records in place. Instd to provide same.

  11. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    3 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed grease trap rusty and unclean. Remove rust and restore surface to a smooth easily cleanable surface and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Install splash guards on each side of hand wash sink in front prep area.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Move or install additional paper towel dispenser/holder above rear hand wash sink that it is convenient and easily accessible.

  12. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    3 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must repair ventilation in washroom in rear of premises

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

      Inspector’s note: Must provide a thermometer inside 2 door reach-in cooler where raw chicken is stored at front prep area

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

      Inspector’s note: Remove clutter from washroom in rear of premises and remove clutter in rear near 2 door reach-in cooler to prevent rodent harborage

  13. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    5 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Clean the hood,filters, fryer and cabinet below has some grease buildup on them.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Clean the floor underneath the heavy equipment and along the floors and in the corners they are dusty.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Clean the ceiling vents above they are dusty.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

      Inspector’s note: Clutter in the front store room/office. Instructed to clean and orgnize so no insect or rodent harborage.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn

      Inspector’s note: Some employees no wearing hair restraints. Instructed manager that employees must were hats,caps or hair nets when handling food.

  14. Pass

    License · Pass

    No violations

More in ZIP 60632

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 4 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.