Mezquite Pollo Express

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

Inspector’s note: Observed unlabeled customer self-service prepackaged foods(cookies and pecan bars) on counter in dining room.instructed must label items with food name, ingredients and name and place of business of packer.

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: Observed openings at first floor rear exit door at base and right side and observed openings on right side of rear exit basement door. Instructed to seal all outer openings to prevent pest entrance.

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: Observed over 80 mouse droppings in facility. Observed mouse droppings in areas such as first floor storage rooms, employee washroom and dining room near cold holding units and underneath shelving unit. Instructed to eliminate rodent activity, remove mouse droppings and clean affected areas. Recommended licensed pest control company service facility on or after 8/24/2026. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(a) citation issued

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

Inspector’s note: Observed bug light installed above chest freezer in rear storage area. Instructed to relocate chest freezer in rear storage area or reinstall bug light to prevent contamination.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed damaged gaskets on both doors of two door refrigerator in dishwashing area. Instructed to replace damaged gaskets on both doors of two door refrigerator in dishwashwashing area and maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed faucet of two compartment sink leaking. Instructed to repair leaking faucet of two compartment sink and maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Unable to locate backflow prevention device on utility sink in employee washroom. Instructed to install backflow prevention device on utility sink in employee washroom so that it shall be located so that it may be serviced and maintained

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

Inspector’s note: Observed door of employee all gender washroom to not be self closing. Instructed to install self closing device on employee all gender washroom door so that it shall be tight fitting and self closing.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed stained ceiling tiles in dishwashing area above large two door refrigerator. Instructed to replace all stained ceiling tiles in facility and maintain

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed non working lights in basement. Instructed to repair or replace all non working lights in basement to increase light intensity and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed pre packaged cookies and pecan bars made on site without label of business name and address. Instructed to provide

In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed knives improperly stored in between wire and wall in food prep area near grill. Instructed to provide proper storage for utensils and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed cooking utensils not inverted. Instructed management to avoid contamination by inverting utensils with handles exposed after sanitizing and air drying.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed frozen raw chicken stored in plastic liner in bulk freezer. Instructed to use food grade containers for storing. Observed crates in two door refrigerator used to store produce. Instructed to use smooth and cleanable containers and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed employee unisex toilet room with no covered receptacle. Instructed to provide and maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed inadequate lighting in basement. Instructed to increase lighting intensity to ensure visibility. Must maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed pre packaged cookies and pecan bars made on site without label of business name and address. Instructed to provide.

In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed knives improperly stored in between wire and wall in food prep area near grill. Instructed to provide proper storage for utensils and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed cooking utensils not inverted. Instructed management to avoid contamination by inverting utensils with handles exposed after sanitizing and air drying.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed frozen raw chicken stored in plastic liner in bulk freezer. Instructed to use food grade containers for storing. Observed crates in two door refrigerator used to store produce. Instructed to use smooth and cleanable containers and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed employee unisex toilet room with no covered receptacle. Instructed to provide and maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed inadequate lighting in basement. Instructed to increase lighting intensity to ensure visibility. Must maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed low pressure at handsink in rear employee restroom. Instructed person in charge to correct and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed no covered receptacle in rear employee restroom. Instructed person in charge to provide and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed bulk containers of sugar and rice not labeled in the dry storage closet. Instructed to label all bulk containers with common name of the food item.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed facility using large 50 gallon garbage containers to store raw chicken. Instructed to use proper food grade containers.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed torn gaskets on the two door tall cooler in the rear prep area. Instructed to repair and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed stained cutting board with very deep seams at the chicken steam table. Instructed to replace.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed cardboard being used as a liner on the shelving in the dry storage closet. Instructed to remove or replace with a material that is smooth and easily cleanable.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed wet mop stored in the bucket in the rear storage area. Instructed to hang mops when not in use to allow to dry.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed paper towel holder cover broken in the rear prep area. Instructed to repair or replace lid.

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

Inspector’s note: Must label food storage containers when food is not in original package.

In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed large scoops stored inside of dry bulk food storage containers must store scoops handle above rim or in a clean container.

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

Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace worn door gaskets on 2- door reach in cooler in dish washing area.

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

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

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace hole in lower wall near glass reach in cooler in rear storage area.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace cracked light shield in chicken prep area and missing in dry food storage area.

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

Inspector’s note: Plastic lining for wrapping pallets (as stated on original box) being used to store large amounts of chicken. Also using large 50 gallon garbage containers to store raw chicken. Instd to use proper food grade equipment.

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

Inspector’s note: Warped cutting board in front prep area. Instd to replace and maintain cutting boards.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Cracked floor tiles in dry storage area. Instd to replace and maintain

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: No ventilation above large 6 burner stove in front prep area. Instd to provide proper ventilation or remove stove.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed two rear freezers lids broken, instructed to repair, and or replace freezers. Also observed the two door cooler rubber gasket broken/torn, instructed to repair/replace.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed the trash receptacle without a cover, instructed to provide.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the rear floor in the chicken prep area not clean, excessive water on the floor, instructed to clean, and keep floor dry.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the wall behind the three compartment, and dish machine not clean, instructed to clean.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Observed non compliance on violation #58 no allergen training, from report 2232341, date10/26/2018, correct by date 12/14/2018. 7-42-090 citation issued.

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

Inspector’s note: 3-302.12 dry strorage containers not labeled. Instd to properly label and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: 4-101.11 (b-e). Plastic type lining being used inside chest freezers to store large amounts of chicken. Instd to use proper food grade equipment made of material that is a smooth, easily cleanabe surface

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-201.11 wall covering underneath 3-compartment sink at south end in disrepair, loose surface. Instd to repair and maintain

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.114 extreme clutter/unused equipment in basement. Instd to remove all and organize area. Must be able to access all areas.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: 202.11(a) missing lightshield on lights in rear prep area. Instd to provide and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: 3-302.12 dry strorage containers not labeled. Instd to properly label and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: 4-101.11 (b-e). Plastic type lining being used inside chest freezers to store large amounts of chicken. Instd to use proper food grade equipment made of material that is a smooth, easily cleanabe surface.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.114 extreme clutter/unused equipment in basement. Instd to remove all and organize area. Must be able to access all areas.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-201.11 wall covering underneath 3-compartment sink at south end in disrepair, loose surface. Instd to repair and maintain

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: 6-202.11(a) missing lightshield on lights in rear prep area. Instd to provide and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: 3-302.12 dry strorage containers not labeled. Instd to properly label and maintain.

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.111 over 30 mice droppings scattered on floor in dry storage area. Instd to remove all droppings, clean and sanitize affected areas. Contact pest control and have updated service. Priority foundation 7-38-020(a). Citation issued.

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

Inspector’s note: 4-101.11 (b-e). Plastic type lining being used inside chest freezers to store large amounts of chicken. Instd to use proper food grade equipment made of material that is a smooth, easily cleanabe surface.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.114 extreme clutter/unused equipment in basement. Instd to remove all and organize area. Must be able to access all areas.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-201.11 wall covering underneath 3-compartment sink at south end in disrepair, loose surface. Instd to repair and maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: 6-202.11(a) missing lightshield on lights in rear prep area. Instd to provide and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed 4 knives improperly stored between the front table and steam table, instructed to provide knife rack

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

Inspector’s note: Observed cooked rice stored in grocery bag in the rear 2 doors cooler, instructed to provide proper food grade container, or food grade baggies/zip loc. Also in rear prep area freezer lid to box freezer in poor repair, instructed to repair/or replace.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed front 4 knives not clean, instructed to clean and sanitize.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed standing water on the floor in the rear prep area, instructed to remove/dry mop.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed the wall and ceiling peeling paint above the ladies restroom door in hallway, instructed to remove and reseal.

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

Inspector’s note: Previous minor violation from report #1516528 on 9/22/15 not corrected: 45 - observed no food handler certificates on premises at this time, instructed to provide. Given copy of idph's food handler info. At this time. Serious violation 7-42-090.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed water on the floor of the basement. Must maintain the basement floor dry.

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

Inspector’s note: Repair the large hole in the drywall wall inside of the dry storage room. Replace the water stained ceiling tile inside of the dry storage room.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed several food hanling employees without hair restraints. All food handling employees must wear hair restraints.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed the front jet spray machine drip trays, not clean, instructed to clean.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed wall vent not clean going into the rear area, instructed to clean.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed clutter in basement, instructed to organize and remove items not being used.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: Observed no food handler certificates on premises at this time, instructed to provide. Given copy of idph's food handler info. At this time.

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

Inspector’s note: No city of chicago certified food manager certificate posted and could not be produced at time of inspection while potentially hazardous food is being prepared, cooked and served. Serious violation 7-38-012.