El Mezquite

No violations were recorded at this inspection.

1. Nov 19, 2025 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   4 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: The racks inside the rear walk in cooler has rust on them. Instructed to remove rust and maintain a smooth, easily cleanble, rust free surface.

     Official wording (code 47)

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

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

     Inspector’s note: The lower/side interior surface of the rear reach in freezer with stains, food and dirt. Instructed to clean and maintain surfaces.

     Official wording (code 49)

     Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

     Inspector’s note: There is a leak at the p-trap under the front hand washing sink. Instructed to fix leak and maintain good plumbing.

     Official wording (code 51)

     Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Water stained ceiling tile above the rear walk in cooler. Instructed to replace and maintain.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: The cfm on site food allergen certificate is expired. Instructed to obtain and maintain a valid allergen certificate.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

2. Nov 5, 2024 Pass

   Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

   3 general Show violations

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: 3-302.12 observed foods in containers in the walk-in cooler without a label with the common name of the food. Instructed to provide for all foods that are out of the original packaging.

     Official wording (code 37)

     Food properly labeled; original container

   • GeneralPests

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

     Inspector’s note: 6-202.15 observed side door opened without adequate mesh screening to prevent the entry of pests. Instructed to maintain doors closed at all times or provide adequate mesh screens while opened.

     Official wording (code 38)

     Insects, rodents, & animals not present

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

     Inspector’s note: 5-204.12 unable to locate the back flow prevention device on the ice machine. Instructed to locate.

     Official wording (code 51)

     Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

3. Oct 29, 2024 Fail

   Canvass · Fail

   4 general Show violations

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: 3-302.12 observed foods in containers in the walk-in cooler without a label with the common name of the food. Instructed to provide for all foods that are out of the original packaging.

     Official wording (code 37)

     Food properly labeled; original container

   • GeneralPests

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

     Inspector’s note: 6-501.111 observed about 15 live small flies in the rear food prep area on the wall by the utility sink. Instructed to eliminate live small flies activity, clean and sanitize affected areas and recommended contacting pest control for a service. Priority foundation. Citation issued 7-38-020(a).

     Official wording (code 38)

     Insects, rodents, & animals not present

   • GeneralPests

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

     Inspector’s note: 6-202.15 observed front and rear doors opened without adequate mesh screening to prevent the entry of pests. Instructed to maintain doors closed at all times or provide adequate mesh screens while opened.

     Official wording (code 38)

     Insects, rodents, & animals not present

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

     Inspector’s note: 5-204.12 unable to locate the back flow prevention device on the ice machine. Instructed to locate.

     Official wording (code 51)

     Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

4. Oct 19, 2023 Conditional

   Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

   2 critical1 general Show violations

   • CriticalFood handling

     Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

     Inspector’s note: Observed dishwasher wash and rinse dishes. Instructed manager to adequately wash, rinse and sanitize. Using a sanitizing solution to adequately sanitize dishes per manufacturer's instructions. Instructed to sanitize dishes.priority violation. 7-38-025. Citation issued.

     Official wording (code 16)

     Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

   • CriticalFood handling

     Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

     Inspector’s note: Found ice machine with a minimal black mold like substance. Instructed to clean, sanitize and maintain.

     Official wording (code 16)

     Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

     Inspector’s note: Found rear prep area light bulb burnt out. Must replace

     Official wording (code 56)

     Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

5. Aug 16, 2022 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   1 critical3 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

     Inspector’s note: 6-301.14 observed a hand washing sign is needed at the rear hand washing sink and at the dining roomm hand washing sink. Instructed to provide.

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

     Inspector’s note: 5-204.12 unable to locate a back flow prevention device on the ice machine located in the rear food prep area. Instructed to locate or provide.

     Official wording (code 51)

     Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: 5-501.17 observed no covered receptacle inside of the toilet room. Instructed to provide.

     Official wording (code 53)

     Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: 6-501.114 observed items stored on the floor (tools) and clutter in the basement. Instructed to remove unecessary clutter and elevate everything at least 6 inches from the ground.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: 2-102.13 observed no up to date allergen training certificates for managers (all managers enrolled in a food safety manager's class with receipts dated 7/13/22 from keystone enrichment service). Instructed to obtain allergen training certificates for all managers.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

6. Oct 7, 2021 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   3 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

     Inspector’s note: Observed front hand washing sink with loose faucet, leak from drain pipe and need splash guard being so close to the stove where food is prepared. Instructed to repair faucet, leak and provide splash guard.

     Official wording (code 51)

     Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed wall tile in the front food prep area missing and others broken. Instructed to repair. (informed of upcoming remodel to replace all) observed rear ceiling tile missing due to upstairs water damage. Instructed to replace and maintain.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed stacks of crates and other materials just outside of the back door leading to garbage area. Instructed to remove and maintain. (informed they are waiting for trash pick up to get rid of all)

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no allergen training for city of chicago certified manager on site. Instructed to obtain and provide on site.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

7. Aug 12, 2020 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   1 paperwork Show violations

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: 2-102.13 observed the city of chicago food service sanitation managers without the required allergen training. Instructed to meet requirement.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

8. Apr 11, 2019 Conditional

   Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

   3 critical4 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalManagement & training

     Staff weren’t trained on, or didn’t follow, the rules for reporting illness.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no employee health policy, instructed to provide. Priority foundation 7-38-010, no citation issued.

     Official wording (code 3)

     Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting

   • CriticalManagement & training

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed no procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events, instructed to provide. Priority foundation 7-38-005, no citation issued.

     Official wording (code 5)

     Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

   • CriticalFood handling

     No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no disclosure/reminder statement on the menu at this time, instructed to provide priority 7-38-005, no citation issued.

     Official wording (code 25)

     Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed no labels on the own made flan, and rice pudding, instructed on proper labeling.

     Official wording (code 37)

     Food properly labeled; original container

   • GeneralFood handling

     Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

     Inspector’s note: Observed wiping clothes improperly stored on prep counters, instructed to store in sanitizing solution when not in use.

     Official wording (code 41)

     Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed water damaged ceiling tiles over rear walk-in cooler, instructed to replace, and maintain.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed a section of the rear floor not sealed, instructed to seal the raw wood floor.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no allergen training certificate on premises at this time. Instructed to provide.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

9. Jun 15, 2018 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   2 general Show violations

   • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

     Inspector’s note: Clean floor in rear dry food storage area of food spills(beans)under and around shelving.

   • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

     Inspector’s note: Remove dirty mop water in bucket at rear, hang mop upright to properly air dry.

10. Apr 10, 2017 Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    4 general Show violations

    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: No valid city of chicago food sanitation certificate posted on the premises while potentially hazardous foods (refried beans at 148.5f) are being prepared and 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.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Replace the broken wall tile at the corner next to the 3 compartment sink.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: The handwashing sink in the rear food prep area was slow draining. Management instructed to repair so that the sink drains properly.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

      Inspector’s note: Observed wet wiping cloths stored on top of the prep tables. Management instructed to store all wet wiping cloths in a container of sanitizer.

11. Jun 23, 2016 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    4 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no splash guard in rear prep area between the 2 compartment sink and the hand saink, instructed to provide.also remove cardboard from cooler storage shelves.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed the rear upright freezer with excessive ice, instructed to defrost and clean.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed ceiling peeling paint in rear walk-in cooler, instructed to remove/reseal.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed plastic around the rear 2 comp. Sink neck of nozzle, instructed to repair/replace.

12. Dec 28, 2015 Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

13. Dec 16, 2015 Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    2 general Show violations

    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

      Dish machines: provided with accurate thermometers, chemical test kits and suitable gauge cock

      Inspector’s note: No chemical sanitizer test kit available during inspection. Instructed manager to provide sanitizer test kit to test proper sanitizer concentration. Serious violation 7-38-030

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Repair left leaking faucet on 3-compartment sink. Repair leaking drainpipe under exposed sink in rear prep area.

14. Jun 11, 2015 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    7 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Label packaged desserts in display cooler.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Clean ventilation fan in washroom(dust buildup).

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Install an exposed hand sink in rear prep area. Provide adequate stoppers for 3-compartment sink.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Elevate all stock off floor in walk-in cooler. Properly organize walk-in cooler. Store mop heads upright to prevent insect breeding. Remove unused equipment outside rear door.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: All food handlers must wear hair restraints.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

      Inspector’s note: Store wash cloths in sanitizing solution.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food handler requirements met

      Inspector’s note: Provide food handler certificates for all employees.

15. May 27, 2014 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    4 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: All foods not in original container must be dated and labeled. Only food grade bags are allowed.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Inner door frame of both cold hold units , front prep, has build up of grime. Must detail clean.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Build up of grime on coving behind cold hold units and floor. Must detail clean. Floor tile in toilet room is damage. Must replace damage florr tiles.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Ventilation cover in toilet room has build up of dust must detail clean.

16. Jan 7, 2014 Pass

    License Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

17. Dec 31, 2013 Fail

    License · Fail

    5 general Show violations

    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: No pest control log book provided at time of investigation. Citation issued-serious 7-38-020.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: All single-service utensils must be stored in clean containers inverted(handles up).

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Remove shelf liners from shelves underneath prep tables and paint rusty surfaces. Replace milk crates in basement with shelving unit(s).

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Detail clean floors along the bases of the walls throughout where needed.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Replace stained ceiling tiles in rear kitchen area. Clean debris from light shields in dining area.