Pass

El Mirador Restaurant

5340 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60639

Restaurant ZIP 60639 Risk 1 (High)

Passed · as of Jan 26, 2026

El Mirador Restaurant was last inspected on January 26, 2026 with a result of “Pass”. Inspectors found 4 violations.

Latest inspection

January 26, 2026 · Canvass

Pass

Result: Pass

4 general
  • GeneralFood handling

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

    Inspector’s note: Observed food stored in containers in all the coolers, walk in cooler and dry storage without proper labeling of name. Instructed to person in charge to provide a label reflecting the food item's name when food has been remove from its original packaging.

    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 food containers stored on the floor in the walk-in cooler, prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to properly store and protect food items from contamination while stored by elevating at least six inches from the floor on raised shelving units.

    Official wording (code 39)

    Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

    Inspector’s note: Observed the interior of the reach in coolers in need of cleaning. Instructed to detail clean.

    Official wording (code 49)

    Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

    Inspector’s note: Observed food debris and spills on the floors and surfaces throughout the facility. Instructed to detail clean under all shelving units, interior of prep dish area, around dish machine, prep tables and all cooking equipment to remove spills, food debris, dirt buildup and/or grease. Instructed to increase cleaning frequency and maintain at all times.

    Official wording (code 55)

    Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

Inspection history

11 inspections on record

  1. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    2 critical2 general Show violations
    • CriticalFood temperature

      Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

      Inspector’s note: Observed tcs foods held at improper internal temperatures in prep cold holding unit, such as 20lbs of cooked beans mixed with cheese at 45.7f-55.2f. Manager discarded and denatured a total 26lbs at $150. All cold tcs food must maintain 41f or below . Priority violation. Citation issued 7-38-005.

      Official wording (code 22)

      Proper cold holding temperatures

    • CriticalFood temperature

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

      Inspector’s note: Found ready to eat tcs foods in refrigerator not date marked. Instructed the person in charge that all ready to eat tcs foods held for 24 hours must be properly date marked with the date the food will be sold, discarded or consumed. Priority foundation 7-38-005.

      Official wording (code 23)

      Proper date marking and disposition

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed soiled mop heads not properly stored. Instructed manager to hang mop heads to prevent insect breeding.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed unused equipment and unnecessary articles in storage area. Instructed manager to remove all unused, unnecssary equipment and articles to prevent pest harborage.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  2. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    2 critical4 general Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: Found no handwashing signage at the restroom handwashing sinks. Must provide handwashing signage at all handwashing sinks.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalFood temperature

      Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

      Inspector’s note: Observed tcs foods held at improper internal temperatures in prep cold holding unit, such as 20lbs of pork at 72.2f, 3lbs of beans mixed with cheese at 72.8f and 3lbs of cheese at 55.4f. Manager discarded and denatured a total 26lbs at $150. All cold tcs food must maintain 41f or below . Priority violation. Citation issued 7-38-005.

      Official wording (code 22)

      Proper cold holding temperatures

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed bulk food containers without a label. Instructed to provide common name on food container to properly identify items.

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralFood handling

      Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed soiled wiping cloths stored on prep tables. Instructed manager to store in sanitizing solution between uses.

      Official wording (code 41)

      Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed accumulated grease and food debris on interior and exterior surfaces of cooking equipment, coolers, freezers, shelving units. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed soiled mop heads not properly stored. Instructed manager to hang mop heads to prevent insect breeding.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  3. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed bulk food containers without a label. Instructed to provide common name on food container to properly identify items.

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed heavy grease build up inside of cooking fryer. Must clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed expired allergen training certificate on site. Must provide allergen training for all certified food managers.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  4. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    2 critical7 general Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: Found no handwashing signage at the restroom handwashing sinks. Must provide handwashing signage at all handwashing sinks.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalFood temperature

      Hot food was held below a safe temperature.

      Inspector’s note: Found hot tcs food at improper hot holding temperature; found cooked pork in a large metal bowl on the flat top grill at 108f. Instructed management that all hot holding foods must be at 135f or above at all times. Food discarded. Priority violation 7-38-005. Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 21)

      Proper hot holding temperatures

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Found individually packaged ice cream treats in a grab and go freezer near the host stand without labels. Instructed management to provide labels with the common name of food and list of ingrediants (*if made from more than 2 ingrediants).

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Found heavy ice build up inside a chest freezer in the rear prep area. Must defrost and maintain.

      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 covered receptacle (waste can with lid) inside the front unisex restroom. Instructed to provide covered waste receptacle for feminine hygiene products.

      Official wording (code 53)

      Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Found heavy dust build up on both restroom ceiling vent covers. Must clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • GeneralFood handling

      Miscellaneous public health order.

      Inspector’s note: Management instructed to post signage at all public entrances and inside of the establishment regarding masks and vaccination requirements.

      Official wording (code 64)

      Miscellaneous / public health orders

    • GeneralFood handling

      Miscellaneous public health order.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no written records for employee vaccination or weekly testing as required per osha standards. Management instructed to provide and maintain a written record on site.

      Official wording (code 64)

      Miscellaneous / public health orders

    • GeneralFood handling

      Miscellaneous public health order.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no written record describing the protocol for checking proof of vaccination in public places. Management instructed to provide and maintain.

      Official wording (code 64)

      Miscellaneous / public health orders

  5. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    1 general Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Clean the ventilation hood and filters.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

  6. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    3 critical3 general Show violations
    • CriticalManagement & training

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no written employee health policy on the premises. Management instructed to provide a signed employee health policy for each employee. 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 clean up procedure on the premises to respond to vomit and diarrheal events. Management instructed to provide. Priority foundation 7-38-005. No citation issued.

      Official wording (code 5)

      Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

    • CriticalFood temperature

      Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

      Inspector’s note: Observed improper cold holding temperatures of tcs foods in the 2 door prep coolers. Observed beef at 48.9f, cooked plaintains at 83.5f, fresh squeezed juices at 53.4f, sour cream at 51.3f, cheese at 52.9f, salsa at 48.6f, and tamales at 47.5f. Management voluntarily discarded approximately 100# of food worth $600. Priority 7-38-005. Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 22)

      Proper cold holding temperatures

    • GeneralFood temperature

      Not enough equipment, or the wrong method, to cool and hold food at safe temperatures.

      Inspector’s note: Observed two 2-door prep coolers with air temperatures of 60f and 44f. The coolers were used to store tcs foods such as meat and cheese. Management instructed to repair and maintain both coolers below 41f. Priority 7-38-005. Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 33)

      Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Clean inside of the door of the deep fryer.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Clean the ventilation hood and filters.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

  7. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

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

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

      Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: MUST ELIMINATE GROCERY BAGS USED FOR FOOD STORAGE AND PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING ON UPPER LEVEL .MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON WALLS IN DINING AREA.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

      Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE SHATTER PROOF BULBS OR LIGHT SHIELDS ON LIGHTS IN DISH WASHING AREA.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE A BACK FLOW DEVICE ON MOP SINK

  8. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    6 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: Observed toxic items being improperly used.observed a white powder(boric acid )on floor along wall bases,behind all cooking equipment,coolers and freezers,on food & pot and pans shelving units ,rear storage closet in prep and dish washing areas.must remove toxic white powder,clean and sanitize areas & equipment and shelves.(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: Must invert multiuse utensils(pots and pans) on shelving units.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must eliminate grocery bags used for food storage and provide food grade bags.must defrost ice build up in freezers

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must clean dust build up from vents in dining area.must repair or replace damaged ceiling on upper level .must scrape and paint peeling paint on walls in dining area

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

      Inspector’s note: Must provide shatter proof bulbs or light shields on lights in dish washing area

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must provide a back flow device on mop sink.

  9. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

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

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

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

  10. Pass

    License · Pass

    2 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 walls open in the two restrooms, rear dining behind the 3 compartment sink, and around the rear kitchen vent (due to final inspection from water/ventilation). Need to repair.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed missing drain board, instructed to provide.

More in ZIP 60639

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 9 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.