El Ranchito

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

Inspector’s note: Observed back door cracked open at the time of inspection. Instructed to keep all doors closed and tight fitting to prevent pest entry.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed diced tomatoes stored directly in contact with ice inside of prep cooler. Instructed management not to store food items in direct contact with ice.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed dish racks, pots, skillets, and pans stored on the floor under dish machine and three compartment sink in the dish washing area. Instructed to elevate cooking equipment and dish racks to protect from contamination.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed excessive build up of food residue in all reach-in coolers, and dust accumulation on the fan guards in the walk-in cooler. Must detail clean fan guards and in between gaskets and interiors of all reach-in coolers.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed insufficient lighting in the walk-in cooler. Instructed to provide sufficient lighting and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Instructed to repair or replace broken rubber gasket around 2 door reach-in cooler in the kitchen.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.114 instructed to clean, reorganize and remove clutter and unused items stored in second floor storage and in basement storage area.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to regrout floor tiles with deep seams in rear dishwashing area (by the dishmachine and by the 3 compartment sink)

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to provide thermometer visible inside all coolers including inside the walk-in cooler.

Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed debris on ground under and around garbage dumpster in rear outside area. Instructed to clean and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean, reorganize and remove clutter and unused items stored in second floor storage and in basement storage area.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Previous core violations not corrected from inspection report# 2574364 issued on 04-17-2023 priority foundation violation 7-42-090 citation issued #10 - observed no handwashing signage at the exposed handsink, located in the rear preparation area. Instructed the person in charge to provide handwashing signage at all handsinks and maintain them #39 - observed food containers stored on the floor in the walk-in cooler. Instructed the person in charge to properly store and protect food items from contamination while stored by elevating at least six inches from the floor on raised shelving units. #47 - observed rusted storage racks in the walk-in cooler and the two-door reach-in cooler. Instructed the person in charge to remove rust and ensure surfaces were smooth and easily cleanable. #47 - observed multiple cutting boards with deep scratches and stains in the rear preparation area.…

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. Instructed the person in charge to properly store and protect food items from contamination while stored by elevating at least six inches from the floor on raised shelving units.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed rusted storage racks in the walk-in cooler and the two-door reach-in cooler. Instructed the person in charge to remove rust and ensure surfaces were smooth and easily cleanable.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed multiple cutting boards with deep scratches and stains in the rear preparation area. Instructed the person in charge to resurface/replace cutting boards and maintain them.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed accumulated grease and food debris on the interior and exterior surfaces of all cooking equipment. Instructed the person in charge to clean and maintain. (nonfood contact surfaces)

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed grease buildup, food debris, and dirt on floor under cooking equipment, along walls and in all corners in prep, dish washing, storage and basement areas. Instructed the person in charge to clean floors under all equipment, along walls and in all corners in all areas.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed multiple holes in ceiling panels located in the front dining area. Instructed the person in charge to repair ceiling panels and maintain them.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Found the following not clean: exterior of dishmachine, hand wash sinks, hot/cold water handles with accumulated grime build-up, tables and counters with food build-up, exterior and interior of all prep area coolers with food build-up, and band saw interior with food build up. Must clean and maintain equipment.

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

Inspector’s note: : no garbage lid provided at receptacles inside the women's washroom. Instructed to provide.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed items on the second floor with excess clutter. Must clean and organize all items and elevate items 6 inches off the floor.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Throughout the basement floor surface is damp with standing water. Instructed manager must keep basement floor dry/clean.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed walls of northside cooking area unclean with dirt and black mildew-like substance. Must clean and maintain all walls around cooking equipment.

Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed one food handler not wearing hair restraint. Instructed manager all food handlers must wear effective hair restraints.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Found the following not clean: exterior of dishmachine, hand wash sinks, hot/cold water handles with accumulated grime build-up, tables and counters with food build-up, exterior and interior of all prep area coolers with food build-up, and band saw interior with food build up. Must clean and maintain equipment.

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

Inspector’s note: No garbage lid provided at receptacles inside the womens washroom. Instructed to provide.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed items on the second floor with excess clutter. Must clean and organize all items and elevate items 6 inches off the floor.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Basement floor surface damp with standing water throughout. Instructed manager must keep basement floor dry/clean throughout.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed walls of northside cooking area unclean with dirt and black mildew-like substance. Must clean and maintain all walls around cooking equipment.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: The following not clean- observed accumulated food debris on exterior of all sinks, shelves, dishmachine also observed food build up inside all prep area coolers. Must clean equipment and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed accumulated food/dirt build up on walls throughout prep and dishwash area. Must clean walls and maintain.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: The following previous core violations from report #2523056 dated on 08/21/21 not corrected-#43 3-304.12 observed cooks knives being stored improperly between wall and electrical pipe above the prep sink must provide a proper knife holder/rack to minimize source of contamination. Also, ice scoop must be stored in a clean container between use,#53 5-501.17 no garbage lid provided at receptacles inside the washrooms, instructed to provide also #55 observed broken/holes on ceiling at dishroom area. Repair issue. Instructed manager all said previous core violations must be corrected by the date of reinspection. Priority foundation 7-42-090.

In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

Inspector’s note: 3-304.12 observed cooks knives being stored improperly between wall and electrical pipe above the prep sink must provide a proper knife holder/rack to minimize source of contamination, also ice scoop must be stored in a clean container between use

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

Inspector’s note: 5-501.17 no garbage lid provided at receptacles inside the washrooms. Instructed to provide

Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: 5-501.115 outside waste oil container with solid grease on top the lid also splattered on ground and brick wall.clean and maintain area.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed broken/holes on ceiling at dishroom area.repair issue

In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

Inspector’s note: 3-304.12 observed cooks knives being stored improperly between wall and electrical pipe above the prep sink must provide a proper knife holder/rack to minimize source of contamination, also ice scoop must be stored in a clean container between use

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

Inspector’s note: 5-501.17 no garbage lid provided at receptacles inside the washrooms. Instructed to provide

Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: 5-501.115 outside waste oil container with solid grease on top the lid also splattered on ground and brick wall.clean and maintain area.

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

Inspector’s note: Label containers of dry food in storage area

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Must store wiping cloths in prep areas in sanitizer bucket between uses to prevent cross contamination. Instructed to maintain.

In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed cooks knives being stored improperly between wall and electrical pipe above the prep sink must provide a proper knife holder/rack to minimize source of contamination, also ice scoop must be stored in a clean container between use

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

Inspector’s note: Must not store clean cutting board on the back-splash of the three compartment sink and one compartment sink. To minimize source of contamination

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

Inspector’s note: Condenser unit inside the walk-in cooler pipe is leaking,excess accumulation of ice. Repair cause.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed several reach-in coolers with broken rubber gasket inside doors, in prep area and rear storage. Repair issue

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

Inspector’s note: Cutting boards on cold units in the kitchen with dark stains and deep cuts,must refinish or replace said cutting boards

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

Inspector’s note: Must not use plastic grocery bags as food containers inside coolers must not use cardboard boxes as food containers. Must use washable containers with lids or food grade disposable plastic bags.replace broken plastic handles at two door reach-in cooler.instructed to replace broken handles.

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

Inspector’s note: Must not use milk crates as a means of elevation for stored items.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed piece of dirty,pourous, grimed wood holding up drain board of three compartment sink. Must remove, surface must be smooth,.easily cleanble and non-absorbent material.

Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

Inspector’s note: Noted used large pots on site on shelves. Instructed to provide a procedure for proper washing and sanitizing of equipment or remove said utensils

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must not use cardboard and aluminum foil as liner for shelving in prep and storage area. Surface must be smooth and cleanable

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: No back flow prevention device provided at both water sprayer at three compartment sink and low temp dish machine in dish room .must install so back flow prevention device may be located to be serviced and maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Broken head water sprayer at three compartment sink,replace.water sprayer at low temp dishmachine repaired with dirty plastic bag.repair cause

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

Inspector’s note: No garbage lid provided at receptacles inside the washrooms. Instructed to provide

Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Outside waste oil container with solid grease on top the lid also splattered on ground and brick wall.clean and maintain area.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Replace the broken floor tiles and grouth in front of ice machine and rear exit door.surface must be smooth cleanable and non-absorbent material. Noted the kitchen pipes sealed with sponge/foam soundproofing material. Must remove to be smooth and cleanable.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Previous core violations not corrected from 12-18-2021, report #2463944 #38) 6-202.15 found rear exit door with gap at bottom. (1/4 inch gap). Must seal install new door sweep. #49) 4-601.11(c) found the following not clean: exterior of dish machine, tables and counters, and band saw. Must clean. #51) 5-204.12 found no backflow prevention devices at the ice machine and coffee machine. Must provide where they can be located and serviced. #51) 5-205.15(a) found crack at 3 compartment sink drainboard. Must repair. #55) 6-501.114 found 2nd floor storage areas with old equipment, boxes, garbage, etc. Must clean and organize. #55) 6-201.12 found floors not clean throughout kitchen areas. Must clean. #56) 6-303.11 found burnt light fixture at dishwashing areas. Must repair. Priority foundation violation: 7-42-090, no citation issued

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

Inspector’s note: Found rear exit door with gap at bottom. (1/4 inch gap). Must seal install new door sweep.

In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Found no dipper well at ice cream service areas. Must provide dipper well with running water

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Found following not clean: exterior of dishmachine, tables and counters, and band saw. Must clean.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Found no backflow prevention devices at ice machine and coffee machine. Must provide where they can be located and serviced.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Found crack at 3 compartment sink drain board. Must repair.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Found 2nd floor storage areas with old equipment, boxes,garbage,etc.must clean and organize.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Found floors not clean throughout kitchen areas. Must clean.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Found burnt light fixture at dishwashing areas. Must repair.

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

Inspector’s note: Found rear exit door with gap at bottom. (1/4 inch gap). Must seal install new door sweep.

In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Found no dipper well at ice cream service areas. Must provide dipper well with running water.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Found following not clean: exterior of dishmachine, tables and counters, and band saw. Must clean.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Found crack at 3 compartment sink drain board. Must repair.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Found no backflow prevention devices at ice machine and coffee machine. Must provide where they can be located and serviced.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Found 2nd floor storage areas with old equipment, boxes,garbage,etc.must clean and organize.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Found floors not clean throughout kitchen areas. Must clean.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Found burnt light fixture at dishwashing areas. Must repair.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed dried peppers stored on second floor with a ceiling leaking into a large plastic tub. All dried peppers were moved to dry storage room in basement. No food is to be stored on second floor.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed wiping cloths on counters. Must store wiping cloths in sanitizer solution when not in use.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed bottom shelves of metal prep tables on north side of cooking rusty and not smooth and easily cleanable. Must restore surface to a smooth easily cleanable condition and maintain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed gaskets of all reach in coolers unclean with heavy build up of food partcles. Must clean and maintain gaskets.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed leaking condition under far right compartment of 3 compartment sink. Must repair and maintain sink.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed walls of northside cooking area unclean with dirt and black mildew like substance. Clean and maintain all walls around cooking equipment.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed items on second floor with excess clutter. Must clean and organize all items and elevate items 6 inches off floor.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed cieling on second floor in disreair due to leaking condition. Must repair ceiling and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed cracked and broken floor tiles throughout front prep area. Must replace cracked and broken floor tiles and maintian floor.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Observed previous core violation #58 from report dated 9/11/18 report # 2214134 not corrected. No certified food managers on site with allergen training. Instructed that all certified food managers are required to have allergen training certification. Priority foundation violation 7-42-090

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

Inspector’s note: 4-201.11 noted torn rubber gasket at 2 door refrigeration unit. Instructed to repair and maintain and/or replaces.....also noted rusty and dirty shelves underneath prep tables and inside walk in cooler. Instructed to detail clean and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: 4-202.16 noted ice scoop sitting on top ice machine with no holder. Instructed to provide an ice scoop holder for the ice scoop.

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

Inspector’s note: 4-501.12 noted dirty cutting boards with deep cuts not properly maintained. Instructed to clean, sanitize and smoothen the surface.

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

Inspector’s note: 4-501.11(a)(b)(c) noted old food particles and thick dirt encrusted inside the railings of service prep cooler. Instructed to detail clean and maintain....also noted heavy ice build up inside the chest freezer. Instructed to defrost, clean and maintain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: 4-601.11(b) noted knives stored between the wall and the 3 compartment sink. Instructed to remove clean and store in a knife rack or drawer.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-202.11 noted food spills and dirt on ceiling especially at the rear prep area by the walk in cooler. Instructed to detail clean and maintain.....noted missing tile and hole on wall by the cooking stove, stained ceiling tiles at the women's bathroom with water stains. Instructed to repair the tiles and seal all holes and opening to prevent entry points for pest.....must detail clean and maintain floors throughout especially at the rear by the walk in cooler and dish washing area.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: 4-202.18 noted heavy dirt and grease inside the exhaust hood of all cooking stoves. Instructed to detail clean and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: No valid city of chicago certified food manager/certificate on site while foods were being prepared and served such as rice in the steam table at 171.2f. Serious violation 7-38-012.

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

Inspector’s note: Previous minor violations from #1975846 on 11-21-16 not corrected. #32- remove grocery bag being used to store frozen foods, replace with food grade storage bag.#33-must clean and sanitize the following: all chopping boards, prep tables, the steps of the stairs going to the 2nd floor, wooden shelvings inside the dry food storage room and maintain. #34- floor throughout the inside the dry storage room, under and behind the cooking stove, deep fryer, grill. Inside the walk in cooler and walk in freezer, throughout the dish washing area, throughout the 2nd floor storage room, needs detail cleaning and maintain. Serious violation 7-42-090.

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

Inspector’s note: Bulk sugar container must be labeled.

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

Inspector’s note: Must not use tin foil as liner for shelving throughout.

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

Inspector’s note: Interior and exterior of all cooks line cooler dirty with food debris. Must clean and maintain. Unused cooler on cooks line in poor repair and unable to clean uneven surfaces and exposed insulation. Must remove/replace.

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

Inspector’s note: Cement floor at the entrance of the walk-in freezer in poor repair with chipping broken cement and accumulated food debris. Must repair the floor to make smooth and cleanable.

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

Inspector’s note: Missing wall caulking at the wash bowl in the womans washroom. Must replace. Dirty walls with excessive food splatter inside the walk-in cooler. Must clean water damaged ceiling tiles at the entrance to the washrooms. Must replace.

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

Inspector’s note: Dish area/cooks line exposed hand sink and hand sink soap dispenser extremely dirty with encrusted food debris. Must clean and maintain

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

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

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

Inspector’s note: Label and date all food containers with ready to eat potentially hazardous foods inside the walk in cooler and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Rusted wire rack shelvings inside the walk in cooler. Must remove rust and maintain. Remove grocery bag being used to store frozen foods, replace with food grade storage bag.

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

Inspector’s note: Must clean and sanitize the following: all chopping boards, interior of the ice machine, prep tables, the steps of the stairs going to the basement, and 2nd floor, wooden shelvings inside the dry food storage room and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Floor thru-out the basement under the pallets, inside the dry storage room, under and behind the cooking stove, deep fryer, grill,inside the walk in cooler nd walk in freezer, thru-out the dish washing area, thru-out the 2nd floor storage room, needs detail cleaning and maintain. Standing water beside the stove and behind the stove. Must dry the floor and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Peeling paint on the ceiling above the mop sink in the basement and peeling paint on the ceiling above the shelve with plastic containers. Must scrape peeling paint and re paint.

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

Inspector’s note: Cleaning equipment such as broom and mop stored on the side of the prep cooler. Must remove and stored them on the mop sink area, not on the prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Install a mop sink with hot and cold running water under city pressure. And a back flow preventer device attached to the faucet.