Broken English Taco Pub

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

Inspector’s note: 4-501.12 : must repair or replace worn and discolored cutting boards to be in good repair.

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

Inspector’s note: 4-501.11 : must repair or replace damaged door gaskets,lid and gasket of chest freezer to be in good repair.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed improper temperatures of both 3- door prep coolers on cookline at 63.7f and 51.2f with tcs foods stored inside. A held for inspection tag has been placed on units. Once repaired ,email:food@cityofchicago.org.must have cold holding units at 41.0f or below.(cos)(priority 7-38-005)(citation issued)

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

Inspector’s note: Observed evidence of appx. 30 or more live small flies on upper walls at end of bar and at beverage service area.recommended to have a pest control operator to service premises on or after 6/11/26.(priority foundation 7-38-020(a)(citation issued)

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

Inspector’s note: Observed a gap along bottom of front door must make tight fitting to prevent insect entry.

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

Inspector’s note: Must provide a splash guard in between hand sink and 3- compartment sink drainboard in bar area.

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

Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace worn and discolored cutting boards to be in good repair.

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

Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace damaged door gaskets and interior door frame of first 3- door prep cooler,lid and gasket of chest freezer to be in good repair.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed several cracked and damaged large plastic food storage bins for chips must replace to be in good repair for food storage.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must clean debris build up on interior panel of first ice machine and grill table.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace damaged floor tile at end of bar near ice bin.

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

Inspector’s note: 3-307.11: observed no left side splash guard on handwashing sink in bar. Instructed to install left side splash guard on handwashing sink in bar to prevent contamination of equipment.

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

Inspector’s note: 4-101.19: observed rust on shelving units in meat locker walk in cooler. Instructed non food contact surfaces of equipment shall be constructed of corrosion-resistant, nonabsorbent and smooth material. Instructed to remove rust from shelving units in meat locker walk in cooler and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: 3-307.11: observed no left side splash guard on handwashing sink in bar. Instructed to install left side splash guard on handwashing sink in bar to prevent contamination of equipment.

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

Inspector’s note: 4-101.19: observed rust on shelving units in both walk in coolers. Instructed non food contact surfaces of equipment shall be constructed of corrosion-resistant, nonabsorbent and smooth material. Instructed to remove rust from shelving units in both walk in coolers and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: 6-501.111: observed approximately 20 small flies in facility. Observed small fly activity in bar. Instructed to eliminate small fly activity in facility and clean affected areas. Recommended pest control service facility on or after 5/29/2025. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(a) citation issued.(note: citation issued on 5/29/2025)

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

Inspector’s note: 3-307.11: observed no left side splash guard on handwashing sink in bar. Instructed to install left side splash guard on handwashing sink in bar to prevent contamination of equipment.

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

Inspector’s note: 4-101.19: observed rust on shelving units in both walk in coolers. Instructed non food contact surfaces of equipment shall be constructed of corrosion-resistant, nonabsorbent and smooth material. Instructed to remove rust from shelving units in both walk in coolers and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed approximately 20 small flies in facility. Observed small fly activity in bar. Instructed to eliminate small fly activity in facility and clean affected areas. Recommended pest control service facility on or after 5/29/2025. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(a) citation issued.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed no left side splash guard on handwashing sink in bar. Instructed to install left side splash guard on handwashing sink in bar to prevent contamination of equipment.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed hand soap dispenser installed above right drainboard of kitchen three compartment sink. Instructed to relocate hand soap dispenser so that soap doesn't contaminate equipment on right drainboard of three compartment sink in kitchen.

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 both walk in coolers. Instructed non food contact surfaces of equipment shall be constructed of corrosion-resistant, nonabsorbent and smooth material. Instructed to remove rust from shelving units in both walk in coolers and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Deli container not air dried after washing, Instructed to air dry all multi-use utensils after washing.

Sewage or wastewater wasn’t disposed of properly.

Inspector’s note: Condensation noted from an air conditioner that is too close to prep table, instructed to direct condensation line away from food prep table.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed rice, salt and seasons out of the original containers without labels containing the product name. Instructed to label all foods and spices with common name that are out of the original containers.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed food items stored on floor in walk-in cooler. Instructed manager to elevate all food six inches off floor.

Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed food handling employees not wearing a hair restraint while preparing food. Instructed management that all food handling employees must wear a hair restraint while preparing food.

In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed ice scoop laying on top of ice in bar. Instructed manager to store ice scoop handle up above ice to prevent contamination.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed cutting board on main cook line covered with deep grooves and dark stains. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain smooth, cleanable surfaces.

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.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed burnt out light bulbs in the walk-in cooler. Instructed to replace

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

Inspector’s note: Observed rice, salt and seasons out of the original containers without labels containing the product name. Instructed to label all foods and spices with common name that are out of the original containers.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed food items stored on floor in walk-in cooler. Instructed manager to elevate all food six inches off floor.

Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed food handling employees not wearing a hair restraint while preparing food. Instructed management that all food handling employees must wear a hair restraint while preparing food.

In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed ice scoop laying on top of ice in bar. Instructed manager to store ice scoop handle up above ice to prevent contamination.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed cutting board on main cook line covered with deep grooves and dark stains. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain smooth, cleanable surfaces.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed no chlorine sanitizer testing devices on site at time of inspection. Instructed to provide. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005. Citation issued.

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.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed burnt out light bulbs in the walk-in cooler. Instructed to replace

Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Food handlers not wearing hair restraints, instructed to wear.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Floor not clean behind ice maker, trash and debris noted, instructed to clean and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must install a barrier on the left side of clean utensils rack to prevent contamination from mop bucket in dish room.

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

Inspector’s note: Must label food storage containers with common food names; flour, sugar, etc., when food has been removed from original packaging. Instructed to label and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Found exterior rear door with a 1/4" gap at the bottom of the door. Instructed to install a door sweep to prevent rodent entry and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Must invert dishes on storage racks in the prep area to prevent contamination. Instructed to maintain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Found rust on storage racks in the walk in cooler. Excessive ice accumulation on interior contact surface of 1-door upright freezer in walk-in cooler. Instructed to maintain surfaces are smooth and easily cleanable, and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Found backflow preventer device on mop sink leaking, leaky drain pipe under handwashing sink in prep area. Also, replace missing light shield in prep area. Instructed to repair and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Found dried food debris on floors under and behind heavy equipment in the prep area. Instructed to clean and maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Found excessive dust/grease accumulation on hood filters above cooking equipment, instructed to clean and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed boxes and containers stored on the ground in the basement storage areas. Instructed to remove from the ground and provide shelving that is 6" off the floor and provides floor accessibility to ensure adequate facility cleaning.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed open ceiling with exposed utility lines in the basement employee washroom. Instructed to cover the ceiling so that it is sealed, smooth and easily cleanable in the mentioned washroom.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed several holes in the walls in the employee washroom located in the basement. Instructed to repair to create a surface that is sealed, smooth and easily cleanable.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed preset tableware (plates) not inverted on the dining room tables. Instructed management to invert plates after sanitizing and air drying.

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

Inspector’s note: Bulk food container( salt )not labeled. Instructed to label and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Ice bin at bar across from customers seating area not covered, instructed to install a lid to prevent customers contamination.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: No metal stem thermometer with cooks, instructed to obtain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed a leak at the faucet of the 3 compartment sink located at the bar. Instructed to repair and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed mop heads stored downward. Instructed to store upright and maintain.

Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation

Inspector’s note: Observed food not protected. Observed a black substance in the interior of the ice machine located by the ice maker. Instructed to clean and sanitize. Observed tortilla chips in containers being stacked so that the bottom of the container is touching the ready to eat tortilla chips. Instructed to place a food protection barrier between each container so that the bottom of containers does not touch ready to eat tortilla chips. Serious violation 7-38-005(a)

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 about 30 small flies located on the walls of the food prep area and flying around the food prep area. Instructed to clean and sanitize affected areas and recommended contacting pest control for service. Serious violation 7-38-020.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed a leak at the faucet of the 3 compartment sink located at the bar. Instructed to repair and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed utensils (knife) being stored in between prep coolers. Instructed to store all utensils properly.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed foil being used as a prep table liner by the cooking equipment. Instructed to make all surfaces smooth and easily cleanable.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed knife rack with accumulated dust. Instructed to clean and maintain. Observed freezer with ice accumulation. Instructed to remove.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed accumulated dirt and food debris under dish machine and under the dry storage shelves. Observed accumulated grease debris under the fryer. Instructed to clean all said areas and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed accumulated dust on the vents above the prep cooler across from cooking equipment. Instructed to clean and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Found/observed rear entrance/exit door not rodent proofed, door has gaps on bottom of door ranging from 1/4 inch , to 1/2 inch, citation issued 7-38-020 serious violation.

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

Inspector’s note: Caulk around 3 compartment sink in state of disrepair, shall be repaired/replaced. Walk in cooler shelving/racks that had peeling paint/rust, shall be repaired/replaced. Storage shelving/table in bsmt storage area that had exposed raw wood, shall be repaired/sealed.

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

Inspector’s note: Walk in cooler shelving/racks not clean, had excess food debris, need detailed cleaning(crevices), non food contact surfaces of cooking equipment, reach in coolers in kitchen prep area not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices). reach in cooler shelving/racks in bar area not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices).

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

Inspector’s note: Floors under heavy equipment, cooking equipment in kitchen prep area, bar areas not clean, need detailed cleaniong(corners). Floors in bsmt storage areas under shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners). Floors in bsmt storage room that had peeling paint/exposed concrete shall be repaired/sealed.

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

Inspector’s note: Walls, ceilings in rear kitchen prep area not clean, need detailed cleaning. Damaged/missing ceiling tiles in bsmt storage areas, shall be replaced/repaired.

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

Inspector’s note: Missing light shields in bsmt storage areas, shall be provided.

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

Inspector’s note: Stock items must be stored six inches off of floor to prevent pest harborage.

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

Inspector’s note: Floors by 3 compartment sink area, and exposed hand sink in prep area need re-grouting.