Pass

Birrieria de la Torre Mexican Restaurant

6724-6726 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60629

Restaurant ZIP 60629 Risk 1 (High)

Passed · as of Feb 24, 2026

Birrieria de la Torre Mexican Restaurant was last inspected on February 24, 2026 with a result of “Pass”. Inspectors found 6 violations, 1 of them critical, including signs of pests.

Latest inspection

February 24, 2026 · Canvass

Pass

Result: Pass

1 critical5 general
  • CriticalFood handling

    Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

    Inspector’s note: Observed build up on interior of ice machine door. Instructed person in charge to clean and maintain.

    Official wording (code 16)

    Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

  • GeneralPests

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

    Inspector’s note: Observed 1/4 in gap at bottom of rear exterior door near customer restroom. Instructed person in charge to repair to be tight fitting.

    Official wording (code 38)

    Insects, rodents, & animals not present

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

    Inspector’s note: Observed torn gasket on small flip top prep cooler in rear prep area. Instructed person in charge to repair and maintain.

    Official wording (code 47)

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

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

    Inspector’s note: Observed leak at faucet of three compartment sink. Instructed person in charge to repair to be tight fitting.

    Official wording (code 51)

    Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

    Inspector’s note: Observed no covered receptacle in rear staff unisex restroom. Instructed person in charge to provide and maintain covered receptacle in all restrooms for disposal of feminine products.

    Official wording (code 53)

    Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

    Inspector’s note: Observed damaged paint on wall in restroom creating a void. Instructed person in charge to repair to be smooth and easily cleanable.

    Official wording (code 55)

    Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

Inspection history

12 inspections on record

  1. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    3 general Show violations
    • GeneralFood handling

      Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: Wiping cloths improperly stored. Instd to store wiping cloths in sanitizing solution when not in use

      Official wording (code 41)

      Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Multi use scrapers and clean knives improperly stored inbetween wall and behind 3-compartment sink. Instd to store properly in a clean protected manner

      Official wording (code 44)

      Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled

    • GeneralFood handling

      Food was prepared or served in a way that broke a specific city requirement.

      Official wording (code 63)

      Removal of suspension sign

  2. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    1 critical3 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalFood handling

      Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

      Inspector’s note: Interior panel of ice machine with slight debris accumulation. Instd to clean and maintain same

      Official wording (code 16)

      Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Cutting boards heavily stained with deep, dark grooves. Inst to replace/repair and maintain cutting boards at all times.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Alumimum foil lining on multi use plates. Instd to remove foil so as surface to be smooth even, and easily cleanable.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: Missing backflow prevention device on ice machine. Instd to install in accessible location for service and maintainence

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Not all food employees had food-handler training.

      Inspector’s note: Food handlers missing food handler training. Instd to obtain training and maintain certification on site.

      Official wording (code 57)

      All food employees have food handler training

  3. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    1 critical2 general Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed missing hand washing sign at hand washing sink in front prep area. Instructed manager to provide.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed various food items stored in plastic storage totes in the cold holding units and freezer. Management instructed to use proper food grade storage bags and containers only.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no covered receptacle for proper disposal of sanitary napkins in employee washroom. Instructed to provide covered waste receptacle.

      Official wording (code 53)

      Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

  4. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    2 critical8 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalManagement & training

      No one in charge was present who knew the food-safety rules.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no person in charge with valid chicago food sanitation certificate. Instructed manager to designate person in charge during all hours of operation. Priority foundation

      Official wording (code 1)

      Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no hand washing sign at hand washing sink in women washroom. Instructed manager to provide hand washing signs at all hand washing sinks used by employees.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed bulk containers not labeled in prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to label all bulk containers with common name of food.

      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 box of tortillas stored on floor in prep area. Instructed manager to elevate all food items six inches off floor.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed damaged gasket on prep cooler door in cooking area. Instructed manager to repair/replace and maintain.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed dust buildup on fan guards inside reach-in cooler in front prep area. Instructed manager to clean and maintain

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: Observed leaking drainpipe under hand washing sinks in prep and dish washing areas. Instructed manager to repair.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Sewage or wastewater wasn’t disposed of properly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed condensation wasteline draining inside hand washing sink in rear prep/storage area. Instructed manager to remove wasteline from hand washing sink and properly connect to floor drain.

      Official wording (code 52)

      Sewage & waste water properly disposed

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed missing ceiling tile in staff washroom in prep area. Instructed manager to replace.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no mechanical ventilation in staff washroom in prep area. Instructed manager to provide.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no chicago food sanitation manager on site or valid certificate posted when tcs food (goat 150.9f) prepared and served. A chicago food sanitation manager must be on site and valid certificate posted at all times tcs food prepared and served. Priority foundation 7-38-012 citation issued.

      Official wording (code 2)

      City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

  5. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    1 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Floors in rear prep area in need of ckeaning to remove food spills. Instructed to clean and maintain

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Not all food employees had food-handler training.

      Inspector’s note: All employees who do not hold sanitation certificate must have food handler certificate instructed to obtain and maintain

      Official wording (code 57)

      All food employees have food handler training

  6. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    2 critical Show violations
    • CriticalFood temperature

      Hot food was held below a safe temperature.

      Inspector’s note: Observed large covered pot of cooked beans( approx 25-lbs), under lower shelf of grill in prep area at improper temperature of 110.0f. Instructed to maintain hot foods at 135.0f or higher. Pic removed and discarded beans at cost approx $30.00-cos. Priority violation issued 7-38-005.

      Official wording (code 21)

      Proper hot holding temperatures

    • CriticalFood temperature

      Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

      Inspector’s note: Observed large deep pot, approx 40-lbs of beef soup inside of cooler at improper cold temperature of 49.0f. Instructed to maintain cold( tcs) foods at 41.0 or below. Pic removed and discarded at cost approx $30.00-cos. Priority violation 7-38-005.consolated with previous violation

      Official wording (code 22)

      Proper cold holding temperatures

  7. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

  8. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    5 critical6 general 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 on site. Instructed to provide an employee health policy that includes a signed acknowledgement from each employee. Priority foundation citation issued 7-38-010

      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 supplies for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events. Instructed manager to provide supplies for clean up policy. Priority foundation 7-38-005

      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 cold tcs food not maintaining proper temperature inside prep cooler raw beef 51.4f, sliced tomatoes 52.6f, sour cream 50f. Guacamole 51.2f, flautas 50.4f. Instructed manager to discard approximately 50lbs and $300 of product. All cold tcs food must maintain 41f or below during storage, preparation, display and service. Priority 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: Observed ready to eat time/temperature control for safety foods (salsa, cheese, guacamole,etc.) out of the original packaging and held for over 24 hours without labels containing the product date. All refrigerated tcs food held more than 24 hours shall be clearly marked with date by which food is to be sold, consumed, or discarded. Priority foundation citation issued 7-38-005.

      Official wording (code 23)

      Proper date marking and disposition

    • CriticalFood handling

      No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no consumer advisory posted nor a disclosure or a reminder on the menu for all foods that can be ordered raw or undercooked (eggs). Instructed to post a consumer advisory and add a disclosure and a reminder on the menu for all foods that can be ordered undercooked or raw. Priority foundation citation issued 7-38-005.

      Official wording (code 25)

      Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food

    • GeneralFood temperature

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed prep cooler not maintaining proper temperature 52.4f instructed manager to repair. Cooler must maintain 41f or below. Cooler is tagged held for inspection and must not be used until reinspected by chicago department of health. Priority citation issued 7-38-005

      Official wording (code 33)

      Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed food and condiment containers not labeled. Instructed to label all containers with common name of food.

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralFood handling

      In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed styrofoam cup used for dispensing beverages. Instructed to provide long handle dispensing utensils to prevent contamination.

      Official wording (code 43)

      In-use utensils: properly stored

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: Observed drainpipe leaking under front hand washing sink and rear 3-compartment sink. Instructed manager to repair and maintain.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no covered waste receptacle in women washroom. Instructed manager to provide and maintain.

      Official wording (code 53)

      Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

    • GeneralRepeat violation

      A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

      Inspector’s note: Previous core violations not corrected from report #2243791 on 12-21-18:10-observed no hand washing signs located at the exposed hand washing sinks in the food prep area and in the men's and women's toilet rooms. Instructed to provide. 58-observed city of chicago food service sanitation manager without the required allergen training. Instructed to meet requirement. Priority foundation citation issued 7-42-090

      Official wording (code 60)

      Previous core violation corrected

  9. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    5 critical3 general2 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 on site. Instructed to provide an employee health policy that includes a signed acknowledgement from each employee. Priority foundation. 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 written policy for responding to vomit or diarrhea events that can potentially occur inside of the food establishment. Instructed to provide. Priority foundation. No citation issued.

      Official wording (code 5)

      Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no hand washing signs located at the exposed hand washing sinks in the food prep area and in the men's and women's toilet rooms. Instructed to provide.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalFood temperature

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed ready to eat time/temperature control for safety foods (ham, cheese, cooked meat, rice, etc.) out of the original packaging and held for over 24 hours without labels containing the product date. Instructed to provide labels containing the product date for all ready to eat tcs foods that are out of the original packaging and held for over 24 hours. Priority foundation. No citation issued.

      Official wording (code 23)

      Proper date marking and disposition

    • CriticalFood handling

      No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no consumer advisory posted nor a disclosure or a reminder on the menu for all foods that can be ordered raw or undercooked (eggs). Instructed to post a consumer advisory and add a disclosure and a reminder on the menu for all foods that can be ordered undercooked or raw. Priority foundation. No citation issued.

      Official wording (code 25)

      Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food

    • GeneralFood temperature

      Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed thermometers are needed inside of all prep coolers, some refrigerators and all freezers. Instructed to provide.

      Official wording (code 36)

      Thermometers provided & accurate

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed black plastic bags being used to store rice in the refrigerator and in the hot holding unit and white plastic bags being used to store frozen bananas inside of the reach in freezer. Instructed to only use food grade store bags or food grade containers to store all foods.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: Unable to locate the back flow prevention device on the small ice machine located in the customer dining area. Instructed to locate.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Not all food employees had food-handler training.

      Inspector’s note: Observed food handler's certificates not available for food handler's that are on duty during the time of the inspection. Instructed to provide.

      Official wording (code 57)

      All food employees have food handler training

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed city of chicago food service sanitation manager without the required allergen training. Instructed to meet requirement.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  10. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    1 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 water damaged ceiling tiles in rear prep, instructed to replace. Also clean light shields in rear prep.

  11. Pass

    License · Pass

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

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

      Inspector’s note: Cutting boards in need of replacing correct and maintain

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Hood ventilation in need of cleaning to remove grease build up. Must correct and maintain.

More in ZIP 60629

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 8 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.