Conditional

Carnitas Don Rafa, Inc.

4597 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60632

Restaurant ZIP 60632 Risk 1 (High)

Pass with Conditions · as of Mar 12, 2026

Carnitas Don Rafa, Inc. was last inspected on March 12, 2026 with a result of “Pass w/ Conditions”. Inspectors found 6 violations, 2 of them critical, including signs of pests.

Latest inspection

March 12, 2026 · Canvass

Conditional

Result: Pass w/ Conditions

2 critical3 general1 paperwork
  • CriticalFood handling

    Raw and ready-to-eat foods weren’t kept apart.

    Inspector’s note: Observed uncovered food stored in walk in freezer. Instructed to cover or wrap all exposed food in walk in freezer to prevent contamination of food.

    Official wording (code 15)

    Food separated and protected

  • CriticalFood temperature

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

    Inspector’s note: Observed two sheet pans of pork carnitas with discard date of 3/6/26 stored in walk in cooler. Pork carnitas(valued at $50/ weighing 6lbs) voluntarily discarded and denatured by manager. Instructed manager to monitor discard dates on refrigerated ready to eat foods. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 citation issued

    Official wording (code 23)

    Proper date marking and disposition

  • GeneralPests

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

    Inspector’s note: Observed opening at right of base of front entrance door. Instructed to seal all outer openings to prevent pest entrance.

    Official wording (code 38)

    Insects, rodents, & animals not present

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

    Inspector’s note: Observed no prep/dump sink in front prep/bar. Instructed to install a prep/dump sink in front prep/bar a minimum of one sink used for food preparation, obtaining water and discarding liquid waste is required in any preparation area.

    Official wording (code 51)

    Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

    Inspector’s note: Observed ice buildup in walk in freezer, observed ice buildup around interior of walk in freezer door around gaskets, on floor underneath condensor, on top shelf and on condendsor lines. Instructed to remove all ice buildup in all areas of walk in freezer and maintain. Observed brown buildup on interior of floor drain to the right of three compartment sink. Instructed to clean interior of floor drain in said area and maintain.

    Official wording (code 55)

    Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  • PaperworkManagement & training

    Required allergen training was missing.

    Inspector’s note: At time of inspection facility provided no allergen awareness training certificates for employee with city of chicago food service sanitation certificate. Instructed to provide proof of allergen training for all employees with city of chicago food service sanitation certificates.

    Official wording (code 58)

    Allergen training as required

Inspection history

15 inspections on record

  1. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    5 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Food storage on walk in freezer floor. Instd to elevate 6 inches and maintain

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Multi use plates on storage shelves at cook line not inverted. Instd to invert and maintain

      Official wording (code 44)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Torn gasket on walk in freezer door. Instd 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: Missing proper stoppers for 3-compartment sink. Instd to provide proper stoppers and maintain

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Remove unused equipment (flat top grill) from exterior/outside dining area and maintain

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Not all food employees had food-handler training.

      Inspector’s note: Missing food handler training for cook on site. Instd to obtain verification of training and maintain on site.

      Official wording (code 57)

      All food employees have food handler training

  2. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    2 general Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 4-602.13 observed build-up of rust on silver shelving inside of walk-in cooler. Instructed person in charge to remove rust/or replace unit 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: 6-501.114 observed items stored on the floor in the walk-in freezer. Instructed the person in charge to organize and maintain all items at least six inches from the floor and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  3. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    3 general Show violations
    • GeneralPests

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed approximately 20 or more large flies in the food prep area. Observed approximately 10 small flies in the food prep area. Instructed the person in charge to contact the pest control operator for additional service to abate activity. Priority foundation #7-38-020(a). Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 38)

      Insects, rodents, & animals not present

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed build-up of rust on silver shelving inside of walk-in cooler. Instructed person in charge to remove rust/or replace unit 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 items stored on the floor in the walk-in freezer. Instructed the person in charge to organize and maintain all items at least six inches from the floor and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  4. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    3 general Show violations
    • GeneralHygiene & sanitation

      Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed food handlers prepping food without hair restraints. Instructed person in charge that all food handlers must wear a hair restraint.

      Official wording (code 40)

      Personal cleanliness

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed 3-compartment sink stoppers missing/not working at left side and middle compartments. Instructed manager must provide working stoppers at 3-compartment sink.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean and maintain all cooking equipment, ingredient containers, racks and shelving with flour, dust, grease, and dirt build-up throughout. Recommended to increase cleaning frequency and maintain at all times.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  5. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    6 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Must label food storage containers when food is not in original package.

      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 items stored on floor in walk in freezer.must elevate and maintain.

      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: Must remove rust from walk in cooler shelving units.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must clean grease and food debris build up from grill tables,rolling carts and tables,fryer cabinet.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must clean dirt build up from ventilation units and ceiling tiles in rear prep/dish washing area.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Must clean grease build up from filters and hood of cooking equipment.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Not all food employees had food-handler training.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no food handlers training for employees. Must provide and maintain.

      Official wording (code 57)

      All food employees have food handler training

  6. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    3 critical13 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalFood handling

      Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

      Inspector’s note: Observed low temperature dish machine in use not sanitizing at 0.0 ppm.a held for inspection tag has been placed on unit. Instructed to use 3- compartment sink to wash,rinse and sanitize all multi-use utensils.observed dish machine sanitizing at 100.0 ppm at this time.(priority foundation 7-38-025)(citation issued)(cos)

      Official wording (code 16)

      Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

    • CriticalFood temperature

      Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

      Inspector’s note: Observed improper temperatures of tcs food such as 2- large pans of 200 lbs. Of cooked carnitas at 49.1f-50.7f inside of walk in cooler.product was discarded by manager. Must have cold holding foods at 41.0f or below.(priority 7-38-005)(citation issued)(cos).appx. 200 lbs. $500.

      Official wording (code 22)

      Proper cold holding temperatures

    • CriticalFood handling

      No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no consumer advisory disclosure nor reminder on menu of consuming raw and undercooked foods. Must provide and maintain.(priority foundation 7-38-005)

      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: Must label food storage containers when food is not in original package.

      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: Observed evidence of appx. 18 or more live large flies and appx. 15 or more live small flies flying around prep,dish washing and dining areas.recommended to have a pest control operator to service premises on or after 8/22/22.(priority foundation 7-38-020(a)(citation issued)

      Official wording (code 38)

      Insects, rodents, & animals not present

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed food items stored on floor in walk in freezer.must elevate and maintain.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFood handling

      Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed several wiping cloths stored on prep tables and cutting boards.must store in a 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: Must invert multi-use utensils on lower shelves of prep tables.

      Official wording (code 44)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Must eliminate crates used for food storage and provide adequate shelving units.

      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: Must remove rust from walk in cooler shelving units.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed oversized pots to large to be submerged in 3- comp and dish machine.must eliminate or remove oversized pots from premises or provide larger sink.

      Official wording (code 48)

      Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must clean grease and food debris build up from grill tables,rolling carts and tables,fryer cabinet.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must clean dirt build up from ventilation units and ceiling tiles in rear prep/dish washing area.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must clean debris build up from floor in walk in cooler and prep/dish washing areas.must remove ice build up on floor in walk in freezer.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must elevate,remove and organize articles off of floor throughout basement.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Must clean grease build up from filters and hood of cooking equipment.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Not all food employees had food-handler training.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no food handlers training for employees.must provide and maintain.

      Official wording (code 57)

      All food employees have food handler training

  7. Pass

    Complaint · Pass

    1 critical2 general Show violations
    • CriticalFood handling

      Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

      Inspector’s note: 4-602.11(b-e): interior panel surface of ice machine not clean, slight pink substance accumulation. Instd to clean and maintain

      Official wording (code 16)

      Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Stock on floor in walk in cooler and freezer. Instd to elevate 6 inches

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Dust accumulation on vents and surrounding lightshields and ceiling tiles. Instd to clean and maintain

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  8. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

  9. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    2 critical2 general Show violations
    • CriticalFood handling

      Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

      Inspector’s note: Interior panel surface of ice machine not clean, slight pink substance accumulation. Instd to clean and maintain

      Official wording (code 16)

      Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

    • CriticalFood handling

      Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

      Inspector’s note: Low temperature warewashing machine currently in use is not sanitizing, 0ppm of chlorine when tested. Warewashing machine tagged at this time. Premises will use 3-compartment sink until machine repaired and reinspected by cdph. Citation issued 7-38-025 priority

      Official wording (code 16)

      Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: The following with excessive debris/food residue: interior wells of steam table, basins of handwash sinks, interior of cooler drawers, handles and door gaskets of coolers, surface of dishmachine including attached plumbing hardware. Instd 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: 3-compartment sink floor drain with debris/heavily stained. Instd to clean and maintain

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  10. Conditional

    Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions

    5 critical3 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 on site. Must provide written employee health policy for all employees. Priority foundation violation.

      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 vomit and diarrhea clean up kit/procedure on site. Must provide written procedure for the clean up of vomit and diarrheal events, and corresponding equipment outline in procedure. Priority foundation violation.

      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 rear hand sink inaccessible due to hose fitted to faucet (also taped). Instructed all handsinks must be easily accessible and available at all times. Instructed hand sinks may only be used to wash hands. Pic removed attached hose during inspection. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c). Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no soap at hand sink in basement restroom. Instructed must provide soap at all hand sinks at all times. Operator provide soap during inspection. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c). See violation 5-205.11 for citation.

      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 improper dates on prepped tcs foods inside coolers. Must properly label all prepped tcs foods with discard date no more than 7 day from preparation date. Must correct and maintain same. Priority foundation violation.

      Official wording (code 23)

      Proper date marking and disposition

    • GeneralFood handling

      Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed wiping cloths stored on counters in kitchen. Must properly store all wiping cloths in a sanitizer solution when not in use.

      Official wording (code 41)

      Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed large plastic garbage containers used to store pork in the walk in, unable to completely submerge in basin of 3-compartment sink or dishmachine to properly wash, rinse and sanitize. Instructed must eliminate plastic containers too large to fit in existing 3 compartment sinks; or replace existing sinks with basins large enough to accommodate all pots/utensils; or provide an approved method (and demonstrate) to properly wash, rinse and sanitize all pots/utensils.

      Official wording (code 48)

      Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed excessive debris (rice, beans, etc.) on floors under dry storage containers in basement. Must detail clean and sanitize area. Must maintain same.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no proof of allergen training on site. Must provide proof of allergen training for all chicago certified food managers.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  11. Pass

    Complaint 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: Interior panel of ice machine with slight build up. Instd to clean and maintain. Missing handle at prep cooler. Instd to provide. Cracked lid at carnita hot holding unit. Instd to replace and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Large copper pots being used to cook carnitas unable to completely submerge in basin of 3-compartment sink or dishmachine to properly wash, rinse and sanitize. Instd to provide multi use equipment that is able to fully submerge in basin of 3-compartment sink to properly wash, rinse, and sanitize.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Dry storage under waste pipes in basement. Storage under waste water pipes is prohibited. Instd to remove storage.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

      Inspector’s note: Wiping cloths improperly stored. Instd to store in sanitizing solution.

  12. Fail

    Complaint · Fail

    5 general Show violations
    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

      Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered

      Inspector’s note: Outside grease interceptor and surrounding area not clean, excessive grease on exterior top, sides of interceptor and on surrounding ground. Instd to clean and maintain same. Violation 7-38-020 serious.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Interior panel of ice machine with slight build up. Instd to clean and maintain. Missing handle at prep cooler. Instd to provide. Cracked lid at carnita hot holding unit. Instd to replace and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Large copper pots being used to cook carnitas unable to completely submerge in basin of 3-compartment sink or dishmachine to properly wash, rinse and sanitize. Instd to provide multi use equipment that is able to fully submerge in basin of 3-compartment sink to properly wash, rinse, and sanitize.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Dry storage under waste pipes in basement. Storage under waste water pipes is prohibited. Instd to remove storage.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

      Inspector’s note: Wiping cloths improperly stored. Instd to store in sanitizing solution.

  13. Pass

    License · Pass

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

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no ventilation fan in basement restroom, instructed to provide.

  14. Not Ready

    License · Not Ready

    No violations

More in ZIP 60632

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