Pass

Restaurant y Taqueria Primo Chukis Uptown

1708-1710 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

Restaurant ZIP 60640 Risk 1 (High)

Passed · as of Sep 24, 2025

Restaurant y Taqueria Primo Chukis Uptown was last inspected on September 24, 2025 with a result of “Pass”. Inspectors found 5 violations.

Latest inspection

September 24, 2025 · Complaint

Pass

Result: Pass

5 general
  • GeneralFood handling

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

    Inspector’s note: Observed boxes of food, cooking utensils, and pots and pans on the floor in the dishwashing/prep area. Instructed to elevate all food and cooking utensils at least six inches above the floor to protect from contamination.

    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 cutting boards in the prep area with deep scratches and stains. Instructed to resurface or replace cutting boards 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 spill food residue at the bottom of all reach-in coolers in the prep area. Instructed to clean inside of all reach-in coolers 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 handwashing sink in the dishwashing area slow draining. Instructed to repair and maintan.

    Official wording (code 51)

    Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

    Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean pools of water and food derbis in the dishwashing/prep areas and maintain.

    Official wording (code 55)

    Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

Inspection history

11 inspections on record

  1. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    3 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed 2 door reach-in cooler door (across the grill) not fully closing. Instructed to repair.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean and maintain interior and exterior surfaces of all reach in and prep coolers in the kitchen.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean and maintain floors along the walls and in all corners in the kitchen, under and behind shelvings and cooking equipment especially floors inside the rear storage room.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: One certified food manager with an expired allergen training certificate. Instructed management, any person with city of chicago food service sanitation certificate to comply with allergen training certification.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  2. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

  3. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    4 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • GeneralPests

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

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to rodent proof bottom of rear exit door.

      Official wording (code 38)

      Insects, rodents, & animals not present

    • GeneralPests

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed over 50 rodent (mice) droppings in rear dry storage room and over 20 mice droppings in front area behind the counter. Instructed to remove, clean and sanitize the affected areas. Recommend to call licensed pest control for service. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020 (a) citation issued

      Official wording (code 38)

      Insects, rodents, & animals not present

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to replace missing lightshield above 3 compartment sink

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • GeneralRepeat violation

      A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

      Inspector’s note: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2576498 ISSUED ON 05-30-2023 PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED #16 - OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE BIN AND INTERIOR GUARD WITH SOME DIRT, NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. #36 - OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER CONSPICUOUSLY PLACED IN DESSERT DISPLAY COOLER LOCATED IN THE FRONT DISPENSING AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE THERMOMETRS FOR ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS AND MAINTAIN. Aug 30, 2023 #37 - OBSERVED PACKAGED FOOD ITEMS ( CAKE SLICES)NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL PACKAGED FOOD ITEMS WITH IDENTITY, NET WEIGHT, INGREDIENTS, BUSINESS NAME AND ADDRESS WHERE MADE AND PACKAGED AND MAINTAIN. #39 - OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR PREP AND REAR DRY STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE…

      Official wording (code 60)

      Previous core violation corrected

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Not all food employees had food-handler training.

      Inspector’s note: Observed a food handling employee in the kitchen without a valid food handler certificate. Management instructed that all food handling employees must show valid proof of training.

      Official wording (code 57)

      All food employees have food handler training

  4. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    1 critical8 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalFood handling

      Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

      Inspector’s note: Observed interior of ice machine bin and interior guard with some dirt, not clean. Instructed the person in charge to detail clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 16)

      Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

    • GeneralFood temperature

      Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no thermometer conspicuously placed in dessert display cooler located in the front dispensing area. Instructed the person in charge to provide thermometrs for all cold holding units and maintain.

      Official wording (code 36)

      Thermometers provided & accurate

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed packaged food items ( cake slices)not properly labeled. Instructed the person in charge to properly label all packaged food items with identity, net weight, ingredients, business name and address where made and packaged and maintain.

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed food containers stored on the floor in the rear prep and rear dry storage areas. 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 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 wet wiping cloths on multiple prep surface areas. Instructed the person in charge properly store wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution between uses to prevent contamination of equipment & food and maintain.

      Official wording (code 41)

      Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed torn door gasket inside of the 3 door prep cooler in the rear prep area, instructed the person in charge to replace gasket and maintain in good repair.

      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: Observed multiple cutting boards with deep scratches and stains in the rear prep area. Instructed the person in charge to resurface/replace cutting boards 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 grease buildup on cooking equipment, walls, surrounding floors and shelving units in the kitchen/prep areas. Instructed the person in charge to degrease, clean and sanitize 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 grease buildup, food debris, and dirt on floor under cooking equipment, along walls and in all corners in prep and dishwashing areas. Instructed the person in charge to clean floors under all equipment, along walls and in all corners in all areas and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed some food handling employees without food handler certificates. Instructed the person in charge to ensure that all food handling employees receive food handler training to comply with idph food handler requirements and maintain.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  5. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical Show violations
    • CriticalFood temperature

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

      Inspector’s note: Found the following tcs foods held at improper temperatures inside multiple coolers- cooked beans at 58.3 f, green sauce at 53.8 f, red sauce at 53.8 f, cooked carnitas at 53.8 f. Instructed manager tcs foods must be held at 41.0 f or below if held cold. All said out of temperature tcs foods are voluntarily discarded at this time. We found all coolers ambient air temperature at 41.0 f and below at this time. Priority violation 7-38-005. Foods discarded weight- 80 lbs, valued at $115.00.

      Official wording (code 33)

      Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

  6. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

  7. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    2 critical14 general2 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalFood handling

      Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

      Inspector’s note: Observed black slime and excess rust at interior of ice machine panels and water reservoir. Ice is used for human consumption. Instructed to clean, sanitize and maintain unit. Priority foundation violation: 7-38-004, citation issued

      Official wording (code 16)

      Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

    • CriticalFood temperature

      Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

      Inspector’s note: Assembled/marinated el pastor meat(pork) at improper temperature: 47.8f,51.6f, and 52.8f, stored inside reach-in cooler. Cold food must maintain temp of 41f and below. Food discarded and denatured. Priority violation:7-38-005,citation issued

      Official wording (code 22)

      Proper cold holding temperatures

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Label food containers with common name, once is removed from original containers

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralFood handling

      Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: All wiping cloths in all prep areas must be held in a container with a sanitizing solution between use

      Official wording (code 41)

      Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

    • GeneralFood handling

      In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: Ice scoop must be stored in a clean enclosed container between use behind front counter

      Official wording (code 43)

      In-use utensils: properly stored

    • GeneralFood handling

      Single-use items weren’t stored or used properly.

      Inspector’s note: Pans stored above the handwashing sink(rear area) must be relocated to prevent source of contamination. Also, plastic single serving improperly stored at front counter, invert said utensils.

      Official wording (code 45)

      Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Must not use plastic garbage bags as food containers for bread delivery. Must not use cardboard boxes as food containers inside the coolers and freezer. Must use washable containers with lids or food grade disposable plastic bags.

      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: Broken handle of two door stainless cooler unit by the three compartment. Instructed to replace broken handle. Broken glass repaired with cardboard at two door reach-in cooler must be replaced. Surface must be smooth,cleanable and non-absorbent material.

      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: Broken rubber gaskets inside the reach-in coolers in kitchen area. Repair/replace

      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 food debris and spills inside coolers and freezers. 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: No back flow prevention device provided at ice machine water line inside rear storage. Must install so back flow prevention device may be located to be serviced and maintain or to know present location.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: Leaking faucet at three compartment sink,instructed to repair. Also handwashing sinks slowly draining.repair cause no stoppers provided at three compartment sink,instructed to provide.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: No cover provided at receptacle in women's washroom. Need to provide.

      Official wording (code 53)

      Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Debris on floor inside the food storage area.clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Noted soiled mops improperly stored at the utility service sink with mop heads piled on the floor. Mops heads must be stored inverted.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Excess items stored on floor inside the dry storage. Instructed to elevate items 6" off the floor.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Not all food employees had food-handler training.

      Inspector’s note: Additional food handler training certificate is needed.instructed to provide

      Official wording (code 57)

      All food employees have food handler training

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Additional allergen training certificate is needed for the new certified manager.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  8. Conditional

    Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical1 general Show violations
    • CriticalFood handling

      No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.

      Inspector’s note: Found no reminder disclosure statement inside menu for undercooked food being sold(steak). Priority foundation. No citation issued.7-38-005. Must provide.

      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: Found bulk food not labeled, flour, sugar, etc. Must label.

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

  9. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    5 critical2 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/training on site. Instructed facility to establish an appropriate employee health policy/training system and maintain with verifiable documents on site. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012. 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 procedure/plan for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events. Instructed facilty to develop and maintain a procedure /plan and to maintain any appropriate supplies on site. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 no citation issued.

      Official wording (code 5)

      Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Staff touched ready-to-eat food with bare hands.

      Inspector’s note: Observed employee using bare hands touching ready to eat tortilla, filling it and placing it on plate. Instructed employee to wash hands and put on gloves. Priority foundation 7-38-010

      Official wording (code 9)

      No bare hand contact with rte food or a pre-approved alternative procedure properly allowed

    • CriticalFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed gallon of chocolate milk and gallon of orange juice stored directly on top of raw beef in refrigerator. Instructed to clean and sanitize outside portion of milk and orange juice and to store it away from raw meat. Priority violation 7-38-005

      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 no date marking system in place. Ready to eat and or time temperature controlled foods prepared and held in a retail food establishment for over 24 hours must have a clearly marked labeling system in place to indicate the date or day by which the food shall be consumed on premises, sold, or discarded when held at a temperature of 41f or less for a maximum of 7 days with the date of preparation counting as day 1. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 no citation issued.

      Official wording (code 23)

      Proper date marking and disposition

    • GeneralFood temperature

      Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed refrigerators need thermometers. Install and maintain.

      Official wording (code 36)

      Thermometers provided & accurate

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed food stored on floor. All food must be stored at least 6 inches up off floor.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no approved allergen training in accordance with pa 100-0367 on site. Instructed any persons with the city of chicago food sanitiation certificate to comply with allergen training and maintain

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  10. 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: Noted torn rubber gasket at 2 door refrigeration unit at the kitchen prep area. Instructed to repair and maintain and/or replace.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Noted stained ceiling tiles throughout the 1708 section of establishment. Instructed to repair and maintain and/or replace.

More in ZIP 60640

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 13 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.