Los Azares Mexican Grill

No violations were recorded at this inspection.

1. Sep 3, 2026 Conditional

   Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions

   2 critical Show violations

   • CriticalFood temperature

     Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

     Inspector’s note: Observed tcs foods held at inadequate temperatures ranging from 46-55 f. Instructed manager to ensure all cold foods are held at 41 f and below. Manager discarded 13 pounds of bee,f 25 pounds of cheese 1/4 th gallon of milk, and 10 pounds lettuce ($200) priority violation 7-38-005 citation issued.

     Official wording (code 22)

     Proper cold holding temperatures

   • CriticalFood temperature

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed walk in cooler with an inadequate ambient air temperature of 46 f. Instructed manager to ensure all cold holding units have an ambient air temperature of 41 f and below. Cooler tagged. Priority violation 7-38-005 citation issued.

     Official wording (code 33)

     Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

2. Feb 24, 2026 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   1 general2 paperwork Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed stained and damaged ceiling in kitchen prep areas. Instructed manager 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: Observed food employees with no food handler training. Instructed manager to ensure all food handlers have food handler training.

     Official wording (code 57)

     All food employees have food handler training

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: Observed certified food manager with no food allergen training. Instructed manager to comply with requirement.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

3. Apr 2, 2025 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   No violations

4. Apr 30, 2024 Pass

   Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

   1 general Show violations

   • 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 2 door cooler located on cook line. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain in good condition.

     Official wording (code 47)

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

5. Apr 23, 2024 Fail

   Canvass · Fail

   3 general Show violations

   • 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 2 door cooler located on cook line. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain in good condition.

     Official wording (code 47)

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

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

     Inspector’s note: Observed slight build up of grease on hood over cook line. Instructed to detail clean and maintain in good condition.

     Official wording (code 56)

     Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

   • GeneralRepeat violation

     A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

     Inspector’s note: Observed the following repeat core violations not corrected from report #2578500 dated 7/11/2023: #51 "observed no visible backflow prevention device on ice machine. Instructed manager to provide." #57 "observed food handlers with no food handler training. Instructed manager to ensure all non-manager employees have food handler training." #58 "observed certified food manager with expired food allergen certificate. Instructed manager to comply with requirement." instructed to correct and come into compliance. Priority foundation violation 7-42-090. Citation issued.

     Official wording (code 60)

     Previous core violation corrected

6. Jul 11, 2023 Conditional

   Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

   1 critical3 general2 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed personal employee beverage stored inside ice machine directly touching ice. Personal items may not come in contact with food. Instructed manager to remove cup and discard ice. Priority violation 7-38-005 citation issued.

     Official wording (code 15)

     Food separated and protected

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no visible backflow prevention device on ice machine. Instructed manager to provide.

     Official wording (code 51)

     Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed stained and broken ceiling tiles throughout facility including in toilet rooms and in kitchen. Instructed manager to replace or repair broken and stained ceiling tiles.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

     Inspector’s note: Observed grease build up in hood and filters above front griddle. Instructed manager clean.

     Official wording (code 56)

     Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Not all food employees had food-handler training.

     Inspector’s note: Observed food handlers with no food handler training. Instructed manager to ensure all non-manager employees have food handler training.

     Official wording (code 57)

     All food employees have food handler training

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: Observed certified food manager with expired food allergen certificate. Instructed manager to comply with requirement.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

7. Aug 25, 2022 Pass

   Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

   1 general Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed no covered trash receptacle in the women's toilet room. Instructed to provide a covered trash receptacle and maintain.

     Official wording (code 53)

     Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

8. Aug 18, 2022 Fail

   Canvass · Fail

   1 critical3 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 as required. Priority foundation violation 7-38-010. Instructed management to provide a signed employee health policy for each employee. Citation issued.

     Official wording (code 3)

     Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed no covered trash receptacle in the women's toilet room. Instructed to provide a covered trash receptacle and maintain.

     Official wording (code 53)

     Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed grease and food debris underneath cooking equipment in rear prep area. Instructed to detail clean, sanitize, and maintain.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralRepeat violation

     A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

     Inspector’s note: Previous core violations from 05/07/2021 inspection, report #2509367 not corrected: #10-observed no handwashing signage at both exposed handwashing sinks. Instructed to provide. #55-observed broken rotisserie grill in rear prep area. Instructed to remove from premises. #57 - observed no food handler certificates on site at time of inspection. Instructed to have all staff complete food handler training and maintain records there of on site at all times. 7-42-090 priority foundation. Citation issued.

     Official wording (code 60)

     Previous core violation corrected

9. May 7, 2021 Conditional

   Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

   3 critical7 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 verifiable health policy on site at time of inspection. Left template and instructed to maintain copies of health policy signed by all employees on site at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-38-010. 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 kit and procedure on site for responding to vomit and diarrhea. Left one pager and instructed to maintain procedure and kit with all necessary supplies including a sanitizer rated as effective against norovirus on site at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005. 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 handwashing signage at both exposed handwashing sinks. Instructed to provide.

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • GeneralFood temperature

     Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

     Inspector’s note: Observed broken thermometer inside walk-in cooler. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain a working thermometer.

     Official wording (code 36)

     Thermometers provided & accurate

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed ice scoop stored inside ice machine. Instructed to store ice scoop outside of ice to prevent contamination.

     Official wording (code 39)

     Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no grease trap attached to 3 compartment sink. Instructed to install according to all relevant laws, codes, and regulations.

     Official wording (code 51)

     Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed broken tile on floor in front prep area along hot line. Instructed to repair and maintain in good condition.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed broken rotisserie grill in rear prep area. Instructed to remove from premises.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

     Inspector’s note: Observed build up of grease and grime on filters in hoods in both front and rear prep area. Instructed to clean or replace and maintain in good condition.

     Official wording (code 56)

     Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

     Inspector’s note: Observed burnt out lightbulbs in rear prep area. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain in good condition.

     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 certified manager present while tcs items such as tacos and tortas were being prepared. Instructed to maintain an employee holding a valid city of chicago foodservice manager certificate on site at all times while open and operating. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012. Citation issued.

     Official wording (code 2)

     City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Not all food employees had food-handler training.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no food handler certificates on site at time of inspection. Instructed to have all staff complete food handler training and maintain records thereof on site at all times.

     Official wording (code 57)

     All food employees have food handler training

10. Nov 3, 2020 Conditional

    License Re-Inspection · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical4 general Show violations

    • CriticalManagement & training

      Staff weren’t trained on, or didn’t follow, the rules for reporting illness.

      Inspector’s note: 2-102.14(o) observed no written employee health policy on the premises. Management instructed to have a signed employee health policy for each employee. Priority foundation 7-38-010. No citation issued.

      Official wording (code 3)

      Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 4-602.13 clean the wire racks above the 3 compartment sink.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: 5-204.12 no backflow prevention device located at the mop sink and the ice machine. Management instructed to install a backflow prevention device at both areas.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 6-501.114 must remove all unused cooking equipment from the premises including the rotisserie grill.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 6-501.11 must repair the opening in the wall under the ventilation hood in the rear food prep area.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

11. Oct 22, 2020 Fail

    License · Fail

    2 critical10 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 written employee health policy on the premises. Management instructed to have a signed employee health policy for each employee. Priority foundation 7-38-010. No citation issued.

      Official wording (code 3)

      Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no exposed handwashing sink located in the rear food prep area where the 3 compartment sink is located. Management instructed to install an exposed handwashing sink in the rear food prep area. Priority foundation 7-38-030(c). No citation issued.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no sneezeguard installed at the front counter where food will be prepared. Management instructed to install a sneezeguard or other barrier to prevent contamination of food by the public. Priority 7-38-005. No citation issued.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed water leaking from the roof into the ventilation hood and on top of the cooking equipment. Management instructed to repair the source of the water leak. Priority foundation 7-38-005. No citation issued.

      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 an unfinished wood countertop at the front counter. Management instructed to seal or paint or cover the countertop.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Clean the interior of the deep fryers, the wire racks above the 3 compartment sink and wire racks in the walk-in cooler.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: No mop sink installed on the premises. Management instructed to install a mop sink.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed the toilets in both the men's and women's washrooms not functioning properly. The water did not flush in either toilet. Management instructed to repair or replace the toilets in both washrooms. Priority foundation 7-38-030(c). No citation issued.

      Official wording (code 53)

      Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: No covered waste receptacle was provided in the women's washroom. Management instructed 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: Must remove all unused cooking equipment from the premises including the rotisserie grill.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must repair all broken wall tiles in the prep area especially around the doorway and around the 3 compartment sink and the ventilation hood in the rear food prep area.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Replace the missing light shields in the food prep areas.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: No allergen training certificate posted on the premises. Management instructed that all certified food managers must show proof of training.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required