Pass

El Salserin

1943 W 51st St, Chicago, IL 60609

Restaurant ZIP 60609 Risk 1 (High)

Passed · as of Aug 7, 2026

El Salserin was last inspected on August 7, 2026 with a result of “Pass”. Inspectors found no violations.

Latest inspection

August 7, 2026 · Canvass

Pass

Result: Pass

No violations

No violations were recorded at this inspection.

Inspection history

6 inspections on record

  1. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    1 general Show violations
    • GeneralFood temperature

      Frozen food was thawed the wrong way.

      Inspector’s note: Observed intestines inside bowl thawing improperly inside 3 compartment sink. Instructed to thaw under refrigeration or under running water and maintain.

      Official wording (code 35)

      Approved thawing methods used

  2. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    6 general Show violations
    • GeneralFood handling

      Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: Noted dirty wiping cloths on prep tables at front and rear prep areas. Not properly stored. Instructed properly to store all washcloths in a sanitizing solution especially when not in use.

      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 cutting board in font prep area with open seams and dark stains. Must refinish or replace damaged or stained cutting boards.

      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: Noted assorted food items inside freezers units stored inside non food grade bags. Instructed properly to store all food items inside approved food grade bags or containers.

      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 front prep areas. Instructed to degrease, clean and sanitize.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Noted clutter of equipment and other unused items on floors in storage rooms.must elevate all items to allow cleaning and remove all unnecessary items.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Noted the following:floors throughout premise especially along with wall base and underneath equipment with dirt, grease and food debris. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize. Must upgrade housekeeping.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  3. Pass

    License Re-Inspection · Pass

    2 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: 5-204.12-observed no backflow preventer device on the newly installed utility sink in rear. Instructed to install to ensure device can be located, serviced, and maintained.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: 6-202.11- observed lighting in rear prep/dishwash area without protective shielding at light fixtures. Instructed to install and maintain.

      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 proof of training for all food handlers. Instructed to provide and maintain records at all times.

      Official wording (code 57)

      All food employees have food handler training

  4. Fail

    License · Fail

    6 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • GeneralPests

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed evidence of rodent activity on the premises. Observed approximately 20 rat droppings on the floor in the basement furnace/boiler closet and along the north wall of the basement. Management instructed to clean and remove all rodent droppings from all affected areas. Priority foundation #7-38-020(a).

      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 no splashguard between front exposed hand sink and drainboard of 3 compartment sink. Must install a washable splashguard.

      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 backflow preventer device on the newly installed utility sink in rear. Instructed to install to ensure device can be located, serviced, and maintained.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Instructed manager to provide covered receptacle in womens restroom.

      Official wording (code 53)

      Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Strong, pungent odor in basement through out. Instructed to eliminate odor, clean and sanitize through out.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed lighting in rear prep/dishwash area without protective shielding at light fixtures. Instructed to install and maintain.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed food service sanitation manager without food allergen training certificate. Instructed to meet requirement.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  5. No Entry

    License · No Entry

    No violations

More in ZIP 60609

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 3 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.