5411 Empanadas
Last inspected: Mar 25, 2026
82
Score
Inspectors have visited 5411 Empanadas 15 times, with records going back to 2014. The most recent visit was on Mar 25, 2026. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around four violations lately compared to roughly one violation before.
The pattern that stands out is “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, which has been cited six times.
5411 Empanadas' latest score is in line with the Chicago average of 81. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
15
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 25, 2026
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-602.11 OBSERVED SAUCE WITHOUT INGREDIENT LABELS IN PREP COOLER LOCATED NEAR OVEN, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
37
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114 OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER STORED ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE, REMOVE ALL UNNECESARY ITEMS AND ELEVATE AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR TO PREVENT HIDING SPACE FOR PEST
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE HOLDER ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW
58
82
Jan 9, 2026
Routine
2 critical violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS STORED INSIDE COOLING UNIT LOCATED IN FRONT OF PREP AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES.... GALLON OF WHOLE MILK, 2 OPENED QUARTS OF CREAMER AND ALMOND MILK, ONE QUART OAT MILK, ALL RANGING BETWEEN 55-58F DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD ALL COLD TCS @41F AND BELOW AS REQUIRED. PERSON IN CHARGE VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED SAID FOOD. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOLING UNIT LOCATED IN FRONT OF PREP AREA @ 50F WHILE STORING VARIETY MILK AND DAIRY CREAMER. INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE USE OF COOLER, REPAIR TO PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F AND BELOW, AND MAINTAIN. UNIT TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SAUCE WITHOUT INGREDIENT LABELS IN PREP COOLER LOCATED NEAR OVEN, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
37
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER STORED ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE, REMOVE ALL UNNECESARY ITEMS AND ELEVATE AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR TO PREVENT HIDING SPACE FOR PEST.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE HOLDER ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW.
58
61
Apr 28, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: FOUND NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT SINK AT COFFEE STATION.MUST PROVIDE.
10
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND SANITATION MANAGER WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING.MUST PROVIDE.
58
90
Aug 29, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: FOUND NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINKS.MUST PROVIDE.
10
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND SANITATION MANAGER WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING.MUST PROVIDE.
58
90
May 30, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
May 23, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLACK DIRT BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE DRIPPING INTO ICE, ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. ICE INSIDE ICE MACHINE VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED.
16
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: ONE LIGHT BULB BURNED OUT IN WOMENS WASHROOM. MUST REPLACE WITH WORKING LIGHT BULB.
56
86
Mar 23, 2022
Reinspection
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: 8-304.11(A) THE PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY FROM 3/16/22 WAS NOT POSTED IN PUBLIC VIEW. PREMISES HAD AN INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY FROM 2019 POSTED IN PUBLIC VIEW. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
61
90
Mar 16, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF GARBAGE BEHIND AND UNDER THE GARBAGE DUMPSTERS AND GREASE DUMPSTER. ALSO OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF GREASE ON THE TOP AND SIDES OF THE GREASE DUMPSTER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA AND CLEAN THE GREASE DUMPSTER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED.
54
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A HAIR RESTRAINT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
40
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
78
Jul 29, 2019
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE AT THE ICE MACHINE, COFFEE ESPRESSO MACHINE IN FRONT BAR AREA. MUST INSTALL A BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE SO THAT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICE AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLACK MOLD ON WALLS IN BASEMENT. REFER TO BUILDING DEPARTMENT.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET FLOORS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT ALSO OBSERVED STANDING WATER. MUST MAINTAIN FLOORS DRY AT ALL TIMES TO PREVENT PEST BREADING.
55
86
Jul 22, 2019
Complaint
5 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE PRECEDURE FOR EMPLOYEE TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE WITH THE NECESSARY ITEMS GLOVES, MASKS AND DISPOSABLE MOPS WITH THE APPROPRIATE SANITIZER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS AT THE HAND WASHING SINK. PERSON IN CHARGE PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED. COS
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: EVIDENCE OF IMPROPER PEST CONTROL IN PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 LIVE HOUSE FLIES ON WALLS AND CEILING ON HALLWAY STAIRS LEADING TO BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND WHENEVER NEEDED. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE PEST PROBLEM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS AVAILABLE ON PREMISES TO MEASURE THE CONCENTRATION OF SANITIZER OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.7-38-005(A)
48
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTS STORED ON TOP OF EQUIPMENT IN FRONT BAR AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORED WIPING CLOTS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE AT THE ICE MACHINE, COFFEE ESPRESSO MACHINE IN FRONT BAR AREA. MUST INSTALL A BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE SO THAT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICE AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLACK MOLD ON WALLS IN BASEMENT. REFER TO BUILDING DEPARTMENT.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET FLOORS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT ALSO OBSERVED STANDING WATER. MUST MAINTAIN FLOORS DRY AT ALL TIMES TO PREVENT PEST BREADING.
55
50
Oct 17, 2017
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREPARATION AREA DRAINING SLOW MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
95
Aug 8, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: NOTED TEMPERATURE OF REFRIGERATION UNIT AT THE PREP AREA TO BE 57.7F. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 40F AND BELOW. CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-005(A)
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE REFRIGERATION UNIT TO BE IMPROPER BETWEEN 51F TO 58F :-ASSORTED BRANDS OF EMPANADAS(BEEF(5.60LBS),MALBEC BEEF 51.2F(5.08F) BBQ CHICKEN (5.08LBS), HAM AND CHEESE (3.3LBS), BACON (3.85LBS), CHORIZO (4.55F), SPINACH AND CHEESE (3.75LB), MUSHROOMS 1.88LB), ONIONS (4.06LBS), SWEET CORN (4.84F), RATATOVIEE((MIXED VEGETABLES)1.56LB), BECON & EGGS (1.93LB), VEGGIE EGG (0.94LBS),CHIRIZO AND EGGS (1.58LBS)). MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 48.70 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $291.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-005(A)
3
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED (EMPANADAS). INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-012
21
86
Aug 27, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATION OF DUST ON VENTILATION COVERS IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA ABOVE FOOD STORAGE SHELVING. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK AT THE FRONT PREP AREA IS DRAINING SLOW. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ITEMS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND LIQUOR STORAGE ROOM IN BASEMENT NOT ELEVATED 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR. MUST ELEVATE ITEMS AND MAINTAIN.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET. NO LOGS, RECORDS ON SITE AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
45
82
Jul 22, 2014
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 18, 2014
License
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A EXPOSE HAND SINK IN THE MIXING PREP ROOM.
11
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: NOTED FRONT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF AT THE BOTTOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT ENTRY POINT FOR PEST.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD AT THE EXPOSE HAND SINK AT THE BAR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE HOOD ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN THE BAKING ROOM AT THE WINDOW MUST BE SEAL FOR EASY CLEANING.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE MIDDLE LIGHT ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
36
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: NOTED TOILET ROOM DOORS NOT SELF CLOSING. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A SELF CLOSING DEVICE.
37
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER.
40
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was 5411 Empanadas last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at 5411 Empanadas on file is from Mar 25, 2026. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at 5411 Empanadas?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at 5411 Empanadas.
Has 5411 Empanadas' inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at 5411 Empanadas have averaged around four violations per visit, up from roughly one earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at 5411 Empanadas means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is 5411 Empanadas inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, 5411 Empanadas is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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