Azucar Bar & Grill — Azucar Tapas Restaurant
Last inspected: Feb 19, 2026
90
Score
Across the available record, Azucar Bar & Grill — Azucar Tapas Restaurant has 16 inspections on file, the first dated 2010. On Feb 19, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around two violations, down from roughly nine violations earlier in the record.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” comes up most often, recorded nine times in the inspection record.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Azucar Bar & Grill — Azucar Tapas Restaurant is comfortably above that bar. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
16
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 19, 2026
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WORKING INGREDIENTS REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING STORED IN BULK CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
37
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INSIDE COOLING UNITS INSIDE PREP AREA WITH FOOD RESIDUE ON INTERIOR SURFACES. NOTED GREASE FRYER WITH ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
90
Feb 20, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: FOUND NO HANDWASHING SIGN AT BAR AREAS.MUST PROVIDE.
10
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND WALL AT LOWER LEVEL FOOD STORAGE AREAS NOT SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN.MUST REPAIR.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND CLUTTER AT LOWER LEVEL STORAGE AREAS.(SCRAP WOOD,ETC.) MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
55
86
Sep 22, 2023
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114 OBSERVED SEVERAL PILES OF CLUTTER STORED ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE OR STORE OFF OF THE FLOOR TO ELIMINATE PEST HARBORAGE CONDITIONS.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
90
Sep 15, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK NOT MAINTAINED. PREMISES HAS HAD ONLY ONE PEST INSPECTION REPORT IN THE LAST YEAR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE AT LEAST 2 PEST INSPECTION REPORTS PER YEAR STORED IN THE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK. AN ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL INSPECTION IS NEEDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYER.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL PILES OF CLUTTER STORED ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE OR STORE OFF OF THE FLOOR TO ELIMINATE PEST HARBORAGE CONDITIONS.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
78
Dec 16, 2021
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: ADDITIONAL WATER PRESSURE NEEDED IN THE HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED IN KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS INSIDE MEN'S WASHROOM. MUST REMOVE ITEMS CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS INSIDE WASHROOMS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
74
Dec 11, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 16 minor violations.
View 19 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DATE MARKINGS ON TCS READY TO EAT FOODS BEING HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS INSIDE OF COOLERS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
23
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINKS IN PREP AND BAR AREA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN APPX."1/2" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD AT HAND SINK NEXT TO 3- COMP SINK IN BAR AREA.
39
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT SILVERWARE IN CADDY.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST ELIMINATE GROCERY BAGS USED FOR FOOD STORAGE AND PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT RAW WOOD SURFACES AT WINDOW COUNTER,BAR DISPLAY UNIT.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINETS,OVEN,GRILL TABLE,ROLLING CART,BASEMENT REFRIGERATOR.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A FAUCET NECK AT MOP SINK IN KITCHEN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A LID ON GARBAGE CAN IN TOILET ROOMS.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE MASSIVE AMOUNT OF ARTICLES THROUGHOUT BASEMENT.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE WALL BASE IN TOILET ROOM AND MISSING FLOOR TILES & WALL BASE IN PREP AREA,LOOSE AND SPLINTERED WOOD FLOOR IN TOILET ROOM,CEILING IN POOR REPAIR ABOVE FOOD STORAGE SHELVING UNITS IN PREP AREA.MUST MAKE WALLS SMOOTH AND EASILY IN BAR AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING ON WALLS IN PREP AREA.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FILTERS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
33
Sep 12, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Caulk around exposed hand sink in kitchen prep area in state of disrepair, shall be repaired/replaced.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Cooler shelving/racks in reach in coolers not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices). Cooler door tracks in reach in cooler not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors under 3 compartment sink not clean, need detailed clean(corners), floors in bsmt storage areas under shelving, heavy equipment not clean need detailed cleaning.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Walls in kitchen prep area thar had peeling paint in kitchen prep area, shall be repaired/sealed.
35
82
Jun 30, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Found bulk food items (rice, flour, etc) without proper labels. Must label all bulk food items with names. Must maintain.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Found excessive grease build up on lower interior of fryer, and on rack next to fryer. Instructed to remove, clean and sanitize. Must maintain.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Found several open holes in the ceiling in basement. Instructed to fill or repair holes near food storage. Must maintain.
35
86
Oct 13, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: SEAL THE RAW WOOD BEHIND THE BAR.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPAIR THE OPENINGS IN THE CEILING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
36
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE.
45
82
Aug 19, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN UPPER PANEL OF ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND DIRT AND DEBRIS IN THE BAR AREA BEHIND AND AROUND EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOOR IN THE BAR AREA AND TO MAINTAIN.
34
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL REFRIGERATION THERMOMETERS FOR REFRIGERATORS IN BASEMENT.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS, ORGANIZE REMAINING, STORE 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR AND WALL, AND MAINTAIN.
41
82
Oct 22, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE SHELVING IN THE KITCHEN IS FULL OF FOOD BUILDUP; WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE THE KITCHEN SURFACES.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE DEEP FRYER AND GREASE TRAP ARE GREASY, CLEAN BOTH AND REPAINT THE GREASE TRAP IN A LIGHT COLOR.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: THE FLOORS AND BASEBOARDS ARE DIRTY, CLEAN AND THE BAR AND KITCHEN FROM CORNER TO CORNER.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: THE CEILINGS IN THE KITCHEN HAVE OPENINGS FOR AIR DUCTS, SEAL THE OPENINGS AND PLACE A REGISTER COVER OVER THE OPENINGS. THE WALLS ARE DIRTY IN THE BAR AND KITCHEN, CLEAN THE WALLS AND CEILINGS FROM TOP TO BOTTOM.
35
82
Nov 13, 2012
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST DATE AND LABEL ALL FOODS INSIDE COOLERS AND FREEZERS
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE COVERS FOR ICE BINS BEHIND BAR AREA
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN CUTTING BOARDS IN REAR KITCHEN AREA
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR HOLE ON FLOOR FRONT AREA AND CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND ALL EQUIPMENT FIRST FLOOR AND BASEMENT AREAS
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR HANDLE TO TOILET COMMODE IN BATHROOM
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND BETTER ORGANIZATION BASEMENT AREAS, PROVIDE SHELVING TO BETTER ORGANIZES WANTED ITEMS
41
74
Apr 8, 2011
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.MUST PROVIDE DRAIN LINES AT BAR GUNS BAR SUCH THAT IT LEADS DIRECTLY INTO A FLOOR DRAIN,PROVIDE MISSING ICE BIN COVERS FOR ICE BINS AT BAR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.MUST CLEAN STOVE,OVEN,HOOD,FILTERS,BAR GUNS AND HOUSINGS ATTACHED AT BAR,SHELVINGS THROGHOUT THE KITCHEN,FAN COVERS INSIDE COOLERS,DEEP FRYER,GRILL AND MAINTAIN.MUST REPLACE WORNED OUT CUTTING BOARDS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS AROUND THE GREASE TRAP BOX IN KITCHEN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.MUST REPAIR SOME SECTIONS OF WALLS BY 3 COMP SINK WITH PEELING PAINT MUST BE SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE.
35
82
Mar 29, 2011
No Entry
No violations found.
100
Sep 16, 2010
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DRAIN BOARDS ON 3COMP.SINK ,AND JUICE DISPENSER IN THE BAR WITH DEBRIS.
33
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. ORGANIZE CLUTTER IN THE BASEMENT.
41
90
Sep 14, 2010
Non-Inspection
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Azucar Bar & Grill — Azucar Tapas Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Azucar Bar & Grill — Azucar Tapas Restaurant on file is from Feb 19, 2026. The public record contains 16 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Azucar Bar & Grill — Azucar Tapas Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Azucar Bar & Grill — Azucar Tapas Restaurant.
Has Azucar Bar & Grill — Azucar Tapas Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Azucar Bar & Grill — Azucar Tapas Restaurant have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly nine earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Azucar Bar & Grill — Azucar Tapas Restaurant 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 Azucar Bar & Grill — Azucar Tapas Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Azucar Bar & Grill — Azucar Tapas Restaurant is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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