Bar El Calamar

2639-2641 W Peterson Ave, Chicago, IL 60659

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: Mar 21, 2025

100

Score

Low Risk

Inspectors have visited Bar El Calamar three times, with records going back to 2024. The newest entry in the record is dated Mar 21, 2025. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.

Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around zero violations lately and about two violations before that.

That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Chicago restaurant scores 81. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Mar 21, 2025

Reinspection

No violations found.

100

Mar 14, 2025

Routine

1 major violation. 3 minor violations.

View 4 violations

Insects, rodents, & animals not present

Inspector notes: OBSERVED 10 LIVE SMALL FLIES AT FRONT BAR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REMOVE ALL FLY ACTIVITY BY DATE OF REINSPECTION. ADVISED TO CALL PEST CONTROL OPERATOR FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A).

Food properly labeled; original container

Inspector notes: FOUND SOME PREP AREA BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS.

Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

Inspector notes: PREP AREA COLD WATER LEAKING AT FAUCET. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN PREP AREA HANDWASH SINK.

Allergen training as required

Inspector notes: NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES.

Jul 31, 2024

License

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

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

Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AT BOTH BARS

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Bar El Calamar last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Bar El Calamar on file is from Mar 21, 2025. The public record contains three inspections in total.

Has Bar El Calamar's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Bar El Calamar have averaged around zero violations per visit, down from roughly two earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Bar El Calamar means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.

Nearby Restaurants

Babylon Bistro

2639-2641 W Peterson Ave

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Connection

2639-2641 W Peterson Ave

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Milo's Palace — Babylon Bistro

2639-2641 W Peterson Ave

Score: 86 — Low Risk

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→ All locations in Chicago → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Chicago