Birrieria De La Torre Mexican Restaurant
Last inspected: Feb 24, 2026
74
Score
Inspectors have visited Birrieria De La Torre Mexican Restaurant 12 times, with records going back to 2016. The newest entry in the record is dated Feb 24, 2026. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near five violations each time.
Across the inspection history, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded six times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Birrieria De La Torre Mexican Restaurant trails the local norm. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 24, 2026
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP ON INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE DOOR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
16
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/4 IN GAP AT BOTTOM OF REAR EXTERIOR DOOR NEAR CUSTOMER RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR TO BE TIGHT FITTING.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON SMALL FLIP TOP PREP COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAK AT FAUCET OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR TO BE TIGHT FITTING.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN REAR STAFF UNISEX RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN COVERED RECEPTACLE IN ALL RESTROOMS FOR DISPOSAL OF FEMININE PRODUCTS.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED PAINT ON WALL IN RESTROOM CREATING A VOID. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
74
Feb 24, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE
41
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MULTI USE SCRAPERS AND CLEAN KNIVES IMPROPERLY STORED INBETWEEN WALL AND BEHIND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY IN A CLEAN PROTECTED MANNER
44
Removal of suspension sign
63
86
Mar 18, 2024
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE WITH SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME
16
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS HEAVILY STAINED WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES. INST TO REPLACE/REPAIR AND MAINTAIN CUTTING BOARDS AT ALL TIMES.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: ALUMIMUM FOIL LINING ON MULTI USE PLATES. INSTD TO REMOVE FOIL SO AS SURFACE TO BE SMOOTH EVEN, AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MISSING BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE. INSTD TO INSTALL IN ACCESSIBLE LOCATION FOR SERVICE AND MAINTAINENCE
51
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATION ON SITE.
57
78
Oct 16, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VARIOUS FOOD ITEMS STORED IN PLASTIC STORAGE TOTES IN THE COLD HOLDING UNITS AND FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF SANITARY NAPKINS IN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.
53
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
10
86
Jun 23, 2022
Routine
2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 11 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED WHEN TCS FOOD (GOAT 150.9F) PREPARED AND SERVED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
1
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN WOMEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOX OF TORTILLAS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKET ON PREP COOLER DOOR IN COOKING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON FAN GUARDS INSIDE REACH-IN COOLER IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER HAND WASHING SINKS IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
51
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CONDENSATION WASTELINE DRAINING INSIDE HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE WASTELINE FROM HAND WASHING SINK AND PROPERLY CONNECT TO FLOOR DRAIN.
52
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILE IN STAFF WASHROOM IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN STAFF WASHROOM IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
56
52
Jun 8, 2021
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN REAR PREP AREA IN NEED OF CKEANING TO REMOVE FOOD SPILLS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: ALL EMPLOYEES WHO DO NOT HOLD SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST HAVE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN
57
90
Oct 29, 2020
Routine
2 critical violations.
View 2 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LARGE DEEP POT, APPROX 40-LBS OF BEEF SOUP INSIDE OF COOLER AT IMPROPER COLD TEMPERATURE OF 49.0F. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COLD( TCS) FOODS AT 41.0 OR BELOW. PIC REMOVED AND DISCARDED AT COST APPROX $30.00-COS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.CONSOLATED WITH PREVIOUS VIOLATION
22
Proper hot holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LARGE COVERED POT OF COOKED BEANS( APPROX 25-LBS), UNDER LOWER SHELF OF GRILL IN PREP AREA AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 110.0F. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN HOT FOODS AT 135.0F OR HIGHER. PIC REMOVED AND DISCARDED BEANS AT COST APPROX $30.00-COS. PRIORITY VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
21
74
Aug 28, 2019
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 20, 2019
Routine
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COLD TCS FOOD NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE INSIDE PREP COOLER RAW BEEF 51.4F, SLICED TOMATOES 52.6F, SOUR CREAM 50F. GUACAMOLE 51.2F, FLAUTAS 50.4F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD APPROXIMATELY 50LBS AND $300 OF PRODUCT. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY AND SERVICE. PRIORITY CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREP COOLER NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE 52.4F INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR. COOLER MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. PRIORITY CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005
33
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SUPPLIES FOR CLEAN UP POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY TO EAT TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (SALSA, CHEESE, GUACAMOLE,ETC.) OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT DATE. ALL REFRIGERATED TCS FOOD HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS SHALL BE CLEARLY MARKED WITH DATE BY WHICH FOOD IS TO BE SOLD, CONSUMED, OR DISCARDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED NOR A DISCLOSURE OR A REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL FOODS THAT CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED (EGGS). INSTRUCTED TO POST A CONSUMER ADVISORY AND ADD A DISCLOSURE AND A REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL FOODS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
25
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2243791 ON 12-21-18:10-OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS LOCATED AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND IN THE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. 58-OBSERVED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090
60
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD AND CONDIMENT CONTAINERS NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
37
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STYROFOAM CUP USED FOR DISPENSING BEVERAGES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LONG HANDLE DISPENSING UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
43
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DRAINPIPE LEAKING UNDER FRONT HAND WASHING SINK AND REAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
37
Dec 21, 2018
Routine
4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY TO EAT TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (HAM, CHEESE, COOKED MEAT, RICE, ETC.) OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT DATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT DATE FOR ALL READY TO EAT TCS FOODS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED NOR A DISCLOSURE OR A REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL FOODS THAT CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED (EGGS). INSTRUCTED TO POST A CONSUMER ADVISORY AND ADD A DISCLOSURE AND A REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL FOODS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN POLICY FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT OR DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS LOCATED AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND IN THE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THERMOMETERS ARE NEEDED INSIDE OF ALL PREP COOLERS, SOME REFRIGERATORS AND ALL FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
36
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLACK PLASTIC BAGS BEING USED TO STORE RICE IN THE REFRIGERATOR AND IN THE HOT HOLDING UNIT AND WHITE PLASTIC BAGS BEING USED TO STORE FROZEN BANANAS INSIDE OF THE REACH IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO ONLY USE FOOD GRADE STORE BAGS OR FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS TO STORE ALL FOODS.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE SMALL ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN THE CUSTOMER DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE.
51
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATES NOT AVAILABLE FOR FOOD HANDLER'S THAT ARE ON DUTY DURING THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
50
Aug 22, 2017
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN REAR PREP, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE. ALSO CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR PREP.
35
95
Oct 5, 2016
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: HOOD VENTILATION IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD UP. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
33
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Birrieria De La Torre Mexican Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Birrieria De La Torre Mexican Restaurant on file is from Feb 24, 2026. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Birrieria De La Torre Mexican Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Birrieria De La Torre Mexican Restaurant.
Has Birrieria De La Torre Mexican Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Birrieria De La Torre Mexican Restaurant have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Birrieria De La Torre Mexican Restaurant means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Birrieria De La Torre Mexican Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Birrieria De La Torre Mexican Restaurant is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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