Buen Apetito
Last inspected: Jul 7, 2025
90
Score
Across the available record, Buen Apetito has 20 inspections on file, the first dated 2010. Inspectors last stopped by on Jul 7, 2025. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around three violations to closer to one violation per visit.
Across the inspection history, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded five times.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting Buen Apetito on the better side of that line. The record reflects steady performance over time.
20
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 7, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY.MUST STORE INVERTED.
44
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING.MUST PROVIDE.
58
90
Jul 30, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Oct 25, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUT OF ORDER PREP COOLER STORED IN KITCHEN AREA USED AS STORAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
95
Nov 7, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW CHICKEN AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 46.3F INSIDE OF PREP COOLER. TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 41.0F OR BELOW INSIDE OF A COLD HOLDING UNIT. FOOD WEIGHING APPROX. 20 LBS AT A COST OF $75.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
86
May 5, 2021
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO OBTAIN/MAINTAIN POLICY WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES IN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF REPORTING AGREEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010.
3
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: NOTED CONTINUED NON COMPLIANCE FROM REPORT #2385451 ON 7/27/20. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED: #58: 2-102.13 - OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW. ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-090.
60
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SCOOPS FOR SALSA CONTAINERS BEING STORED DIRECTLY INSIDE OF THE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL UTENSILS BETWEEN USE.
43
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOP IN A POSITION THAT DOES NOT ALLOW TO DRY PROPERLY AND PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. MUST STORE MOP AFTER USE IN A MOUNTED POSITION THAT ALLOWS FOR AIR-DRYING WITHOUT SOILING AND PEST HARBORAGING.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT PHYSICAL CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHILE PREPPING TCS FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
57
70
Jul 27, 2020
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE SERVING TIME/TEMPERATURES CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (COOKED STEAK AND CHICKEN, DICED TOMATOES, SALSA). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING WITH VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDERNEATH ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW.
58
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MEAT STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE FOOD INSIDE OF FOOD GRADE BAGS ONLY AND MAINTAIN.
47
78
May 2, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO CLEAN UP KIT OR PROCEDURES ONSITE FOR VOMITING OR DIARRHEA EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE KIT AND POST PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON MENUS REGARDING RAW EGGS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED. DISCLOSURE shall include: description of the animal-derived FOODS, such as ?oysters on the half shell (raw oysters),? ?raw-EGG Caesar salad,? and ?hamburgers (can be cooked to order)?; Consuming raw or undercooked MEATS, POULTRY, seafood, shellfish, or EGGS may increase your RISK of foodborne illness. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ONSITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE CITY'S HEALTH FORM OR SIMILAR DOCUMENTS USED TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN GREASE ACCUMULATION FROM HOOD AND FILTERS, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENSE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE.
58
67
Apr 2, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Observed pre portioned containers of condiments, guacamole, sour cream, tomatillo sauce, etc, stored in reach-in coolers without proper labels or dates. Informed manager that once items are removed from bulk container, proper labels and dates must be displayed on containers. Instructed manager to provide proper labels and dates. Maintain it all times.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Observed styrofoam cup used as scooping device, stored inside large bulk containers of chili Arbol sauce, stored inside reach in cooler. Instructed manager to provide proper scooping utensils that do not fall inside bulk container. Maintain at all times.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed broken left cabinet door on dry goods cabinet, adjacent to flat top grill. Instructed manager to repair and maintain at all times.
32
86
Dec 26, 2017
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed cardboard used as a liner inside 2 door cooler (with soda cans stored inside). Must remove cardboard. All surfaces must be smooth and easily cleanable. Must maintain same.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Observed heavy black build up on floor under shelving unit next to entry into booth. Must detail clean and sanitize floor under shelving unit. Must maintain same.
34
90
May 31, 2017
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Found black, slimy substance along cracks of splashguard on 3 compartment sink/1 compartment sink. Must remove substance, detail clean and sanitize this area. Must maintain same.
33
95
Nov 21, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES WHILE BEING IMPROPERLY REHEATED IN THE STEAM TABLE. NOTED APPROX. 7 LBS OF RICE AT 118 DEGREES, APPROX. 8 LBS OF BEANS AT 124 DEGREES AND APPROX. 3 LBS OF CHEESE AT 95 DEGREES. OPERATOR VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROX. $45 WORTH OF PRODUCT. INSTRUCTED THAT HOT POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 140 DEGREES OR ABOVE AT ALL TIMES. ALSO INSTRUCTED THAT STEAM TABLES MUST NOT BE USED FOR REHEATING. CRITICAL VIOLATION: 7-38-005(A)
3
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A KNIFE BEING STORED IMPROPERLY IN THE CRACK BETWEEN TWO COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE THE KNIFE IN A MANNER THAT PREVENTS CONTAMINATION BETWEEN USES.
31
90
Mar 25, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE COATING ON THE WIRE RACK ABOVE THE GRILL IS FLAKING OFF. REPAIR/REPLACE THE SURFACE TO BE SMOOTH AND DURABLE.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE DRAIN SERVING THE EXPOSED HAND SINK IS SLOW. DECLOG THE DRAIN.
38
90
Mar 25, 2015
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: PROVIDE IDPH FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR EMPLOYEES AS REQUIRED.
45
95
Mar 16, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: REFRIGERATED FOOD STORAGE FACILITIES AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. THE LARGE PREP COOLER NOTED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 52-53.4 DEGREES F. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN FACILITIES AT 40 DEGREES F AND BELOW. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 8.4LBS OF CHICKEN,PORK AND VEGETABLE TAMALES AT 49 DEGREES F. ALSO NOTED APPROXIMATELY 15LBS OF RAW EGGS AT 49.9 DEGREES F. MUST MAINTAIN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT 40 DEGREES F AND BELOW OR 140 DEGREES F AND ABOVE. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A
3
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: PROVIDE IDPH FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR EMPLOYEES AS REQUIRED.
45
86
Dec 16, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: TO GO FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE STORED INVERTED.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE DUCT TAPE AS A METHOD OF REPAIR ON THE INSIDE LID OF THE TWO DOOR PREP COOLER. MUST BE A SMOOTH CLEANABLE SURFACE.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAK AT THE NOZZLE ON THE ONE COMPARTMENT PREP SINK REPAIRED WITH TAPE. MUST PROPERLY REPAIR. MUST PROVIDE THREE STOPPERS FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA MUST WEAR HAT/HAIR RESTRAINT.
42
82
Jun 17, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN CUTTING BOARDS AND ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES. MUST DETAIL CLEAN SINKS AND REMOVE FOOD DERIS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS IN PREP AREA.
34
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: PROPERLY STORE WASH CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
43
86
May 20, 2013
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING ALONG COOLER BASE AND UNDER SINK TO REMOVE DEBRIS.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE AND/OR ORGANIZE CLUTTER UNDER SINK TO PREVENT HARBORAGE.
41
90
May 31, 2012
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS SO AS TO BE PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION UNTIL USED AT ALL TIMES.
31
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOORS AT PREP AREAS TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST DECLUTTER AND BETTER ORGANIZE AREA NEXT TO 3COMP SINK SO AS TO REMOVE EXCESS CARDBOARD BOXES AND ELEVATE ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
41
86
Jun 2, 2011
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 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. The hand sink was blocked by tray of the neighbors food containers, keep the hand sink easily accessible at all times of food service.
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. The pourous clay coffree pot is not sanitary, obtain a sanitary vessel.
33
90
Sep 7, 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. FLOORS UNDER EQUIPMENT MUST BE KEPT CLEAN & FREE OF DEBRIS/DIRT. ALL STOCK MUST BE ELEVATED OFF THE FLOOR, FOR EASY ACCESS TO CLEANING/PEST MONITORING.
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. ANY UNNECESSARY ARTICLES UNDER SINKS MUST BE REMOVED OR MINIMIZED TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
41
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Buen Apetito last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Buen Apetito on file is from Jul 7, 2025. The public record contains 20 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Buen Apetito?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Buen Apetito.
Has Buen Apetito's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Buen Apetito have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Buen Apetito 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 Buen Apetito inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Buen Apetito is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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