Cafe El Tapatio
Last inspected: Nov 20, 2015
100
Score
The health department has logged 11 inspections at Cafe El Tapatio, the earliest from 2011. The most recent visit was on Nov 20, 2015. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings. Public records show no inspections at Cafe El Tapatio since Nov 20, 2015, so this file may not reflect current conditions.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around three violations, down from roughly six violations earlier in the record.
The pattern that stands out is “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean”, which has been cited seven times.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Chicago restaurant scores 81. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 20, 2015
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Jun 30, 2015
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON THE 1 DOOR PREP COOLER AND THE 2 DOOR COOLER NEXT TO THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE BUILDUP ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE SALAMANDER. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED SLIGHT DIRT ACCUMULATION ON THE UPPER INTERIOR PORTION OF THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON THE EXHAUST HOOD ABOVE THE COOKING LINE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DIRT ACCUMULATION ON THE WALK IN COOLER FANGUARD. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO WORKING STOPPERS ON SITE FOR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN THREE SINK STOPPERS.
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82
Jan 7, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND 30 POUNDS OF POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (BEEF, CHICKEN, AND RICE) IN THE WALK IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 45.1F-65.6F. OPERATOR VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED SAID FOOD. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO KEEP ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT 40F OR BELOW OR 140F OR ABOVE AND TO MAINTAIN. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A).
3
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND TORN REFRIGERATION GASKET ON COOLER DOOR ON FIRST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT DIRT BUILDUP ON INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND A HOLE IN THE KITCHEN CEILING ABOVE THE DOOR LEADING TO DINING ROOM. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON EXHAUST HOOD IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FACILITY HAS NO FOODHANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY THAT ALL FOODHANDLERS MUST TAKE AN ANSI APPROVED FOODHANDLER COURSE WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE UNLESS THEY ALREADY HAVE AN APPROVED CERTIFICATE.
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78
Jun 11, 2014
Complaint
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS BEING STORED INSIDE 2-DOOR REACH-IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. FOUND BEEF SOUP AT 48.8F, SHRIMP SOUP AT 49.8F AND BEENS AT 46.8F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED ALL FOOD ITEMS 30LBS OF FOOD WORTH $100. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
3
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL AND DATE ALL COOKED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND ALL PREP COOLERS.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY STORE UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. OBSERVED KNIFES STORED BETWEEN HOT HOLDING UNIT AND WALL IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE IN A KNIFE RACK.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RUSTY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING IN BASEMNT STORAGE AREA AND RACKS INSIDE BEER COOLER. MUST RE-PAINT OR REPLACE. MUST NOT USE TINFOIL AS A LINER FOR SHELVING IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. FROZEN MEATS STORED IN A PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS INSIDE CHEST FREEZER IN BASEMENT.INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN VENTILATION HOODS AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. REMOVE GREASE BUILD-UP. DETAIL CLEAN FOOD STORAGE SHELVING INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN FOOD PREPARATION AREAS AND THROUGHOUT BASEMENT ESPECIALLY ALOG WALLBASE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALL BEHIND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA DIRTY WITH FOOD SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. MUST SEAL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES ABOVE UTILITY SINK IN BASEMENT. MISSING CEILING TILES IN BASEMENT MUST REPLACE.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: EXPOSED HANDWASH SINK IN FRONT BAR AREA IS DRAINING SLOW. MUST REPAIR/MAINTAIN.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES FROM BASEMENT TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE. MUST ELEVATE FOOD PRODUCTS 6 INCHES OF FLOOR IN FRONT BAR AREA AND REAR STORAGE ROOM.
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64
Aug 2, 2013
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 30, 2013
Complaint
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE. OBSERVED BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE ON INTERIOR WATER COMPONENTS OF THE ICE MACHINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO TURN OFF MACHINE, REMOVE ICE AND HAVE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE CLEANED AND SANITIZED. TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION .MUST FAX LETTER TO THE CDPH 312-746-4240 FOR TAG REMOVAL.MUST SEAL OPENING ON CEILING SECTION OVER THE ICE MAKER SO THAT IS SMOOTH,SANITARY SURFACE. ALSO;THE FRONT BAR AND SERVICE AREA/DINING AREA IS NOW ORDERED TO CEASE/STOP FOOD OPERATION DUE TO EVIDENCE OF CONSTRUCTION DUST, DIRT,DEBRIS FALLING ON DINING TABLES,FOOD EQUIPMENTS,ON OPEN PLATES OF TORTILLA CHIPS.ADVISED OWNER THAT REAR DINING AREA IS ADEQUATE FOR SERVICE,DINING UNTIL THE SAID AREAS ARE FINISHED TO SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES. ATT:A.LOPEZ. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
16
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIVE FRUIT FLIES IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA AND THE BAR AREA. APPROXIMATELY 40 LIVE FRUIT FLIES WERE OBSERVED ON THE WALLS, CEILING AND EQUIPMENT IN THESE AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. ALSO, THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR LEFT CORNER IS NOT RODENT PROOF THERE IS A 1/2" GAP. A PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK MUST BE COMPLETE WITH ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS INCLUDE A MAP LOCATOR IDENTIFYING ALL PEST CONTROL SERVICES AND UPDATED IDPH COPIES OF LICENSES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: FOUND THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTAINED I.E.OBSERVED WATER SEEPAGE FROM SECTION OF MIDDLE COMPARTMENT TO THE RIGHT COMPARTMENT WHEN FILLED OR RUNNING WATER INTO COMPARTMENT.MUST REPAIR AND APPLY A LIGHT WELD TO SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
24
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY.(MUST STORE INVERTED).
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR/REPLACE RUSTY SHELVINGS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER USING A NON-TOXIC FINISH.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND FLOORS NOT SWEPT AT BASEMENT.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR WATER LEAKS AT DRAIP PIPES BENEATH THE EXPOSED HANDSINKS IN THE KITCHEN AREA AND AT BAR SERVICE,A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE IS NEEDED AT THE ICE MAKER.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND BASEMENT NOT CLEAN AND ORGANIZED.
41
67
Jun 6, 2013
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: FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY.(MUST STORE INVERTED).
31
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND FLOORS NOT SWEPT AT BASEMENT.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND BASEMENT NOT CLEAN AND ORGANIZED.
41
86
Aug 28, 2012
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS FOR MEAT PRODUCTS IN ICE BOX FREEZER AT BASEMENTAT ALL TIMES.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE ICE BUILD AT ICE BOX FREEZER AT BASEMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE FLOORS AT MAIN KITCHEN COOKING LINE TO REMOVE EXCESS FOOD DEBRIS AND REGROUT.
34
86
Aug 21, 2012
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: UPON INSPECTION OBSERVED 5 HOUSE FLIES ON WINDOW AT CUSTOMER DINING AREA AS WELL AS OVER 20 DRAIN FLIES AT BAR AREA ON LIMES, AT REAR PREP AREA ON CEILING TILES AND AT BASEMENT BEER STORAGE AREA.MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL ABOVE STATED AREAS. RECOMMEND PEST CONTROL PROVIDE SERVICE PRIOR TO 8/28/12. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED.
18
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS FOR MEAT PRODUCTS IN ICE BOX FREEZER AT BASEMENTAT ALL TIMES.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE ICE BUILD AT ICE BOX FREEZER AT BASEMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE FLOORS AT MAIN KITCHEN COOKING LINE TO REMOVE EXCESS FOOD DEBRIS AND REGROUT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN, SANITIZE AND REGROUT WALLBASE WHERE IT MEETS WITH 1COMP SINK AND 3COMP SINK TO REMOVE BLACK SUBSTANCE FROM WALL.
35
78
Oct 19, 2011
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE.FOUND COOKED RICE STORED INSIDE THE COOLER AT TEMP OF 62.2F TO 63F; WHITE RICE AT TEMP OF 50F.COOKED GROUND BEEF(PICADILLO) AT TEMP OF 47.8F,CREAMY SOUP AT TEMP OF 46.5F;COOKED CHICKEN(PULLED CHICKEN) AT TEMP OF 46.7F TO 50F,ALL FOOD WAS COOKED ON 10-18-11,COOLER TEMPERATURE OF 38.7F.FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED,POUNDS 50, VALUE200.CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A) HOOOO74488-15
3
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. CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENT (GREASE BUILD-UP),ALSO FOOD TOUNGUE THAT ARE STORED IN FRONT OF STOVE, MUST KEEP IT CLEAN AND PROPERLY STORED.
33
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.DETAIL CLEAN WALL BEHIND THE STEAM TABLES AND COOKING EQUIPMENT,EXTREMELY GREASY,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: All employees shall be required to use effective hair restraints to confine hair.HAIR RESTRAINANT IS NEEDED AT PREP AREA,BY EVERYONE.
42
82
Jan 25, 2011
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE, MINERAL BUILD-UP(BASEMENT AREA).
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.CLEAN FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES,INCLUDING CORNERS AND UNDER THE SHELVES(FOOD DEBRIS,AND DUST BUILD-UP).
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. END CAPS IS NEEDED ON LIGHT SHIELD IN PREP AREA(KITCHEN).
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. OBSERVED LEAKING PIPE UNDER THE EXPOSED HAND SINK,FRONT PREP AREA, NEED TO FIX.
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82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Cafe El Tapatio last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Cafe El Tapatio on file is from Nov 20, 2015. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Cafe El Tapatio?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Cafe El Tapatio.
Has Cafe El Tapatio's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Cafe El Tapatio have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Cafe El Tapatio means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
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