Cescas Margarita Bar & Grill
Last inspected: Jan 13, 2025
70
Score
Inspectors have visited Cescas Margarita Bar & Grill 14 times, with records going back to 2015. The newest entry in the record is dated Jan 13, 2025. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around four violations, down from roughly seven violations earlier in the record.
The pattern that stands out is “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, which has been cited eight times.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting Cescas Margarita Bar & Grill on the weaker side. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
14
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 13, 2025
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK IN (2) CUSTOMER'S WASHROOM AND IN FRONT BAR HANDSINK.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REPAINT OR REPLACE RUSTY METAL RACKS INSIDETHE BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER. ----MUST REPAINT RUSTY METAL COVER/LID OF GREASE BOX UNDERNEATH THE (BASEMENT) 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVER/LID FOR ICE BIN BEHIND THE BAR.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR KITCHEN AND IN FRONT BAR AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE CRACKED LIGHTSHIELD ABOVE KITCHEN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NEW FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, ALL FOOD HANDLERS THAT DO NOT HAVE CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE SHALL COMPLETE AN APPROVED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING PROGRAM.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
70
Jul 27, 2023
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS USED BY FOOD EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN
10
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OVERHEAD WASTE PIPES NOT SHIELDED IN THE BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENCASE ALL WASTE LINES TO INTERCEPT POTENTIAL DRIPS. (FOOD MAY NOT BE STORED UNDER LEAKY WATER LINES, SEWER LINES, MECHANICAL ROOMS, TOILET ROOMS, LOCKER ROOMS, OPEN STAIRWELLS, GARBAGE ROOMS)
39
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTIPLE EMPLOYEES WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO RENEW EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES TO COMPLY WITH IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL THAT HOLDS A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGERS CERTIFICATE OBTAINS ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING AND RECEIVES CERTIFICATE.
58
82
Nov 30, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BAR HANDWASH SINK HOT WATER LEAKING AT FAUCET ALSO PREP AREA HANDWASH SINK DRAIN PIPE LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAID SINKS.
51
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: NO THERMOMETER INSIDE BAR REACH IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE A WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE SAID COOLER.
36
90
May 21, 2021
Routine
1 critical violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: 4-501.114 (F: 3 & 4) NOTED LOW-TEMPERATURE DISHWASHING MACHINE IN USE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING. SANITIZING STRENGTH OF SANITIZER (CHLORINE) AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WAS 00 PPM. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS PROPERLY SANITIZING AT A MINIMUM OF 50 PPM. EQUIPMENT NOT IN USE AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025. NO CITATION WAS ISSUED. TODAY UNIT STILL REMAINS TAGGED. NOT IN USE
16
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POT, DISHES ETC STORED ON PREP TABLE BASE IS RUSTY UNABLE TO CLEAN; SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE. MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: BROKEN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE TWO-DOOR REACH-IN COOLER ACROSS FROM COOKING EQUIPMENT. REPAIR/REPLACE
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: BROKEN HANDLES AT REACH-IN COOLER IN PREP AREA/KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BROKEN HANDLES. MUST NOT USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS(COOKED RICE) INSIDE THE REACH-IN COOLER. MUST USE WASHABLE CONTAINERS WITH LIDS OR FOOD-GRADE DISPOSABLE PLASTIC BAGS
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: GREASE ON FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT,CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
49
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ADDITIONAL ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED FOR CERTIFIED FOOD HANDLER/MANAGER
58
67
Dec 8, 2020
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: NOTED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE IN USE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING. SANITIZING STRENGTH OF SANITIZER (CHLORINE) AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WAS 00 PPM. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS PROPERLY SANITIZING AT MINIMUM OF 50 PPM. EQUIPMENT NOT IN USE AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025. NO CITATION ISSUED.
16
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005. MUST PROVIDE.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: NOTED MISSING LIDS AT THE ICE BINS AT THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ICE BIN COVER.
39
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND ON SHELVES AT THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DRY STORAGE AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES DURING STORAGE TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET AT 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT AT THE FIRST FLOOR KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS AND ON EDGES OF THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS AND PIPES/CONDUITS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER AT THE WAITERS STATION AT THE REAR SITTING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND/OR REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
55
58
Aug 16, 2019
Reinspection
4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AT PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-010. MUST PROVIDE
3
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: FOUND READY TO EAT FOOD STORED IN COOLERS NOT PROPELRY LABELED WITH SEVEN DAY CONSUME BY DATE.PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005. MUST PROVIDE.
23
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005. MUST PROVIDE.
5
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: FOUND NO REMINDER DISCLOSURE STATEMENT INSIDE MENU FOR UNDERCOOKED ITEMS SOLD.(STEAK).PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. MUST PROVIDE.
25
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT HALLWAY AREAS AND BASEMENT DISHWASING AREAS. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND UNNECESSARY ITEMS AT OUTSIDE BAR AREAS. (GRILL, COOLER, BOXES, ETC.) MUST REMOVE AND RELOCATE.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOOD SANITATION MANAGERS WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST OBTAIN.
58
58
Aug 9, 2019
Complaint
5 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AT PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-010. MUST PROVIDE.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005. MUST PROVIDE.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: FOUND READY TO EAT FOOD STORED IN COOLERS NOT PROPELRY LABELED WITH SEVEN DAY CONSUME BY DATE.PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005. MUST PROVIDE.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: FOUND NO REMINDER DISCLOSURE STATEMENT INSIDE MENU FOR UNDERCOOKED ITEMS SOLD.(STEAK).PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. MUST PROVIDE.
25
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FOUND FRIUT FLY ACTIVITY AT BASEMEMNT DISHWASING ROOM. OBSERVED ABOUT 50 FRUIT FLIES ON WALLS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-020A. MUST ELIMINATE FRUIT FLY ACTIVITY AND NOTIFY PEST CONTROL OPERATOR.
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT HALLWAY AREAS AND BASEMENT DISHWASING AREAS. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND UNNECESSARY ITEMS AT OUTSIDE BAR AREAS. (GRILL, COOLER, BOXES, ETC.) MUST REMOVE AND RELOCATE.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOOD SANITATION MANAGERS WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST OBTAIN.
58
52
Feb 22, 2018
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NOTED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE AND MUST BE POSTED. SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-012
21
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS STORED IN GROCERY BAGS INSIDE COOLERS AND REFRIGERATION UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS WITH TIGHT FITTING LIDS.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED OPEN WASTE WATER PIPE BY THE BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ENCASE ALL THE WASTE WATER PIPES OR REMOVE THE PREP TABLE TO ANOTHER LOCATION OF THE BASEMENT.....NOTED AN ICE SCOOP INSIDE ICE CONTAINER AT THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVEIDE AN ICE SCOOP HOLDER.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRTY AND DUSTY VENTS INSIDE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT AT THE 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
82
Mar 10, 2017
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Mar 3, 2017
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: NO SOAP OR PAPER TOWELS AT THE BASEMENT PREP EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK. NO ACCESSIBLE PAPER TOWELS AT THE BAR EXPOSED HAND SINK AND PUMP HAND SOAP DISPENSER FOUND INSIDE FLOOR DRAIN UNDER SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL TIMES AT ALL HAND SINKS AND REVIEWED THAT HAND SINKS ARE FOR HAND WASHING PURPOSES ONLY. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
12
Dish machines: provided with accurate thermometers, chemical test kits and suitable gauge cock
Inspector notes: NO QUATERNARY CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE TO CHECK SANITIZING CONCENTRATION AT THE BAR AND BASEMENT DISH THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS. MUST PROVIDE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.
22
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MUST NOT STORE KNIVES AND UTENSILS BETWEEN WALLS AND ELECTRICAL PIPING AND WALLS AND SINKS.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE AND MUST REMOVE FROM THE PREMISES POROUS, STONE MORTARS USED AS FOOD CONTAINERS THAT ARE UNABLE TO BE PROPERLY WASHED, RINSED AND SANITIZED.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: BROKEN FLOOR TILES AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REPLACE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: DIRTY WALL WITH FOOD SPLATTER UNDER THE BAR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE WEST SIDE WASHROOM. MUST REPLACE.
35
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS THROUGHOUT MUST BE STORED IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION UNTIL NEEDED FOR USE.
43
Only authorized personnel in the food-prep area
Inspector notes: UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA IE: EMPLOYEES FAMILY.
44
67
Mar 17, 2016
Recent Inspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: LABEL ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS AND MAINTAIN.
30
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL ALL THE GAP BETWEEN THE CEILING AND WALLS IN THE KITCHEN COOK LINE AND IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA AND STORAGE ROOM AND MAINTAIN. MUST REPLACE STAINED CEILING PANELS IN THE COOK LINE IST FLOOR. AND MAINTAIN
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: HOT HANDLE OF THE FAUCET OF THE EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA NOT IN GOOD REPAIR. WATER PRESSURE IS VERY LOW. MUST INCREASE HOT WATER PRESSURE.
38
86
Feb 24, 2016
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER. SUCH AS X1 CONTAINER OF COOKED PORK AT 45.8F, X2 CONTAINERS OF MEXICAN RICE AT 45.4F, X2 CONTAINERS OF BAKED BEANS AT 44.7F, X2 CONTAINERS OF SOUP AT 44.8F. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A). WALK IN COOLER TEMPERATURE AT 40.0F. MANAGERS DISCARDED THE SAID PRODUCTS WORTH $300.00, 20 LBS TOTAL.
3
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: LABEL ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS AND MAINTAIN.
30
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL ALL THE GAP BETWEEN THE CEILING AND WALLS IN THE KITCHEN COOK LINE AND IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA AND STORAGE ROOM AND MAINTAIN. MUST REPLACE STAINED CEILING PANELS IN THE COOK LINE IST FLOOR. AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: HOT HANDLE OF THE FAUCET OF THE EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA NOT IN GOOD REPAIR. WATER PRESSURE IS VERY LOW. MUST INCREASE HOT WATER PRESSURE.
38
82
Jun 23, 2015
License
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: FOUND MESH LINERS ON THE BAR SHELF USED TO STORE CLEAN MUGS AND WINE GLASSES. INSTRUCTED TO USE NON-ABSORBENT MATERIALS ONLY TO ALLOW PROPER CLEANING WITH FLAT, SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND A BROKEN HANDLE ON THE MICROWAVE IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR HANDLE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DISCOLORATION BUILDUP IN THE SODA GUN NOZZLES AT THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, RATHER THAN SOAK GUNS IN SANITIZER AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPLACE MISSING CEILING TILE ABOVE THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM ON THE 1ST FLOOR TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
35
82
Jan 27, 2015
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Cescas Margarita Bar & Grill last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Cescas Margarita Bar & Grill on file is from Jan 13, 2025. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Cescas Margarita Bar & Grill?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Cescas Margarita Bar & Grill.
Has Cescas Margarita Bar & Grill's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Cescas Margarita Bar & Grill have averaged around four violations per visit, down from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Cescas Margarita Bar & Grill 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 Cescas Margarita Bar & Grill inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Cescas Margarita Bar & Grill is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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