Edgewater Mexican Cafe
Last inspected: May 29, 2024
26
Score
Going back to 2018, Edgewater Mexican Cafe has eight inspections in the public record. On May 29, 2024, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Diners may want to take note: high risk reflects issues that a health inspector considered important.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near six violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “non-food/food contact surfaces clean” has been the most frequent reason, cited five times.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.
8
Inspections
4
Critical latest
4
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 29, 2024
Routine
4 critical violations. 4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: COOKS LINE COOLER UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE. COOLER TEMPERATURE NOTED AT 51.8F WITH FOOD SUCH AS DICED TOMATOES AT 50.1F. COOLER TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED, MAINTAINS A TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW AND C.D.P.H CONTACTED FOR INSPECTION AND TAG REMOVAL. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
33
Proper reheating procedures for hot holding
Inspector notes: NOTED THE FOLLOWING PREPARED TCS FOODS NOT PROPERLY BEING RAPIDLY REHEATED TO 165 F BEFORE HOLDING HOT IN THE STEAM TABLE. FOODS BEING REHEATED IN THE STEAM TABLE. BEANS AT 125.6F & 114.6F, COOKED CHICKEN AT 111.3F, 123.8F AND 103.6F. FOODS REMOVED AND REHEATED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
19
Proper hot holding temperatures
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING PREPARED TCS FOODS HELD HOT AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE IN THE STEAM TABLE. BEANS AT 125.6F & 114.6F, COOKED CHICKEN AT 111.3F, 123.8F AND 103.6F.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 SEE THE ABOVE VIOLATION #19 FOR CITATION.
21
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: NOTED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES IN THE COOKS LINE TWO DOOR COOLER. DICED TOMATOES AT 50.1F, PICO DE GALLO AT 48.3F, CHICKEN AT 48.2F AND BEEF AT 45.6F. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 SEE THE ABOVE VIOLATION #19 FOR CITATION.
22
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED IE: HOT FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN THE STEAM TABLE: COOKED CHICKEN AT 103.6F. INSTRUCTED A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED NO SOAP AVAILABLE OR SOAP DISPENSER AT THE ABOVE MENTIONED HAND WASHING SINK. MUST PROVIDE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) SEE THE ABOVE VIOLATION #10 FOR CITATION.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE BAR HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE. ITEMS BEING STORED INSIDE THE SINK SUCH AS CLEAN TOWELS, RUBBER BAR MATS AND TOGO FOOD CONTAINERS. CUSTOMERS NOTED DRINKING AT THE BAR AT THE TIME AND SERVER PREPARING DRINKS FOR CUSTOMERS. SERVER REMOVED ALL ITEMS. REVIEWED THE HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR USE AT AL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
1
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN EMPLOYEES' OPEN BEVERAGE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE A DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEES BEVERAGES OUTSIDE OF THE FOOD PREP AREA.
6
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
41
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: ALL STORED FOOD ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE WALK-IN FREEZER MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: TORN RUBBER DOOR GASKET ON THE COOKS LINE TWO DOOR COOLER. MUST REPLACE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INTERIOR METAL RACK SHELVING OF ALL THE COOKS LINE COOLERS WITH EXCESSIVE RUST AND PEELING PAINT. MUST REPLACE OR RESEAL.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS SURROUNDING THE CLOTHES WASHING MACHINE WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS.----FLOOR DRAIN UNDER THE TWO COMPARTMENT PREP SINK WITH DIRT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATE FOR THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. MUST PROVIDE.
58
26
Feb 8, 2023
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
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.
56
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WSHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WSHING SINKS.
10
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND DINING AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES AT THE KITCHEN AND DINNING TABLES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED FOIL PAPER USED TO LINE SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE FOIL PAPER TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED MECHANICAL STOPPERS OF THE 2 COMPARTMENT AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NOTED LEAKING FAUCET AT THE 2 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
74
May 23, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
May 13, 2022
Routine
3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE OR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE. MUST POST A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE, AND SUCH A PERSON MUST BE ON-SITE AT ALL TIMES FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED/SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE UPPER WATER RESERVOIR WITH BLACK AND PINK SLIME SUBSTANCE DRIPPING DOWN INTO THE WATER USED TO MAKE ICE AND THE ICE BIN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS INSIDE THE MACHINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
16
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: INACCURATE INTERNAL THERMOMETER INSIDE THE COOKS LINE TWO-DOOR COOLER. MUST REPLACE.
36
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: TORN RUBBER STRIP ON THE BOTTOM THRESHOLD OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR WITH A 1/2 INCH GAP NOTED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A TIGHT-FITTING SEAL ON THE BOTTOM THRESHOLD DOOR.
38
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
41
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: NOTED RAW PRESSED WOODEN SHELVING NEXT TO THE COOKS LINE. MUST PAINT/SEAL TO BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE, AND NONABSORBENT.----NOTED DIRTY PLASTIC SHELVING FOR THE CHEMICAL STORAGE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: FOOD ENCRUSTED TABLETOP CAN OPENER MUST BE CLEANED AFTER EACH USE.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: SPRAYER ARM NOZZLE AT THE DISH MACHINE WITH TAPE/CLOTH WRAPPING. MUST REMOVE/PROPERLY REPAIR ANY LEAKS.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS UNDER THE SHELVING IN THE DRY FOOD STORAGE ROOM WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
52
Feb 19, 2021
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: FOUND BULK FOOD NOT LABELED INSIDE LARGE STORAGE CONTAINERS.(FLOUR,SUGAR,BEANS,ETC.)MUST LABEL.
37
95
Jan 3, 2020
Routine
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING DISCLOSURE STATEMENT ON MENU FOR CONSUMER ADVISORY. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MINOR DEBRIS INSIDE SODA POP GUN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT TWO HAND SINKS IN FRONT KITCHEN PREP AREA AND IN WOMEN'S BATHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INSIDE OF FRYERS IN FRONT KITCHEN PREP AREA FILLED WITH GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND SINK BY 2-COMPARTMENT SINK AND HAND SINK NEXT TO JUICER MACHINE WITH NO COLD WATER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LID ON TRASH CAN IN WOMEN'S BATHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ARE NOT COMPLETED BY ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
58
67
Apr 19, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO SUPPLIES FOR VOMIT SPILL KIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005. MUST PROVIDE.
5
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: FOUND BULK FOOD ITEMS NOT LABELED (SUGAR, FLOUR, ETC.). MUST LABEL.
37
86
Aug 16, 2018
License
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-305.14 LARGE OPENING BETWEEN DINING ROOM AND FRONT PREP AREA.MUST INSTALL A BARRIER TO MINIMIZE OPENING TO A STANDARD DOOR WIDTH.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101-19 RUSTY SHELVES INSIDE THE COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
47
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Edgewater Mexican Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Edgewater Mexican Cafe on file is from May 29, 2024. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Edgewater Mexican Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “non-food/food contact surfaces clean” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Edgewater Mexican Cafe.
Has Edgewater Mexican Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Edgewater Mexican Cafe have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Edgewater Mexican Cafe means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Edgewater Mexican Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Edgewater Mexican Cafe is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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