El Cangrejo
Last inspected: Sep 29, 2017
100
Score
Going back to 2010, El Cangrejo has 12 inspections in the public record. The most recent visit was on Sep 29, 2017. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer. Note that El Cangrejo's inspection history hasn't been updated since Sep 29, 2017; current conditions may have shifted from what the file shows.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near three violations per visit across recent inspections.
When inspectors have written things up, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been the most frequent reason, cited eight times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 29, 2017
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 27, 2017
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Previous serious violation corrected, 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION FROM 9/20/17 REPORT 2088956 NOT CORRECTED: 24- 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED, HEAVILY LEAKING AT PIPES UNDERNEATH. INSTD TO REPAIR, FREE OF LEAKS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-42-090
14
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR LEAKING CONDENSOR LINE AT SMAL PREP COOLER, STANDING WATER AT INTERIOR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF FRYERS AND DRIP TRAYS OF FLAT TOP GRILL NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE GREASE. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO EXPOSED HANDSINK AT WAIT STATION WHERE PREP COOLER LOCATED AND CEVICHE BEING HANDLED AND PLATED. INSTD TO INSTALL EXPOSED HANDSINK WITH HOT / COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: METAL STEM THERMOMETER MISSING FOR FOOD HANDLERS. INTERNAL THERMOMETERS MISSING FOR PREP COOLERS. PROVIDE
40
78
Sep 20, 2017
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: METAL STEM THERMOMETER MISSING FOR FOOD HANDLERS. INTERNAL THERMOMETERS MISSING FOR PREP COOLERS. PROVIDE.
40
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: POOR HYGENIC PRACTICES OBSERVED BY FOOD HANLDER, EATING OCTUPUS FROM BOWL IN PREP AREA TO BE SERVED TO CUSTOMER. ALSO BEGINNING TO PREPARE FOOD WITH SAME GLOVES ON HANDS USING TO EAT AND HANDLE OCTOPUS, WITHOUT WASHING HANDS OR CHANGING GLOVES. CRITICAL 7-38-010A CRITICAL.
6
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED, HEAVILY LEAKINGAT PIPES UNDERNEATH. INSTD TO REPAIR, FREE OF LEAKS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.
24
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR LEAKING CONDENSOR LINE AT SMAL PREP COOLER, STANDING WATER AT INTERIOR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF FRYERS AND DRIP TRAYS OF FLAT TOP GRILL NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE GREASE. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO EXPOSED HANDSINK AT WAIT STATION WHERE PREP COOLER LOCATED AND CEVICHE BEING HANDLED AND PLATED. INSTD TO INSTALL EXPOSED HANDSINK WITH HOT / COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE.
38
74
Nov 10, 2016
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE COOK HANDLE READY-TO-EAT FOODS (CUCUMBERS, TOMATOES AND ONIONS) WITH THEIR BARE HANDS WHILE PREPARING A PLATE OF FOOD. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT BARE HAND CONTACT IS NOT ALLOWED WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-010A.
6
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT WITH A CERTIFICATE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (CEVICHE AND SEAFOOD PLATTERS) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE SEAFOOD PREP COOLER.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: THE WALLS IN THE MEN'S ROOM ARE NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST REPAINT THE WALLS.
35
82
Mar 17, 2016
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jun 5, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: WALK-IN COOLER FLOOR DRAIN NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME AND MAINTAIN.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: SPLASHGUARD MISSING INBETWEEN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND EXPOSED HANDSINK IN BAR AREA. PROVIDE SAME.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTD TO PROVIDE SAME.
42
82
Jul 14, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS, AND KITCHEN PREP TABLE NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STANDING WATER IN THE REAR DISH AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, AND KEEP FLOOR DRY.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CEILING LIGHT SHIELDS NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
35
86
Aug 5, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE NOT CLEAN, CALCIUM BUILD-UP. CLEAN SAME AND MAINTAIN.
32
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEE PERSONAL BELONGINGS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN DESIGNATED AREA.
37
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTD TO SO.
42
86
Oct 10, 2012
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: LABEL THE BULK CONTAINERS HOLDING THE FLOUR ECT.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE STOVE AND THE HOOD ABOVE HAS SOME GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON IT.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS IN THE MENS ROOM HAS GRAFFITI ON THEM. INSTRUCTED TO PAINT THE WALLS.
35
86
Sep 9, 2011
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: COUNTERTOP UNDERNEATH FLAT TOP GRILLS, EXTERIOR TOP OF STOVE, EXTERIOR OF KNIFE RACK, INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE AND ALL SINKS NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME AND MAINTAIN FREE OF DEBRIS.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLBASE IN MENS TOILET ROOM AND WALLBASE IN PREP AREA IN POOR REPAIR, LOOSE. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME AND HAVE TIGHT FITTING.
35
90
May 5, 2011
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: SHELF LINING ON STORAGE SHELVES. INSTD TO REMOVE SAME. PROPER STOPPERS MISSING FOR BAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PROVIDE SAME.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR BOTTOM OF COOLERS, EXTERIOR/INTERIOR OF STOVE, SIDES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYERS NOT CLEAN, FOOD DEBRIS. CLEAN SAME AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS IN PREP AREA NOT CLEAN, DUST ACCUMULATION. CLEAN SAME. PROPER DIVIDER MISSING IN WOMENS TOILET ROOM. PROVIDE SAME.
35
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
43
82
May 18, 2010
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use.
31
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.MUST REMOVE FOIL FROM EQUIPMENT. MUST REPLACE DIVIDER BETWEEN HAND SINK AND 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AT BAR AREA.
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.INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE.
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.MUST SEAL TRIM ON FRONT DOOR & WINDOW TRIM.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units.
40
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Cangrejo last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Cangrejo on file is from Sep 29, 2017. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Cangrejo?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at El Cangrejo.
Has El Cangrejo's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Cangrejo have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at El Cangrejo 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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