El Charro Mexican Food
Last inspected: Jan 13, 2026
78
Score
Public records show seven inspections at El Charro Mexican Food stretching back to 2023. The newest entry in the record is dated Jan 13, 2026. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around two violations lately and about seven violations before that.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” comes up most often, recorded five times in the inspection record.
El Charro Mexican Food's latest score of 78 falls below the Chicago average of 81. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
7
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 13, 2026
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN OPENING ON THE LEFT BOTTOM SIDE OF BACK DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR OR CLOSE OPENING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR TORN GASKETS ON THE INSIDE OF THE TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER AND THE INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER DOOR IN THE KITCHEN AREA.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET MOP STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO HANG MOPS TO ALLOW TO DRY WHEN NOT IN USE.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ON SITE FOOD EMPLOYEES DURING INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE AND KEEP CERTIFICATES ON SITE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
58
78
Feb 11, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Feb 7, 2025
Reinspection
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: 8-404.13(B:4)--PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2589227 DATED:02/06/2024. #49--4-602.13: NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILD-UP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER AND MAINTAIN. #55--6-501.13: **C** Cleaning Floors, Dustless Methods OBSERVED DIRTY FLOOR AT REAR CHEST FREEZER STORAGE AREA WITH LITTER AND DEBRIS.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN. #56--4-202.18: **C** Ventilation Hood Systems, Filters INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF EXCESSIVE HANGING GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN. #57--2-102.13: **C** Food Handler Training (PA 100-0367 Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act) OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH NOTED VIOLATIONS AND MAINTAIN BY 2/11/2025. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090.
60
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12--OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN THE KITCHEN PREP WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
37
86
Feb 4, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW HOT WATER PRESSURE AT THE FOLLOWING: AT (2) HANDWASHING SINK IN THE KITCHEN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA AND AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK,INCLUDING THE UTILITY MOP SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE WATER PRESSURE AT ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C),CITATION ISSUED.
50
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2589227 DATED:02/06/2024 #39--3-307.11: **C** Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND UTILITY MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD AND MAINTAIN. #41--3-304.14: **C** Wiping Cloths, Use Limitation OBSERVED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT REAR KITCHEN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE. #47--4-501.11: **C** Good Repair and Proper Adjustment- Equipment OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE KITCHEN 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS AND MAINTAIN. #49--4-602.13: NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILD-UP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER AND MAINTAIN. #51--5-205.15: **C** System Maintained in Good Repair (In Good Repair) OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THE UTILITY MOP SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN. #55--6-501.13: **C** Cleaning Floors, Dustless Methods OBSERVED DIRTY FLOOR AT REAR CHEST FREEZER STORAGE AREA WITH LITTER AND DEBRIS.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN. #56--4-202.18: **C** Ventilation Hood Systems, Filters INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF EXCESSIVE HANGING GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN. #56--6-202.11: **C** Light Bulbs, Protective Shielding OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELD FOR LIGHT FIXTURE AT REAR KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL LIGHT SHIELD OR SHATTER-PROOF LIGHT BULBS FOR LIGHT FIXTURE AND MAINTAIN. #57--2-102.13: **C** Food Handler Training (PA 100-0367 Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act) OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH NOTED VIOLATIONS AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090,CITATION ISSUED.
60
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND REPLACE BROKEN WALL TILES NEXT TO THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.
55
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN THE KITCHEN PREP WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
37
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
40
67
Feb 6, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 10 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #58 NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2572012 DATED:03/03/2023 #58--2-102.13 OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MEET REQUIREMENT. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH NOTED VIOLATION AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090,CITATION ISSUED.
60
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND UTILITY MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD AND MAINTAIN.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT REAR KITCHEN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE KITCHEN 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILD-UP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THE UTILITY MOP SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE UNISEX WASHROOM.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY FLOOR AT REAR CHEST FREEZER STORAGE AREA WITH LITTER AND DEBRIS.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF EXCESSIVE HANGING GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELD FOR LIGHT FIXTURE AT REAR KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL LIGHT SHIELD OR SHATTER-PROOF LIGHT BULBS FOR LIGHT FIXTURE AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
57
55
Mar 3, 2023
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: 4-204.119 OBSERVED NO DRAINBOARDS ON SINK NOR EQUIPMENT THAT ALLOWS FOR ALL DISHES TO BE WASHED AND SELF DRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DRYING RACKS OR OTHER EQUIPMENT TO ALLOW FOR CLEANED DISHES TO BE SELF DRAINING.
48
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: 5-502.12 OBSERVED NO GREASE RECEPTACLE FOR GREASE. FACILITY UTILIZES DEEP FRYER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE METHOD FOR DISPOSING OF GREASE.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.11 OBSERVED CHIPPED WALL IN HALLWAY NEAR REAR ENTRANCE; OBSERVED CRACKED FLOOR TILES BEHIND COOLER UNIT TO IMMEDIATE RIGHT UPON WALKING IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MEET REQUIREMENT
58
82
Feb 24, 2023
License
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DELI TOP COOLER WITH AN INADEQUATE INTERNAL AIR TEMPERATURE OF 52 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COOLERS HAVE AN INTERNAL AIR TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. MANAGER ADJUSTED COOLER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
33
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EQUIPMENT TO LARGE TO FIT INTO 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGERS TO PROVIDE A LARGER SINK OR SMALLER UTENSILS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025 NO CITATION ISSUED.
48
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO AVAILABLE HANDWASHING SINK FOR CONVENIENT USE IN GRIDDLE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL HANDWASHING SINK FOR CONVENIENT USE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED
10
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO MENU WITH CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE. FACILITY WILL COOK STEAK AND OTHER ITMES TO ORDER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE MENU WITH CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
25
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DRAINBOARDS ON SINK NOR EQUIPMENT THAT ALLOWS FOR ALL DISHES TO BE WASHED AND SELF DRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DRYING RACKS OR OTHER EQUIPMENT TO ALLOW FOR CLEANED DISHES TO BE SELF DRAINING.
48
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO GREASE RECEPTACLE FOR GREASE. FACILITY UTILIZES DEEP FRYER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE METHOD FOR DISPOSING OF GREASE.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CHIPPED WALL IN HALLWAY NEAR REAR ENTRANCE; OBSERVED CRACKED FLOOR TILES BEHIND COOLER UNIT TO IMMEDIATE RIGHT UPON WALKING IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MEET REQUIREMENT
58
52
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Charro Mexican Food last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Charro Mexican Food on file is from Jan 13, 2026. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Charro Mexican Food?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at El Charro Mexican Food.
Has El Charro Mexican Food's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at El Charro Mexican Food have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at El Charro Mexican Food 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 El Charro Mexican Food inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Charro Mexican Food is inspected around two times per year on average.
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