El Cubanito
Last inspected: Oct 24, 2025
95
Score
Public records show 19 inspections at El Cubanito stretching back to 2015. The newest entry in the record is dated Oct 24, 2025. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near two violations per visit across recent inspections.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable”, showing up nine times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so El Cubanito is doing better than most peers. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
19
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 24, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SIDE OF HANDSINK CABINETS IN WOMEN'S RESTROOM TO BE DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
95
Dec 10, 2024
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FROZEN MEAT THAWING IN FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO THAW TCS FOODS UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER, IN THE REFRIGERATOR OR IN THE MICROWAVE AS PART OF A CONTINUOUS COOKING PROCESS.
35
95
Dec 6, 2024
Complaint
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT PREP AREA HANDWASHING SINK. TEMPERATURE OF WATER WAS 95.5F AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 100F AT ALL HAND WASH SINKS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C)
10
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FROZEN MEAT THAWING IN FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO THAW TCS FOODS UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER, IN THE REFRIGERATOR OR IN THE MICROWAVE AS PART OF A CONTINUOUS COOKING PROCESS.
35
82
Oct 1, 2024
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FROZEN EMPANADA THAWING IN A PLASTIC CONTAINER IN THE DISHWASHING AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO THAW TCS FOODS UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER, IN THE REFRIGERATOR OR IN THE MICROWAVE AS PART OF A CONTINUOUS COOKING PROCESS.
35
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SUGAR OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND IN STAINLESS STEEL CONTAINERS BY THE WOK STATION WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
41
86
Sep 24, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 HANDWASHING SINKS INACCESSIBLE AT THE FRONT PREP AREA AND DISHWASHING AREA IN OPERABLE DUE TO THEM LEAKING WHEN IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(c)
10
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FROZEN EMPANADA THAWING IN A PLASTIC CONTAINER IN THE DISHWASHING AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO THAW TCS FOODS UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER, IN THE REFRIGERATOR OR IN THE MICROWAVE AS PART OF A CONTINUOUS COOKING PROCESS.
35
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SUGAR OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND IN STAINLESS STEEL CONTAINERS BY THE WOK STATION WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
41
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
74
Jun 22, 2023
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.11 OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF BOTH DOORS FOR THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN GASKETS.
47
95
Jun 15, 2023
Reinspection
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-501.111 OBSERVED APPROX. 15 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS, CEILING AND ON EQUIPMENT IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS, DISH WASHING AREAS AND DRY STORAGE ROOM. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A).
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.11 OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF BOTH DOORS FOR THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN GASKETS.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 6-501.19 OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICES ON THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE SMALL SIDE PREP KITCHEN AND ON THE DOORS FOR BOTH WASHROOMS IN THE BANQUET AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
53
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
78
Jun 12, 2023
Routine
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WASTE WATER OVERFLOWING FROM THE SIDES AND TOP OF THE GREASE TRAP THAT IS LOCATED BENEATH THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE GREASE TRAP SO THAT THE WATER DRAINS PROPERLY AND DOES NOT OVERFLOW THE GREASE TRAP. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
52
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. OBSERVED BEEF AT 46F, HAM AT 45F, LIQUID EGGS AT 45F, CUBAN SANDWICHES AT 47F, AND PORK AT 44F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR AND 3 DOOR PREP COOLERS. OBSERVED THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50F, AND THE 3 DOOR PREP COOLER WAS TURNED OFF WITH NO FOOD STORED INSIDE OF IT. THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER WAS USED TO STORE TCS FOODS SUCH AS EGGS AND HAM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BOTH COOLERS AND MAINTAIN THEM BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROX. 50 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS, CEILING AND ON EQUIPMENT IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS, DISH WASHING AREAS AND DRY STORAGE ROOM. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF BOTH DOORS FOR THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN GASKETS.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICES ON THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE SMALL SIDE PREP KITCHEN AND ON THE DOORS FOR BOTH WASHROOMS IN THE BANQUET AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
53
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
50
Jul 19, 2022
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE (WASTE CAN WITH LID) INSIDE THE BANQUET AREA UNISEX WASHROOMS AND INSIDE THE TO-GO KITCHEN UNISEX WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE INSIDE EACH WASHROOM.
53
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE THE COFFEE AREA 2-DOOR MILK COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT.
36
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD ON THE FRONT TO-GO KITCHEN HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED DIRECTLY NEXT TO THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD IN BETWEEN THE SINKS TO PROTECT CLEAN DISHES AND FOOD PREPARATION EQUIPMENT FROM MISCELLANEOUS SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED THE CHEST FREEZER IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA IN DISREPAIR; LID IS BROKEN AND BEING HELD TOGETHER WITH DUCT TAPE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR LID OR REPLACE.
47
82
Aug 12, 2021
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAMD WASHING SIGN OR POSTER NEAR HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: VISIBLE AND WORKIG THERMOMETER NEEDED AT THE 2-DOOR EMPANADA COOLER. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
36
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP COOLERS IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON VENTILATION VENTS INSIDE WASHROOMS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BURN OUT LIGHT BULB INSIDE HANDICAP WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BURN OUT LIGHT BULB AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING AT ALL TIMES.
56
78
Sep 14, 2020
Complaint
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE 1 DOOR GLASS COOLER IN PREP AREA. FOUND APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS OF STEAK AND CHICKEN EMPANADAS @ 45.7F-47.1F MUST KEEP ALL TCS FOODS @ 41F OR LESS AT ALL TIMES. PIC DISCARDED DENATURED FOODS DURING INSPECTION. PIC ESTIMATES COST TO BE $40. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT WASH BOWL SINK IN MENS RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED MUST PROVIDE A SANITARY MEANS TO DRY HANDS AT ALL HAND SINKS AND WASH BOWL SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PIC PROVIDED PAPER TOWELS DURING INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). SEE ABOVE VIOLATION 6-301.11 FOR CITATION.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP AT WASH BOWL SINK IN THE MENS RESTROOM. MUST KEEP SOAP AT ALL HAND SINK AND WASHBOWL SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PIC PROVIDED SOAP DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TOILET IN DISREPAIR (NO WATER IN TOILET DUE TO LEAK) IN HANDICAPPED/UNISEX RESTROOM. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAME.
51
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 3 OF 5 EMPLOYEES IN RESTAURANT NOT WEARING A FACE COVERING. MUST WEAR FACE COVERINGS. CITATION ISSUED 7-28-060.
64
64
Aug 26, 2019
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 19, 2019
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation.
View 3 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE 1 AND 2 DOOR PREP COOLERS. OBSERVED PORK AT 55.8F, EMPANADAS AT 60.8F, HAM AT 66.2F, SANDWICHES AT 75.2F, AND BEEF AT 45.7F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 30# OF FOOD WORTH $90. PRIORITY 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE 1 AND 2 DOOR PREP COOLERS WITH AN IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. BOTH COOLERS WERE USED TO STORE TCS FOODS SUCH AS MEAT AND CHEESE. THE AIR TEMPERATURE INSIDE OF THE 1 DOOR PREP COOLER WAS AT 60.6F. THE AIR TEMEPERATURE INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER WAS AT 47.7F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN BOTH COOLERS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO METAL STEM PROBE THERMOMETER ON THE PREMISES TO TAKE FOOD TEMPERATURES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
36
67
Oct 23, 2018
Complaint
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(N): NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: 3-501.17: MUST PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION OF REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
23
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: 3-304.14: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON THE SIDE OF THE TRASH CAN IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE AND STORE ALL WIPING CLOTHS IN BUCKETS OF SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-102.11(A)(2): OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS BEING USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN THE FRONT PREP DEEP FREEZER. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS/CONTAINERS FOR ALL FOOD STORAGE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.19: OBSERVED RUST ON THE BOTTOM SHELVES OF THE PREP TABLES IN THE KITCHEN. MUST REMOVE RUST AND PROVIDE A NON-POROUS, CORROSION-RESISTANT, SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.12: OBSERVED STAINS AND DEEP GROVES IN THE CUTTING BOARDS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. MUST RESURFACE OR REPLACE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.14: OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE TOILET ROOM EXHAUST VENTILATION. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.11: OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE HALLWAY. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA 100-0367: MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
58
Aug 3, 2018
Routine
5 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION OF REFRIDGERATED TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-012(a) NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO VOMITOUS AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT CLEAN UP POLICY AND KIT ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: PA 100-0367 NO CITATION ISSUED
58
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL HANDWASH SINK IN THE MIDDLE PREP AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUST ON THE BOTTOM SHELVES OF THE PREP TABLES IN THE KITCHEN. MUST REMOVE RUST AND PROVIDE A NON-POROUS, CORROSION-RESISTANT, SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINS AND DEEP GROVES IN THE CUTTING BOARDS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. MUST RESURFACE OR REPLACE.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE THE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR THE ESPRESSO MACHINE AND THE MOP SINK TO BE EASILY VISIBLE DURING INSPECTIONS.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE DIRT/DEBRIS FROM THE EXHAUST VENTILATION FAN COVERS IN THE TOILET ROOMS.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR, AND MAINTAIN THE EXHAUST VENTILATION IN THE TOILET ROOMS.
56
47
Feb 21, 2017
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Feb 15, 2017
Routine
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS SUCH AS 10LBS.COOKED BEEF 120.0F IN A LARGE POT ON REAR PREP TABLE,12LBS.COOKED STEAK 102.6F-134.2F IN 2- PANS ON LOWER SHELF OF GRILL TABLE.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING AT 140.0F OR ABOVE.APPX.22LBS.$160.(CRITICAL 7-38-005A)
3
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND WASHING FACILITIES FOR STAFF NOT ACCESSIBLE.OBSERVED A TRAY TABLE WITH A COOKER ON TOP OF IT IN FRONT OF REAR PREP AREA/DISH WASHING AREA HANDSINK WHILE FOOD IS BEING HANDLED AND PREPARED .MANAGER REMOVED ITEMS FROM HAND SINK DURING INSPECTION.MUST KEEP HAND SINK ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES.(CRITICAL 7-38-030)
11
No evidence of rodent or insect infestation, no birds, turtles or other animals
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN INFESTATION OF APPX 150 OR MORE RODENT DROPPINGS SCATTERED THROUGHOUT PREMISES SUCH AS ON FLOOR NEXT TO 1- DOOR PREP COOLER,ON FLOOR UNDER PREP TABLE,ON FLOOR BEHIND ICE CREAM FREEZER,ON FLOOR AND IN PAN UNDER FRONT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK,INSIDE OF FRYER CABINET,ON FLOOR ALONG WALL BASE IN REAR PREP AREA NEAR PREP TABLE AND MICROWAVE SHELVING UNIT,ALONG WALL BASES UNDER DRY FOOD STORAGE SHELVES,ON FLOOR NEXT TO CHEST FREEZER IN REAR AREA,ON FLOOR BEHIND JUKE BOX IN DINING AREA,ON FLOOR NEAR FRONT WINDOW IN DINING AREA,ON FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES IN HANDICAPP TOILETROOM.APPX. 15 LIVE ANTS ON FLOOR UNDER FRONT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.ALSO NO PEST CONTROL LICENSE IN LOGBOOK.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS,CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS.PROVIDE PEST CONTROL LICENSE .RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 2/15/17.(CRITICAL 7-38-020)
13
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKET ON 1- DOOR PREP COOLER IN FRONT PREP AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI FROM ALL FRYER CABINETS,GRILL TABLES,WHEEL BASES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT,ALL PREP AND REACH IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS,INTERIOR OF ICE CREAM FREEZER,PREP TABLES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREP AREAS,DRY FOOD STORAGE AREAS,HANDICAPP TOILETROOM.MUST SEAL GAPS IN BETWEEN FLOOR AND WALL BASES IN DINING AREA AT FRONT WINDOWS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL GAPS IN BRICKS IN DINING AREA AT FRONT WINDOWS.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN HALLWAY LEADING TO TOILETROOMS,LOOSE AND MISSING WALL BASES IN PREP AREAS,DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA AND DISH WASHING AREA,HOT WATER TANK AREA,LOOSE AND DAMAGED WALL TILES IN DISH WASHING AREA UNDER 3- COMP SINK IN REAR AREA.MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON CEILING IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA,PREP AREAS AND IN DINING AREA.MUST CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDSIN PREP AREAS,REAR STORAGE AREA AND HANDICAPP TOILETROOM.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN HANDICAPP TOILETROOM.
36
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER FOR REAR WHITE REFRIGERATOR.
40
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION
43
61
Mar 23, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR SLICER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE. ALSO CLEAN REAR OVEN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STANDING WATER IN THE FRONT PREP 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 WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE RESTROOM HALLWAY, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. UNDER COMMENT REPORT # 1464720 DATE 1/27/2015.(DISCUSSED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING REQUIREMENTS). GIVEN COPY OF IDPH'S FOOD HANDLER INFO.
45
82
Jan 27, 2015
License
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND CEILING NOT CLEAN AT MAIN KITCHEN(2555 N PULASKI) FOUND WALL IN POOR REPAIR BY FRONT SIDE DOOR.(2555 N PULASKI)
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: FOUND NO ENDCAPS AT LIGHT FIXTURE AT MAIN KITCHEN.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND NO DIPPER WELL FOR SCOOPED ICE CREAM. FOUND NO DRAIN BOARD FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.(2555 N PULASKI) FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT COFFEE MACHINE(2555 N PULASKI)
38
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Cubanito last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Cubanito on file is from Oct 24, 2025. The public record contains 19 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Cubanito?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at El Cubanito.
Has El Cubanito's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Cubanito have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at El Cubanito 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 Cubanito inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Cubanito is inspected around two times per year on average.
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