El Habanero

3300 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Mexican / Latin
Last inspected: Oct 3, 2024
95
Score
Low Risk

El Habanero has been inspected 15 times since 2014. El Habanero was last inspected on Oct 3, 2024. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.

Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around two violations each.

Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded nine times.

That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Chicago restaurant scores 81. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.

15
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 3, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES AT MOP SINK/AND COFFEE MACHINE.MUST PROVIDE WHERE THEY CAN BE LOCATED AND SERVICED.
51
95
Feb 3, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT BUILD UP ON DINING ROOM FLOOR. MUST CLEAN FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
55
95
Aug 25, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 18, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE OR DESCRIBE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO THE REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MUST ALSO ADD THIS STATEMENT BEFORE THE REMINDER STATEMENT:"THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR MAY CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS." PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
25
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON THE WASHROOM DOOR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
53
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR ANY OF THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
82
Aug 2, 2021
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT ESPRESSO MACHINE WATER LINE. MUST PROVIDE AND MAKE VISIBLE A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR ESPRESSO MACHINE WATER LINE.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED CALCIUM/LIME BUILD UP ON WASHROOM HANDWASH BOWL AROUND HOT AND COLD WATER HANDLES. MUST CLEAN/REMOVE ALL CALCIUM/LIME BUILD UP ON SAID HANDWASH BOWL.
55
90
Apr 14, 2020
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORTILLA CHIPS STORED IN A CARDBOARD BOX IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL FOODS IN A CONTAINER WHICH CAN BE CLEANED AND SANITIZED.
47
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE AND DEBRIS ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS.
56
90
Aug 1, 2019
Reinspection
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 5-501.17 Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE A LID FOR GARBAGE CAN IN TOILET ROOM
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-501.114 Inspector Comments: MUST ELIMINATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE CLUTTER AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR IN BASEMENT.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-201.13 Inspector Comments: MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON CONCRETE FLOOR IN PREP / DISH WASHING AREAS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.MUST REPLACE MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVER IN PREP/DISH WASHING AREA NEAR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-501.13 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES IN PREP AREA
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-501.14 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTERS AND HOOD
56
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN APPX."1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF BASEMENT DOOR.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
38
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 3-304.14 Inspector Comments: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS INSIDE OF A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 4-101.19 Inspector Comments: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE.MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FRYER CABINETS,GRILL TABLES,PIPES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT,DISH RACKS
49
61
Jul 23, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 6 major violations. 14 minor violations.
View 21 violations
No bare hand contact with rte food or a pre-approved alternative procedure properly allowed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLER HANDLE TCS READY TO EAT FOODS SUCH AS COOKED TORTILLA CHIPS WITH BARE HANDS AND PLACE IN A BOWL TO SERVE TO CUSTOMER.HAD EMPLOYEE TO DISCARD TORTILLA CHIPS.INSTRUCTED MANAGER NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOODS.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)
9
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.( PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010).
3
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PREVIOUS SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC TO VIEW.A NEW SUMMARY WILL BE POSTED.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-010(B)
61
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
5
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER NOT MAINTAINED.OBSERVED GREASE CONTAINER STUFFED WITH TRASH AND ON TOP OF LID AND ON GROUND AROUND CONTAINER(BOTTLES,CIGARETTE BOXES,PAPER,ETC) MUST REMOVE TRASH ,CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA AND CONTAINER AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B)
54
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT STATING THAT EATING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS. (PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
25
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING DEVICE IN TOILET ROOM.MANAGER PROVIDED PAPER TOWELS DURING INSPECTION.MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.COS(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)
10
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAIR RESTRAINT FOR MALE EMPLOYEE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS INSIDE OF A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MUST HAVE SILVERWARE HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION IN UTENSIL CONTAINER.
44
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: MUST HAVE PLASTIC WEAR HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION IN UTENSIL CONTAINER.
45
Gloves used properly
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PLASTIC GLOVES NOR UTENSILS USED WHEN HANDLING TCS READY TO EAT FOODS.MUST PROVIDE TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.
46
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE.MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE 2- MORE SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FRYER CABINETS,GRILL TABLES,PIPES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT,DISH RACKS.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A STRONG SEWAGE SMELL IN REAR PREP AREA AND IN TOILET ROOM.MUST ELIMINATE SMELL AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A LID FOR GARBAGE CAN IN TOILET ROOM.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST ELIMINATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE CLUTTER AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON CONCRETE FLOOR IN PREP / DISH WASHING AREAS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.MUST REPLACE MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVER IN PREP/DISH WASHING AREA NEAR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES IN PREP AREA.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTERS AND HOOD.
56
23
Dec 5, 2018
Routine
4 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CLEAN UP PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS (SALSAS) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE DISCARDED OR CONSUMED BY. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DATE MARK ALL READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOOD WITH A MAXIMUM OF 7 DAYS FROM WHEN THE FOOD WAS PREPARED, WITH DATE OF PREPARATION COUNTING AS DAY 1. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT STATING THAT EATING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS.
49
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
61
Jul 10, 2017
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY STORAGE SHELVING INSIDE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER. MUST REPAINT OT REPLACE.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
90
Feb 23, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY TO EAT FOOD ITEMS INSIDE PREP COOLER WITHOUT LABELS. MUST LABEL AND DATE FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME, PREPARED BY DATE AND/OR USED BY DATE.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING INSIDE 3-DOOR FRONT PREP COOLER. MUST REPAINT AND MAINTAIN.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA DRAINING SLOW. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: THERMOMETER NEEDED AT THE 3-DOOR FRONT PREP COOLER. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
40
82
Jul 5, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRT AND FOOD PARTICLES ON RAILS OF THE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRTY WASH CLOTHS ON PREP TABLE AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WASH CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
90
Aug 17, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR FAUCET LEAK AT THE FRONT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK. MUST REPAIR FACET HANDLE AT THE REAR EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK. OBSERVED DUST ACCUMULATION ON VENT COVER IN WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE STEM THERMOMETER TO MONITOR FOOD TEMPERATURES.
40
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET. NO LOGS, RECORDS ON SITE AS REQUIRED.MUST PROVIDE
45
86
Nov 4, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: FOUND CARDBOARD BEING USED AS SHELF LINERS THROUGHOUT. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN SO ALL SURFACES ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND SHIPPING PLASTIC STILL ON THE FRYER DOOR. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN SO SURFACE IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
32
90
Feb 27, 2014
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL MOP SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE AND EQUIPPED WITH BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE OR VACUUM BREAKER.
38
95

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Habanero last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Habanero on file is from Oct 3, 2024. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at El Habanero?

Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at El Habanero.

Has El Habanero's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Habanero have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at El Habanero 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 Habanero inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, El Habanero is inspected roughly once per year on average.