El Mercadito
Last inspected: Mar 4, 2026
100
Score
Public records show 13 inspections at El Mercadito stretching back to 2017. The most recent report on file is from Mar 4, 2026. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around five violations to closer to three violations per visit over the last few inspections.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” comes up most often, recorded 12 times in the inspection record.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; El Mercadito is comfortably above that bar. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 4, 2026
Routine
No violations found.
100
Mar 25, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 7/29/2024, REPORT #2598194. #57--OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OPEN COFFEE CUP WITHOUT A LID STORED ON PREP TABLE WHERE FOOD EMPLOYEE WAS CUTTING LIMES. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PERSONAL ITEMS AWAY FROM PREP AREAS AND CLEAN EQUIPMENT/UTENSILS.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NEW CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
82
Jul 29, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT HAND WASHING SINK IN STAFF TOILET ROOM IN REAR. HAND DRYER WAS BROKEN. MUST PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE WAY TO DRY HANDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED. EMPLOYEE PROVIDED PAPER TOWELS DURING INSPECTION.
10
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 9/5/2023, REPORT #2581209. #58--OBSERVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE MISSING FOR ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LID ON TRASH CAN IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES STORED BY OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER. MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS FROM PREMISES.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE.
57
70
Sep 5, 2023
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OPEN COFFEE CUP WITHOUT A LID STORED ON PREP TABLE NEXT TO RAW CHICKEN BEING SLICED BY EMPLOYEE. EMPLOYEE MAY DRINK FROM A CLOSED BEVERAGE IF THE CONTAINER IS HANDLED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EMPLOYEES HANDS, THE CONTAINER OR EXPOSED FOOD, CLEAN EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS.
6
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO LABEL BULK CONTAINER(SUGAR) WITH COMMON NAME TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLY STRIP HANGING OVER FOOD STORAGE AREA IN REAR. MUST REMOVE.
38
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MINOR DEBRIS AND GREASE SPILLS ON TOP OF OUTSIDE OIL GREASE TANK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
52
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE MISSING FOR ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
78
Nov 1, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEAR BEARD RESTRAINTS. MUST PROVIDE.
40
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND LOOSE HANDLE AT EMPLOYEE FAUCET.MUST REPAIR.
51
90
Jun 30, 2021
Reinspection
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 4-202.18-- INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF HANGING GREASE BUILD-UP AND TO MAINTAIN.
56
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.11(B, C, D, E)--OBSERVED FROZEN FOODS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS INSIDE OF THE REAR CHEST FREEZER.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.19--OBSERVED RAW WOOD DOOR INTO THE KITCHEN PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PAINT OR SEAL THE MENTIONED DOOR.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.11--OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE REAR 3 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 6-501.19-- OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DEVICE AT WASHROOM DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114--INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN DINING AREA AND REAR DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114--INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE THE REAR STORAGE ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES BROKEN/UNUSED COOLERS DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE MOPS,BROOMS CLEANING EQUIPMENTS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES.
55
70
Jun 17, 2021
Routine
3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2371085 DATED:05/26/2020 #51--BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE NOT LOCATED BEHIND ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SO THAT IT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED. 08/22/2020 INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT NOTED VIOLATION AND MAINTAIN BY 6/24/2021. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090.
60
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010, NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENUS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED "RAW" OR UNDER COOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK (*) TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT STATES THAT EATING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE REAR 3 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FROZEN FOODS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS INSIDE OF THE REAR CHEST FREEZER.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW WOOD DOOR INTO THE KITCHEN PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PAINT OR SEAL THE MENTIONED DOOR.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DEVICE AT WASHROOM DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN DINING AREA AND REAR DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE THE REAR STORAGE ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES BROKEN/UNUSED COOLERS DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE MOPS,BROOMS CLEANING EQUIPMENTS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF HANGING GREASE BUILD-UP AND TO MAINTAIN.
56
52
May 26, 2020
Reinspection
3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. INFORMATION GIVEN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN REQUIRED PROCEDURE/PLAN AND APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES OR KIT. (NECESSARY ITEMS AT A MINIMUM: GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER/SPRAY THAT KILLS NOROVIRUS). INFORMATION GIVEN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL AND DATE READY TO EAT TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24 HOURS INSIDE COOLERS. MUST IDENTIFY PRODUCT SHELF LIFE OR "CONSUME BY" DATING (7 DAYS FROM PREPARATION DATE). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
23
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HAND SINK
10
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE 3 WORKING DRAIN STOPPERS FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA.
48
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE NOT LOCATED BEHIND ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SO THAT IT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. INFORMATION GIVEN.
57
61
May 22, 2020
Routine
1 critical violation. 6 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 18 violations
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: FOUND 4 COMPARTMENT SINK IN FRONT MEAT PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED. WASTE WATER BACKING UP FROM ONE COMPARTMENT INTO ANOTHER COMPARTMENT WHEN WATER IS RELEASED FROM ONE COMPARTMENT OF THE 4 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. (PREMISES HAS 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA AND A 4 COMPARTMENT SINK IN FRONT MEAT PREP AREA). 2 DAY NOTICE ISSUED PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C) NO CITATION ISSUED
52
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN REQUIRED PROCEDURE/PLAN AND APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES OR KIT. (NECESSARY ITEMS AT A MINIMUM: GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER/SPRAY THAT KILLS NOROVIRUS). INFORMATION GIVEN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL AND DATE READY TO EAT TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24 HOURS INSIDE COOLERS. MUST IDENTIFY PRODUCT SHELF LIFE OR "CONSUME BY" DATING (7 DAYS FROM PREPARATION DATE). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
23
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FOUND NO LICENSED PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK AVAILABLE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH A COMPLETE CONTENTS ( CONTRACT/SERVICE AGREEMENT, SERVICE REPORT, CHEMICALS USED ETC.) (ONLY APRIL SERVICE REPORT ON AVAILABLE ON SITE) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (C) NO CITATION ISSUED
38
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN TCS FOODS (BEEF, PORK, COOKED RICE ETC.) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT WHEN HANDLING TCS FOODS. (CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER SHOWED UP 45 MINUTES LATER). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 NO CITATION ISSUED
2
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: FOUND NO INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT (07-19-19) POSTED ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER, A SUMMARY REPORT MUST BE DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010 (B) NO CITATION ISSUED
61
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. INFORMATION GIVEN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HAND SINK (PREP/WASHROOM).
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABELING FOR FOOD CONTAINER/BINS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (SALT, RICE, SUGAR, BEANS ETC)
37
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE 3 WORKING DRAIN STOPPERS FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA.
48
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE NOT LOCATED BEHIND ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SO THAT IT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN REAR OUTSIDE AREA (NOTED SOME LITTER ON GROUND).
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND UNUSED EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY ON TOP OF MOP CLOSET IN REAR STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BROKEN AND WATER STAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE/BY WASHROOM IN REAR AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLEANING EQUIPMENT (MOPS/BROOMS ETC) MUST BE STORED OFF THE FLOOR IN REAR MOP ROOM AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING VENT COVER WITH DUST AND GREASE ACCUMULATION ABOVE FRONT SERVICE AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER (S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. INFORMATION GIVEN.
57
27
Jul 19, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE/KIT ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE A CLEAN UP PROCEDURE/KIT . PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE AT ICE MACHINE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INSTALL OR FIND THE LOCATION OF THE BACKFLOW DEVICE AT ICE MACHINE. CORE VIOLATION
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CEILING TILES STAINED AT DINING AND KITCHEN AREAS.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE CEILING TILES. CORE VIOLATION
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALL NOT FINISHED AT REAR SOUTH QUADRANT STORAGE AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO FINISH WALL AT THIS AREA. CORE VIOLATION
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HOT LINE HOOD DRIPPING WITH GREASE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN HOOD AND MAINTAIN. CORE VIOLATION
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO BECOME ALLERGEN CERTIFIED CORE VIOLATION
58
64
Nov 22, 2017
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Nov 14, 2017
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE AND DISPLAY AT HOT HOLDING UNIT/STEAM TABLE. NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF MEXICAN RICE AT 126.4F AND SCRAMBLED EGG WITH SLICED HOTDOG INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF 96.8F. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS HOT HOLDING MUST MAINTAIN 140F OR ABOVE AND COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR BELOW. MANAGEMENT DISCARDED THE SAID FOOD PRODUCTS. TOTAL VALUE $ 25.00, TOTAL WEIGHT 10LBS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005 (A)
3
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (EG MEAT, COOKED RICE, TACOS, BEEF, PORK, CHICKEN ETC) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT WHEN HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
21
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: FOUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP/COOKING AREA NOT MAINTAINED PROPERLY. NOTED WASTE WATER BACKING-UP FROM ONE COMPARTMENT INTO ANOTHER COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030
24
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE INSIDE REACH-IN FREEZER AND INSIDE REACH-IN COOLER. MUST USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS, UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT, UNDERNEATH COOLERS AND FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS BEHIND DISPLAY COOLERS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING CEILING TILES IN REAR PREP AREA AND MUST REPLACE HEAVY WATER STAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE DISPLAY/DINING AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD OR SHATTER PROOFED LIGHT BULB INSIDE (CHICHARON) DISPLAY UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REORGANIZE REAR PREP AND STORAGE AREA. USABLE ITEMS (FOOD AND NON FOOD) MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.
41
67
Jul 7, 2017
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW WOOD FRAME AND UNPAINTED WALL NEXT TO MOP SINK IN UTILITY ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PAINT/REPAIR.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COOLERS IN FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
40
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Mercadito last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Mercadito on file is from Mar 4, 2026. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Mercadito?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 12 times, more than any other issue at El Mercadito.
Has El Mercadito's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at El Mercadito have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at El Mercadito 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 Mercadito inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Mercadito is inspected around two times per year on average.
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