El Mofonguito
Last inspected: Oct 2, 2025
52
Score
Across the available record, El Mofonguito has eight inspections on file, the first dated 2020. The most recent report on file is from Oct 2, 2025. Diners may want to take note: high risk reflects issues that a health inspector considered important.
Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around six violations lately and about eight violations before that.
The pattern that stands out is “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, which has been cited nine times.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting El Mofonguito on the weaker side. This restaurant has more on its record than most do.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
13
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 2, 2025
Routine
13 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR AIR VENTS FULL OF FOOD DEBRIS, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
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Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HANDSINK FAUCET IN FRONT PREP LEKING FROM HOT & COLD WATER HANDLES AND FAUCET SPOUT SPRAYING TO SIDE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
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Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM AND SIDES OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT-FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND DRY STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
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Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD. MUST MAINTAIN
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK & PRODUCE CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW BEEF STORED IN PLASTIC THANK YOU BAG IN WALK IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
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Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT SINK STOPPERS MISSING FOR ALL 3 COMPARTMENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE WORKING STOPPERS AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTED BOTTOM OF PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP FULL OF RUST. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST, AND OR REPLACE; SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
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Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
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Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY AND DUSTY FANS IN THE DISH AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER STORED ON FLOOR THROUGH OUT REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING FLOOR GROUNT, MISSING TILES AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AND IN THE DRY STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO CREATE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
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Oct 15, 2024
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: FOUND BULK FOOD NOT LABELED.(FLOUR, SUGAR,ETC.)MUST LABEL.
37
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES AT MOP SINK FAUCET.MUST PROVIDE WHERE IT CAN BE LOCATED AND SERVICED.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND HAND SINK LOOSE AT DISHWASHING AREAS.MUST FASTEN PROPERLY.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: SANITATION MANAGER WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING.MUST PROVIDE.
58
82
Aug 24, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 18, 2023
Reinspection
1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Previous priority foundation violation corrected
Inspector notes: 8-404.13(B)(3) PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2579970 ON 8/11/23 NOT CORRECTED: 38 - OBSERVED OVER 200 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. 60 - PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2560541 ON 7/11/22 NOT CORRECTED: 57 - OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES HAD A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
59
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: 4-204.112(B) OBSERVED A BROKEN THERMOMETER INSIDE OF THE 1 DOOR COCA COLA COOLER USED TO STORE SALSA AND DESSERTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE OF ALL COOLERS.
36
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-602.13 CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE WIRE STORAGE SHELVES ABOVE THE CHEST FREEZER, AND NEXT TO THE STOVE. CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYER.
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Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15 REPAIR THE BROKEN DRAIN LINE UNDER THE HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED OUTSIDE OF THE WASHROOM.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 5-501.17 NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE WAS PROVIDED IN THE WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE FLOOR BENEATH THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.11 MUST SEAL ALL OF THE OPENINGS IN THE BASEMENT FLOOR AND WALLS TO ELIMINATE PEST HARBORAGE CONDITIONS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114 OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER IN THE BASEMENT THAT IS CONTRIBUTING TO PEST HARBORAGE CONDITIONS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND CLUTTER AND STORE REMAINING ITEMS OFF OF THE FLOOR AND AWAY FROM THE WALLS.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 NO VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE WAS PROVIDED BY THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW VALID PROOF OF TRAINING.
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61
Aug 11, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OVER 200 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2560541 ON 7/11/22 NOT CORRECTED: 57 - NONE OF THE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES HAD A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BROKEN THERMOMETER INSIDE OF THE 1 DOOR COCA COLA COOLER USED TO STORE SALSA AND DESSERTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE OF ALL COOLERS.
36
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN PLASTIC CONTAINERS USED TO STORE FOODS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL BROKEN PLASTIC FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE WIRE STORAGE SHELVES ABOVE THE CHEST FREEZER, AND NEXT TO THE STOVE. CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYER.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE FLOOR BENEATH THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE WAS PROVIDED BY THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW VALID PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE WAS PROVIDED IN THE WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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61
Jul 11, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A POT OF COOKED BEANS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AT 60.1F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROX. 25# OF FOOD WORTH $48. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
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 VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
3
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: NO INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN VIEW OF ALL CUSTOMERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
61
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FROZEN CHICKEN STORED IN A PLASTIC GROCERY BAG IN THE CHEST FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE WALL BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE EXCESSIVE GREASE ON BOTH SETS OF VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NONE OF THE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES HAD A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
57
58
Jul 7, 2020
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 16, 2020
License
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE SNEEZE GUARD NOT IN PLACE ABOVE THE HOT HOLDING UNIT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A PROPER SNEEZE GUARD. PRIORITY 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
39
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 SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALL ITEMS LISTED ON THE CLEAN UP PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
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. NO CITATION ISSUED.
36
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE WRONG CHEMICAL TEST KIT ON THE PREMISES TO MEASURE THE SANITIZER CONCENTRATION AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE CORRECT CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR THE SANITIZER THAT IS BEING USED TO SANITIZE DISHES AND UTENSILS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
48
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GARBAGE AND LITTER ON THE GROUND BEHIND THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B). NO CITATION ISSUED.
54
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A 1/2" GAP ALONG THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT DOOR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF ALL OUTER OPENINGS.
38
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE WAS PROVIDED IN THE WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Mofonguito last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Mofonguito on file is from Oct 2, 2025. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Mofonguito?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at El Mofonguito.
Has El Mofonguito's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at El Mofonguito have averaged around six violations per visit, down from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at El Mofonguito means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is El Mofonguito inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Mofonguito is inspected around two times per year on average.
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