El Tipico Mexican Grill — El Catrin
Last inspected: Dec 6, 2019
50
Score
The health department has logged 14 inspections at El Tipico Mexican Grill — El Catrin, the earliest from 2011. The newest entry in the record is dated Dec 6, 2019. A high risk tier suggests the facility had a rough recent inspection, with multiple violations on record. The most recent inspection at El Tipico Mexican Grill — El Catrin is from Dec 6, 2019, and nothing newer appears in the public record.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near four violations each time.
“Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” comes up most often, recorded five times in the inspection record.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting El Tipico Mexican Grill — El Catrin on the weaker side. Diners may want to weigh the inspection history when deciding to visit.
14
Inspections
0
Critical latest
5
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 6, 2019
Routine
5 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILTY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A PROCEDURE /PLAN AND TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK BEHIND BAR. MUST INSTALL A HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
10
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DATE MARKING SYSTEM IN PLACE. READY TO EAT AND OR TIME TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOODS PREPARED AND HELD IN A RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT FOR OVER 24 HOURS MUST HAVE A CLEARLY MARKED LABELING SYSTEM IN PLACE TO INDICATE THE DATE OR DAY BY WHICH THE FOOD SHALL BE CONSUMED ON PREMISES, SOLD, OR DISCARDED WHEN HELD AT A TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR LESS FOR A MAXIMUM OF 7 DAYS WITH THE DATE OF PREPARATION COUNTING AS DAY 1. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: MENU DOES NOT DISCLOSE AND INFORM CONSUMERS THE SPECIFIC MENU ITEMS THAT ARE RAW OR UNDER COOKED AND A POTENTIAL HAZARD OF CONSUMING SUCH FOOD. MUST PROVIDE A CONSUMER ADVISORY AND DISCLOSE SUCH FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED
25
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE COULD NOT BE LOCATED ON ICE MACHINE OR WATER INTAKE LINE OF COFFEE MAHCINE. MAKE SURE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE IS LOCATABLE FOR SERVICE AND INSPECTION.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CAULKING AROUND BASE OF TOILET IN MENS ROOM UNCLEAN. MUST REPLACE CAULKING AROUND BASE OF TOILET.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. MUST SUPPLY AND MAINTAIN.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
50
Jan 25, 2018
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET AT 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS THROUGH OUT THE BASEMENT FOOD/DRY STORAGE AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED MULTIPLE HOLES AND OPENINGS AT CEILING AND WALLS AT THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL HOLES AND OPENING TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PEST.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED CLUTTER AT THE REAR SIDE WINDOW BY TO THE KITCHEN AND INSIDE THE BEER STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND/OR REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
41
82
Feb 7, 2017
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE THE BOX FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT. MUST PROVIDE.
36
95
Jan 25, 2017
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: FACILITIES UNABLE TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURES. COOKS LINE TWO DOOR COOLER FOUND AT 56.1F WITH FOOD SUCH AS BEEF TAMALES AT 57.1F. COOLER TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED AND MAINTAINS A TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR BELOW. CDPH CONTACTED FOR RE-INSPECTION AND TAG REMOVAL. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING FOODS FOUND HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN THE ABOVE MENTIONED COOLER. BEEF TAMALES AT 57.1F, BEEF STUFFED PEPPERS AT 55.9F, CHEESE AT 54.9, SOUR CREAM AT 57.9F. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. EMPLOYEE STATES ESTIMATED TOTAL VALUE TO BE $100.00 AND 20 LBS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
3
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE THE ABOVE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS WERE BEING HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES AND FOODS BEING PREPARED. SERIOUS VIOLATION. 7-38-012.
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE CLOTH TOWELS OR TIN FOIL AS LINER FOR SHELVING THROUGHOUT DISH AND KITCHEN AREAS. MUST NOT USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE BOX FREEZER. MUST USE FOOD GRADE PLASTIC DISPOSABLE BAGS OR WASHABLE CONTAINERS.
32
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE COOKS LINE TALL REACH-IN COOLER. MUST REPLACE. MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE THE BOX FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT. MUST PROVIDE.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE STOPPERS FOR THE BAR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
38
74
Apr 1, 2016
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Mar 4, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: HIGH TEMP DISH MACHINE NOT REACHING FINAL HOT WATER RINSE OF 180F. FINAL RINSE AT 147F ONLY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE DISH MACHINE TO HAVE A FINAL HOT WATER RINSE AT 180F. TAGGED THE DISH MACHINE HELD FOR INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO USE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE THE GLASSES AND UTENSILS. INSTRUCTED NOT TO REMOVE THE TAG. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
8
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: LABEL AND DATE ALL FOOD CONTAINERS WITH READY TO EAT FOOD INSIDE THE REACH IN COOLER AND MAINTAIN.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN AND REMOVE DUST ACCUMULATED ON THE FAN GUARD OF THE ONE DOOR REACH IN COOLER IN THE KITCHEH AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: HOOD/CANOPYAND CONNECTING TUBES TO THE HOOD WITH GREASE AND DUST BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN, REMOVE DUST AND GREASE AND MAINTAIN.
35
82
Jun 9, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DISCOLORATION BUILDUP IN THE SODA NOZZLE BEHIND THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: THE LIGHTBULB IN THE TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR IS BURNED OUT. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE LIGHT BULB AND MAINTAIN.
36
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: THE TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR AND THE COLD-HOLDING UNIT IS MISSING INTERIOR THERMOMETERS. MUST PROVIDE INTERIOR THERMOMETERS FOR ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS ON PREMISES.
40
86
Jul 25, 2014
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: DUST,FOOD STAINS AND DEAD INSECTS INSIDE THE LIGHT SHIELD IN PREP AREA,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
36
95
Jul 18, 2014
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE: FOUND COOKED REFRIED BEANS STORED INSIDE THE TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER AT TEMP OF 71.4F AND 73.9F.COOKED PULL CHICKEN STORED INSIDE THE REFRIGERATOR BY THE DISH MACHINE,AT TEMP OF 46.7F-47.6F AND 48.9F. FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED BY THE CHEF.POUNDS 17,VALUE 50.INFORMATION ON COOLING PROCESS GIVEN TO MANAGER.CRITICAL VIOLATION: 7-38-005(A)
3
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: NO SOAP NOR PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED AT BOTH EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE KITCHEN AND BAR AREA.ALSO EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE KITCHEN NOT ACCESSIBLE FOUND INSIDE THE SINK BLACK DIRTY APRONS,CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL,PAPER AND ELECTRIC ORANGE CORDS IN FRONT OF THE SINK. SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED BY OWNER AFTER MY REQUEST. I PERSONALLY REMOVED ITEMS FROM FRONT AND INSIDE THE SINK.INSTRUCTED EXPOSED HAND SINK MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-030
12
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE.FOUND INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WATER RESERVOIR WITH BROWN AND BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE DRIPPING INTO WATER WHERE ICE IS MADE AND ON ICE BOTTOM STORAGE.ALSO FOUND CHEST FREEZER WITH STORED UNCOVERED FOOD STACK ON TOP EACH OTHER,ALSO FOOD IS COVERED WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND ENCRUSTED ICE.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE UNITS.REMOVE FOOD AND DISCARD WHAT NOT EATABLE. SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-38-005(A)
16
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE STORED INSIDE NOT SELF DRAIN CONTAINER BEHIND THE BAR AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SELF DRAIN CONTAINER FOR THE STORAGE OF THE ICE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: HOOD, FILTERS,EXTERIOR OF EQUIPMENT WITH A BUILD-UP OF GREASE,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.TWO PORTABLE FANS STORED ABOVE THE KITCHEN DOOR WITH ACCUMULATE DUST INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: RAW WOOD BASEBOARD SURFACE IS POROUS UNABLE TO CLEAN.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL.REAR PREP AREA BY THE ONE DOOR REACH-IN REFRIGERATOR.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: DUST AND DEAD INSECTS INSIDE THE LIGHT SHIELD IN PREP AREA,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
36
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: NO STEM THERMOMETER PROVIDED ON PREMISES,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TO BE ABLE TO CHECK FOOD TEMPERATURE.
40
67
Jul 22, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD HANDLER ON PREMISES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (BEANS, RICE, CHICKEN, ETC.) ARE HANDLED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD HANDLER MUST BE ON PREMISES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE HANDLED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
21
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STAINS ON VENTILATION HOOD FILTERS. MUST CLEAN ALL UNCLEAN FILTERS.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STAINS/DIRT BUILD UP ON WALLS BEHIND STEAM TABLE AND BEHIND DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST CLEAN ALL WALLS AND MAINTAIN.
35
86
Mar 15, 2012
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Mar 8, 2012
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. NO PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK FROM A CERTIFIED ILLINOIS PEST CONTROL OPERATOR ON PREMISES.
18
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: The licensee shall inform the public in writing of the Chicago Department of Public Health?s Consumer Advisory relating to consuming raw and undercooked animal products. CONSUMER ADVISORY NOT POSTED. MUST POST CONSUMER ADVISORY FOR PUBLIC VIEW.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD/BARRIER BETWEEN BAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND HANDWASH BOWL.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. OBSERVED PREMISES USING HOSES TO DRAIN DISHMACHINE AND BAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK WITHOUT AIR GAP BETWEEN HOSES AND FLOOR DRAIN. MUST REMOVE HOSES AND PROVIDE AIR GAP BETWEEN DISHMAHCINE DRAIN AND BAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FLOOR DRAINS.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. BASEMENT SOUTHWEST CORNER ROOM CLUTTERED. MUST REMOVE ALL CLUTTER/ELEVATE ALL ITEMS 6" OFF FLOOR TO PREVENT POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE.
41
78
Nov 18, 2011
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Nov 14, 2011
License
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. PROVIDE A COVER FOR THE ICE BIN BEHIND THE BAR AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE (MINERAL BUILD-UP).
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. SEAL HOLES AROUND WATER PIPE UNDER THE EXPOSED HAND SINK AND THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES.REPLACE MISSING CEILING WALL NEXT TO HOOD IN PREP AREA.
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: None of the operations connected with food establishments shall be conducted in any room used as living or sleeping quarters. Toilet rooms shall be completely enclosed and shall be vented to the outside air or mechanically ventilated. BOTH WASHROOM DOOR MUST BE SELF CLOSED.
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. NEED TO INSTALL AN EXPOSED HAND SINK BEHIND BAR AREA. FAUCET NOT REACHING ALL THREE COMPARTMENT SINK INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE OR ADD ON AN EXTENSION. FIX HOT WATER HANDLE AT EXPOSED HAND SINK IN KITCHEN. PROVIDE UN THREAD FAUCET FOR EXPOSED HAND SINK, AND THREE COMPARTMENT. STOPPERS IS NEEDED FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK BEHIND THE BAR.
38
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Tipico Mexican Grill — El Catrin last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Tipico Mexican Grill — El Catrin on file is from Dec 6, 2019. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Tipico Mexican Grill — El Catrin?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at El Tipico Mexican Grill — El Catrin.
Has El Tipico Mexican Grill — El Catrin's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Tipico Mexican Grill — El Catrin have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at El Tipico Mexican Grill — El Catrin 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.
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