Fiesta Mexicana
Last inspected: Oct 22, 2024
74
Score
Across the available record, Fiesta Mexicana has 20 inspections on file, the first dated 2010. The newest entry in the record is dated Oct 22, 2024. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around three violations each.
Looking across the full record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” is the recurring theme, flagged seven times.
Fiesta Mexicana's latest score of 74 falls below the Chicago average of 81. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
20
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 22, 2024
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED NOT USE PLASTIC CRATES OR MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION OF FOOD PRODUCTS FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REPAINT OR REPLACE RUSTY METAL RACKS INSIDE BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND REFRIGERATION UNITS IN THE KITCHEN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF (2) ICE MACHINE WITH MINERAL BUILD-UP (FRONT BAR AND IN BASEMENT PREP AREA)
16
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARD WITH STAIN AND DEEP SEAMS ON TOP OF THE STEAM TABLE IN THE KITCHEN.
47
74
Apr 18, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE EXPOSED HANDSINKS ADJACENT TO THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE FOR ALL HANDSINKS AND MAINTAIN THEM.
10
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP SCRATCHES AND STAINS ON PREP TABLES IN THE REAR PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO RESURFACE/REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN THEM.
47
86
Aug 3, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 27, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED BLACK DIRT BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE (BASEMENT ICE MACHINE)DRIPPING INTO ICE, ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE BY DATE OF REINSPECTION. ICE INSIDE SAID ICE MACHINE WAS VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
16
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: NO THERMOMETER INSIDE REACH IN COOLER ADJACENT TO BAR. MUST PROVIDE A WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE COOLER.
36
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE BUILD UP INSIDE SALSA REACH IN 2-DOOR COOLER. MUST REMOVE ICE BUILD UP INSIDE SAID COOLER AND MAINTAIN.
49
82
Jun 9, 2021
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: BROKEN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE TWO-DOOR REACH-IN COOLERS IN THE KITCHEN.REPAIR/REPLACE
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: COVER IS NEEDED AT RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE FIRST WASHROOM BY THE STAIRCASE
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: REPLACE BROKEN FLOOR TILES UNDER THRE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE KITCHEN
55
82
Oct 30, 2020
Routine
No violations found.
100
Oct 28, 2019
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REMINDER OF CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED ON MENU AND MOST ITEMS DISCLOSED. ADDITIONAL WORDING OF IDENTIFYING WHICH ITEMS ARE RAW AND WHICH COOKED TO ORDER INCLUDING THE EGGS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
25
90
Aug 7, 2018
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Jun 12, 2018
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: NOTED IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNITS TO BE IMPROPER:-CHICKEN 48.4F/51.8F, STEAK 44.8F, CHEESE 52.00F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 30 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $35.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-005(A)
3
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET AT THE 3 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT AT THE HALLWAY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRTY WASH CLOTHS AT THE PREP TABLE OF THE KITCHEN NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASH CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
86
Jan 4, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT TO BE IMPROPER:- REFRIED BEANS 62.2F, POTATOES 45.3F, ARTICHOK 43.9F, SHRIMP 51.9F, MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 30 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $50.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-005(A)
3
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED RUSTY SHELVES INSIDE THE BASEMENT WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REPAINT WITH NON TOXIC FOOD GRADE PAINT AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOTED A SLIGHT DISCOLORATION INSIDE THE INNER LINING OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
33
86
Jan 24, 2017
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS LINER FOR SHELVING.
32
95
May 10, 2016
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL AND DATE ALL FOOD CONTAINERS WITH READY TO EAT FOODS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER AND MAINTAIN. ALSO SOME OF THE BULK FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE BASEMENT NEEDS LABEL ALSO.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RIPPED OFF RUBBER GASKET ALONG THE DOOR OF THE 2 DOOR REACH IN COOLER IN THE KITCHEN. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE FAN GUARDS OF THE 2 DOOR REACH IN COOLER,AND 3 DOOR REACH IN COOLER(WITH DUST ACCUMULATED ) AND MAINTAIN.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTALL A HAND SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE BEHIND THE BAR AND PROVIDE HAND SOAP AND PAPER TOWEL
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: WASH CLOTH FOR WIPING THE PREP TABLES, CHOPPING BOARD,ETC. MUST BE STORED ON A BUCKET WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION.
43
78
Jun 9, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. FOUND A LARGE CONTAINER OF RAW PORK INSIDE OF THE TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR AT 64.4F. MANAGER STATED THE FOOD MAY HAVE BEEN LEFT OUT IN PREP AREA AFTER IT WAS DELIVERED. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 20# OF PORK VALUED AT $40. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
3
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MEAT BLOOD ON THE SIDE WALLS OF THEDEEP FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP SOILED ON THE CAN OPENER IN KITCHEN PREP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ABOVE MENTIONED AREAS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEAD BUGS AND ROACHES IN A WOODEN STORAGE CABINET UNDER THE FRONT COUNTER IN THE FRONT SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
86
Oct 28, 2014
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. FOUND COOKED TRIPE IN SAUCE STORED INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER IN BASEMENT AREA AT TEMP OF 49.8F TO 50.5F.MANAGER STATED FOOD WAS COOKED YESTERDAY. EXPLAINED AGAIN COOLING PROCESS. FOOD WITH ABUSED TEMPERATURE WAS DISCARDED AND DENATURED. POUNDS 15, VALUE 40 CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A)
3
95
Apr 3, 2014
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND RUSTY SHELF AND HOLES UNDER THE STEAM TABLE IN THE KITCHEN,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/ REPLACE SHELF SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL. UNLOCKED REACH-IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS STORED ON HALLWAY ACROSS THE CUSTOMER'S WASHROOMS.INSTRUCTED TO KEEP ALL UNITS LOCKED AT ALL TIMES FOR FOOD PROTECTION
32
95
May 30, 2013
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: PREMISES USING CONTACT PAPER ON SHELVES IN KITCHEN. MUST REPAIR OR REFINISH SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON WALL BEHIND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST CLEAN WALL AND MAINTAIN.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: METAL STEM THERMOMETER NOT CALIBRATED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALIBRATE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR FOOD HANDLERS.
40
86
Feb 27, 2012
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
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. OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE PREP AREA COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKETS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN UNCLEAN GASKETS.
33
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 DIRT/FOOD BUILD UP INSIDE PREP AREA FLOOR DRAIN. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAIN.
34
90
Jul 19, 2010
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 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. SCOOPS FOR GUACAMOLE STORED IN ROOM TEMPERATURE WATER. INSTALL A DIPPER WELL OR USE SINGLE USE SCOOPS.
32
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD FOR MISSING LIGHT IN FRONT COOLER, LEFT OF CASH REGISTER. CLEAN ALL LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
36
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETERS NOT AVAILABLE UPON INSPECTION.
40
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. DETAIL CLEAN GROUND UNDER DUMPSTERS OUTSIDE.
41
82
Apr 21, 2010
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 14, 2010
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: All food establishments that prepare, sell, or store hot food shall have adequate hot food storage facilities.FOUND TWO COOLERS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE.TW0 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN PREP AREA AT TEMP OF 48.6F TO 52.1F.(OWN THERMOMETER SHOWED 48F).FRONT COOLER AT TEMP OF 48F TO 50F.POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD WERE STORED ON BOTH COOLER. UNITS MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 40F AND BELOW.TAGGED COOLERS "HELD FOR INSPECTION" DO NOT USE UNITS.FAX A LETTER TO PUBLIC HEALTH , WHEN IS FIXED (FAX 312-746-4240).CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A) HOOOO59653-12
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less. All hot food shall be stored at a temperature of 140F or higher.FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE COOKED RICE STORED ON TOP THE SHELF AT TEMP OF 126F TO 127.5F,50CUPS OF FLAN STORED IN FRONT COOLER AT TEMP POF 48F, 49.6F,AND 51,2F.FOOD WAS DISCARDED AND DENATURED. POUNDS 10 VALUE 108. CRITICAL VIOLATION :7-38-005(A) HOOOO59653-12
3
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: All food should be properly protected from contamination during storage, preparation, display, service, and transportation.FOUND INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE A BUILD UP OF PINK MINERAL BUILD UP, ALSO RUST WAS OBSERVED IN IT .INSRTUCTED MANAGER TO CEAN AND SANITIZE UNIT.ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN COSUMPTION.USE ICE FROM BASEMENT UNIT.SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-005(A) HOOOO59654-13
16
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 HOLE THROGOUT, INCLUDED AROUND PIPE.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities.PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD FOR REACH-IN COOLER, REAR/TWO DOOR UNIT.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Cleaning equipment shall be properly stored away from food, utensils, equipment, and clean linens.ELEVATE ITEMS 6"OF THE FROM FLOOR IN STORAGE/OFFICE,
41
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Fiesta Mexicana last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Fiesta Mexicana on file is from Oct 22, 2024. The public record contains 20 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Fiesta Mexicana?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Fiesta Mexicana.
Has Fiesta Mexicana's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Fiesta Mexicana have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Fiesta Mexicana means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Fiesta Mexicana inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Fiesta Mexicana is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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