Huaraches Mexican Restaurant
Last inspected: Feb 17, 2026
58
Score
Huaraches Mexican Restaurant has been inspected eight times since 2021. Inspectors last stopped by on Feb 17, 2026. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around seven violations per visit lately, up from roughly three violations before.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing six times across the record.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Huaraches Mexican Restaurant trails the local norm. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
8
Inspections
1
Critical latest
2
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 17, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPIRED READY TO EAT PORK WITH A DATE MARKED 2-7-2026 IN PREP COOLER. COOKED/READY TO EAT FOOD CAN BE HELD FOR A MAXIMUM OF 7 DAYS. FOOD DISCARDED VOLUNTARILY. FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS AT A COST OF $100.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
23
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: NO PERSON IN CHARGE DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED(TACOS, CHICKEN). INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNNECESSARY ITEMS OUTSIDE BY REAR DOOR SUCH AS MILK CRATES, OLD EQUIPMENT, TABLES, CHAIRS AND HAND SINK. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS FROM PREMISES AND KEEP ORGANIZED.
55
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TOILET ROOM DOORS NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON BOTH TOILET ROOM DOORS.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN WALL TILES NEXT TO MOP SINK. MUST REPAIR.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE SPILLS ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING FRYER AND ALONG WALL OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AT PREP LINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
58
Mar 14, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE PREPARING AND COOKING FOOD WITHOUT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT WHEN HANDLING AND PREPARING FOOD.
40
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP ON TOP OF OIL CONTAINER OUTSIDE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
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86
Apr 22, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE. BOWLS, CUPS, AND CUTTLERY WERE BEING STORED INSIDE THE HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRCUTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE ALL HANDWASHING SINKS ARE ALWAYS MADE ACCESSIBLE FOR EMPLOYEES TO WASH THEIR HANDS AND MAITAIN. ALL ITMES WERE REMOVED FROM HANDWSHING SINK DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(c), CITATION ISSUED.
10
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOTH PUBLIC TOILET ROOM DOORS NOT SELF-CLOSING. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO INSTALL A SELF-CLOSING MECHANISM FOR TOILET ROOM DOORS TO ENSURE THEY ARE SELF-CLOSING AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTIPLE BROKEN FLOOR TILES INFRONT OF DEEP FRYERS IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DIRT ON FLOORS AND UNDERNATH ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS AND UNDERNEATH ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTIPLE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ONSITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON TO RENEW EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES TO BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS AND MAINTAIN.
57
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HANDWASHING SIGNAGE POSTED ON WALL AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR WAREWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE FROM THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND ENSURE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES ARE WAHING THEIR HANDS AT HANDWAHING SINKS DESIGNATED ONLY FOR HANDWASHING AND MAINTAIN.
10
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOXED FOOD ITEMS BEING STROED ON FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS AND MAINTAIN.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOIL AND CARDBOARD BEING USED AS LINER ON SHELVING UNITS THROUGHOUT THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ALL FOIL AND CARDBOARD FROM SHELVING UNITS AND ENSURE ALL NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES REMAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTIPLE WOOD WICKER BREAD BASKETS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE WOOD WICKER BREAD BASKETS. WOOD AND WOOD WICKER MAY NOT BE USED AS A FOOD-CONTACT SURFACE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOLING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)
49
58
Aug 21, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE (TCS FOODS) BEEF,BEANS,CHICKEN ETC. IS BEING PREPARED/HANDLED AND SERVED TO CUSTOMERS.INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE,THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN (TCS FOODS) ARE PREPARED,HANDLED,AND/OR SERVED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012,CITATION ISSUED.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE.
1
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE DUST BUILD-UP ON THE FAN COVER INSIDE THE KITCHEN 2-DOOR STAND-UP COOLER AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BROKEN WALL TILES ABOVE THE UTILITY MOP SINK AREA AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF HANGING GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
56
74
Oct 31, 2022
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jun 15, 2021
Reinspection
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(O)--OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010, NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11--OBSERVED 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 IS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15--OBSERVED BASEMENT REAR EXIT DOOR WITH GAPS/OPENINGS APPROX:1" INCH AT BOTTOM RIGHT AND LEFT CORNERS OF MENTIONED DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.11--OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 3 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS.
47
74
Jun 14, 2021
Reinspection
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: 5-402.13--OBSERVED THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTAINED;EXCESSIVE WASTEWATER BACK-UP FROM UNDERNEATH THE GREASE TRAP BOX ON TO THE FLOORS IN THE FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING ISSUES AND DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C),NO CITATION ISSUED.
52
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
Inspector notes: 5-103.12--OBSERVED LOW WATER PRESSURE AT THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE PRESSURE AS REQUIRED.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C),NO CITATION ISSUED.
50
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(O)--OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010, NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11--OBSERVED 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 IS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15--OBSERVED BASEMENT REAR EXIT DOOR WITH GAPS/OPENINGS APPROX:1" INCH AT BOTTOM RIGHT AND LEFT CORNERS OF MENTIONED DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.11--OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 3 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS.
47
55
Jun 11, 2021
License
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTAINED; WASTEWATER BACKING-UP FROM THE GREASE TRAP BOX ON TO THE FLOORS IN THE FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING ISSUES AND DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C),NO CITATION ISSUED.
52
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW WATER PRESSURE AT THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE PRESSURE AS REQUIRED.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C),NO CITATION ISSUED.
50
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. 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 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 IS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
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
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BASEMENT REAR EXIT DOOR WITH GAPS/OPENINGS APPROX:1" INCH AT BOTTOM RIGHT AND LEFT CORNERS OF MENTIONED DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 3 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE BASEMENT EMPLOYEE WASHROOM.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE BASEMENT WASHROOM DOORS NOT SELF CLOSING.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN MENS WASHROOM NOT WORKING.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE VENTILATION AT ALL TIMES.
56
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINKS IN EMPLOYEES WASHROOMS.
10
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
58
39
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Huaraches Mexican Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Huaraches Mexican Restaurant on file is from Feb 17, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Huaraches Mexican Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Huaraches Mexican Restaurant.
Has Huaraches Mexican Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Huaraches Mexican Restaurant have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Huaraches Mexican Restaurant 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 Huaraches Mexican Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Huaraches Mexican Restaurant is inspected around two times per year on average.
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