Iztatl Cocina Mexicana
Last inspected: Nov 14, 2025
95
Score
The health department has logged seven inspections at Iztatl Cocina Mexicana, the earliest from 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Nov 14, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near four violations per visit across recent inspections.
Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged 15 times.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting Iztatl Cocina Mexicana on the better side of that line. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
7
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 14, 2025
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NO MOP SINK ON PREMISES, MOP SINK WAS REMOVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A MOP SINK WITH RUNNING HOT AND COLD WATER ON PREMISES.
51
95
Nov 7, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 30 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON WALLS AT PREP AREA AND REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REMOVE ALL SMALL FLIES BY DATE OF REINSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). ADVISED TO CALL PEST CONTROL OPERATOR FOR SERVICE.
38
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
16
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP IMPROPERLY STORED TO TABLE TOP IN STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A CLEAN CONTAINER FOR ICE SCOOP.
43
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP INSIDE PREP COOLERS/COOLERS RAILS ALSO OBSERVED ICE BUILD UP ON SODA/DESSERT COOLER CONDENSER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS/COOLERS RAILS AND REMOVE ICE BUILD UP INSIDE SODA/DESSERT COOLER.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: PREP AREA HANDWASH SINK FAUCET LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN HANDWASH SINK.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NO MOP SINK ON PREMISES, MOP SINK WAS REMOVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A MOP SINK WITH RUNNING HOT AND COLD WATER ON PREMISES.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BASEMENT STORAGE AREA WITH CLUTTER AND ITEMS ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ORGANIZE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA AND KEEP ITEMS ELEVATED OFF OF FLOORS AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON WALLS AT PREP AND DISHWASH AREA. MUST CLEAN WALLS AT PREP AND DISHWASH AREA.
55
64
Jan 3, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXTRA COOKING EQUIPMENT NOT IN USE STORED BY REAR EXIT DOOR. STORE ALL EXTRA EQUIPMENT PROPERLY CLEAN AND STORED AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF OF GROUND AND AWAY FROM WALLS.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES IN KITCHEN PREP AREA. REPLACE AND MAINTAIN CEILING TILES.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALL LEADING TO REAR EXIT IN DISREPAIR. RESTORE WALL TO A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE CONDITION AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
Jan 10, 2024
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS CONSPICUOUSLY PLACED IN THE BOTTLED BEVERAGE REACH-IN COOLER IN THE FRONT SEATING AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS FOR ALL COLD HOLDING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
36
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD-HANDLING EMPLOYEE WEARING DANGLING BRACELETS AND NECKLACES WHILE PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE THAT FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES ARE NOT WEARING JEWELRY EXCEPT A PLAIN RING, SUCH AS A WEDDING BAND WHILE PREPARING FOOD AND MAINTAIN.
40
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BASEMENT STORAGE AREA WITH CLUTTER AND ITEMS ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ORGANIZE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA AND KEEP ITEMS ELEVATED OFF OF FLOORS AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTIPLE HOLES IN CEILING ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR WAREWASHING AREA.---ALSO OBSERVED MULTIPLED DAMAGED CEILING PANELS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO SMOOTHLY SEAL HOLES IN CEILING ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND REPAIR DAMAGED CEILING PANELS AND MAINTAIN.
55
82
Mar 28, 2023
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA TO BE SLOW DRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE HAND WASHING SINK.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER WITH UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN SIDE STORAGE AREA NEAR KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DECLUTTER AND DISCARD ANY UNSUSED EQUIPMENT.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE PREPARING FOOD WITH NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENT.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH FOOD ALLERGEN REQUIREMENT.
58
78
Feb 9, 2022
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE PEELING PAINT ON CEILING ABOVE REAR PREP AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR PREP (DISHWASHING AREA) ESPECIALLY UNDER AND AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND BEHIND GREASE BOX. MUST DETAIL CLEAN WALL AROUND REAR PREP (DISHWASHING AREA).
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER STORED IN BASEMENT. USABLE ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING AND TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. MUST REORGANIZE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED REPAIR FLOOR THROUGHOUT REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
82
Jan 12, 2022
License
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 17 minor violations.
View 24 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SNEEZE GUARD ON TOP OF FRONT SERVICE BUFFET (SALSA) COUNTERTOP COOLER IN FRONT SERVICE AREA. PRIORITY VIOLATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
39
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WASTE WATER BACKING-UP FROM ONE COMPARTMENT INTO ANOTHER COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED
52
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. 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
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR TAKING INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF HOT AND COLD FOOD PRODUCTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
36
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: ESTABLISHMENT HAS OPENING IN FRONT PREPARATION AREA. A PHYSICAL BARRIER IS NEEDED WHEN THE PREPARATION IS ADJACENT TO THE CUSTOMER AREA AND IT IS LIKELY THAT CONTAMINATION WILL OCCUR. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
39
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) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINK (PREP/WASHROOMS).
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN RUBBER GASKET AROUND 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAINT EXTERIOR SURFACES OF GREASE BOX AND SHELF WITH RUST ACCUMULATION UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
47
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE WORKING DRAIN STOPPERS FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
48
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOLERS AND FREEZER.
49
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
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKY DRAINPIPE UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: TOILET ROOM DOOR MUST BE SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE PEELING PAINT ON CEILING ABOVE REAR PREP AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR PREP (DISHWASHING AREA) ESPECIALLY UNDER AND AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND BEHIND GREASE BOX. --MUST DETAIL CLEAN WALL AROUND REAR PREP (DISHWASHING AREA).
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING FLOOR BASEBOARD AROUND REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED REPAIR FLOOR THROUGHOUT REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER STORED IN BASEMENT. USABLE ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING AND TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. MUST REORGANIZE.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE NON WORKING LIGHTBULB INSIDE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER (S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.
57
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: FOUND NO SIGNAGE REQUIRING MASKS AT THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR AND INSIDE PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO POST THE REQUIRED SIGNAGE
64
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: NO WRITTEN PROTOCOL. MUST HAVE A WRITTEN RECORD DESCRIBING PROTOCOL FOR CHECKING PROOF OF VACCINATION IN PUBLIC PLACES.
64
19
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Iztatl Cocina Mexicana last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Iztatl Cocina Mexicana on file is from Nov 14, 2025. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Iztatl Cocina Mexicana?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 15 times, more than any other issue at Iztatl Cocina Mexicana.
Has Iztatl Cocina Mexicana's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Iztatl Cocina Mexicana have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Iztatl Cocina Mexicana 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 Iztatl Cocina Mexicana inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Iztatl Cocina Mexicana is inspected around two times per year on average.
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