La Azteca Paleteria
Last inspected: May 13, 2025
82
Score
The health department has logged 17 inspections at La Azteca Paleteria, the earliest from 2010. The newest entry in the record is dated May 13, 2025. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around three violations each.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “insects, rodents, & animals not present”, showing up 11 times.
Among Chicago restaurants, this is a fairly standard result. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
17
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 13, 2025
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR EXTERIOR DOOR(RED) WITH 1/2IN GAP AT BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR DOOR TO BE TIGHT FITTING.
38
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLY PAPER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE AND INFORM LICENSED PEST CONTROL TECHNICIAN OF NEED FOR SERVICE.
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER AND ITEMS UNNECESSARY TO FOOD OPERATION STORED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ITEMS AND ORGANIZE AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN AREA OF WALL BEHIND TABLES USED FOR STORAGE IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
82
Nov 4, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 40 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA ALONG THE WALLS. APPROXIMATELY 20 MOUSE DROPPINGS WERE OBSERVED ON THE FIRST-FLOOR REAR PREP AREA ALONG THE WALLS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADVISED MANAGER TO HAVE ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT SINK STOPPERS MISSING IN ALL THREE 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 MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDE FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
47
82
Jun 23, 2023
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAK AT BOTTOM PIPE OF HANDSINK IN MIDDLE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOXES STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER.OBSERVED CLUTTER IN FRONT COUNTER AREA ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL BOXES AND ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
90
Jun 15, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 80 MOUSE DROPPINGS SCATTERED THROUGHOUT FACILITY: IN FRONT COUNTER AREA BEHIND EQUIPMENT AND BOXES, IN MIDDLE PREP AREA BEHIND EQUIPMENT AND UNDER SHELVING, IN CORNERS BY PALLETS OF SUGAR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ALL MOUSE DROPPINGS, SANITIZE AREAS AND INFORM PEST CONTROL OF ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GAP IN WINDOW NEAR AIR CONDITIONING UNIT, OBSERVED 1/4IN GAP ON SIDE OF GREEN DOOR LEADING TO EXTERIOR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ALL GAPS FOR THE PREVENTION OF PEST ENTRY.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAK AT BOTTOM PIPE OF HANDSINK IN MIDDLE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOXES STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER.OBSERVED CLUTTER IN FRONT COUNTER AREA ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL BOXES AND ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
78
Oct 11, 2022
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD BOXES STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
55
95
Feb 10, 2021
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MISSING COVERS FOR FAN IN WALK IN COOLER (D). INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: EXCESSIVE ICE ACCUMULATION AROUND CONDENSOR IN WALK IN FREEZER (A). INSTD TO REMOVE ICE AND MAINTAIN
49
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MISSING SHIELD FOR LIGHT IN WALK IN FREEZER (D). INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
56
86
Nov 4, 2020
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR LEAKY PIPE UNDERNEATH BATCH FREEZER IN PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
51
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON FOOD NAMES; SUGAR, ETC., WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FOUND TORN REFRIGERATION GASKETS ON MULTIPLE REFRIGERATION UNITS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPLACE ALL TORN GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE ICE ACCUMULATION FROM DOOR FRAME AND AIR CURTAINS IN WALK IN FREEZER "D" IN REAR, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN DUST ACCUMULATION FROM CEILING VENT IN STAFF TOILET ROOM, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
55
78
May 15, 2019
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER AND UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR OF THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUFFLED CEILINGS ABOVE THE FOOD PREP AREA---------OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DUST AND DIRT IN THE CORNERS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THAT FLOORS AND CEILINGS SHOULD BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
90
Jul 16, 2018
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY .MUST PROVIDE A POLICY AND MAINTAIN.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN-UP POLICY.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
5
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED CRATES USED FOR FOOD AND PAPER STORAGE.MUST PROVIDE SHELVING UNITS.
47
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHT IN BASEMENT AND LABEL STORAGE ROOM
56
82
Jul 9, 2018
Routine
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 100 OR MORE RODENT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES OF FRONT PREP AREA UNDER CABINETS,INSIDE OF MOTOR OF UNUSED COOLER,WRAPPING STATION AREA,REAR AREA UNDER HAND SINK,MACHINE ROOM NEAR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND IN BETWEEN EQUIPMENT, ELECTRICAL ROOM.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 7/9/18.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020A)
38
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW AND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND HANDLED AT THIS TIME.MUST PROVIDE CERTIFICATE AND POST.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY .MUST PROVIDE A POLICY AND MAINTAIN.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN-UP POLICY.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
5
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CRATES USED FOR FOOD AND PAPER STORAGE.MUST PROVIDE SHELVING UNITS.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST DEFROST FRONT ICE CREAM FREEZER.
49
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHT IN BASEMENT LABEL STORAGE ROOM.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE ON SITE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
61
Oct 12, 2017
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: ALL MULTIUSE UTENSILS (POPSICLE STICKS) MUST BE KEPT IN A CLEAN SANITIZED COVERED LOCATION UNTIL USED. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES MUST BE CLEANED AND FREE FROM STICKY SUBSTANCE. CLEAN ALL EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN CLEAN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS THROUGHOUT 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALL IN FRONT PREP AREA WITH PEELING PAINT. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR PREP IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DEBRIS INSIDE SHIELD. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: HANDSINK NEEDED IN FRONT PREP AREA. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
38
74
Aug 9, 2016
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#1562052 DATE 08-11-2015 (38)OBSERVED NO DIPPER WELL FOR ICE CREAM SCOOPS AT THE FRONT SERVICE AREA,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DIPPER WELL WITH RUNNING WATER AND A DRAIN (32)OBSERVED ACCUMULATED ICE BUILD-UP INSIDE OF WALK-IN FREEZERS INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ACCUMULATED ICE AND MAINTAIN (36)OBSERVED SOME LIGHTS WITH MISSING END CAPS,OBSERVED SOME LIGHT SHIELDS NOT COVERING THE ENTIRE LIGHT BULB,INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090,
29
95
Aug 11, 2015
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED ICE BUILD UP INSIDE OF WALK IN FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ACCUMULATED ICE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL INSULATION THAT IS TORN, DIRTY, UNEVEN AND NOT EASILY CLEANABLE AROUND A CHILLER PIPE LOCATED IN THE PREP AREA BY THE CHILLERS. OBSERVED A BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE AROUND A BARREL AND PIPE USED FOR THE CHILLERS LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAKE ALL SURFACES EVEN AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A DOOR FRAME IN POOR REPAIR LOCATED IN THE REAR OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME LIGHTS WITH MISSING END CAPS. OBSERVED SOME LIGHT SHIELDS NOT COVERING THE ENTIRE LIGHT BULB. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DIPPER WELL FOR ICE CREAM SCOOPS AT THE FRONT SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DIPPER WELL WITH RUNNING WATER AND A DRAIN.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UTENSIL STORAGE IN THE REAR PORCH (APARTMENT COMMON AREA) OF THE FACILITY. ALSO, ITEMS SUCH AS ACCUMULATED CRATES, UNUSED EQUIPMENT, CONTAINERS AND TOOLS AT EAST SIDE OUTDOOR SPACE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS FROM AREA, ELEVATE EVERYTHING AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF OF THE GROUND AND KEEP ALL FOOD UTENSILS AND CONTAINERS INSIDE OF FACILITY AND MAINTAIN. 2 COMPARTMENT UTILITY SINK AT OUTSIDE REAR OF PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND USE UTILITY SINK INSIDE PREMISES FOR CLEANING-UP PURPOSES.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT NOT MET. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT AND MAINTAIN.
45
70
Aug 29, 2014
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: WALK-IN FREEZER DOOR GASKET IN POOR REPAIR, CAUSING EXCESSIVE ICE ACCUMULATION OF INTERIOR. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME
32
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHTSHIELDS AND ENCAPS MISSING ON LIGHTS THROUGH OUT PREMISES AND IN WALK IN COOLER. PROVIDE SAME.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO GREASE INTERCEPTORS AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PROVIDE SAME
38
86
Aug 21, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: MICE DROPPINGS NOTED (OVER 30) SCATTERED ALONG WALLBASE AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT IN REAR BY WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER. INSTD TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMEND TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020 SERIOUS.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: WALK-IN FREEZER DOOR GASKET IN POOR REPAIR, CAUSING EXCESSIVE ICE ACCUMULATION OF INTERIOR. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME.
32
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHTSHIELDS AND ENCAPS MISSING ON LIGHTS THROUGH OUT PREMISES AND IN WALK IN COOLER. PROVIDE SAME.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO GREASE INTERCEPTORS AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PROVIDE SAME.
38
82
Oct 27, 2011
Routine
No violations found.
100
May 17, 2010
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. MUST LABEL STORAGE CONTAINERS.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. MUST CLEAN-SANITIZE BOTTOM PANEL OF PREP TABLE.
33
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. MUST REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET AT PRODUCTION AREA 3PART SINK.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ARTICLES MUST BE STORED OFF FLOORS, AWAY FROM WALLS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
41
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was La Azteca Paleteria last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at La Azteca Paleteria on file is from May 13, 2025. The public record contains 17 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at La Azteca Paleteria?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited 11 times, more than any other issue at La Azteca Paleteria.
Has La Azteca Paleteria's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at La Azteca Paleteria have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at La Azteca Paleteria 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 La Azteca Paleteria inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, La Azteca Paleteria is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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