Lalo's Mexican and Tequila Bar
Last inspected: Jul 5, 2019
47
Score
Across the available record, Lalo's Mexican and Tequila Bar has nine inspections on file, the first dated 2016. Lalo's Mexican and Tequila Bar was last inspected on Jul 5, 2019. The high risk label is a heads-up that the most recent visit didn't go well. No fresh inspection data is available: the latest entry for Lalo's Mexican and Tequila Bar dates to Jul 5, 2019.
The trend has not been favorable: recent inspections average around 10 violations each, up from closer to two violations before.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “proper cooling methods used”, showing up five times.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
3
Major latest
9
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 5, 2019
Reinspection
3 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 3-501.17. Inspector Comments: - MUST PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING THE PREPARATION AND CONSUME BY/DISCARD DATE OF ALL REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24HRS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 2-102.14(O). Inspector Comments: - NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 2-501.11. Inspector Comments: - NO VOMITOUS AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT CLEAN UP WRITTEN PROCEDURE AND PHYSICAL KIT, EFFECTIVE FOR ELIMINATING NOROVIRUS, ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 4-204.112(B). Inspector Comments: - MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS THAT ARE EASILY READABLE AND CONSPICUOUSLY PLACED INSIDE ALL COOLERS, AND MAINTAIN.
36
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-501.112. Inspector Comments: - OBSERVED APPROX 50 DEAD FRUIT FLIES INSIDE THE CABINETS OF THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE ALL DEAD INSECTS, DETAIL CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN AREAS AT ALL TIMES.
38
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 4-903.12. Inspector Comments: - OBSERVED THE BUCKET USED TO TRANSPORT ICE FROM THE ICE MACHINE IN THE REAR PREP AREA TO THE ICE BIN IN THE FRONT PREP AREA LAYING DIRECTLY ON THE ICE INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE. MUST REMOVE AND STORE IN A WAY TO PREVENT EXPOSURE TO POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION, AND MAINTAIN.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 4-202.16. Inspector Comments: - OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING IN THE REAR PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING TO BE 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDE FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 4-602.13. Inspector Comments: - OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS ON THE GRILL TABLE AND ON THE SIDES OF THE GRILLS AND FRYERS. OBSERVED DIRT AND STANDING WATER INSIDE THE CABINETS OF THE FRONT PREP AREA AND ON THE MARGARITA MACHINE TABLES. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-501.11. Inspector Comments: - MUST REPLACE MISSING CEILING TILES.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-501.12. Inspector Comments: - OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE FRYERS, GRILL, AND PREP TABLES OF THE FRONT PREP AREA. OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS IN ALL FLOOR DRAINS. OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE SHELVING IN THE REAR PREP AREA. OBSERVED DUST AND DIRT BUILDUP ON THE CEILING TILES IN THE FRONT PREP, REAR PREP, DRY STORAGE AREAS. OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DUST AND DIRT BY THE SODA MACHINE AND THE "BAR" SIGN IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREAS AT ALL TIMES.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-501.14. Inspector Comments: - OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP ON EXHAUST VENTILATION IN THE REAR PREP AREA AND BY THE HOOD IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 2-102.13. Inspector Comments: - MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATES ON SITE.
58
47
Jun 27, 2019
Routine
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 17 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE IN THE 4 DRAWER COOLER UNDER THE GRILL TABLE IN THE FRONT PREP AREA: 20# OF SHREDDED CHEESE(49.8F-52.0F) AND 2# OF FISH(47.1F). MUST MAINTAIN ALL TCS FOODS (TIME TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY) TO BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW AND 135F OR ABOVE. FACILITY CORRECTED VIOLATION ON SITE BY DISCARDING THE OUT OF TEMPERATURE FOODS WITH A REPORTED VALUE OF $25. PRIORITY VIOLATION#:7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. -
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED THE FOUR DRAWER COOLER LOCATED UNDER THE GRILL TABLE IN THE FRONT PREP AREA HOLDING IMPROPER TEMPERATURE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF THE COOLER IS 52.4F AT THIS TIME. MUST PROVIDE ALL COOLERS TO MAINTAIN A TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. VIOLATION CORRECTED ON SITE. THE COOLER HAS BEEN TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. REMOVAL OF THE TAG AND USE OF THE COOLER IS PROHIBITED AT THIS TIME. MUST CONTACT CDPH AT FOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG TO REQUEST A TAG REMOVAL INSPECTION ONCE REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. PRIORITY VIOLATION#:7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. -
33
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: - THE DESIGNATED PERSON IN CHARGE, WHO IS ON SITE, MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION LICENSE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#:7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED. -
2
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. OBSERVED APPROX 15 LIVE FRUIT FLIES IN THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS OF FACILITY. MUST REMOVE ALL PEST ACTIVITY, DETAIL CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. RECOMMENDED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL PROVIDER FOR FURTHER SERVICE AND INSTRUCTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#:7-38-020(a). CITATION ISSUED. -
38
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: - NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED. -
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: - NO VOMITOUS AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT CLEAN UP WRITTEN PROCEDURE AND PHYSICAL KIT, EFFECTIVE FOR ELIMINATING NOROVIRUS, ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED. -
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: - MUST PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING THE PREPARATION AND CONSUME BY/DISCARD DATE OF ALL REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24HRS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED. -
23
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED EMPLOYEE EATING IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST NOT EAT OR HAVE OPEN BEVERAGES IN ALL FOOD PREP AREAS TO PREVENT POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION. -
6
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: - MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS THAT ARE EASILY READABLE AND CONSPICUOUSLY PLACED INSIDE ALL COOLERS, AND MAINTAIN. -
36
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED APPROX 50 DEAD FRUIT FLIES INSIDE THE CABINETS OF THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE ALL DEAD INSECTS, DETAIL CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN AREAS AT ALL TIMES. -
38
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED THE BUCKET USED TO TRANSPORT ICE FROM THE ICE MACHINE IN THE REAR PREP AREA TO THE ICE BIN IN THE FRONT PREP AREA LAYING DIRECTLY ON THE ICE INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE. MUST REMOVE AND STORE IN A WAY TO PREVENT EXPOSURE TO POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION, AND MAINTAIN. -
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING IN THE REAR PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING TO BE 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDE FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING. -
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS ON THE GRILL TABLE AND ON THE SIDES OF THE GRILLS AND FRYERS. OBSERVED DIRT AND STANDING WATER INSIDE THE CABINETS OF THE FRONT PREP AREA AND ON THE MARGARITA MACHINE TABLES. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. -
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: - MUST REPLACE MISSING CEILING TILES. -
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE FRYERS, GRILL, AND PREP TABLES OF THE FRONT PREP AREA OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS IN ALL FLOOR DRAINS. OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE SHELVING IN THE REAR PREP AREA. OBSERVED DUST AND DIRT BUILDUP ON THE CEILING TILES IN THE FRONT PREP, REAR PREP, DRY STORAGE AREAS. OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DUST AND DIRT BY THE SODA MACHINE AND THE "BAR" SIGN IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREAS AT ALL TIMES. -
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP ON EXHAUST VENTILATION IN THE REAR PREP AREA AND BY THE HOOD IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. -
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: - MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATES ON SITE. -
58
27
May 4, 2018
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STANDING LIQUID AND FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE CABINET UNDER SODA MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN/KEEP DRY INTERIOR OF CABINET UNDER SODA MACHINE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD/LITTER BUILD UP ON FLOOR UNDER PREP TABLE ADJACENT TO WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
34
90
Apr 3, 2018
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STANDING LIQUID AND FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE CABINET UNDER SODA MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN/KEEP DRY INTERIOR OF CABINET UNDER SODA MACHINE.
33
95
Mar 26, 2018
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLACK/PINK SLIME BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE DRIPPING INTO ICE, USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN. ALL ICE INSIDE ICE MACHINE VOLUNTARILLY DISCARDED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
16
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 10 LIVE SMALL FLIES INSIDE CABINET UNDER SODA MACHINE AND ON WALLS/CEILING AT SAME AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE SMALL FLIES BY DATE OF REINSPECTION. ADVISED TO CALL PEST CONTROL OPERATOR FOR SERVICE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED KNIVES WEDGES BETWEEN 2-COMPARTMENT SINK TABLE TOP AND WALL IN COOLER WALL. MUST PROVIDE KNIFE RACK OR KNIFE MAGNETIC STRIP FOR KNIVES.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STANDING LIQUID AND FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE CABINET UNDER SODA MACHINE, FOOD BUILD UP ON CAN OPENER, FOOD BUILD UP INSIDE FREEZER ALSO OBSERVED DUST/FOOD DEBRIS ON SHELVES AT DISHWASH AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN/KEEP DRY CABINET UNDER SODA MACHINE, CLEAN SHELVES THROUGHOUT AND CLEAN EQUIPMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD/DIRT BUILD UP INSIDE FLOOR DRAINS AND FOOD BUILD UP ON FLOOR AT PREP AREAS AND DISHWASH AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND ALL ITEMS/ALONG ALL WALLS AND CORNERS ALSO MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAINS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING TILES AROUND CEILING VENTILATION COVERS AND ON WALLS ABOVE SODA MACHINE. MUST CLEAN CEILING TILES AND WALLS.
35
74
Oct 5, 2017
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 27, 2017
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: INADEQUATE INSECTS CONTROL, FOUND 30 LIVE FRUIT FLIES ON KITCHEN WALLS AND FOOD BOXES, INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE, PEST CONTROL SERVICE RECOMMENDED, SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED,7-38-020.
18
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DIRTY PREP COOLER, FOUND EXCESSIVE OF FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE AT BOTTOM SHELF OF DRAWER COOLERS, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NOT CLEAN UNDER COOK LINE, OLD FOOD, TRASH AND GREASE, STANDING WATER REAR PREP AREA TABLES CREATING A BREADING SITE FOR FRUIT FLIES, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AND MAINTAIN.
34
86
Feb 17, 2017
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE NO CERTIFICATE POSTED WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN. SERIOUS CITAION ISSUED 7-38-012.
21
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOOD CONTAINER AND SPRAY BOTTLES NOT LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL.
30
90
Jun 28, 2016
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS SCRAPS FROM THE REAR EXPOSED HAND SINK AND MAINTAIN.
32
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lalo's Mexican and Tequila Bar last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Lalo's Mexican and Tequila Bar on file is from Jul 5, 2019. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Lalo's Mexican and Tequila Bar?
Across the inspection record, “proper cooling methods used” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Lalo's Mexican and Tequila Bar.
Has Lalo's Mexican and Tequila Bar's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Lalo's Mexican and Tequila Bar have averaged around 10 violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Lalo's Mexican and Tequila Bar 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.
Nearby Restaurants