Los Azares Mexican Grill
Last inspected: Feb 24, 2026
86
Score
Los Azares Mexican Grill appears in inspection records 10 times, starting in 2020. Inspectors last stopped by on Feb 24, 2026. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around three violations to closer to one violation per visit over the last few inspections.
Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded nine times.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Los Azares Mexican Grill is comfortably above that bar. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
10
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 24, 2026
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINED AND DAMAGED CEILING IN KITCHEN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEES WITH NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL FOOD HANDLERS HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENT.
58
86
Apr 2, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Apr 30, 2024
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON 2 DOOR COOLER LOCATED ON COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
95
Apr 23, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING REPEAT CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2578500 DATED 7/11/2023: #51 "OBSERVED NO VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE." #57 "OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL NON-MANAGER EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING." #58 "OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENT." INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND COME INTO COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON 2 DOOR COOLER LOCATED ON COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT BUILD UP OF GREASE ON HOOD OVER COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56
82
Jul 11, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food separated and protected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PERSONAL EMPLOYEE BEVERAGE STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE DIRECTLY TOUCHING ICE. PERSONAL ITEMS MAY NOT COME IN CONTACT WITH FOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE CUP AND DISCARD ICE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
15
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINED AND BROKEN CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT FACILITY INCLUDING IN TOILET ROOMS AND IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE OR REPAIR BROKEN AND STAINED CEILING TILES.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP IN HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE FRONT GRIDDLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER CLEAN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL NON-MANAGER EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENT.
58
67
Aug 25, 2022
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE AND MAINTAIN.
53
95
Aug 18, 2022
Routine
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. CITATION ISSUED.
3
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 05/07/2021 INSPECTION, REPORT #2509367 NOT CORRECTED: #10-OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT BOTH EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. #55-OBSERVED BROKEN ROTISSERIE GRILL IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM PREMISES. #57 - OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL STAFF COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THERE OF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. 7-42-090 PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS UNDERNEATH COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
55
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE AND MAINTAIN.
53
74
May 7, 2021
Routine
3 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO KIT AND PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA. LEFT ONE PAGER AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PROCEDURE AND KIT WITH ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES INCLUDING A SANITIZER RATED AS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER PRESENT WHILE TCS ITEMS SUCH AS TACOS AND TORTAS WERE BEING PREPARED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT BOTH EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN THERMOMETER INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN A WORKING THERMOMETER.
36
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ICE SCOOP OUTSIDE OF ICE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
39
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO GREASE TRAP ATTACHED TO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL ACCORDING TO ALL RELEVANT LAWS, CODES, AND REGULATIONS.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN ROTISSERIE GRILL IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM PREMISES.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN TILE ON FLOOR IN FRONT PREP AREA ALONG HOT LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AND GRIME ON FILTERS IN HOODS IN BOTH FRONT AND REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHTBULBS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL STAFF COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
57
47
Nov 3, 2020
Reinspection
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 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 HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-602.13 CLEAN THE WIRE RACKS ABOVE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12 NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE LOCATED AT THE MOP SINK AND THE ICE MACHINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT BOTH AREAS.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114 MUST REMOVE ALL UNUSED COOKING EQUIPMENT FROM THE PREMISES INCLUDING THE ROTISSERIE GRILL.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.11 MUST REPAIR THE OPENING IN THE WALL UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
55
74
Oct 22, 2020
License
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SNEEZEGUARD INSTALLED AT THE FRONT COUNTER WHERE FOOD WILL BE PREPARED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SNEEZEGUARD OR OTHER BARRIER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF FOOD BY THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
39
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER LEAKING FROM THE ROOF INTO THE VENTILATION HOOD AND ON TOP OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE SOURCE OF THE WATER LEAK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
39
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE TOILETS IN BOTH THE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S WASHROOMS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE WATER DID NOT FLUSH IN EITHER TOILET. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE TOILETS IN BOTH WASHROOMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
53
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA WHERE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IS LOCATED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AN EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN UNFINISHED WOOD COUNTERTOP AT THE FRONT COUNTER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OR PAINT OR COVER THE COUNTERTOP.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYERS, THE WIRE RACKS ABOVE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND WIRE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NO MOP SINK INSTALLED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A MOP SINK.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE WAS PROVIDED IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE ALL UNUSED COOKING EQUIPMENT FROM THE PREMISES INCLUDING THE ROTISSERIE GRILL.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR ALL BROKEN WALL TILES IN THE PREP AREA ESPECIALLY AROUND THE DOORWAY AND AROUND THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND THE VENTILATION HOOD IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: REPLACE THE MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
39
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Los Azares Mexican Grill last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Los Azares Mexican Grill on file is from Feb 24, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Los Azares Mexican Grill?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Los Azares Mexican Grill.
Has Los Azares Mexican Grill's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Los Azares Mexican Grill have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Los Azares Mexican Grill 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 Los Azares Mexican Grill inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Los Azares Mexican Grill is inspected around two times per year on average.
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