Manolos Tamales 4
Last inspected: Oct 8, 2025
74
Score
Manolos Tamales 4 has been inspected eight times since 2020. On Oct 8, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around three violations compared to roughly six violations earlier on.
Looking across the full record, “city of chicago food service sanitation certificate” is the recurring theme, flagged five times.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting Manolos Tamales 4 on the weaker side. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
8
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 8, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Proper hot holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TAMALES IN POT SITTING ON MILK CRATES AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF 120.2F. INSTRUCTED PIC TO DISCARD AND DENATURE. APPROXIMATELY 20LBS AND $121 VALUE . PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
21
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGERS. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON SITE.
58
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CHICKEN AND PORK IMPROPERLY THAWING ON PREP TABLE. INFORMED PIC OF PROPER THAWING METHODS . MUST MEET PROPER THAWING REQUIREMENTS AND MAINTAIN.
35
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN CORNERS OF DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ITEMS NOT IN USE AND ORGANIZE.
55
74
Jun 21, 2024
Complaint
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 2 LBS OF CHICKEN IN COOLER AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 54.7F. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL COLD-HELD FOODS MUST BE AT 42F OR BELOW. THE PERSON IN CHARGE VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED 2LBS OF FOOD AT $20. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VALID ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO SANITIATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT VALID CERTIFICATE AS WELL AS CERTIFIED MANAGER IS REQUIRED ON SITE AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS(CHICKEN, BEANS) ARE BEING SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: NO PERSON ON SITE WITH SANITATION MANAGER TRAINING.
1
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOOSE GASKET ON TWO-DOOR COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD-UP OF DIRT AND RESIDUE UNDER DRY STORAGE CLOSET SHELVES. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
67
Feb 20, 2024
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED BUILD OF DEBRIS IN COOLERS LOCATED IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
95
Feb 9, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF BLACK MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE ON INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE DRIPPING ONTO ICE IN BIN BELOW. (ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE MACHINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
16
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS. (PORK, CHICKEN, BEEF ETC). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH FOODSERVICE SANITATION MANAGER TRAINING.
1
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL USED TO COVER BOTTOM OF 2-DOOR REACH IN FREEZER AND CHEST FREEZER IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN THE SURFACE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD OF DEBRIS IN COOLERS LOCATED IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
70
Feb 3, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED WHEN TCS FOOD (TAMALES 133F, BEANS 163.6F) PREPARED AND SERVED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
2
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS INSIDE REACH-IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES AND DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING VENTS IN PREP AND DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO MALE EMPLOYEES AND TWO FEMALE EMPLOYEES WITH NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT FRONT HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED IN HOME DEPOT BUCKETS INSIDE REACH-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE FOOD IN FOOD GRADE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
47
61
May 12, 2022
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE NOR CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS. PORK, CHICKEN, BEEF ETC.INSTRUCTED MANAGER ON SITE TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
2
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM 9/30/21 REPORT 2532134 NOT CORRECTED 2-102.13: ALL EMPLOYEES WHO DO NOT HAVE CITY OF SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST HAVE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN. CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090 PRIORITY FOUNDATION
60
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: PERSON IN CHARGE WITH NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
1
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: RAW WOOD STORAGE SHELVES HEAVILY SOILED. INSTD TO SEAL/PAINT SHELVES SO AS TO BE NON POROUS AND EASILY CLEANABLE
47
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
Inspector notes: NO HOT RUNNING WATER ON SITE, 88.0F-89.0 AT ALL SINKS. INSTD TO PROVIDE 100-120F AT HANDWASH SINKS AND MINIMUM OF 110F AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AT ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C)
50
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: SEE 60.
57
67
Sep 30, 2021
Routine
3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO ONE ON SITE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS. PORK, CHICKEN, BEEF ETC... INSTRUCTED MANAGER ON SITE TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN FOR ALL EMPLOYEES PRIORITY FOUNDATION
3
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM AUGUST 21, 2020 REPORT #2386365 #57 NO ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
60
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: PERSON IN CHARGE WITH NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
1
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL LARGE BULK CONTAINERS IN NEED OF PROPER LABELING TO IDENTIFY PRODUCTS. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: ALL WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
41
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: HOOD VENTS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: ALL EMPLOYEES WHO DO NOT HAVE CITY OF SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST HAVE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: SEE VIOLATION #60
58
55
Aug 21, 2020
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFCATION
58
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Manolos Tamales 4 last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Manolos Tamales 4 on file is from Oct 8, 2025. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Manolos Tamales 4?
Across the inspection record, “city of chicago food service sanitation certificate” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Manolos Tamales 4.
Has Manolos Tamales 4's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Manolos Tamales 4 have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Manolos Tamales 4 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 Manolos Tamales 4 inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Manolos Tamales 4 is inspected around two times per year on average.
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