Mar Rojo
Last inspected: Apr 28, 2025
95
Score
Mar Rojo appears in inspection records seven times, starting in 2021. On Apr 28, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around five violations per visit lately, up from roughly three violations before.
Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged five times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
7
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 28, 2025
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS OBTAINS ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
95
Apr 17, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 6 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WASHING DISHES AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WITHOUT SETTING IT UP TO WASH ,RINSE AND SANITIZE. SANITIZER NOT USED TO SET UP THE SINK. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ALWAYS SET UP THE SINK TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE WHEN WASHING EQUIPMENT. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY HAD EMPLOYEE SET UP THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE USING THE CHEMICAL SANITIZER CHLORINE. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
16
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, STEAK, FISH, ETC.) ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LUNCH TRAY, BLENDER, AND NOTEBOOKS BEING STORED INSIDE WASH BASIN OF EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK AT FRONT BAR. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE ALL HANDWASHING SINKS REMAIN ACCESSIBLE FOR EMPLOYEES TO WASH THEIR HANDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(c), CITATION ISSUED. EMPLOYEE REMOVED LUNCH TRAY, BLENDER, AND NOTEBOOKS BLOCKING ACCESS TO HANDSINK DURING INSPECTION.
10
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SHELLSTOCK TAG ATTACHED TO CONTAINER OF OYSTERS, IN REFRIGERATOR IN REAR PREP AREA AT THE TIME OF INPECTION. INFORMED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT THE SHELLFISH SHELLSTOCK TAG MUST REMAIN ATTACHED TO THE CONTAINER UNTIL THE CONTAINER IS EMPTY. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN TAGS FOR 90 DAYS ON PREMISES. THE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 20 LB AT A VALUE OF $100. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION # 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
14
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS FOR THE SANITIZING SOLUTION (CHLORINE) USED IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO KEEP APPROPRIATE CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS OBTAINS ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
55
Oct 10, 2024
Routine
4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN BAR. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PAPER TOWELS AT ALL EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOTH EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS BLACKED AND RENDERED INACCESSIBLE. HANDWASHING SINK IN BAR WAS BLOCKED WITH LONG, FLOURESCENT LIGHTBULB PLACED IN BASIN AND HANDWASHING SINK IN KITCHEN WAS BLOCKED WITH POTS AND PANS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS IN AN OPEN AND ACCESSIBLE MANNER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL ON SITE AND ON MENU WITHOUT SHELLSTOCK TAGS DATING BACK AT LEAST 90 DAYS STORED ON SITE. SEE COMMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN SHELLSTOCK TAGS ON SITE IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
14
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FROZEN FISH BEING IMPROPERLY THAWED ON PREP TABLE IN REAR KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED FROZEN PRODUCTS SHOULD EITHER BE THAWED IN REFRIGERATOR OR UNDER RUNNING WATER NOT EXCEEDING 70F.
35
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OLD EQUIPMENT STORED IN REAR CLOSET CONTAINING HVAC SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS FROM PREMISES.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND GRIME IN INTERIOR OF MICROWAVE LOCATED ON REAR COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 FOOD EMPLOYEES WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
57
55
Nov 6, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO PERSON ON SITE WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A PERSON ON SITE WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PINK MINERAL BUILD UP INSIDE OF ICE MACHINE DISPENSER IN KITCHEN. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
16
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LID ON TRASH CAN IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NUMEROUS AMOUNTS OF EQUIPMENT STORED OUTSIDE REAR DOOR BLOCKING OIL GREASE CONTAINER. MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS FROM PREMISES.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
70
Oct 7, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 29, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: FOUND PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT DATED 9-10-21 INSPECTION # 2531234. VIOLATION 39. OBSERVED RAW WOOD AT INTERIOR OF BAR AND UNDERNEATH GREASE TRAP IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN. VIOLATION 51.OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTER CONNECTED TO ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL RELEVANT LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS. VIOLATION 55.OBSERVED UNUSED COMMERCIAL SMOKER LOCATED IN REAR PARKING AREA OF BUILDING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM PREMISES. VIOLATION 57.OBSERVED 3 FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. VIOLATION 58. OBSERVED CERTIFIED MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION.CITATION ISSUED. 7-42-090.MUST CORRECT ALL ABOVE MENTIONED VIOLATIONS.
60
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND WALL BEHIND BAR AREAS NOT SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN(EXPOSED CERAMIC BRICK).MUST SEAL.
55
82
Sep 10, 2021
License
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HAND SINK IN BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW WOOD AT INTERIOR OF BAR AND UNDERNEATH GREASE TRAP IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN.
39
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW WATER PRESSURE AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK AND 2 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTER CONNECTED TO ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL RELEVANT LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNUSED COMMERCIAL SMOKER LOCATED IN REAR PARKING AREA OF BUILDING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM PREMISES.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 3 FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CERTIFIED MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
70
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mar Rojo last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Mar Rojo on file is from Apr 28, 2025. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Mar Rojo?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Mar Rojo.
Has Mar Rojo's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Mar Rojo have averaged around five violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Mar Rojo 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 Mar Rojo inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Mar Rojo is inspected around two times per year on average.
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