Maria's Mexican Restaurant
Last inspected: Mar 27, 2025
100
Score
Maria's Mexican Restaurant appears in inspection records 16 times, starting in 2011. The most recent visit was on Mar 27, 2025. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around one violation across recent inspections versus roughly six violations before.
Across the inspection history, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded six times.
Maria's Mexican Restaurant's latest score of 100 sits above the Chicago average of 81. The record reflects steady performance over time.
16
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 27, 2025
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Oct 4, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF MINOR CLEANING. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
16
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE SPILLS ON FRONT END OF OUTSIDE OIL TANK CONTAINER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MINOR LEAK AT PIPE BELOW HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED AT MAIN PREP LINE. MUST REPAIR.
51
86
May 12, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MINOR GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
95
Aug 2, 2022
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FOUND BROKEN GASKETS ON THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER ON THE COOKS LINE. MUST REPAIR.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: FOUND HEAVY ICE BUILD UP INSIDE OF THE DESSERT CHEST FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST, REMOVE ICE, AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND HEAVY DIRT AND DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS MATS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN MATS AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING USED AS FLOOR MATS IN THE REAR PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE FLOOR COVERINGS THAT ARE A NON-ABSORBENT, NON-CORROSIVE, SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NOTED MISSING AND EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS WHO DO NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST OBTAIN A FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE.
57
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FOUND THE WALK-IN FREEZER DOOR BROKEN - THE INTERIOR METAL DOOR PANEL IS BROKEN AND EXPOSING A POROUS MATERIAL. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DOOR PANEL THAT IS A SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE MATERIAL.
47
74
Jan 7, 2021
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MENU WITH DISCLOSURE AND FOOTNOTE BUT NO REMINDER FOR ITEMS SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. INSTRUCTED TO TO ADD REMINDER TO MENU INDICATING CEVICHE IS UNDERCOOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HAND SINKS LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOFT DRINKS STORED BELOW WASTE PIPE IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO NOT STORE CONSUMABLE ITEMS BELOW WASTE PIPE.
39
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT ON FLOOR NEAR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AND GRIME IN INTERIOR OF FRYER CABINETS LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
70
Sep 19, 2019
Routine
4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BOTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
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
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS REFRIGERATED OVER 24 HOURS WITH NO DATE MARK TO INDICATE THE DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE CONSUMED OR DISCARDED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DATE MARK ALL APPLICABLE FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE AND DESCRIBE WHAT FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE COLD PLATE AND BEVERAGE LINES IN CONTACT WITH CONSUMABLE ICE IN THE ICE BINS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SEPARATE THE COLD PLATE AND DRAIN LINES FROM THE CONSUMABLE ICE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYERS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: SCRAPE AND REPAINT THE CHIPPED PAINT ON THE CEILING TRACKS AND CEILING TILES.
55
58
Jul 25, 2018
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISIS.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE A EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. VIOLATION PF 7-38-012(a) NO CITATIONS ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP POLICY ON PREMISIS.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE A CLEAN UP POLICY. VIOLATION PF 7-38-005 NO CITATIONS ISSUED
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EXPOSED HAND SINK AT THE HOT LINE FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INSTALL AN EXPOSED HANDSINK AT THE HOT LINE FOOD PREP AREA.
10
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ENROLL EMPLOYEES FOR ALLERGEN TRAINING. VIOLATION PF NO CITATION ISSUED.
58
82
Jun 8, 2018
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EXPOSED HAND SINK AT THE HOT LINE FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INSTALL AN EXPOSED HANDSINK AT THE HOT LINE FOOD PREP AREA.
38
95
Oct 5, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Reach in cooler door tracks not clean need detailed cleaning(crevices).
33
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Cutting boards that had deep cuts in kitchen prep areas shall be replaced.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors in front bar area under heavy equipment, 3 compartment sink not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners).
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Damaged/broken light shields in kitchen prep area, shall be repaired/replaced.
36
82
Apr 20, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Caulk around around exposed hand sink, 1 compartment sink, and 3 compartment sink in kitchen prep area in state of disrepair, shall be repaired/replaced. Walk in cooler shelving/racks that had peeling paint/rust, shall be repaired/replaced. Reach in cooler shelving/racks in kitchen prep areas that had peeling paint/rust, shall be repaired/replaced.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Walk in cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning, (crevices).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors in kitchen prep area by dish machine needs re-grouting. Floors in walk in cooler under shelving/not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners).
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: 3 compartment sink faucet in bar area leaking at neck, shall be repaired/replaced.
38
82
Aug 16, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE BLACK MOLDY LOOKING SUBSTANCE BY WALL ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK,
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT SHIELD IN KITCHEN PREP AREA IN POOR REPAIR, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE,
36
90
Jun 11, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND RECAULK WORN OUT CAULKING WITH BLACK MOLD LIKE BUILD-UP BEHIND DISH MACHINE SPRAYER IN REAR AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF DISH MACHINE IN REAR AREA.----------MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SODA GUN HOLDER WITH MOLD LIKE BUILD-UP BEHIND BAR.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL EXPOSED HAND SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER EQUIPPED WITH HAND SOAP AND PAPER TOWEL BEHIND BAR.---------MUST PROVIDE BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE OR VACUUM BREAKER FOR MOP SINK FAUCET IN REAR AREA.
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE ADDITIONAL EMPLOYEE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.
45
82
Feb 21, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Cutting boards with deep, dark grooves must be sanded/bleached or replaced.Remove cardboards liners aorund the kitchen food equipments.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Fan covers inside the walk-in-coolers,and bar gun holders are not clean.Instructed to clean and sanitize.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Missing grout for loose floor tiles behind the kitchen hot cooking equipments,dishwashing areas.Floor drain beneath the 3 compartment sink is not clean.Instructed manager to clean and maintain.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Missing light shield for rear dry storage.Instructed to provide shield or shatter proof light bulb.
36
82
Aug 16, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE, AND CUTTING BOARDS IN KITCHEN AREA,
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE BLACK MOLDY LOOKING SUBSTANCE BY DISH MACHINE AND REPAIR WALL UNDER THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, IN SAME AREA,
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: MUST STORE EMPLOYEES BELONGINGS ONE DESIGNATED AREA NICE AND NEATLY,
37
86
Oct 25, 2012
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE ICE MACHINE HAS A SMALL AMOUNT OF BUILDUP ON THE INTERIOR LIP, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN THE ICE MACHINE. THE FAN GUARD IN THE WEST WALK IN COOLER IS DIRTY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE SAID SHIELD.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: THE BASEBOARDS AROUND THE FRYER ARE DIRTY, CLEAN THE BASEBOARDS IN DETAIL.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE VENTILATION HOOD IS FULL OF GREASE DRIPS, CLEAN OFF DRIPS.
38
86
Aug 11, 2011
Suspected Food Poisoning
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE WORN OUT CAULKING AND RE CAULK AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA.-----------MUST PROVIDE TIGHT FITTING LID/COVER FOR ICE BIN BEHIND BAR AND IN BUSBOY AREA.-------MUST CLEAN AND REPAINT RUSTY METAL PREP SHELF IN THE KITCHEN.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT REAR STORAGE AREA AND BASEMENT.----------MUST REPAIR CONCRETE FLOOR WITH GAP/OPENING BY GARBAGE DUMPSTER IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA. (NOTED WATER POOLING).
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BROKEN VENTILATION INSIDE WOMEN'S WASHROOM.--------MUST FIX LEAKY DRAINPIPE UNDER 1 COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE KITCHEN.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED MILK CRATES USED AS STORAGE SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE. MUST USE PROPER RAISED SHELVINGS FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.
41
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Maria's Mexican Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Maria's Mexican Restaurant on file is from Mar 27, 2025. The public record contains 16 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Maria's Mexican Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Maria's Mexican Restaurant.
Has Maria's Mexican Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Maria's Mexican Restaurant have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Maria's Mexican Restaurant 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 Maria's Mexican Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Maria's Mexican Restaurant is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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