Mariscos El Kora
Last inspected: Jul 16, 2025
95
Score
Mariscos El Kora has been inspected 14 times since 2016. Mariscos El Kora was last inspected on Jul 16, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near four violations per visit.
“Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” comes up most often, recorded nine times in the inspection record.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Mariscos El Kora is comfortably above that bar. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
14
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 16, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: MALE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT RESTRAINT ON BEARD. INSTD TO WEAR BEARD RESTRAINT AND MAINTAIN
40
95
Sep 23, 2024
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF WHITE CALCIUM LIKE SUBSTANCE ON INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
16
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOOSE GASKET ON SINGLE DOOR UPRIGHT COOLER IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD RESIDUE ON STORAGE SHELVES IN REAR STORAGE HALL. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE RESIDUE ON FILTERS IN VENTILATION SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
56
78
Oct 27, 2023
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALL ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATIONS EXPIRED. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON SITE
58
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: DISPENSING UTENSILS FOR RICE IMPROPERLY STORED IN CONTAINER OF WARM WATER AND OIL. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY (I.E in hot water 135F OR above , on a clean portion of the FOOD preparation table only if the in-use utensil and the food contact surface of the FOOD preparation table is cleaned and sanitized at a specified frequency, or in a protected manner)
43
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: SINGLE SERVICE SPOONS NOT INVERTED DURING STORAGE. INSTD TO INVERT (HANDLE UP) OR HAVE PRE WRAPPED.
45
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: PIPES LEAKING UNDER BOTH 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN FREE OF LEAKING
51
82
Feb 23, 2023
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: SPICE CONTAINERS AT COOKING LINE NOT LABELED. INSTD TO LABEL WITH COMMON NAME AND MAINTAIN SAME.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INTERIOR TOP OF REACH IN COOLER NEAR CASHIER IN POOR REPAIR (TAPED). INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TAPE AND REPAIR, MAINTAIN.
47
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: SHIELDS MISSING ON LIGHTS IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO PROVIDE SHIELDS AND MAINTAIN
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEES MISSING FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON SITE.
57
82
Dec 7, 2022
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: FOUND MEN'S AND WOMEN'S CUSTOMER RESTROOMS MISSING HANDWASHING SIGNS. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
10
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: FOUND PANS AND DISHES IN PREP AREA NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT DISHES AND POTS/PANS DURING STORAGE, MAINTAIN.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: RUSTY SURFACE ON BOTTOM OF PREP SHELF AT GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FOUND TOP OF REACH IN COOLER NEAR CASHIER IN POOR REPAIR (TAPED). INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TAPE AND REPAIR, MAINTAIN.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: FOUND NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN STAFF UNISEX RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND LOOSE CEILING VENT IN STAFF RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOUND EMPLOYEES MISSING FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON SITE.
57
70
May 27, 2021
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: 3-402.12B -NO WRITTEN AGREEMENT OR STATEMENT FROM THE SUPPLIER STATING THE FISH SUPPLIED FOR CEVICHE IS FROZEN TO REQUIRED TIME AND TEMPERATURE. INSTD TO PROVIDE SAME AND MAINTAIN.
14
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: 4-602.11(B-E): INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE WITH SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
16
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.19: RUSTY SURFACE ON EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAPS OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN
47
86
May 26, 2021
Routine
2 critical violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: PREP COOLER IN USE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 54.1F. COOLER TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME. INSTD TO NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED AND REINSPECTED BY CDPH. CITATION ISSUED PRIORITY 7-38-005
33
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE IN PREP COOLER: SALSA 50.1F, CEVICHE 50.9F, GREEN SALSA 50.1F. ALSO LARGE DEEP CONTAINER OF CEVICHE IN WALK IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 54.1F (DATED YESTERDAY). ALL PRODUCT DISCARDED AND DENATURED, APPROX 30LBS $300 VALUE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY
22
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: 3-402.12B -NO WRITTEN AGREEMENT OR STATEMENT FROM THE SUPPLIER STATING THE FISH SUPPLIED FOR CEVICHE IS FROZEN TO REQUIRED TIME AND TEMPERATURE. INSTD TO PROVIDE SAME AND MAINTAIN.
14
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE WITH SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
16
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: IMPROPER COOLING OF CEVICHE NOTED. INSTD TO PROPERLY COOL: (1) ARRANGE IN EQUIPMENT (SHALLOW PANS) TO PROVIDE MAXIMUM HEAT TRANSFER THROUGH THE CONTAINER WALLS; AND (2) LOOSELY COVERED OR UNCOVERED IF PROTECTED FROM OVERHEAD CONTAMINATION DURING THE COOLING PERIOD TO FAICLITATE HEAT TRANSFER FROM THE SURFACE OF THE FOOD
33
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: RUSTY SURFACE ON EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAPS OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN
47
61
Jan 29, 2020
Routine
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DATE ON THE SHELLFISH TAG WHEN THE LAST ONE WAS SOLD, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DATE ON THE OYSTER TAGS WHEN THE LAST ONE FROM THAT CASE WAS SOLD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
14
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR KITCHEN CUTTING BOARD STAINED/PITTED, NEXT TO THE FREEZER, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE #10 CAN OPENER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FRONT STOVES AND THE FLAT GRILL DRIP TRAY NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
47
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LARGE POT USED FOR OCTOPUS UNABLE TO FULLY SUBMERGE IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE EQUIPMENT ABLE TO FULLY SUBMERGE IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK OR HAVE WRITTED PROCEDURE FOR ALTERNATIVE MANUAL WAREWASHING EQUIPMENT.
48
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE COLD WATER HANDLE AT THE UTILITY MOP SINK BROKEN, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.(USING PLIERS TO TURN ON)
51
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE LIGHT SHIELD BROKEN IN THE KITCHEN COOKING AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE SHIELD.
56
67
Feb 19, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
Inspector notes: Observed inadequate supply of hot water in facility. Hot water temperatures ranging from 72.3F - 82.9F at hand sinks, 3 compartment sinks, and washbowl sinks in facility. Must provide adequate supply of hot water available at all sinks at all times. Must provide minimum hot water temperature of 100F at hand sinks and washbowl sinks, and 110F at 3 compartment sinks. Operator restored hot water during inspection to 120F at 3 compartment sink and 101F at hand/washbowl sinks. Priority violation 7-38-030(c). Citation issued.
50
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: Observed reminders not provided on menu. Must provide disclosure statement and reminders (*) that it pertains to on menu. Priority foundation violation.
25
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: Observed no vomit and diarrhea clean up procedure or kit on site. Must provide written procedure for the clean up of vomit and diarrheal events, and corresponding equipment. Priority foundation violation.
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: Observed no written employee health policy on site. Must provide. Priority foundation violation.
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: Observed shrimp peeling machine in room in rear (through rear kitchen door near walk in cooler) without required hand sink. Must install a dedicated, exposed hand sink in this room with adequate city pressure, hot/cold water, soap and sanitary means to dry hands, and hand washing sign. Priority foundation violation.
10
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: Observed improper date marking on prepped TCS foods in coolers and walk in cooler. Must label all prepped, TCS foods with discard dates. Must maintain same. Priority foundation violation.
23
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: Observed small amount of pink/brown, slimy, mold like substance on plastic parts of interior of ice machine. Must detail clean and sanitize. Operator cleaned and sanitized during inspection.
16
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Observed cardboard used as floor mats. Instructed must remove. Cardboard is not an approved floor covering due to it being porous. All surfaces must be non-porous, smooth and easily cleanable.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: Observed no proof of allergen training on site. Must provide proof of allergen training for all Chicago certified food sanitation managers.
58
45
Jan 30, 2018
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: TORN DOOR GASKET AT UPRIGHT FREEZER IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: UNCLEAN KNIFE IN KNIFE RACK. INSTD TO MAINTAIN CLEAN KNIVES IN KNIFE RACK. INTERIOR OF STOVE NOT CLEAN, EXCEESIVE DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
90
Mar 2, 2017
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CONTAINER OF FRESH MINCED GARLIC AND OIL MIXTURE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 50.9F IN COOLER. VIOLATION CRITICAL 7-38-005A. PRODUCT VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF AND DENATURED AT THIS TIME. APPROX 5LBS. $10 VALUE.
3
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: CONSUMER ADVISORY NOT POSTED. INSTD TO HAVE POSTED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: UNDERNEATH HANDLES OF COOLERS WITH EXCESSIVE DEBRIS ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: SMALL FRYER ON SITE WITHOUT VENTILATION. INSTD TO PROVIDE PROPER VENTILATION.
38
82
Nov 22, 2016
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED IN THE RESTAURANT OR ON THE MENU. RAW OYSTERS ARE SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO POST A CONSUMER ADVISORY IN THE RESTAURANT OR ON THE MENU.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE GREASE FROM THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS.
33
90
Sep 26, 2016
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: INADEQUATE LIGHTING PROVIDED IN THE REAR STORAGE ROOM. MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN ALL AREAS.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE SPRAY NOZZLE AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND 1 COMPARTMENT SINK BOTH FALL BELOW THE FLOOD RIM LEVEL OF THE SINK. MUST INSTALL A HOOK TO KEEP THE SPRAY NOZZLES ABOVE THE FLOOD RIM LEVEL OF THE SINKS.
38
90
Sep 19, 2016
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mariscos El Kora last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Mariscos El Kora on file is from Jul 16, 2025. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Mariscos El Kora?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Mariscos El Kora.
Has Mariscos El Kora's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Mariscos El Kora have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Mariscos El Kora 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 Mariscos El Kora inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Mariscos El Kora is inspected around two times per year on average.
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