Mercadito Chicago
Last inspected: Oct 9, 2025
95
Score
Across the available record, Mercadito Chicago has 25 inspections on file, the first dated 2011. The latest inspection on file is from Oct 9, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near four violations per visit.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code”, showing up eight times.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting Mercadito Chicago on the better side of that line. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
25
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 9, 2025
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT DRAINPIPE UNDERNEATH THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAKS AND MAINTAIN.
51
95
Jul 25, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 17, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A 2-DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE BASEMENT KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE (WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50.0F) NO TCS FOODS HELD INSIDE SAID COOLER.INSTRUCTED MANAGER COLD HOLDING UNIT MUST MAINTAIN COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41.0F OR COLDER AT ALL TIMES.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER IS TAGGED "HELD FOR INSPECTION" AT THIS TIME.INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED.***SEE COMMENTS BELOW***
33
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF (TCS FOODS) HELD INSIDE OF THE 3-DOOR PREP LINE COOLER IN THE BASEMENT KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA.OBSERVED COOKED LOBSTER AT 51.3F AND MIXED CHEESES AT 45.5F.MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 4#'S OF FOOD WORTH $150.00.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO MONITOR AND MAINTAIN ALL COLD (TCS FOODS) AT 41F OR COLDER AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.
22
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCES ON INTERIOR WATER COMPONENTS OF THE ICE MACHINE, DRIPPING INTO ICE "ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION" LOCATED IN STORAGE ROOM ADJACENT TO THE BASEMENT BAR AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO TURN OFF MACHINE, REMOVE ICE AND HAVE INTERIOR OF ICE MAKER CLEANED AND SANITIZED AND MAINTAINED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.
16
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE AND MAINTAIN.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 3 DOOR PREP LINE COOLER LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET AND MAINTAIN.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE 1ST FLOOR UNISEX WASHROOMS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD SYSTEMS TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN.
57
47
Oct 31, 2024
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 23, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN BASEMENT IMPROPERLY SANITIZING AT A CONCENTRATION OF 0PPM CHLORINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN BASEMENT, LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE SHALL HAVE A MINIMUM CONCENTRATION OF 50PPM CHLORINE AFTER REPAIR. CORRECTED ON SITE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE REPAIRED BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION AFTER REPAIR LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE SANITIZING PROPERLY AT 50 PPM CHLORINE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED
16
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EXPOSED SINK FOR HANDWASHING LOCATED IN FIRST FLOOR BAR. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN FIRST FLOOR BAR FOR CONVENIENT USE BY EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED.
10
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ASTERISK ON MENU IDENTIFYING ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS THAT ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER. OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE ON MENU STATING THAT ASTERISKED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER. INSTRUCTED TO ADD ASTERISK IDENTIFYING ALL ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS THAT ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER AND TO ADD DISCLOSURE TO MENU STATING THAT ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
25
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIM STOREROOM IN BASEMENT WITH ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE LIGHT INTENSITY IN AREA WITH ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT.
56
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPOSED ICE IN ICE BIN AT BAR WITH NO LID/COVER ON ICE BIN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LID/COVER FOR ICE BIN AT BAR TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF ICE IN ICE BIN DURING STORAGE TO PREVENT EXPOSURE TO SPLASHES, DUST OR OTHER CONTAMINATION. OBSERVED HOT HOLDING UNIT UNDERNEATH HANDWASHING SINK IN CEVICHE STATION IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE HOT HOLDING UNIT IN CEVICHE STATION IN BASEMENT TO PREVENT EXPOSURE TO SPLASHES.
39
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VENT COVER ON OPENING IN AIR DUCT IN BASMENT ABOVE EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS IN STOREROOM IN BASEMENT WITH ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVER FOR OPENING IN AIR DUCT OR RELOCATE EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION FROM DUST IN OPEN AIR DUCT.
44
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPOSED PRESET KNIFE AND FORK ON TABLES IN DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL PRESET TABLEWARE SHALL BE PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION BY BEING WRAPPED, COVERED OR INVERTED.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EQUIPMENT STORED ON BEVERAGE CONTAINERS IN BASEMENT STOREROOM WITH ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NONFOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY AND TO PREVENT AREAS FOR PEST HARBORAGE.
47
55
Dec 4, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
3
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT#2559719 ON 6/22/2022. VIOLATION#58 OBSERVED ONE EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: ADDITIONAL WATER PRESURE NEEDED AT THE HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT FOOD PREPARATION ARE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. MUT PROVIVE AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERCED BROKEN LIGT SHIELD COVER ABOVE DISH WASHING MACHINE. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN REAR COFFEE STATION. MUST PROVDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.
56
70
Jun 22, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 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 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 HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN BAR AND SERVER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK INGREDIENT CONTAINERS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL WITH THE COMMON NAME.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED DIRECTLY IN ICE CHEST IN REAR SERVER STATION. INSTRUCTED TO STORE OUTSIDE OF ICE.
39
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1 BURNT OUT LIGHTBULB IN HOOD ABOVE COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AND GRIME ON FILTERS IN HOOD OVER COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
67
Jun 17, 2020
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE LOCATED AT BAR MAINTAINING IMPROPER CHEMICAL SANITIZATION CONCENTRATION OF 100PPM CHLORINE. MACHINE TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR MACHINE SO THAT IT IS CAPABLE OF DELIVERING CHLORINE AT 50-100PPM. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025. NO CITATION ISSUED.
16
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND WASH SINK IN BAR RENDERED INACCESSIBLE DUE TO BOTTLES BEING STORED IN IT. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY REMOVED BOTTLES DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL EXPOSED HAND SINKS FREE FOR EMPLOYEES TO WASH HANDS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK LOCATED IN BAR. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 CUTTING BOARDS IN DOWNSTAIRS KITCHEN PREP AREA COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACES.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TORN GASKET ON THE INTERIOR OF A PREP COOLER LOCATED IN TORTILLA MAKING AREA OF DOWNSTAIRS PREP KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL MISSING CEILING PANELS IN CEILING OF DOWNSTAIRS PREP KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN UNPROTECTED LIGHT BULB ABOVE DISH PIT LOCATED IN DOWNSTAIRS DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AND MAINTAIN.
56
61
Nov 21, 2019
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: BULK FOOD CONTAINERS NOT LABELED (SUGAR ) INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
37
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP STORED ON TOP OF DUSTY ICE MAKER, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP IN A CLEAN HOLDER.
43
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: WALK-IN COOLER FAN COVER NOT CLEAN, DUST BUILD_UP NOTED, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
86
Apr 23, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: LOW TEMP DISH WASHING MACHINE NOT SANITIZING AT FINAL RINSE, 0PPM OBTAINED ON TEST STRIPS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER SANITIZER CONCENTRATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025. BY THE END OF INSPECTION MACHINE WAS REPAIRED.
16
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN
3
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: NO CONSUMER ADVISORY NO DISCLAIMER FOR UNDER COOKED FOOD "CEVICHE" INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ON MENU. NO CITATION ISSUED
25
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: UTENSILS NOT AIR DRIED AFTER WASHING, INSTRUCTED TO AIR DRY
44
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CHIPPED WALL BEHIND CLEAN UTENSILS RACK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DURABLE SURFACE
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR FOOD SERVICE MANAGER, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.
58
67
Jul 6, 2018
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 27, 2018
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 3 LIVE ROACHES IN WALL CORNER SEAM AT MAIN BAR, TO THE LEFT OF THE CEVICHE STATION HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE ROACH ACTIVITY AND RECOMMENDED SERVICE BY LICENSED PEST CONTROL OPERATOR. SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-38-020
18
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OIL ACCUMULATING IN THE LOWER COMPARTMENT OF THE COOK LINE FRYER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GARBAGE AND STRAY ITEMS ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE MAIN KITCHEN DISH MACHINE. ALSO NOTED STRAY PRODUCE ON THE FLOOR AROUND THE JUICING MACHINE IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS AND MAINTAIN.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED JUICING MACHINE IN STORAGE ROOM ADJACENT TO THE "LA MEZ" BAR PREP ROOM WITHOUT CONVENIENTLY ACCESSIBLE HANDSINK. INSTRUCTED THAT AN EXPOSED HANDSINK MUST BE INSTALLED IN THIS ROOM TO SERVE FOOD HANDLING ACTIVITY (JUICING) OR RELOCATE JUICING MACHINE TO A PREP AREA THAT IS SERVED BY AN EXPOSED HAND SINK. OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE WASTE PIPING OF THE HAND SINK IN THE "LA MEZ" BAR PREP ROOM. MUST REPAIR.
38
82
Jun 1, 2018
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. OBSERVED GUACAMOLE AT 53.6F IN AN ICE CHEST COOLER, COOKED RICE AT 134.1F IN A HOT HOLDING UNIT, AND CHICKEN AT 124.9F IN A HOT HOLDING UNIT. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED ALL HOT AND COLD FOODS WITH AN APPROXIMATE WEIGHT OF 95# WORTH $500. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
3
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
21
90
May 10, 2018
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED OR AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME OPERATING AND HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS, PULLED PORK,ETC. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
21
95
Sep 12, 2017
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 5, 2017
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 20-30 LIVE FRUIT FLIES IN DISH AREA AND NEAR ICE MACHINES. MUST ELIMINATE FRUIT FLY INFESTATION AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 3 COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTAINED. WHEN FAR RIGHT COMPARTMENT IS DRAINED IT BACKS UP INTO MIDDLE COMPARTMENT. MUST ABATE BACK UP AND MAINTAIN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030
24
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE CLOSEST TO WALL UNCLEAN WITH DIRT ON INTERIOR WHERE ICE IS MADE. CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE IN DETAIL.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND ICE MACHINES MUST BE CLEANED IN DETAIL. CLEAN AND TREAT FLOOR DRAIN NEAR ICE MACHINES. OBSERVED FLOOR IN DISH AREA NEED TO BE CLEANED IN DETAIL AND FLOOR DRAINS NEED TO BE CLEANED AND TREATED BY PEST CONTROL.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CEILINGS AND WALLS NOT FINISHED (MADE OF RAW AND BROKEN CONCRETE) IN SMALL ROOM IN BASEMENT NEAR JUICING STATION AND BASEMENT BAR. ALL CEILINGS AND WALLS MUST BE FINISHED, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE IN ANY AREA WHERE FOOD IS PREPARED OR STORED SO THAT FOOD IS PROTECTED.
35
78
Jun 6, 2017
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REFRIGERATION UNIT CONTAINING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD INCLUDING SHRIMP, LOBSTER AND CHICKEN AT IMPROPER AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 52.5F. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005 (A)
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD WITHIN REFRIGERATION UNIT: 1.5 LBS OF AVACADO AT 57.6F VALUED AT $10, 4LBS OF CHEESE AT 49.5F VALUED AT $25, 3 LBS OF COOKED MUSHROOMS VALUED AT $5 AT 46.0F, 6 LBS OF COOKED SHRIMP AT 53.1F VALUED AT $50, 5 LBS OF LOBSTER AT 46.4F VALUED AT $50, 4 LBS OF COOKED POTATO AT 47.8F VALUED AT $8, 6 LBS OF COOKED SHRIMP AT 48.9F VALUED AT $40, 1.5 LBS OF COOKED PEPPERS AT 44.6F VALUED AT $20, 3LBS OF SHRIMP ENCHILADAS AT 52.1F VALUED AT $30, 2LBS OF CHICKEN VALUED AT 54.3F VALUED AT $10. OBSERVED 5 LBS OF CEVICHE AT 55.4F VALUED AT $25 AND 5 LBS OF OCTOPUS VALUED AT $15 AT 67.4F. ALL FOOD WAS VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DESTROYED. CRITICAL VIOALTION 7-38-005 (A)
3
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POOR HYGEINIC PRACTICES OF FOOD HANDLER WORKING AT CEVICHE STATION BEHIND BAR. OBSEVED FOOD HANDLER USING ONLY EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK AT STATION TO RINSE BOWLS AND TO ADD WATER FROM HAND SINK TO OCTOPUS BEING PREPPPED. MANAGER WAS INFORMED THAT EXPOSED HAND SINK MUST BE USED FOR HAND WASHING ONLY. NOT FOR DISH WASHING OR ANY KIND AND NOT FOR FOOD PREP OF ANY KIND.MANAGEMENT WAS INFORMED OF ALL BAD PRACTICES AND THEY WERE ADDRESSED DURING INSPECTION. CRITCAL VIOLATION 7-38-010 (A
6
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: OBSERVED JUICING STATION IN BASEMENT WITH EXPOSED HAND SINK INACCESSIBLE BY GARBAGE CAN. OBSERVED STRAINER FOR JUICE PULP INSIDE ONLY EXPOSED HAND SINK FOR THE PREP AREA MAKING IT INCONVEINIENT TO USE. OBSERVED NO SOAP OR PAPER TOWELS AT ONLY EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK FOR FOOD PREP AREA. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
12
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SPLASH GUARDS NEED TO BE INSTALLED ON EXPOSED HAND SINK BEHIND MAIN BAR NEAR CEVICHE STATION.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INTERIOR OF KEG COOLER BEHIND MAIN BAR UNCLEAN. CLEAN INTERIOR OF KEG COOLER AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS UNCLEAN UNDER AND BEHIND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT. MUST PULL ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT AWAY FROM WALLS AND CLEAN ALL FLOORS IN CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS.. REMOVE ALL STANDING WATER AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CEILING TILE MISSING IN JUICING FOOD PREP AREA IN BASEMENT. REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
35
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HANDLED ICE SCOOPS NEED TO BE USED BY BARTENDERS AT ALL TIMES. HANDLES NEED TO BE KEPT OUT OF ICE SO THAT ICE IS PRTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION.
43
64
Apr 29, 2016
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME REACH IN COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS NOT TIGHT FITTED. MUST HAVE REATTACH/MAKE TIGHT FIT ALL COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT LIME BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINES AND FOOD BUILD UP ON SHELVES IN PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINES AND PREP AREA SHELVES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT BUILD UP INSIDE FLOOR DRAINS ALSO FOUND STANDING WATER ON FLOOR BY MOP SINK/MISSING FLOOR TILES AT SAME. MUST KEEP FLOOR DRY/REPAIR FLOOR AT MOP SINK AREA AND CLEAN INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAINS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS/DUST ON CEILING TILES AT PREP AND DISHWASH AREA. MUST CLEAN ALL CEILING TILES/CEILING VENT COVERS.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO EXPOSED HAND WASH BOWL AT BASEMENT BAR. MUST PROVIDE EXPOSED HAND WASH BOWL WITH RUNNING HOT AND COLD WATER AT BASEMENT BAR.
38
78
Jun 25, 2015
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE EXPOSED HAND SINK AND THE ICE BIN BEHIND THE BAR IN THE FIRST FLOOR. RUSTED GREASE TRAP AND LID. MUST REMOVE RUST OR REPLACE. REMOVE CARDBOARD BEING USED AS A SHELVE LINER IN THE DRY FOOD STORAGE SHELVE.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MISSING PART OF THE BASEBOARD/COVING BEHIND THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND THE REACH IN FREEZER IN THE BASEMNENT PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
35
90
Jun 18, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER, SUCH AS 10 LBS OF SHRIMP AT 49.0F, 4 LBS OF BEANS AT 47.5F. AND INSIDE THE PREP COOLER SUCH AS,3 LBS OF FISH AT 48.6F,2 LBS OF CHICKEN AT 44.4F. TEMPERATURE OF BOTH COOLERS AT 35.9F AND 38.F. MANAGERS DISCARDED THE SAID PRODUCTS WORTH $210.00, TOTAL 19 LBS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
3
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: FOUND FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR WITH OVER 1/2 AN INCH GAP ON THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR AND OVER ONE INCH GAP ON THE BOTTOM SIDE OF THE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT/INSECTS PROOFED THE DOORS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE EXPOSED HAND SINK AND THE ICE BIN BEHIND THE BAR IN THE FIRST FLOOR. RUBBER GASKET ON THE DOOR OF THE TWO DOOR PREP COOLER BEHIND THE BAR RIPPED OFF. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. RUSTED GREASE TRAP AND LID. MUST REMOVE RUST OR REPLACE. REMOVE CARDBOARD BEING USED AS A SHELVE LINER IN THE DRY FOOD STORAGE SHELVE.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA FOR TORTILLA AND VEGETABLES ALONG THE WALL BASE ALL CORNER,UNDER THE WIRE RACK SHELVINGS AND COOLERS WITH GREASE AND DEBRIS BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MISSING PART OF THE BASEBOARD/COVING BEHIND THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND THE REACH IN FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE WALLS BY THE DISH WASHING AREA AND BY THE PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
35
78
May 16, 2014
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: NOTED A GRAYISH,PINKISH AND SLIMY SUBSTANCE INSIDE THE UPPER COMPARTMENT OF ICE MACHINE DRIPPING ON TO THE ICE. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE ICE MACHINE UNTIL PROPERLY CLEANED AND MAINTAINED. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY CALLED COMPANY TO CLEAN MACHINE.BY END OF INSPECTION AT ABOUT 12:15 PM, COMPANY ARRIVED ON SITE AND CLEANED THE ICE MACHINE. CITATION ISSUED FOR SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-005(A).
16
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: NOTED WASTE WATER BACKING UP INSIDE ONE OF THE SINKS AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK OF THE BASEMEN FOOD PREP AREA WITH DIRT AND FOOD PARTICLES. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY CALLED FOR REPAIRS. REPAIR PERSON ARRIVED ON SITE AT ABOUT 12:40 PM. CITATION ISSUED FOR SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-030.
24
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: NOTED ASSORTED MULTI USE UTENSILS (PLATES,CUPS,BOWLS ETC) ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED.INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL UTENSILS DURING STORAGE TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION AND CONTAMINATION.
31
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH HEAVY EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY BY THE SERVICE STATION AT THE FIRST FLOOR, AROUND THE DISH WASHER ROOM AND BY THE BAR OF THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED STAINED CEILING AND OPENINGS ON CEILING AT THE DRY STORAGE AREA OF THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED SLOW DRAIN AT THE 2 COMPARTMENT SINK OF THE BASEMENT BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
74
Aug 2, 2013
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: LARGE WHITE POWDER SPICE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL.
30
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALL NEXT TO PREP COOLER AT FIRST FLOOR BAR IN POOR REPAIR, DAMAGED DRY WALL, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A DURABLE SMOOTH SURFACE THATS EASILY CLEANABLE.
35
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MISSING BASEBOARD AT PREP AREA WALLS, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL
35
86
Dec 12, 2012
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MISSING LABLES ON BULK FOOD AND SPICE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO DRAIN BOARD FOR 3-COMP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MISSING GROUT AT KITCHEN FLOOR TILES UNDER 3-COMP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO GROUT AND MAINTIAN.
34
86
Nov 23, 2011
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 4, 2011
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mercadito Chicago last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Mercadito Chicago on file is from Oct 9, 2025. The public record contains 25 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Mercadito Chicago?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Mercadito Chicago.
Has Mercadito Chicago's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Mercadito Chicago have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Mercadito Chicago 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 Mercadito Chicago inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Mercadito Chicago is inspected around two times per year on average.
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