Mucho Gusto Barra Cocina
Last inspected: Oct 23, 2025
95
Score
Across the available record, Mucho Gusto Barra Cocina has 13 inspections on file, the first dated 2020. Mucho Gusto Barra Cocina was last inspected on Oct 23, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around three violations each.
When inspectors have written things up, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been the most frequent reason, cited 10 times.
Mucho Gusto Barra Cocina's latest score of 95 sits above the Chicago average of 81. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 23, 2025
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.16OBSERVED WATER DAMAGE CEILINGS WITH PAINT CHIPPING OFF IN BASEMENT PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE AND REPAINT CHIPPED AREAS TO ENSURE WALLS ARE SEALED, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
95
Oct 16, 2025
Complaint
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INADEQUATE DISPOSAL OF CLEAN WATER; PIPE IN PREP DRIPPING CLEAN WATER INTO HANDSINK . INSTRUCTED TO REDIRECT THE DISPOSAL OF CLEAN WATER TO THE FLOOR DRAIN ACCORDING TO LAW. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
51
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE HAND SINK AT BAR NOT MAINTAINED WITH HOT OR COLD WATER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE HOT AND COLD WATER NEEDS TO BE AVAILABLE AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS, HOT WATER MUST BE AT LEAST 100F. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWEL IN THE BAR HAND SINK AND DISH AREA INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT PAPER TOWELS MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED PAPER TOWEL FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER BACKING UP AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREA. WHEN WATER IS RELEASED FROM 2ND SINK BASIN, WATER BACKS UP INTO 1ST AND 3RD SINK BASINS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR BEFORE RE-INSPECTION DATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
48
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER DAMAGE CEILINGS WITH PAINT CHIPPING OFF IN BASEMENT PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE AND REPAINT CHIPPED AREAS TO ENSURE WALLS ARE SEALED, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
58
Jul 22, 2025
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13// OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH THE COMPLETION OF TRAINING AND MAINTAINING DOCUMENTATION ON SITE.
58
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.14: **C** Handwashing Signage NOTED NO HANDWASH SIGNS AT BAR, KITCHEN, DISHMACHINE ROOM AND BOTH BASEMENTS HANDSINKS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
10
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: 4-602.11(B-E)// OBSERVED ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE AND CLEAN ALL INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE AND INTERIOR SHUTE
16
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114// NOTED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER IN BASEMENT STORAGE AND OFFICE SPACE AT THE END OF THE WASHROOM HALL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS FROM THE FLOORS AND ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS FROM THE PREMISES. ALL KEPT ITEMS ARE TO BE STORED ON PROPER SHELVING THAT IS NON-POROUS, SMOOTH, AND EASY TO CLEAN AND A MINIMUM OF 6 INCHES FROM THE GROUND.
55
82
Jul 10, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: NOTED IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOOD IN PREP COOLER. SLICED CHEEDAR CHEESE 55.6 F, SHREDDED VEGAN CHEESE 55.6 F, BURGER 54.1 F, RANCH 55 F, GROUND BEEF 44.4 F, MEXICAN RICE 48.6 F, WHITE RICE 50.2 F, PERSON IN CHARGE REMOVED ALL OTHER TCS FOODS (LIME JUICE, GRAPEFRUIT JUICE, COCKTAIL SAUCE, SLICED TOMATOES, MASHED POTATOES, MOLE, CHORIZO, PORK AND STEAK) FROM COOLER AND DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROX. 248 LBS VALUED AT $499 PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: NOTED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF COLD-HOLDING EQUIPMENT. AMBIENT AIR OF WALK-IN COOLER AT 66 F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED UNIT TAGGED
33
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED NO HANDWASH SIGNS AT BAR, KITCHEN, DISHMACHINE ROOM AND BOTH BASEMENTS HANDSINKS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE AND CLEAN ALL INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE AND INTERIOR SHUTE
16
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER IN BASEMENT STORAGE AND OFFICE SPACE AT THE END OF THE WASHROOM HALL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS FROM THE FLOORS AND ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS FROM THE PREMISES. ALL KEPT ITEMS ARE TO BE STORED ON PROPER SHELVING THAT IS NON-POROUS, SMOOTH, AND EASY TO CLEAN AND A MINIMUM OF 6 INCHES FROM THE GROUND.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH THE COMPLETION OF TRAINING AND MAINTAINING DOCUMENTATION ON SITE.
58
61
Dec 3, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: FOUND BURNT LIGHT FIXTURE AT LOWER LEVEL PREPARATION AREAS.MUST REPAIR.
56
95
Oct 4, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 27, 2023
Complaint
2 critical violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLERS. OBSERVED CHICKEN AT 49F, GROUND BEEF AT 45F, ITALIAN SAUSAGE AT 46F AND VEGGIE BURGERS AT 50F INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE BASEMENT UNDER MR. E'S AND IN THE 2 DRAWER PREP COOLER OF MR. E'S. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD TCS FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY AND EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY IN THE BASEMENT. OBSERVED ONE LIVE COCKROACH ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA UNDER THE OLD PLANK. ALSO OBSERVED APPROX. 25 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS BEHIND THE LARGE AND SMALL BARS OF THE OLD PLANK AND IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA OF THE OLD PLANK BASEMENT. ALSO OBSERVED APPROX. 100 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE OLD PLANK DRY STORAGE AREA, ON THE WOODEN PLATFORM UNDERNEATH THE BASEMENT STAIRS, IN THE STORAGE ROOM ON THE FIRST FLOOR NEXT TO THE BACK DOOR, ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT BENEATH MR. E'S BEHIND THE COMPRESSOR FOR THE WALK-IN COOLER AND IN THE STORAGE AREA ON PLASTIC STORAGE CONTAINERS AND TABLES USED TO STORE HOLIDAY DECORATIONS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEAD INSECTS ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE ICE MACHINE AND UNDER THE STORAGE SHELVES IN THE BASEMENT UNDER MR. E'S. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL DEAD INSECTS.
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: SEAL THE STAINLESS STEEL WALLS IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA OF THE OLD PLANK BETWEEN THE PREP SINK AND EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK. SEAL THE OPENINGS IN THE BRICK WALLS AROUND THE ICE MACHINE IN THE BASEMENT OF MR. E'S.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FLOOR BEHIND THE ICE MACHINE IN MR. E'S BASEMENT, UNDER BOXES OF DECORATIONS STORED ALONG THE WALLS AND UNDER THE BOXES OF FOUNTAIN POP. CLEAN THE DEBRIS UNDER THE BASEMENT STAIRCASE TO THE OLD PLANK.
55
64
Nov 29, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CEILING IN THE BASEMENT BAR PREP AREA IN DISREPAIR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE AFFECTED AREAS.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
90
Nov 15, 2021
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: PREP AREA STAND UP 1-DOOR REACH IN COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKET RIPPED. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE SAID DAMAGE DOOR RUBBER GASKET.
47
95
Nov 8, 2021
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: NO CONSUMER ADVISORY ON MENU. INSTRUCTED MUST PROVIDE A CONSUMER ADVISORY WITH DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON MENUS BY DATE OF REINSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
25
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: PREP AREA STAND UP 1-DOOR REACH IN COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKET RIPPED. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE SAID DAMAGE DOOR RUBBER GASKET.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: HOT DOG SIDE DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT RIGHT SIDE COMPARTMENT DRAINING SLOWLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER SAID 3-COMPARTMENT SINK PIPES MUST DRAIN QUICKLY.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: DISHWASH AREA HANDWASH BOWL SLIGHTLY DETACHED FROM WALL (AT 2700 N MILWAUKEE SIDE). MUST REATTACH SAID HANDWASH BOWL TO WALL.
55
78
Dec 8, 2020
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.16 MUST PROVIDE A CLEANABLE CEILING IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA THAT LEADS FROM THE STAIRCASE BETWEEN THE SIDE BAR AND MAIN BAR ON THE 1ST FLOOR. THE CEILING MUST COVER THE AREA ABOVE THE PREP COOLER AND ICE MACHINES AND THE AREA ABOVE THE PREP TABLE AND STORAGE SHELF.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGERS.
58
90
Dec 4, 2020
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGERS.
58
95
Oct 8, 2020
License
1 critical violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WASTE WATER BACKING UP FROM 1 COMPARTMENT TO OTHER 2 COMPARTMENTS IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR TO CORRECTLY CONVEY ALL WASTE WATER PROPERLY. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
52
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SMALL GAP UNDER REAR DOOR ON MR. ELI'S SIDE. MUST REPAIR TO MAKE TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW WOOD ON COUNTERS AT FRONT PREP AREA (ON THE 2004 N. MILKWAUKEE SIDE). MUST PAINT OR SEAL ALL RAW WOOD TO MAKE NON-POROUS, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS ON SITE. MUST REMOVE.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DEVICES FOR RESTROOM DOORS IN HALLWAY ON MR. ELI'S SIDE.
53
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTABLES (GARBAGE) INSIDE WOMEN'S RESTROOMS.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNFINISHED WALLS (DRYWALL) IN STORAGE ROOM. MUST SEAL ALL WALLS TO MAKE NON-POROUS, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST PROVIDE COVING OR BASEBOARD FOR ALL WALLS. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGERS.
58
61
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mucho Gusto Barra Cocina last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Mucho Gusto Barra Cocina on file is from Oct 23, 2025. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Mucho Gusto Barra Cocina?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 10 times, more than any other issue at Mucho Gusto Barra Cocina.
Has Mucho Gusto Barra Cocina's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Mucho Gusto Barra Cocina have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Mucho Gusto Barra Cocina 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 Mucho Gusto Barra Cocina inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Mucho Gusto Barra Cocina is inspected around three times per year on average.
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