Palenque
Last inspected: Jul 28, 2025
95
Score
Across the available record, Palenque has 14 inspections on file, the first dated 2012. The latest inspection on file is from Jul 28, 2025. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around nine violations to closer to two violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “adequate ventilation & lighting” has been the most frequent reason, cited seven times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. The record reflects steady performance over time.
14
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 28, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: RUSTY WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN
47
95
Sep 26, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIGHT BUILD UP ON DOOR OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
16
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD-UP ON FILTERS ABOVE GRILL IN HOOD. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER ON SITE WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REQUIRE FOOD HANDLER TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND RETAIN CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
57
86
Sep 14, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS. INSTD TO LABEL WITH COMMON NAME AND MAINTAIN
37
95
Oct 7, 2022
Reinspection
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 4-903.11 (A;B;D) Inspector Comments: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES.
44
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 4-903.11(A;C) Inspector Comments: MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
45
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN BUILD UP ON INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO LID ON GARBAGE CAN IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT PREMISES,DAMAGED WALL TILE AND WALL BASES UNDER 3- COMPARTMENT SINK,BEHIND WALK IN COOLER AND AT FRONT WINDOW NEXT TO STEAM TABLE,HOLE IN WALL IN TOILET ROOM,DAMAGED FLOOR TILES NEAR REAR DOOR,FRONT PREP AREA AND WERE NEEDED.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-501.14 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTER AND HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 4-301.14 Inspector Comments: MUST PLACE COOKING EQUIPMENT COMPLETELY UNDER VENTILATION HOOD.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-202.11 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHT IN DISH WASHING AREA.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR NEW FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE.
58
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED ON SIDE LEDGE OF ICE MACHINE STORE ICE SCOOP IN A CLEAN CONTAINER.
43
61
Sep 30, 2022
Routine
2 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER ENCRUSTED WITH GREASE DRIPPING ALONG BOTH SIDES AND POOLING ON TO GROUND MUST REMOVE GREASE FROM CONTAINER AND GROUND AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B)(CITATION ISSUED)
54
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINKS NOT ACCESSIBLE OBSERVED FRONT HAND SINK WITH A ROLLING CART STORED IN FRONT OF AND THE REAR HAND SINK WITH A TRAY AND 2- BOWLS INSIDE OF HAND SINK BASIN WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED. ARTICLES WERE REMOVED DURING INSPECTION. MUST KEEP HAND SINK ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
10
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED ON SIDE LEDGE OF ICE MACHINE STORE ICE SCOOP IN A CLEAN CONTAINER.
43
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES.
44
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
45
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN BUILD UP ON INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LID ON GARBAGE CAN IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT PREMISES,DAMAGED WALL TILE AND WALL BASES UNDER 3- COMPARTMENT SINK,BEHIND WALK IN COOLER AND AT FRONT WINDOW NEXT TO STEAM TABLE,HOLE IN WALL IN TOILET ROOM,DAMAGED FLOOR TILES NEAR REAR DOOR,FRONT PREP AREA AND WERE NEEDED.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHT IN DISH WASHING AREA.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST PLACE COOKING EQUIPMENT COMPLETELY UNDER VENTILATION HOOD.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTER AND HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR NEW FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE.
58
50
Feb 4, 2021
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT/PROCEDURE ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR THE CLEAN UP OF VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS, AND CORRESPONDING EQUIPMENT OUTLINE IN PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
5
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: BOTH SIDES OF TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT CLEAN, BLACK DEBRIS ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: SEE 60
58
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM 4/24/2019 REPORT 2285675 NOT CORRECTED; 58 OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS PRIORUTY FOUNDATION 7-42-090
60
78
Apr 24, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT/PROCEDURE ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR THE CLEAN UP OF VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS, AND CORRESPONDING EQUIPMENT OUTLINE IN PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS IN FRONT PREP COOLER AND WALK IN COOLER. MUST LABEL ALL TCS FOODS WITH DISCARD OR SELL BY DATE, NO MORE THAN 7 DAYS FROM THE PREPARATION DATE. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN SAME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
23
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALLERGEN LABEL MISSING ON PACKAGED DESERTS IN THE DISPLAY COOLER. MUST LABEL THE NAME OF THE FOOD SOURCES OF ANY MAJOR FOOD ALLERGENS (I.E. MILK, EGGS, ETC.) MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN SAME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
37
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER LABELS ON FOODS PACKAGED DESERTS IN THE DISPLAY COOLER. (DESERT BEAR LABEL WITH SELL BY DATE AND INGREDIENTS ONLY.) TCS PACKAGED FOODS SHALL BE LABELED AS SPECIFIED BY LAW. LABELS MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: THE COMMON NAME OF FOOD; A LIST OF INGREDIENTS; AN ACCURATE NET QUANTITY; AND THE NAME AND PLACE OF BUSINESS OF THE MANUFACTURER OR PACKER, AND A SELL BY DATE. MUST CORRECTLY LABEL ALL ITEMS IN DISPLAY COOLER.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DRY STORAGE ITEMS (VEGETABLE OIL, ETC.) STORED INSIDE RESTROOM. MUST REMOVE THESE ITEMS. INSTRUCTED MUST NOT STORE ANY DRY STORAGE ITEMS, UTENSILS OR FOOD RELATED ITEMS IN RESTROOM TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
39
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RESTROOM DOOR OPEN TO REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED ALL RESTROOM DOORS IN PREP AREAS MUST BE SELF CLOSING. MUST PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON DOOR. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOXES AND DRY STORAGE ITEMS STORED THROUGHOUT FACILITY ON FLOORS. MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR TO ALLOW FOR PROPER CLEANING. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.
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 MANAGERS.
58
58
May 26, 2017
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE WALL IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN POOR REPAIR, BEHIND HANDSINK FRONT,SIDE CUP/LID STORAGE,KNIFE RACK, AND SIDE OF THE REAR 2 DOOR COOLER, INSREUCTED TO REPAIR.
35
95
Feb 19, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. OBSERVED COOKED RICE WITH A TEMPERATURE OF 45.3F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 80# OF FOOD WORTH $100. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
3
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNHYGIENIC FOOD HANDLING PRACTICES BY FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES DURING THE INSPECTION. OBSERVED EMPLOYEES WASH AND RINSE THEIR HANDS IN THE 1 COMPARTMENT PREP SINK INSTEAD OF THE HANDWASHING SINK, AND USE COMMON TOWELS TO DRY THEIR HANDS. ALSO, OBSERVED AN EMPLOYEE PUT ON A PAIR OF GLOVES WITHOUT FIRST WASHING THEIR HANDS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK TO WASH THEIR HANDS AND YO WASH THEIR HANDS IN BETWEEN CHANGING GLOVES OR PUTTING ON GLOVES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-010A.
6
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN EMPLOYEE WASH AND RINSE UTENSILS AND DISHES WITHOUT SANITIZING THEM AND THEN PUT THEM ON A SHELF TO DRY. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO PROPERLY SET UP THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE DISHES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
8
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION FROM REPORT #1547300 ON 6/18/15 NOT CORRECTED: 45 - FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET. NO LOGS, RECORDS IN PLACE. INSTD TO PROVIDE SAME. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
29
82
Jun 18, 2015
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: NO SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICE AT REAR EXPOSED HANDSINK OR IN EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND HAVE ACCESSIBLE AT HANDSINKS AT ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030 CRITICAL.
12
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (CHICKEN, RICE, ETC). INSTD TO HAVE ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES. CITAITON ISSUED 7-38-012 SERIOUS.
21
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: CLEAN EQUIPMENT IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY (ELEVATE AND INVERT).
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: EXTERIOR TOP OF GREASE TRAP WITH RUSTY SURFACE. INSTD TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN. 2 DOOR UPRIGHT COOLER RUBBER GASKETS IN POOR REPAIR. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME. GROCERY BAGS BEING USED TO STORE FOOD. INSTD TO STORE FOOD IN FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: LIGHTSHIELDS NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LARGE POTS ON SITE THAT ARE UNABLE TO COMPLETELY SUBMERGE IN BASIN OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO PROVIDE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LARGE ENOUGH FOR COMPLETE SUBMERSION OF LARGEST MULTI-USE EQUIPMENT ON SITE.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR FOOD HANDLERES. PROVIDE SAME.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: CLUTTER/UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN TOILET ROOM. INSTD TO REMOVE SAME.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET. NO LOGS, RECORDS IN PLACE. INSTD TO PROVIDE SAME.
45
64
Jun 12, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE TRAP RUSTY AND UNCLEAN. REMOVE RUST AND RESTORE SURFACE TO A SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTALL SPLASH GUARDS ON EACH SIDE OF HAND WASH SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MOVE OR INSTALL ADDITIONAL PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER/HOLDER ABOVE REAR HAND WASH SINK THAT IT IS CONVENIENT AND EASILY ACCESSIBLE.
32
86
May 1, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR VENTILATION IN WASHROOM IN REAR OF PREMISES
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A THERMOMETER INSIDE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER WHERE RAW CHICKEN IS STORED AT FRONT PREP AREA
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE CLUTTER FROM WASHROOM IN REAR OF PREMISES AND REMOVE CLUTTER IN REAR NEAR 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE
41
86
Dec 4, 2012
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE HOOD,FILTERS, FRYER AND CABINET BELOW HAS SOME GREASE BUILDUP ON THEM.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FLOOR UNDERNEATH THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND ALONG THE FLOORS AND IN THE CORNERS THEY ARE DUSTY.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE CEILING VENTS ABOVE THEY ARE DUSTY.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: CLUTTER IN THE FRONT STORE ROOM/OFFICE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND ORGNIZE SO NO INSECT OR RODENT HARBORAGE.
41
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: SOME EMPLOYEES NO WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT EMPLOYEES MUST WERE HATS,CAPS OR HAIR NETS WHEN HANDLING FOOD.
42
78
Mar 19, 2012
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Palenque last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Palenque on file is from Jul 28, 2025. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Palenque?
Across the inspection record, “adequate ventilation & lighting” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Palenque.
Has Palenque's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Palenque have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly nine earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Palenque 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 Palenque inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Palenque is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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