Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
Last inspected: Jan 17, 2020
67
Score
Public records show 18 inspections at Pepe's Mexican Restaurant stretching back to 2011. Inspectors last stopped by on Jan 17, 2020. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical. The file hasn't been updated since Jan 17, 2020, so take the current picture with that in mind.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around four violations per visit versus roughly two violations earlier in the record.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code”, showing up nine times.
The city-wide average sits at 81, which Pepe's Mexican Restaurant's 67 doesn't quite reach. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
18
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 17, 2020
Complaint
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food separated and protected
Inspector notes: NOTED RAW UNCOVERED STEAK STORED ABOVE READY TO EAT VEGETABLES (TOMATOES) INSIDE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS STORE COOKED AND READY TO EAT FOODS ABOVE ANY UNCOOKED (RAW) FOODS. FOOD MUST ALSO BE COVERED AND PROTECTED AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
15
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SELF-SERVE ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN MAIN KITCHEN PREP AREA WITH A BUILD-UP OF BROWNISH SLIME-LIKE SUBSTANCE, DRIPPING ONTO ICE CUBES STORED AT BELOW ICE BIN.ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL ICE, CLEAN,SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN UNIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED
16
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORED IN CONTAINERS IN ALL THE COOLERS, WALK IN COOLER AND DRY STORAGE WITHOUT PROPER LABELING OF NAME. INSTRUCTED TO PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A LABEL REFLECTING THE FOOD ITEM'S NAME WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVE FROM ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTH ON COUNTER SURFACE NEAR COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
41
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.
58
67
Apr 24, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(N) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE NOR ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.14 OBSERVED HAND WASHING SIGNS ARE NEEDED AT THE FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINKS AND BY THE TOILET ROOMS HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED A MINOR BROWNISH SUBSTANCE ON THE PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE AND ON THE ICE SLOT FOR THE SODA MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15 OBSERVED REAR HAND WASHING SINK FAUCET CRACKED BY THE HOT WATER KNOB. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.13 OBSERVED MINOR DIRT DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS LOCATED BY THE DESK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
55
67
Feb 26, 2018
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME STANDING WATER ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT FROM WALL SEEPAGE; CLEAN FLOOR TO REMOVE STANDING WATER.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALL SEEPAGE IN THE BASEMENT FROM TWO SECTIONS OF THE WALL; CORRECT TO AVOID SEEPAGE/WATER. THE VENTILATION FANS ON THE CEILINGS OF THE WASHROOMS NEED CLEANING TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED; CLEAN FANS TO REMOVE DUST. SOME WATER STAINED CEILING TILES OBSERVED ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE PREP AREA; REPLACE WHERE NEEDED. OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON THE CEILING OUTSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER; REMOVE PEELING PAINT FROM CEILING.
35
90
Feb 22, 2017
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOORS IN THE BASEMENT AREA,ALONG WALL BASE AND CORNERS AND REMOVE A LITTLE STANDING WATER FROM FLOOR,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA
34
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE AT FOOD PREP AREA
43
90
Oct 21, 2016
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 14, 2016
Routine
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: NOTED 10 MICE DROPPINGS ON A DOLLY IN THE REAR PREP AREA, 15 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON THE BOTTOM SHELF OF THE FRONT PREP TABLE AND 18 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ALONG THE BOTTOM LEDGE OF THE FRONT COUNTER. MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED #7-38-020.
18
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS TO REMOVE DEBRIS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED WATER STAIN CEILING TILES IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED LEAK AT THE REAR EXPOSED HAND SINK FIXTURE BASE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
82
Apr 11, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER AND IN CORNERS IN THE REAR PREP AREA TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED DAMAGE CEILING TILES AND LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGH OUT PREP AREAS AND ROOM NEXT TO THE PREP ROOMS. MUST REPLACE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN LIGHT SHIELDS AND CEILING TILES. PREMISES HAD A LEAK FROM THE ROOF, OBSERVERD NEW CEILING TILES STORED IN EMTY ROOM NEXT TO THE PREP AREA.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED LEAK AT THE REAR EXPOSED HAND SINK FIXTURES. ALSO NOTED THE STOPPER IN THE FIRST 2 SINKS OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK NOT WORKERING PROPERLY. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
86
Nov 20, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#1532621 DATE 04-03-2015(45)MUST PROVIDE THE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE OR PROOF OF ENROLLEMENT,UPON NEXT INSPECTION,MUST CORRECT VIOLATION,SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090
29
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE FRONT PREP AREA AND EMPTY ROOM LOCATED NEAR THE PREP AREA
35
90
Apr 3, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: THE ABOVE IS OPERATING WITHOUT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE POTENTIALL HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED SUCH AS,GROUND BEEF,CHICKEN ,BEEF,BEANS,AND RICE,SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
21
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS IN PREP AREA,BEHIOND COOKING EQUIOMENT,ALONG WALL BASE AND CORNERS
34
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A THERMOMETER INSIDE THE PREP COOLER IN PREP AREA
40
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE THE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE OR PROOF OF ENROLLEMENT,UPON NEXT INSPECTION
45
82
Dec 16, 2014
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: PAINT EXTERIOR OF WALK-IN FREEZER DOOR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR OF REACH-IN FREEZER SITTING NEXT TO ICE MACHINE, THE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE(WHITE UPPER PANEL) AND INTERIOR OF UUPER SECTION WHERE PANEL IS MISSING(DUST BUILD-UP).
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN ALL TILED BASEBOARDS THROUGHOUT(DIRT AND DEBRIS NOTED). CLEAN DEAD BUGS AND DEBRIS FROM ALL AFFECTED LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT
35
86
Dec 9, 2014
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OUTER OPENINGS NOT PROTECTED. GREATER THAN 1/2 INCH GAPS OBSERVED UNDERNEATH FRONT ENTRANCE DOORS-MUST REPAIR BOTH DOORS AT THE BOTTOM MAKING THEM TIGHT-FITTING TO PREVENT RODENT ENTRY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED MGR. ON PREMISES AT START OF INVESTIGATION WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS(TACOS, CHICKEN, GROUND BEEF, BEANS) WERE BEING PREPARED, HELD, AND/OR SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012(A).
21
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: SINGLE-SERVICE UTENSILS IMPROPERLY STORED, MUST BE STORED INVERTED(HANDLES UP) OR WITH ALL HANDLES FACING OUTWARD IN THE SAME DIRECTION IN CLEAN CONTAINERS.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE MISSING UPPER LEFT SIDE PANEL TO ICE MACHINE IN FRONT PREP AREA. PAINT EXTERIOR OF WALK-IN FREEZER DOOR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR OF REACH-IN FREEZER SITTING NEXT TO ICE MACHINE, THE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE(WHITE UPPER PANEL) AND INTERIOR OF UUPER SECTION WHERE PANEL IS MISSING(DUST BUILD-UP).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR THROUGHOUT BASEMENT ALONG THE BASES OF THE WALLS, DEAD BUGS OBSERVED AROUND THE ENTIRE PERIMETER OF THIS AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN ALL TILED BASEBOARDS THROUGHOUT(DIRT AND DEBRIS NOTED). CLEAN DEAD BUGS AND DEBRIS FROM ALL AFFECTED LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REFRAIN FROM PLACING PERSONAL ITEMS(CELL PHONE) ON MEAT SLICER IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
41
67
Jun 4, 2014
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOOR IN BASEMENT TO REMOVE DEAD BUGS OBSERVED AND THE TWO OBSERVED IN REAR STORAGE AREA LEADING TO CUSTOMER WASHROOMS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR CEILING IN REAR PREP AREA TO REMOVE PEELING PAINT AND SEAL HOLES OBSERVED. (OWNER STATES THAT THERE WAS A LEAK OVER THE WINTER) AREAS NOTED ARE NOT ABOVE PREP TABLES AT THIS TIME. SEAL LOWER WALL WHERE SEPERATED FROM FLOOR BETWEEN WALK-IN COOLER AND DOOR LEADING TO EMPLOYEES LOCKERS. CLEAN ALL VENT FANS ON CEILINGS OF ALL WASHROOMS TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE STATNDING WASTE WATER FROM MOP BUCKET ONCE USED AND HANG WET MOP WITH MOP HEAD UPWARD TO DRY PROPERLY.
41
86
Mar 11, 2013
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: SOILED CEILING TILE IN PREP AREA.MUST REPLACE.
35
95
Aug 29, 2012
Complaint
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 STAIN CEILING TILES IN PREP AREA.MUST REPLACE.
35
95
Feb 28, 2012
License
No violations found.
100
Feb 10, 2012
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.BASEMENT FLOORS NOT CLEAN.MUST CLEAN FLOORS OF DEBIS.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces. SOME LIGHTS OUT IN BASEMENT.MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN BASEMENT.
36
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units.NO THERMOMETER IN REFRIGERATOR.MUST INSTALL REFRIGERATOR THERMOMETER.
40
86
Aug 3, 2011
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 28, 2011
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. NEED MOP SINK AND BIBB HOSE BACK FLOW DEVICE.
38
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pepe's Mexican Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Pepe's Mexican Restaurant on file is from Jan 17, 2020. The public record contains 18 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Pepe's Mexican Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Pepe's Mexican Restaurant.
Has Pepe's Mexican Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Pepe's Mexican Restaurant have averaged around four violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Pepe's Mexican Restaurant means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
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