Pozoleria El Mexicano
Last inspected: Apr 29, 2026
61
Score
Across the available record, Pozoleria El Mexicano has 11 inspections on file, the first dated 2021. The latest inspection on file is from Apr 29, 2026. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around five violations each.
Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded 12 times.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
8
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 29, 2026
Routine
1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSEREVD PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2618764 DATED 06/06/2025 NOT CORRECTED. THEY ARE AS FOLLOWS: #47. OBSERVED MOP SINK IN ROOM CONTAINING ICE MACHINE WITH A LARGE HOLE IN THE SIDE. REPLACE SINK AND MAINTAIN MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT ALL VIOLATIONS BY 05/06/2026. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
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
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SALSA, CHICKEN, AND SOUP STORED IN NON-FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LARGE WOOD STORAGE RACK IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PAINT OR SEAL TO PROVIDE A SMOOTHE AND EASIL CLEANABLE SURFACE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DRAINPIPE AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN MAIN WAREWASHING AREA LEAKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD SPILLS, GREASE, DIRT BUILDUP THROUGHOUT PREMISES IN ALL CORNERS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEAD INSECTS ON FLOORS IN BOTH BOILER ROOMS AND ON FLOOR IN UNUSED DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, DETAIL CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
38
61
Jun 6, 2025
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.11(B, C, D, E) Inspector Comments: OBSERVED MOP SINK IN ROOM CONTAINING ICE MACHINE WITH A LARGE HOLE IN THE SIDE. REPLACE SINK AND MAINTAIN MOP SINK.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11 OBSERVED CEILING TILES IN NORTH EAST CORNER OF KITCHEN ABOVE ELECTRICAL BOX MISSING CEILING TILES. REPLACE CEILING TILES ABOVE ELECTRICAL BOXES. OBSERVED CEILING TILES ABOVE SHELVING CONTAINING POTS AND PANS STAINED. REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN CEILING IN FOOD PREPARATION AREAS.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE ALLERGEN TRAINING. PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
86
Jun 4, 2025
Complaint
2 critical violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 50 LBS OF SLICED RAW BEEF AT 50.4F, APPROXIMATELY 25 LBS OF CHICKEN FLAUTAS AT 47.9, OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS OF COOKED RICE AT 47.2, APPROXIMATELY 20 LBS OF COOKED GROUND BEEF AT 48.4. ALL FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES WAS VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALK IN COOLER AT 50.0F WITH TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOOD INSIDE INCLUDING RAW BEEF, COOKED BEEF, AND COOKED RICE. COOLER WAS TAGGED DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005
33
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOP SINK IN ROOM CONTAINING ICE MACHINE WITH A LARGE HOLE IN THE SIDE. REPLACE SINK AND MAINTAIN MOP SINK.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CEILING TILES IN NORTH EAST CORNER OF KITCHEN ABOVE ELECTRICAL BOX MISSING CEILING TILES. REPLACE CEILING TILES ABOVE ELECTRICAL BOXES. OBSERVED CEILING TILES ABOVE SHELVING CONTAINING POTS AND PANS STAINED. REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN CEILING IN FOOD PREPARATION AREAS.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE ALLERGEN TRAINING. PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
64
Dec 9, 2024
Complaint
3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN DISHWASHING AREA RENDERED INACCESSIBLE BY SOAP AND CONTAINER BEING PLACED INSIDE IT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS OPEN AND ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP AVAILABLE AT HANDSINK IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDSOAP AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C) CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PAPER TOWELS AT ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
10
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
55
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEES PERSONAL DRINKS. ALL OPEN DRINKS ARE PROHIBITED IN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN
6
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL DEAD ROACHES IN THE PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE AND CLEAN
38
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN/DAMAGED AND DIRTY RUBBER GASKET ON SEVERAL DOOR OF THE COOLER IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GSASKET.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
55
Jul 22, 2024
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD ON MAIN COOK LINE COVERED WITH DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACES.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST FULLY CLOSE AND SEAL THE GREASE TRAPS UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS AT THE KITCHEN AND BAR AREA TO PREVENT PEST ACTIVITY.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND HEAVY COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRY AT ALL TIMES.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
55
74
Jun 6, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
May 24, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE 1 DOOR PREP COOLER. OBSERVED CHICKEN AT 48F, BEEF AT 47F, GUACAMOLE AT 49F, SALSA AT 45F, AND COOKED PEPPERS AT 44F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROX. 15 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS AND CEILING OF THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AND THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE ALL PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE, PREP TABLE AND THE LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE THE FOOD PREP AREA.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST FULLY CLOSE AND SEAL THE GREASE TRAPS UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS AT THE KITCHEN AND BAR AREA TO PREVENT PEST ACTIVITY.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE WALK-IN COOLER. CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE FOOD PREP AREA ESPECIALLY BEHIND AND UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
55
64
Jul 20, 2022
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
58
95
Jul 12, 2022
Routine
2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN INCOMPLETE CONSUMER ADVISORY FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOODS - ADVISORY IS MISSING A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ADD A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT TO THE CURRENT ADVISORY THAT SAYS "ITEMS CAN BE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR CONTAIN UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS" OR "ITEMS ARE COOKED TO ORDER". PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
25
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 RODENT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE HOT WATER HEATER INSIDE THE MOP SINK/STORAGE ROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM SAID AREA, AND TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICE TO ELIMINATE ALL ACTIVITY FROM PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: FOUND BAGS OF ONIONS STORED DIRECTLY ON THE FLOOR INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ELEVATE FOOD OFF THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING USED AS SHELF LINER IN THE COOKS LINE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD SO SURFACE IS SMOOTH, NON-ABORBENT, AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: FOUND CRACKED EGGS, DIRT, AND OTHER OLD FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE THE REACH IN BEER COOLER IN THE BAR. COOLER IS CURRENTLY TURNED OFF. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REMOVE ALL OLD FOOD AND DETAIL CLEAN.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON THE STAFF WASHROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT TOILET ROOM DOORS MUST BE TIGHT FITTING AND SELF CLOSING.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING USED AS FLOOR MATS IN THE REAR PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE FLOOR COVERINGS THAT ARE A NON-ABSORBENT, NON-CORROSIVE, SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE BUILD UP IN THE CREVICES OF THE KITCHEN FLOOR MATS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR MATS AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: FOUND HEAVY SOOT AND GREASE BUILD UP ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS AND MAINTAIN.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
58
55
Oct 26, 2021
Complaint
1 major violation. 10 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTRS NEAR HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED NEXT TO 3-COMPARTMNT SINK. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING SINK STOPPERS FOR THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADAQUATE SINK STOPPERS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY FOOD STORAGE SHEVING IN REAR STORAGE ROOM. MUST REPAINT OR REPLACE SHELVING.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN SIDE ROOMS. MUST REMOVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND HEAVY COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRY AT ALL TIMES.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND GREASE BUILD UP ON LIGHT SHIELD COVERS ABOVE FOOD PREPARATION TABLES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP IN VENTILATION VENST INSIDE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES NO RECORDS ON SITE AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE FOR EMPLOYEES WHO DO NOT HAVE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE.
57
55
Jul 29, 2021
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP AT REAR EXIT DOOR SWEEP LEADING TO GARAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR.
38
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pozoleria El Mexicano last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Pozoleria El Mexicano on file is from Apr 29, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Pozoleria El Mexicano?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 12 times, more than any other issue at Pozoleria El Mexicano.
Has Pozoleria El Mexicano's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Pozoleria El Mexicano have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Pozoleria El Mexicano means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Pozoleria El Mexicano inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Pozoleria El Mexicano is inspected around two times per year on average.
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