Q Sazon Mexican Restaurant
Last inspected: Dec 11, 2025
90
Score
Across the available record, Q Sazon Mexican Restaurant has 20 inspections on file, the first dated 2013. The most recent visit was on Dec 11, 2025. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near two violations per visit across recent inspections.
Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged five times.
Q Sazon Mexican Restaurant's latest score of 90 sits above the Chicago average of 81. The record reflects steady performance over time.
20
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 11, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTIPLE GAPS AT THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ACTIVITY.
38
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A GREASE AND DUSY BUILD UP UNDER THE HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM. INSTURCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF THE FOOD CONTACT SURFACES BELOW AND FOOD PREPARED IN THE AREA.
56
90
Apr 10, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHING SLIGHTLY SOILED. INSTD TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN
16
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FLY STRIP IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE AND USE PROPER INSECT CONTROL DEVICES FOR PREP AREA
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: STYRFOAM CUPS COMPLETELY SUBMERGED IN DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS. INSTD TO REMOVE AND USE PROPER UTENSILS WITH UTENISLS FOR DISPENSING/HANDLING
39
86
Feb 28, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEE OPEN BEVERAGES IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO DRINK FROM CLOSED BEVERAGES TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION
6
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: CLAY/CERAMICE DRINKING CUPS ON SITE. INSTD TO ENSURE CUPS ARE LEAD FREE OR LEAD SAFE LEVELS AND MAINTAIN DOCUMENTATION OF SUCH ON SITE; OR REMOVE CUPS FROM PREMISES.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: RUSTY SURFACE ON BOTTOM SHELF OF PREP TABLE IN REAR. INSTD TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN
47
86
Jan 30, 2023
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOODS STORED IN GROCERY BAGS INSIDE THE COOLERS AND FREEZER. MUST PROPERLY STORE FOODS IN FOOD GRADE STORAGE CONTAINERS OF BAGS.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR SIDE WALLS OF THE ICE MACHINE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGE CEILING TILES IN THE MEN WASHROOM. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CITY CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WITHOUT HIS ALLERGEN TRIANING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.
58
82
Apr 29, 2022
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD-UP OF GRIME ON FLOOR IN OFFICE/STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DEEP CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
95
Mar 17, 2021
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOOD ITEMS MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT NAME. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
37
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: GARBAGE CAN LID IN BATHROOM MUST BE COVERED AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MAINTAIN LID CLOSED.
53
90
Dec 17, 2020
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ( REMINDER) CONSUMER ADVISORY ON MENU. HOWEVER NO DISCLOSURE STATEMENT FOR UNDERCOOKED FOODS SERVED,( STEAK,BURGERS,EGGS), COOKED TO ORDER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT ON MENUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION
25
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER ON FLOOR BY FREEZER IN DRY STORAGE ROOM.INSTRUCTED TO KEEP FLOORS DRY IN REAR STORAGE SUPPLY ROOM.
55
86
Dec 11, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INSUFFICIENT HOT WATER TEMPERATURE(80.5F) AT HAND WASHING SINK IN MEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 100F AT HAND WASHING SINK. PRIORITY CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C)
10
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2268842 ON 3-4-19:58-OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLEREN TRAINING FROM THE CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL MANAGERS THAT HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION LICENSE MUST COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090
60
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY AND DISCLOSURE ON MENUS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CONSUMER ADVISORY AND DISCLOSURE STATEMENT ON ALL MENUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
25
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE IN A VERIFIABLE MANNER EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
3
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS OF SUGAR NOT LABELED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOOSE GASKET ON LEFT DOOR OF TWO-DOOR COOLER NEAR GRILL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BASEBOARDS MISSING ALONG WALLS BEHIND ICE MACHINE AND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE, AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIGHT SHIELDS MISSING NEAR COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
57
47
Mar 4, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-010
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEA EVENTS ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH SAID PROCEDURE ALONG WITH THE NECESSARY CLEAN-UP KIT ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY TO EAT/TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, SHRIMP, ETC.) WITHOUT PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL TCS FOODS PREPARED ON PREMISES AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS MUST HAVE DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
23
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LARGE POTS, PANS , AND SKILLETS STORED IN AN UPWARD POSITION/IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EQUIPMENT MUST BE STORED INVERTED TO ENSURE PROPER AIR DRYING.
44
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FROM THE CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL MANAGERS THAT HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION LICENSE MUST COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
67
Apr 17, 2018
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE KITCHEN STOVE TOP NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
33
95
Mar 2, 2017
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RAW WOOD SURFACE UNDER COUNTERTOP AT BAR AREA. INSTD TO PAINT/SEAL SAME.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO 1-COMPARTMENT SINK/DUMP SINK AT BAR AREA. INSTD TO PROVIDE.
38
90
Feb 17, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RAW WOOD STORAGE SHELVES IN REAR. INSTD TO SEAL/PAINT SAME.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: BLACK CEILING IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO FINISH IN LIGHT COLOR.
35
90
Feb 3, 2016
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 27, 2016
Recent Inspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK GREASE TRAP WITH A SERIOUS LEAK UPON RELEASING THE WATER FROM 1 OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BASINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030
24
95
Jan 25, 2016
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK GREASE TRAP WITH A SERIOUS LEAK UPON RELEASING THE WATER FROM 1 OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BASINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030
24
95
Jun 30, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MASA STORED IN A GROCERY BAG, INSTRUCTED TO STORE IMPROPER FOOD GRADE CONTAINER OR BAGGIE, ZIP LOCK BAG ETC.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUSTY KITCHEN VENT REAR STORAGE, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
35
90
Nov 6, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAINS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE MEN'S/WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. MUST MAINTAIN.
35
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE VENT IN THE HALL WAY LEADING TO THE PREP AREA.
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CHILD'S BED IN THE OFFICE/STORAGE AREA BY THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM.
37
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
42
78
Jun 12, 2014
Routine
No violations found.
100
Dec 5, 2013
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NEED TO CLEAN INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLER AND FREEZER.
33
95
May 8, 2013
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: NEED TO CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS.
36
Only authorized personnel in the food-prep area
Inspector notes: NEED GATE, SWINGING DOOR,CART ETC.SOME THING TO KEEP CUSTOMERS FROM WALKING INTO THE REAR PREP AREA.,
44
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Q Sazon Mexican Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Q Sazon Mexican Restaurant on file is from Dec 11, 2025. The public record contains 20 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Q Sazon Mexican Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Q Sazon Mexican Restaurant.
Has Q Sazon Mexican Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Q Sazon Mexican Restaurant have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Q Sazon Mexican Restaurant 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 Q Sazon Mexican Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Q Sazon Mexican Restaurant is inspected around two times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants