Senoritas Cantina
Last inspected: Jan 27, 2026
90
Score
Public records show eight inspections at Senoritas Cantina stretching back to 2021. The most recent report on file is from Jan 27, 2026. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around two violations compared to roughly nine violations earlier on.
“Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing seven times across the record.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 27, 2026
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOOSE RUBBER GASKET ON REACH-IN PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE.
47
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATION OF GREASE ON FILTERS ABOVE STOVE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
90
Jan 14, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FOUND DEAD ROACHES UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT AT FRONT BAR AND UNDER 3 COMP SINK IN REAR. MUST REMOVE.
38
95
Dec 11, 2023
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15 OBSERVED THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR WITH A MORE THAN ONE INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF SAID DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE SAID DOOR TIGHT FITTING AND RODENT PROOFED.
38
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: 4-502.13 OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING RE-USED AS A SHELF LINER ON THE SHELVES LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO NOT RE-USE CARDBOARD AS SHELF LINERS, ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
45
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.13 OBSERVED COVING DEATTACHED FROM THE WALL UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. 6-501.114 OBSERVED CLUTTER AND ITEMS STORED ON THE GROUND IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA AND IN THE LIQUOR STORAGE CLOSET ON THE 1ST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE, REMOVE UNNECESSARY CLUTTER AND ELEVATE EVERYTHING AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE GROUND AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
82
Dec 4, 2023
Routine
10 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 18 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.12 OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION AT THE FOOD PREP AREA AND BAR AREA HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A HAND DRYING PROVISION SUCH AS PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED UNDER VIOLATION ABOVE.
10
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: 2-101.11 OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT AN ORIGINAL/VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL PERSONS IN CHARGE MUST OBTAIN THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE AND BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED UNDER VIOLATION #2.
1
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: 3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE FOR ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW SUCH AS BURGERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE FOR ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW (BURGER ITEMS). PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
25
Toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used
Inspector notes: 7-102.11 OBSERVED CONTAINERS OF TOXIC CHEMICALS OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND IN SPRAY BOTTLE WITHOUT THE COMMON NAME OF THE CHEMICAL LABELED ON THE SPRAY BOTTLE. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS LABEL CHEMICAL SPRAY BOTTLES THAT CONTAIN CHEMICALS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-015.
28
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: 8-304.11(A) OBSERVED NO MOST RECENT INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY POSTED FOR THE PUBLIC'S VIEW. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS POST THE MOST RECENT INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY FOR THE PUBLIC'S VIEW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-42-010(B).
61
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: 4-302.12 OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE THAT TAKES TEMPERATURES OF COLD AND HOT TCS FOODS, FACILITY ONLY PROVIDED A METAL STEM THERMOMETER THAT TAKES TEMPERATURES OF HOT TCS FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A METAL STEM THERMOMETER THAT TAKES TEMPERATURES OF COLD AND HOT TCS FOODS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
36
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: 2-101.11 OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, BEEF) ARE BEING PREPARED HANDLED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC AND NO ORIGINAL/VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED FOR THE PUBLIC'S VIEW. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AND A VALID/ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
2
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT ON SITE TO PROPERLY RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.11 OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING CLEANSER AT THE HANDWASHING SINKS LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA, BAR AREA AND IN THE MEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS PROVIDE HANDWASHING CLEANSER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. EMPLOYEE STATES FACILITY IS AWAITING A SHIPMENT OF HANDWASHING CLEANSER AND PAPER TOWELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).
10
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: 4-302.14 OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE TO PROPERLY TEST THE SANITIZING SOLUTION OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS LOCATED AT THE BAR AND FOOD PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
48
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNS IN THE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15 OBSERVED THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR WITH A MORE THAN ONE INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF SAID DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE SAID DOOR TIGHT FITTING AND RODENT PROOFED.
38
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: 3-304.12 OBSERVED AN ICE SCOOP STORED DIRECTLY IN ICE LOCATED IN THE ICE BIN IN THE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE SCOOP AND STORE PROPERLY AT ALL TIMES.
43
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: 4-502.13 OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING RE-USED AS A SHELF LINER ON THE SHELVES LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO NOT RE-USE CARDBOARD AS SHELF LINERS, ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
45
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.13 OBSERVED COVING DEATTACHED FROM THE WALL UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114 OBSERVED CLUTTER AND ITEMS STORED ON THE GROUND IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA AND IN THE LIQUOR STORAGE CLOSET ON THE 1ST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE, REMOVE UNNECESSARY CLUTTER AND ELEVATE EVERYTHING AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE GROUND AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CHEF WITHOUT PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
25
Dec 27, 2022
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HOT WATER THROUGHOUT FACILITY. HOT WATER STARTED AT 93 F AND DROPPED TO 77 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE HOT WATER MEASURING AT 100 F FOR HANDWASHING SINKS AND 110 F FOR ALL OTHER SINKS. HOT WATER RESTORED PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).
50
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CHLORINE SANITIZER IN DISH MACHINE MEASURED AT 0PPM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A MINIMUM CHLROINE CONCENTRATION OF 50PPM. DISH MACHINE TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
16
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (CHICKEN AND BEEF) AND NO VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED. MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES AND CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
3
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION.
1
No bare hand contact with rte food or a pre-approved alternative procedure properly allowed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE TOUCH AND REMOVE TACO SHELL FROM GRILL WITH BARE HANDS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE THERE IS NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOODS. PRIORTY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED
9
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK WITH NO SPLASH GUARD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD.
39
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
Removal of suspension sign
63
47
Nov 18, 2021
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Nov 10, 2021
Reinspection
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE NOR ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE TO PROPERLY RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SINK STOPPERS AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS IN THE REAR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE WORKING STOPPERS AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
47
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
58
82
Oct 7, 2021
License
3 critical violations. 10 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 20 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 5-202.12(A) OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINKS NOT MAINTAINING ADEQUATE TEMPERATURES IN THE FACILITY. OBSERVED FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK ONLY MAINTAINING 90F AND TOILET ROOM HAND WASHING SINK ONLY MAINTAINING 80F DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL HAND WASHING SINKS MUST MAINTAIN AT LEAST 100F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).
10
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
Inspector notes: 5-103.11(B) OBSERVED INADEQUATE HOT RUNNING WATER AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION HOT WATER AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK ONLY REACHED 88F. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS MAINTAIN HOT WATER AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AT 110F OR ABOVE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).
50
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: 4-301.11 OBSERVED SOME REFRIGERATION UNITS NOT PLUGGED IN AND TURN ON AND MAINTAINING 40F. INSTRUCTED TO TURN ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS ON AND MAINTAIN 40F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.
33
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: 2-101.11 OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT AN ORIGINAL AND VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012.
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: 2-101.11 OBSERVED NO ORIGINAL AND VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE POSTED NOR ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012.
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. 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 TO PROPERLY RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 5-204.11 OBSERVED A HAND WASHING SINK IS NEEDED AT THE FRONT BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C).
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.12 OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION AT THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C).
10
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: 3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED NOR A DISCLOSURE (WITH FOOT NOTE) AND REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE SERVED UNDER COOKED OR RAW (CEVICHES, SHRIMP AGUACHILES ETC). INSTRUCTED TO POST A CONSUMER ADVISORY AND ADD A DISCLOSURE (WITH FOOT NOTE) AND REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED AND SERVED UNDER COOKED OR RAW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
25
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: 4-301.12(A) OBSERVED THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK FOR THE BAR PREP AREA NOT INSTALLED. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALLED WITH ADEQUATE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-025.
48
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: 4-302.14 OBSERVED NO ADEQUATE TEST STRIPS PROVIDED FOR SANITIZER ON SITE (BLEACH). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE CHLORINE CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS FOR THE SANITIZER ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
48
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 5-203.12 OBSERVED ONE TOILET ROOM UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND INCOMPLETE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION OF TOILET ROOM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C).
53
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS LOCATED AT THE HAND WASHING SINKS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND IN THE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: 4-602.11(B-E) OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST DEBRIS ON THE PREP TABLES. OBSERVED A STAINED CUTTING BOARD. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE PREP TABLES AND CUTTING BOARD.
16
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15 OBSERVED THE SIDE ENTRANCE DOOR WITH A ONE INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE SAID DOOR TIGHT FITTING AND RODENT PROOFED.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.17 OBSERVED RAW WOOD AROUND THE BAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL RAW WOOD AND MAKE ALL SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED EXTERIOR OF ALL COOLING EQUIPMENT WITH ACCUMULATED DEBRIS IN BETWEEN EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114 OBSERVED CONSTRUCTION CLUTTER THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
55
17
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Senoritas Cantina last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Senoritas Cantina on file is from Jan 27, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Senoritas Cantina?
Across the inspection record, “adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Senoritas Cantina.
Has Senoritas Cantina's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Senoritas Cantina 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 Senoritas Cantina 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 Senoritas Cantina inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Senoritas Cantina is inspected around two times per year on average.
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