South of the Border
Last inspected: Nov 18, 2025
82
Score
Public records show 14 inspections at South of the Border stretching back to 2017. The most recent visit was on Nov 18, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
The trend has not been favorable: recent inspections average around seven violations each, up from closer to three violations before.
Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged nine times.
South of the Border scores about where you'd expect for a Chicago restaurant. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
14
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 18, 2025
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE ICE BIN INTERIOR IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
16
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 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 IN REAR.
39
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TAPE AROUND DRAINPIPE OF HANDSINK IN MAIN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND REPAIR DRAINPIPE AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOOSE DEBRIS, DIRT AND DUST BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS AND CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY OF FLOORS. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
82
Mar 27, 2025
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: EXCESS GREASE ON FLOORS UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT.CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING IN STORAGE AREA AND KITCHEN. MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE SURFACE.
49
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: SOME FOOD CONTAINERS NOT LABELED WITH COMMON NAME:FLOUR ETC. AT EAST STORAGE AREA.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: BROKEN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLERS IN PREP AREA.REPAIR/REPLACE
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: REMOVE ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE THE MICROWAVE(TOP PART)
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE THE RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER.MUST REMOVE EXCESS ICE BUILD-UP INSIDE THE WHITE REACH-IN COOLER. EXCESS GREASE INSIDE THE DEEP FRYER.CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: LEAKING FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE KITCHEN.REPAIR ISSUE.
51
70
Sep 25, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTAINED. WHEN WATER IS RELEASED FROM FIRST WASH COMPARTMENT SINK WATER BACKS UP AT MIDDLE AND THIRD COMPARTMENT SINK .INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR ISSUE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-025,CITATION ISSUED. ON 9-27-2024 THREE COMPARTMENT SINK REPAIRED.NO LONGER BACKING UP.
48
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN CONTAINER BETWEEN USE.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: BROKEN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLERS IN THE KITCHEN REPLACE
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: SOME CUTTING BOARDS IN THE KITCHEN WITH DARK STAINS AND DEEP CUTS,MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE SAID CUTTING BOARDS
47
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: DRY FOOD IN CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME
37
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: GREASE BUILD UP INSIDE THE DEEP FRYER,CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
49
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
52
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: GREASE ON FLOOR UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE KITCHEN.CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: NO PERSONAL ITEMS STORED IN PREP AND FOOD STORAGE.ITEMS MUST BE STORED AWAY FROM FOOD AND FOOD PRODUCTS
56
61
Nov 3, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Nov 30, 2022
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114: UNNECESSARY ITEMS / NONFUNCTIONAL EQUIPMENT WERE FOUND IN THE BASEMENT. THE PREMISES SHALL BE FREE OF ITEMS UNNECESSARY TO THE OPERATION OR MAINTENANCE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT. THIS INCLUDES EQUIPMENT THAT IS NONFUNCTIONAL OR NO LONGER USED.
55
95
Nov 21, 2022
Routine
2 critical violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: PREP-LINE COOLER NEXT TO THE STAND-UP FREEZER IN THE KITCHEN IS AT AN IMPROPER TEMPERATURE 51.2F. DISCARDED ALL AFFECTED TCS ITEMS. UNIT TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
33
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: MEASURED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE. RICE 60F AND PICADILLO (GROUND MEAT) 54-55.7. TCS FOOD ITEMS WERE DISCARDED ON-SITE. APPROXIMATELY 15 POUNDS AT $75 WAS DISCARDED ON SITE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
22
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: UNNECESSARY ITEMS / NONFUNCTIONAL EQUIPMENT WERE FOUND IN THE BASEMENT. THE PREMISES SHALL BE FREE OF ITEMS UNNECESSARY TO THE OPERATION OR MAINTENANCE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT. THIS INCLUDES EQUIPMENT THAT IS NONFUNCTIONAL OR NO LONGER USED.
55
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: PLASTIC SINGLE-USE CUPS WITHOUT A HANDLE ARE USED AS A SCOOP IN DRY STORAGE FOOD CONTAINERS. THE FACILITY MUST PROVIDE A SCOOP WITH A HANDLE.
39
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: POTS HANGING ON A WOODEN RACK ABOVE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK HAS FOOD CONTACT SURFACE EXPOSED TO THE CEILING. THE FACILITY MUST INVERT POTS.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FOIL USED AS LINING ON SHELF ABOVE COOKLINE. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE A SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE, DURABLE, AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: RAW WOOD USED ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IS USED AS A BOARD TO HOLD POTS. THE FACILITY MUST SEAL RAW WOOD TO ENSURE ALL SURFACES: ARE SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE, DURABLE, AND NON-ABSORBENT.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: THE FLOOR WAS SOILED WITH DRY STORAGE FOOD DEBRIS OUTSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. THE FACILITY MUST BE CLEAN AND MAINTAINED.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ARE PROVIDED ON-SITE. MANAGEMENT MUST ENSURE ALL EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE A CITY MANAGER CERTIFICATE.
57
52
Aug 24, 2021
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: FOUND CONTAINERS OF BULK FOOD NOT LABELED. (FLOUR, SUGAR,ETC.)MUST PROVIDE.
37
95
Jun 24, 2020
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: EQUIPMENT NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE. NOTED TEMPERATURE OF SERVICE COOLER AT THE PREP AREA TO BE IMPROPER AT 60.3F. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE EQUIPMENT UNTIL MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F AND BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
33
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF THE FOLLOWING TCS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE SERVICE COOLERS TO BE IMPROPER:-HAMBURGER 50.6F, TOMATOES 56.1F, PORK 53.6F, COLESLAW 57.4F, EGGS LIQUID 60.1F/50.2F, CHICKEN 62.6F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 12 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $100.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
22
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES AT THE DINNING TABLES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
43
70
Jul 25, 2019
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: BEGINNING OF DISCOLORATION INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE WATER RESERVOIR,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN
16
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OUTER OPENING NOT PROTECTED, REAR DOOR WITH A GAP OF 1/2" TO 1" AT BOTTOM LEFT CORNER.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR CAUSE.
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: BROKEN AND PEELING PAINT ON CEILING INSIDE THE STORAGE ROOM ,ABOVE SHELVES.REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. SURFACE MUST SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
55
86
Jan 14, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WATER RESERVOIR WITH BROWN/BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE(BAR AREA).INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN,SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. COS: UPON MY RETURN ON 1-15-19 UNIT CLEANED AND SANITIZED PRIORITY FOUNDATION:7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
16
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 5-205.11: **PF** Using a Handwashing Sink (Accessible) FOUND HAND WASHING SINKS IN PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE,A MOBILE PREP TABLE(IN USE) STORED IN FRONT OF THE SAID SINK. HAND WASHING SINKS ACCESSIBLE AFTER MY REQUEST TO REMOVE PREP TABLE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION: 7-38-030(C),CITATION ISSUED - COS
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NO SOAP PROVIDED AT HAND WASHING SINK IN PREP AREA. UPON MY REQUEST MANAGER BOUGHT SOAP AND PROVIDED TO SAID SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION:7-38-030(C)NO CITATION ISSUED. CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE CITATION #5-205.11
10
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS FOR WIPING COUNTERS NOT STORED IN CHEMICAL SANITIZER BETWEEN USES. MUST HOLD WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZER SOLUTION AND PROPER CONCENTRATION. - - -
41
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ACCUMULATION OF DEBRIS INSIDE THE OVEN,CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT ICE MACHINE .MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN PREP AREA MUST BE REPAIR/REPLACE. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL.
55
61
Jul 13, 2018
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A PROCEDURE/PLAN AND TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING AND TO MAINTAIN.
58
78
Nov 7, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED GLASS TOP MISSING FROM ICE CHEST.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO GET A PROPER FITTING TOP FOR ICE CHEST.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOTED FLOOR DRAIN AT THREE COMPARTMENT DIRTY.INSTRCTED MANGEMENT TO CLEAN DRAIN ALSO NOTED FOOD ON PALLETS AND MILK CRATES.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROPERLY ELEVATE FOOD PRODUCTS ON RACKS OR SHELVING.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED PLATE MISSING FROM ELECTRICAL OUTLET BEHIND BAR .INSTRUCTED MANGEMENT TO REPLACE MISSING PLATE FROM OUTLET.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED CLUTTER AT WATER HEATER ROOM IN THE BASEMENT.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REMOVE CLUTTER SO AS TO PREVENT HARBORAGE FOR PESTS.
41
82
Sep 15, 2017
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 6, 2017
License
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: NOTED NO HOT LINE EQUIPMENT TO HOLD HOT FOODS IN THE KITCHEN AT THIS TIME ALSO SERVICE REFRIGERATION NOT CONNECTED AT THIS TIME. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
2
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: NOTED NO SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HANDSINKS.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE SOAP AND PAPER TILES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
12
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: THIS ESTABLISHMENT COULDN'T PRODUCE A PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK FROM A PEST CONTROL COMPANY THEY CONTRACT WITH.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK BY THE NEXT INSPECTION. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: NOTED NO DRAIN BOARD AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INSTALL A DRAINBOARD. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030
24
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: NOTED FLOORS WITH WHITE RESIDUE ON FLOORS AT FRONT DINING AREA AND FLOORS NOT FINISHED AT REAR DINING AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN AND FINISH FLOORS. NOTED COVING MISSING FROM FLOORS AT DINING AREA AND MENS RESTROOM.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INSTALL COVING AT THESE AREAS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED WALLS UNFINISHED BEHIND BAR AND KITCHEN AREAS INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO FINISH WALLS.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: NOTED LIGHT FIXTURES MISSING AT KITCHEN AREA AND LIGHT SIELDS MISSING AT BAR AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INSTALL LIGHT FIXTURES AND SHIELDS AT THE DESCRIBED AREAS.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED NO HOT LINE HOOD FILTERS INSIDE HOT LINE HOOD.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED CLUTTER IN BASEMENT.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REMOVE OR REORGANIZE CLUTTER IN THE BASEMENT FOR BETTER PEST CONTROL
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOODHANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET
45
61
Frequently Asked Questions
When was South of the Border last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at South of the Border on file is from Nov 18, 2025. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at South of the Border?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at South of the Border.
Has South of the Border's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at South of the Border have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at South of the Border 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 South of the Border inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, South of the Border is inspected around two times per year on average.
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