Tezcal Restaurant
Last inspected: Oct 9, 2025
78
Score
Across the available record, Tezcal Restaurant has 11 inspections on file, the first dated 2018. On Oct 9, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near four violations per visit across recent inspections.
When inspectors have written things up, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been the most frequent reason, cited eight times.
The city-wide average sits at 81, which Tezcal Restaurant's 78 doesn't quite reach. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 9, 2025
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE PERSONAL CARE ITEMS STORED ON SHELF DIRECTLY ABOVE THE CLEAN KNIFE RACK IN THE KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE EMPLOYEE PERSONAL ITEMS SUCH THAT THEY DO NOT POSE RISK OF CONTAMINATION OF FOOD, CLEAN EQUIPMENT, OR UTENSILS AND MAINTAIN.
28
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK DRY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IN THE SMALL STORAGE CLOSET (NEAR WOMEN'S RESTROOM) MISSING LABELS IDENTIFYING THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD STORED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS WITH THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD STORED AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PEST CONTROL DEVICE INSTALLED DIRECTLY ABOVE CLEAN SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES IN THE FRONT SERVICE AREA (NEAR SLIDING DOOR COOLERS). INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE PEST CONTROL DEVICE SUCH THAT IT DOES NOT POSE RISK OF CONTAMINATION OF FOOD, CLEAN EQUIPMENT, OR UTENSILS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS USED FOR CLEANING EQUIPMENT SURFACES STORED IN SOAP SOLUTION WITH NO SANITIZER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS USED FOR CLEANING EQUIPMENT SURFACES IN AN ADEQUATE SANITIZER SOLUTION BETWEEN USES AND MAINTAIN.
41
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOTH STORAGE CLOSETS (NEAR FRONT ENTRANCE BEHIND CURTAIN AND NEAR REAR EXTERIOR DOOR) TO BE CLUTTERED WITH UNNECESSARY EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN STORAGE CLOSETS TO REMOVE CLUTTER AND ITEMS UNNECESSARY FOR FOOD OPERATIONS TO ALLOW FOR ADEQUATE PEST MONITORING IN THESE AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
55
78
Dec 10, 2024
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: 4-204.112(B)--OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER IN 2 DOOR PREP COOLER LOCATED IN HALLWAY LEADING TO RESTROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
36
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.11-- OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON DOOR OF WHITE REFRIGERATOR LOCATED IN STORAGE ROOM NEXT TO WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6-303.11--OBSERVED 1 BURNT OUT LIGHTBULB IN CEILING OF MEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56
86
Dec 3, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO CONTRACT WITH A LICENSED PEST CONTROL PROVIDER, RECEIVE SERVICE, AND MAINTAIN ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER IN 2 DOOR PREP COOLER LOCATED IN HALLWAY LEADING TO RESTROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
36
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON DOOR OF WHITE REFRIGERATOR LOCATED IN STORAGE ROOM NEXT TO WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1 BURNT OUT LIGHTBULB IN CEILING OF MEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CARDS ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
57
74
Nov 3, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE EMPLOYEE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE FROM 1-COMPARTMENT SINK.
10
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTH STORED ON PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BUCKET WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE SPILLS ON FLOOR NEXT TO OVEN. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
Sep 15, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 8, 2022
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2531587 DATED:09/17/2021 #47--OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON TALL WHITE PREP COOLER LOCATED IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION. #51--OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE CONNECTED TO MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL RELEVANT LAWS, REGULATIONS, AND RULES. #60--OBSERVED THE FOLOWING CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM THE PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2360049 DATED 2/6/2020: #57 " NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE." #58 " NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATE FOR THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. MUST PROVIDE." INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND COME INTO COMPLIANCE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT NOTED VIOLATIONS AND MANTAIN BY 9/15/2022. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090,CITATION ISSUED.
60
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: FOUND INCOMPLETE CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS WRITTEN ON THE MENUS.MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED "RAW" OR UNDER COOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK (*) TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT STATES THAT EATING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
25
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: NO SPLASHGUARD AT KITCHEN HANDWASHING SINK NEXT TO THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD AND MAINTAIN.
39
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MENS WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT WASHROOM DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
53
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL FOOD CONTAINERS/BINS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR,SPICES ETC).
37
70
Sep 17, 2021
Reinspection
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLOWING CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM THE PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2360049 DATED 2/6/2020: #57 " NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE." #58 " NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATE FOR THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. MUST PROVIDE." INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND COME INTO COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. NO CITATION ISSUED.
60
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON TALL WHITE PREP COOLER LOCATED IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE CONNECTED TO MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL RELEVANT LAWS, REGULATIONS, AND RULES.
51
74
Sep 7, 2021
Routine
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS ITEMS INSIDE ONE DOOR PREP COOLER IN STORAGE AREA NEXT TO WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM MAINTAINING THE FOLLOWING IMPROPER TEMPERATURES: CHICKEN AT 46.9F, SOUP 46.4F, AND GROUND BEEF AT 45.3F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROXIMATELY 20LBS OF PRODUCT VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $150. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL TCS FOODS AT OR BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REFRIGERATOR IN STORAGE AREA NEXT TO WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM CONTAINING TCS ITEMS SUCH AS CHICKEN, SOUP, AND GROUND BEEF MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 47.8F. COOLER TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION DATED 2/6/2020. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). NO CITATION ISSUED.
61
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MENU CONTAINING ITEMS SERVED RAW OR UNDER COOKED SUCH AS EGGS AND CEVICHE WITH NO REMINDER, DISCLOSURE, AND DISCLAIMER. INSTRUCTED TO ADD REMINDER, DISCLOSURE, AND DISCLAIMER TO ALL VERSIONS OF MENU FOR ALL ITEMS SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLOWING CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM THE PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2360049 DATED 2/6/2020: #57 " NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE." #58 " NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATE FOR THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. MUST PROVIDE." INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND COME INTO COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. NO CITATION ISSUED.
60
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE LOW BOY PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
36
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON TALL WHITE PREP COOLER LOCATED IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE CONNECTED TO MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL RELEVANT LAWS, REGULATIONS, AND RULES.
51
43
Feb 6, 2020
Routine
2 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE ALL THE REQUIRED EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR THE WRITTEN VOMIT/DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE ON SITE OR PURCHASE A COMPLETE NOROVIRUS CLEANUP KIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: MENU DOES NOT DISCLOSE AND INFORM CONSUMERS THE SPECIFIC MENU ITEMS THAT ARE RAW OR UNDER COOKED AND A POTENTIAL HAZARD OF CONSUMING SUCH FOOD.FOODS SUCH AS EGGS AND STEAKS. MUST PROVIDE A CONSUMER ADVISORY ON MENU, DISCLOSE AND REMIND OF SUCH FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION.
25
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOOD AND SPICE CONTAINERS MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A WASHABLE KNIFE HOLDER. KNIVES NOT TO BE STORED BETWEEN THE WALL AND A PLASTIC SHIELD. OTHER UTENSILS NOT TO BE STORED BETWEEN THE WALL AND ELECTRICAL CONDUITS.
43
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: ALL STORED BOXED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE DINING ROOM AND DINING ROOM CLOSET MUST BE STORED ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.----MUST NOT USE RAW WOODEN PALLETS AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR DRY FOOD STORAGE IN THE DINING ROOM STORAGE ROOM.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE TAPE AS PADDING FOR THE CORNER OF THE COUNTER TOP IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----MUST NOT USE STYROFOAM CUP AS A GREASE CATCH FOR THE EXHAUST HOOD. MUST REPLACE MISSING METAL GREASE CATCH FOR THE HOOD.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING THROUGHOUT ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS. SHELVING MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A SMOOTH CLEANABLE FLOOR IN THE DINING ROOM STORAGE CLOSET. NO RAW WOOD AS FLOORING.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MISSING WALL TILE AT THE STOVE. MUST REPLACE.---- FLOOR BEHIND STOVE WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: USED CAR TIRE AND PLASTIC BUCKETS MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE REAR WALKWAY TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORING.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATE FOR THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. MUST PROVIDE.
58
47
Mar 20, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REFRIGERATED TCS FOOD WITHOUT SELL BY DATES ON LABELS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOOD, PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD GREATER THAN 24 HOURS MUST HAVE SELL BY DATES ON LABELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK PIPES DRAINING SLOWLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK MUST DRAIN QUICKLY.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT/DUST BUILD UP ON BASEMENT FLOOR AROUND HOT WATER TANKS. MUST CLEAN BASEMENT FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
55
82
Oct 2, 2018
License
2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(N)-NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11- NO CLEAN UP POLICY FOR VOMITING AND DIARREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-307.11-INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE ONE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE COFFEE STATION AREA.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.17- RAW WOOD OF THE CABINET UNDERNEATH THE HAND SINK IN THE FRONT COFFEE AREA . MUST SEALED OR PAINT AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-602.13-CAULK AROUND THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND ONE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE FRONT COFFEE STATION AREA WORN OUT. MUST RE CAULK AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204-12- BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE OF THE MOP SINK NOT LOCATED. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SO THAT IT CAN BE LOCATED SO IT CAN BE SERVICE AND MAINTAINED.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.13-SEAL THE GAP AROUND THE FLOOR AND CEILING IN THE FURNACE ROOM TO PREVENT INSECT GOING INSIDE THE BUILDING AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114-CLUTTER IN THE MOP SINK AREA. MUST ORGANIZE AND ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102-13-INSTRUCTED TO ATTEND FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING CLASS TO GET A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA-100-0367-NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE.
58
55
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tezcal Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Tezcal Restaurant on file is from Oct 9, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Tezcal Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Tezcal Restaurant.
Has Tezcal Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Tezcal Restaurant have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Tezcal 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 Tezcal Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Tezcal Restaurant is inspected around two times per year on average.
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