The Rusty Armadillo Grill & Cantina — the Garage
Last inspected: Feb 4, 2025
95
Score
Going back to 2010, The Rusty Armadillo Grill & Cantina — the Garage has 21 inspections in the public record. The newest entry in the record is dated Feb 4, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around three violations each.
Across the inspection history, “proper cooling methods used” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded six times.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; The Rusty Armadillo Grill & Cantina — the Garage is comfortably above that bar. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
21
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 4, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS HAVE EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
95
Mar 28, 2024
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 FOOD EMPLOYEES WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1 CERIFIED MANAGER WITH EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT LEAK COMING FROM FAUCET OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
51
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON DOOR OF WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE, GRIME, AND FOOD DEBRIS IN INTERIOR OF OVEN AND FRYER CABINETS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
55
78
Sep 25, 2023
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT PINK BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE UPPER PORTION. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE.
16
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 2-DOOR GRILL COOLER RUBBER DOOR GASKETS RIPPED. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR RUBBER GASKETS.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULTED GREASE/FOOD BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN VENTILATION HOOD.
49
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: CEILING LIGHT COVER CRACKED/DAMAGED ABOVE DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPLACE CEILING LIGHT COVER.
56
82
Jun 14, 2022
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DOOR SWEEP NEEDED ON DOOR IN KITCHEN LEADING TOWARDS DUMPSTERS.
38
95
Jul 7, 2021
Complaint
2 critical violations.
View 2 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DICED TOMATOES AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 55.2F IN PREP COOLER. ALSO OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOOD ITEMS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE. BEER CHEESE FOUND AT 47.8F, MACARONI AND CHEESE FOUND AT 48.5F, RANCH STORED IN MINI CUPS FOUND AT 46.2F, RED PIZZA SAUCE FOUND AT 44.8F, QUESO FOUND AT 47.8F, SHREDDED CHEESE FOUND AT 55.8F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE FOR TCS FOOD ITEMS MUST BE HELD AT 41.0F OR BELOW. FOOD WAS DISCARDED AND DENATURED. ALL FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 30 LBS AT A COST OF $100.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE INSIDE OF 2-DOOR PREP COOLER AT 51.1F. PROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE INSIDE OF A COLD HOLDING UNIT MUST BE AT 41.0F OR BELOW. PREP COOLER IS TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33
74
Dec 22, 2020
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW WATER PRESSURE AT BOTH EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS LOCATED IN FIRST FLOOR BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOMS LOCATED ON FIRST AND 2ND FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE CERTIFIED MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST UNDERGO ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
86
Mar 5, 2019
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE 6" OFF THE FLOOR OR PROVIDE RAISED SHELVINGS TO STORE THE FOOD CONTAINERS TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
39
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: VENTILATION HOOD IN THE COOK LINE WITH GREASE BUILD-UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
90
Sep 18, 2018
Routine
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14 (A) FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 (a) NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: 4-203.11 (A) INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE AND ACCURATE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
36
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-902.12 OBSERVED UTENSILS STORED BEHIND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE IN A CLEAN, SANITIZED RACK OR MAGNETIC KNIFE RACK TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.16 CLEANING EQUIPMENT (BROOMS, MOPS ETC) MUST BE STORED OFF THE FLOOR.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.11 FOUND WALL BEHIND MOP FAUCET (REAR) IN POOR REPAIR WITH OPENING. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114 MILK CRATES ARE USED AS STORAGE RACKS ON PREMISE. INSTRUCTED (FOOD AND NON FOOD ITEMS) TO PROPERLY USE STORAGE RACKS 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA-100-0367 FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
61
Aug 25, 2017
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Walk in cooler shelving/racks that had peeling/rust shall be repaired/replaced. Caulk around exposed hand sink in state of disrepair, shall be repaired/replaced.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Non food contact surfaces of ice machine(exterior)not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors in bar area behind heavy equipment not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Ceiling in kitchen prep area had peeling paint, exposed plaster, shall be repaired/sealed.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Stock items must be stored six inches off of floor to prevent pest harborage.
41
78
Feb 2, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Found some food items not properly dated in kitchen reach in cooler, must properly date food items in kitchen reach in cooler.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Cooler shelving/racks that had peeling paint/rust in walk in cooler, and reach in coolers, shall be repaired/replaced.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Walk in cooler shelving/racks in walk in cooler, and reach in cooler in kitchen prep area not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors under heavy equipment/cooking equipment not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners).
34
82
Aug 24, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKY DRAINPIPE UNDERNEATH EXPOSED HAND SINK IN PREP/COOKING AREA.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE CLEANING EQUIPMENT (MOPS AND BROOMS) OFF THE FLOOR TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
41
86
Aug 21, 2015
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS, DEEP FRYER CABINETS, CAN OPENER ATTACHED TO PREP TABLE, MEAT SLICER AND COOLER GASKETS NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN DAILY.
34
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: THERMOMETER NOT CONSPICUOUS INSIDE COOLERS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL THEMOMETERS CONSPICUOUSLY INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
40
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS IN PREP AREA NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
42
82
Aug 18, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: DISH MACHINE IN BAR AREA NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING UTENSILS. LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE CHLORINE SANITIZE AT 0 PPM WHILE IN USE. INSTRUCTED THAT LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE MUST PROPERLY SANITIZE ALL UTENSILS AT 100PPM OF CHLORINE. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030. "HELD FOR INSPECTION" TAG POSTED.
8
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: ESHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS, DEEP FRYER CABINETS, CAN OPENER ATTACHED TO PREP TABEL, MEAT SLICER AND COOLER GASKETS NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN DAILY.
34
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: THERMOMETER NOT CONSPICUOUS INSIDE COOLERS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL THEMOMETERS CONSPICUOUSLY INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
40
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS IN PREP AREA NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
42
78
Oct 1, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE FLOOR DRAIN UNDER THE 3-COMP SINK.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR LOOSE HOT WATER FAUCET HANDLE AT THE 3-COMP SINK IN THE KITCHEN AREA.
38
90
Mar 26, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR AT ALL TIMES. FOUND LARGE PLASTIC CONTAINERS OF SALAD DRESSING ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL HOLE AT WALL AROUND PIPES AT THE SERVICE STATION LOCATED ON THE 2ND FLOOR SO AS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
35
90
Jan 18, 2013
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 11, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, properly designed and installed
Inspector notes: NOTED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK ON THE SECOND FLOOR SERVICE STATION AREA. THE AREA HAS ITS OWN INDIVIDUAL HEATING UNIT THAT DOES NOT WORK AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO CALL FOR REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE. DISCUSSED THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER HAND WASHING BY EMPLOYEES WHILE HANDLING FOOD. CITATION ISSUED FOR VIOLATION #7-38-030
26
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE LEAKING OR FROZEN DRAIN PIPE INSIDE THE REACH IN FREEZER BY THE BUS STATION ON THE FIRST FLOOR
30
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR DRAINS UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND AT THE FRONT BAR AREA ON THE FIRST FLOOR.....MUST ALSO CLEAN VENTS INSIDE THE LIQUOR WALK IN COOLER
38
86
Aug 4, 2011
Complaint
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: Found/observed front entrance/exit door not rodent proofed, door had 1/4 inch gap on bottom of door, also found construction debris under exterior staircase, possible rodent harborage enviroment, also found front window/door of premises not rodent/insect proofed, door had 1/4 inch, to 1/2 inch gap on left corner(bottom)of door. Citation #H000072729, with a court date of 9/15/2011, at 400 w superior in room # 112 at 2:00 PM.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Cooler shelving/racks that had rust, shall be repair.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Non food contact surfaces of walk in cooler shelving/racks not clean need detailed cleaning, non food contact surfaces of cooking equipment need detailed cleaning(crevices).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors under heavy equipment, cooking equipment, storage roo, storage areas(1st floor, 2nd floor)need cleaning(detailed).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Walls in rear kitchen area, and outside walk in cooler not clean need detailed cleaning.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Broken, damaged light shields in kitchen prep area, shall be replaced, light shields in prep areas need cleaning, missing light shields in 2nd floor shall be provided.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Exhaust vents(ventilation)in walk in cooler, coolers, kitchen prep areas need cleaning, exhaust canopy needs cleaning.
38
70
Aug 2, 2011
Complaint
No violations found.
100
May 6, 2011
Routine
No violations found.
100
Mar 15, 2010
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: No covers for bar ice bins (1st and 2nd floor). Must provide and maintain covers.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Accumulated grime in floor drain under kitchen 3 compartment sink. Must clean and maintain drain.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Missing ceiling vent cover above kitchen 3 compartment sink. Must install and maintain cover.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Missing lightshield above kitchen 3 compartment sink. Must install and maintain lightshield.
36
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Rusty Armadillo Grill & Cantina — the Garage last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Rusty Armadillo Grill & Cantina — the Garage on file is from Feb 4, 2025. The public record contains 21 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Rusty Armadillo Grill & Cantina — the Garage?
Across the inspection record, “proper cooling methods used” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at The Rusty Armadillo Grill & Cantina — the Garage.
Has The Rusty Armadillo Grill & Cantina — the Garage's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Rusty Armadillo Grill & Cantina — the Garage have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at The Rusty Armadillo Grill & Cantina — the Garage 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 The Rusty Armadillo Grill & Cantina — the Garage inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Rusty Armadillo Grill & Cantina — the Garage is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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