The Mexican — B B Q Joint
Last inspected: Jun 17, 2016
70
Score
Public records show eight inspections at The Mexican — B B Q Joint stretching back to 2011. The Mexican — B B Q Joint was last inspected on Jun 17, 2016. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme. Note that The Mexican — B B Q Joint's inspection history hasn't been updated since Jun 17, 2016; current conditions may have shifted from what the file shows.
Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around seven violations lately compared to roughly three violations before.
Looking across the full record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” is the recurring theme, flagged five times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so The Mexican — B B Q Joint trails the local norm. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 17, 2016
Reinspection
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELVES OF PREP TABLE IN BASEMENT AND 1ST FL. PREP AREA,WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT RAW WOOD SHELVING UNITS IN CABINET IN BAR AREA.MUST REMOVE FOIL FROM COOKING PIPE IN 1ST FL. PREP AREA.MUST REPLACE GLASS WATER CONTAINERS WITH A WIDER OPENING TO CLEAN BOTTLES PROPERLY.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI FROM PIPES ,OVERHEAD SHELVING UNITS,PREP TABLE,GRILL TABLES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRI FROM FLOOR IN 1ST FL. PREP AREA UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT.MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE CAULKING ON FLOOR IN DISH MACHINE AREA AND MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST SEAL GAPS IN BETWEEN WALL BASES AND FLOOR UNDER 2- COMP SINK AND DISH MACHINE.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE WALL PANELING BEHIND DISH MACHINE,STAINED CEILING TILES IN BASEMENT PREP AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REPLACE BURNT OUT LIGHT IN 1ST FL. PREP AREA.MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS IN BASEMENT PREP AREA
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY DRAINLINE AT FAR LEFT COMPARTMENT OF 3- COMP SINK IN DISH WASHING AREA,LOW WATER PRESSURE AT 1- COMP DUMP SINK IN BAR AREA,LOOSE FAUCET AT HAND SINK IN EMPLOYEES TOILETROOM.MUST CONNECT WATER LINES AND ADD FAUCET AT TOP OF HOPPER AT MARGARITA MACHINE BEHIND BAR.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN BASEMENT
41
70
Jun 7, 2016
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF PREP COOLER AT 45.1F WITH POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED INSIDE. A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON UNIT.ONCE REPAIRED FAX LETTER TO (312)746-4240 WHEN READY.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNIT AT 40.0F OR BELOW.(CRITICAL 7-38-005A)
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED INSIDE ABOVE MENTIONED PREP COOLER SUCH AS 1LB. COOKED BRISKET 44.2F,1.2 LBS. COOKED STEAK 45.0F-46.2F,3LBS. BREAD PUDDING 44.6F,1LB. CORN PICO DEGALLO 45.1F,2LBS. COOKED RICE 49.2F,.5 LBS COOKED PORK 48.0F,WALK IN COOLER 6LBS. COOKED RICE 44.9F.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING AT 40.0F OR BELOW.APPX.15 LBS.$95.75. (CRITICAL 7-38-005A)
3
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELVES OF PREP TABLE IN BASEMENT AND 1ST FL. PREP AREA,WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT RAW WOOD SHELVING UNITS IN CABINET IN BAR AREA.MUST REMOVE FOIL FROM COOKING PIPE IN 1ST FL. PREP AREA.MUST REPLACE GLASS WATER CONTAINERS WITH A WIDER OPENING TO CLEAN BOTTLES PROPERLY.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI FROM PIPES ,OVERHEAD SHELVING UNITS,PREP TABLE,GRILL TABLES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRI FROM FLOOR IN 1ST FL. PREP AREA UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT.MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE CAULKING ON FLOOR IN DISH MACHINE AREA AND MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL GAPS IN BETWEEN WALL BASES AND FLOOR UNDER 2- COMP SINK AND DISH MACHINE.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE WALL PANELING BEHIND DISH MACHINE,STAINED CEILING TILES IN BASEMENT PREP AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE BURNT OUT LIGHT IN 1ST FL. PREP AREA.MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS IN BASEMENT PREP AREA
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY DRAINLINE AT FAR LEFT COMPARTMENT OF 3- COMP SINK IN DISH WASHING AREA,LOW WATER PRESSURE AT 1- COMP DUMP SINK IN BAR AREA,LOOSE FAUCET AT HAND SINK IN EMPLOYEES TOILETROOM.MUST CONNECT WATER LINES AND ADD FAUCET AT TOP OF HOPPER AT MARGARITA MACHINE BEHIND BAR.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN BASEMENT.
41
64
Oct 30, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: LABEL ALL DRY FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE STORAGE ROOM.
30
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SEAL ALL GAP/OPENING THRU-OUT THE CEILING, AROUND THE CONDUIT AND PIPES IN THE PREP AREA BASEMENT AND MAINTAIN. PEELING PAINT ON THE WALLS IN THE EXPOSED HAND SINK AND MOP SINK IN THE DISHWASHING AREA , MUST SCRAPE PEELING PAINT AND RE PAINT THE WALLS.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO DRAIN STOPPERS FOR THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE. LEAK UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, MUST REPAIR TO STOP THE LEAK. INSTALL FAUCET WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER ON THE TOP OF TAYLOR MACHINE FOR MARGARITA DRINK.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED ON A SEPARATE CONTAINER TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
43
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NOT ALL FOOD HANDLER HAVE THE CERTIFICATE YET. MUST PROVIDE NEXT ROUTINE INSPECTION.
45
78
Jun 13, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Source sound condition, no spoilage, foods properly labeled, shellfish tags in place
Inspector notes: FOUND RAW MUSSELS ON THE CONTAINER INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER WITHOUT TAG ATTACHED TO THE BAG. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL RAW SEAFOOD ON THE CONTAINER MUST HAVE A TAG ATTACHED TO IT DURING STORAGE INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER.AND TAG MUST E KEPT FOR THE NEXT 90 DAYS AFTER COOKING THE MUSSELS. CITATION ISSUED CRITICAL 7-38-005(B2). MANAGER DENATURED THE SAID PRODUCT WORTH $23.00,TOTAL 10 LBS.
1
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST RE SEAL THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA AND INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER AND MAINTAIN, FLOOR THRU-OUT THE DINING AREA WITH BROKEN/DAMAGED FLOOR TILES. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE FLOOR TILES,MAKE IT SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST CLEAN THE FLOOR AROUND THE WATER TANK WITH (DEBRIS) AND FLOOR INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER FOR WINE AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS BESIDE THE ICE MACHINE AND WALLS BESIDE THE PREP TABLE IN THE BASEMENT NEEDS DETAIL CLEANING. FILTER AND HOOD WITH GREASE AND DUST BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. MUST CLEAN THE CEILING INSIDE LIQUOR ROOM. MUST SEAL THE GAP AROUND THE PIPE CLOSE TO THE CEILING IN THE PREP AREA BASEMENT. MUST REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN. SCRAPE PEELING PAINT ON THE WALLS IN THE PREP AREA AND REPAINT.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT SHIELD ON THE HOOD WITH GREASE BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
36
82
Nov 22, 2013
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL SPLASH GUARDS AT NEWLY INSTALLED EXPOSED HAND SINK IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA.
32
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT PREP AREA.
36
90
Sep 3, 2013
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL SPLASH GUARDS AT NEWLY INSTALLED EXPOSED HAND SINK IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA.
32
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT PREP AREA.
36
90
Aug 29, 2013
Routine
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Source of cross contamination controlled i.e. cutting boards, food handlers, utensils, etc
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CROSS CONTAMINATION OF EMPLOYEE USING COOKS LINE EXPOSED HAND SINK FOR FOOD PREPARATION PURPOSES DRAINING COOKED POTATOES IN A STRAINER. FOOD DISCARDED. REVIEWED PROPER FOOD HANDLING PRACTICES AND EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS ARE FOR HAND WASHING ONLY. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A).
4
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE FINAL RINSE GAGE INOPERABLE WHILE DISHES BEING WASHED. GAGE DOES NOT MOVE AND IS STUCK AT 140F. UNABLE TO DETERMINE IF THE MACHINE IS REACHING A PROPER FINAL RINSE TEMPERATURE OF 180F. MACHINE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL GAGE IS REPAIRED AND FINAL RINSE TEMPERATURE REACHES 180F. INSTRUCTED TO SET AND USE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030.
8
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INADEQUATE HAND WASHING FACILITIES. NO SOAP OR PAPER TOWELS AT DISH ROOMS EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK WHILE DISHES WERE BEING WASHED. MANAGEMENT PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030.
12
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: TABLEWARE MOUTHPIECES MUST BE PROTECTED, COVERED OR WRAPPED.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: EXTERIOR DISH MACHINE DIRTY WITH DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT LIQUOR STORAGE ROOMS MUST BE ELEVATED FROM FLOORS 6" OR ABOVE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL CEILINGS IN THE RECENTLY INSTALLED BASEMENT FOOD PREPARATION AREA AND ABOVE BASEMENT ICE MACHINE. HOLES IN WALLS OF BASEMENT HALLWAY, HOLES IN CEILING AT BASEMENT HOT WATER TANK. MUST SEAL ALL. PEELING PAINT ON WALLS AT BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE/REPAIR.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT PREP AREA.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: BOTH SPRAY ARMS AT DISH MACHINE REPAIRED WITH CLOTH STRING. MUST REMOVE AND PROPERLY REPAIR WITH CLEANABLE MATERIALS. MUST INSTALL AN EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE RECENTLY INSTALLED BASEMENT PREP AREA OR REMOVE ALL FOOD PREPARATION EQUIPMENT. NO COLD WATER IN BASEMENT EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND INSTRUCTED EMPLOYEES TO USE CUSTOMER WASHROOM IN BASEMENT UNTIL REPAIRED. LEAK ON NOZZLE OF BASEMENT EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEES MUST NOT STORE PERSONAL BELONGINGS IN FOOD/BEVERAGE CONTACT AREAS IE: THE BAR.
41
61
May 10, 2011
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Mexican — B B Q Joint last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Mexican — B B Q Joint on file is from Jun 17, 2016. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Mexican — B B Q Joint?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at The Mexican — B B Q Joint.
Has The Mexican — B B Q Joint's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at The Mexican — B B Q Joint have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at The Mexican — B B Q Joint means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
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