Tony's Burrito Mex
Last inspected: May 20, 2025
90
Score
Across the available record, Tony's Burrito Mex has 21 inspections on file, the first dated 2010. The latest inspection on file is from May 20, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near three violations each time.
Looking across the full record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” is the recurring theme, flagged six times.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Tony's Burrito Mex is comfortably above that bar. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
21
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 20, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE ONE DOOR PREP COOLER DIRECTLY BEHIND THE CASH REGISTER TO BE MISSING A THERMOMETER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A THERMOMETER TO MEASURE THE INTERANAL AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE. MANAGER PROVIDED AT TIME OF INSPECTION.
36
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTIPLE CERTIFIED MANAGERS ON SITE WITH NO COMPLETED ALLERGEN TRAINING AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS COMPLETE AND MAINTAIN A FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
90
Apr 15, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/4 INCH AT FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR SWEEP. MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR.
38
95
Mar 21, 2023
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: ADDITIONAL FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
57
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD REPACKED FROM ONE CONTAINER TO ANOTHER WITH COMMON NAME
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: A BUCKET WITH SANITIZE SOLUTION AND LINEN MUST BE PROVIDED AT PREP TABLES
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: RUSTED STAINLESS TABLE AT OUTSIDE STORAGE AREA,SURFACE MUST BE EASILY CLEANABLE.REPAIR ISSUE MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS. PROVIDE SHELVES WITH A CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL
47
82
Feb 7, 2022
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.11 NOTED ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER ON THE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE CONDENSATION UNITS.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRTY AND DUSTY CEILING VENTS ESPECIALLY AT THE FRONT PREP/DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: ESTABLISHMENT MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF EMPLOYEE VACCINATION OR PROOF OF WEEKLY TESTING PER OSHA GUIDELINES.
64
86
Feb 7, 2020
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR MOP SINK.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 3-COMPARTMENT SINK PIPE DRAINING SLOWLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK PIPE MUST DRAIN QUICKLY.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOOR LITTERED UNDER COOLERS AND ALONG WALLS AT WALK IN FREEZER ROOM. MUST CLEAN FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLEGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.
58
78
Feb 19, 2019
Suspected Food Poisoning
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS STORED INSIDE WALK IN COOLER INSIDE GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED FOIL PAPER USED TO LINE SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL FOIL PAPER TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER ON THE FLOOR AND SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE CONDENSATION UNITS.
47
86
Dec 4, 2018
Complaint
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-010.MUST OBTAIN HEALTH POLICY FOR EXISITING EMPLOYEES.
3
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: FOUND PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT DATED 8-20-2018. INSPECTION #2201158. VIOLATION 58 FOUND SANITATION MANAGERS AT PREMISES WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING.PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090. MUST PROVIDE.
60
82
Aug 20, 2018
Routine
4 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 FOUND NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEANUP PROCEDURE. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. MUST PROVIDE.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: 3-5501.17 FOUND PREPARED TIME TEMPERTURE FOR SAFETY FOOD INSIDE REACH IN COOLER WITH NO SEVEN DAY CONSUME BY DATE. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. MUST PROVIDE.
23
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGERS AT PREMISES WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. PRIORITY VIOLATION. MUST PROVIDE.
58
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-120.14(A)FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-012A. MUST PROVIDE.
3
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12 BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT SODA MACHINE. CORE VIOLATION. OWNER MUST FIND BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR SODA MACHINE.
51
Compliance with clean indoor air ordinance
62
50
Aug 11, 2017
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING REUSED AS A SHELF/TRAY AT THE FLAT TOP GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE CARDBOARD AND MAINTAIN ALL EQUIPMENT SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH, NON-ABSORBENT AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
32
95
Nov 16, 2016
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CRACKED FLOOR TILES IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA IN FRONT OF COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAKY FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN FOOD PREP AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHES IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
86
Sep 9, 2016
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHES IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CRACKED FLOOR TILES IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA IN FRONT OF COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAKY FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN FOOD PREP AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
86
Jun 30, 2016
Recent Inspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOUND BULK FOOD NOT LABELED. (RICE, SUGAR, ETC.)
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY ON SHELVING UNITS. MUST STORE INVERTED.
31
90
Jun 23, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: FOUND REACH IN COOLER AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES. COLD HOLDING AT 50.2F. CRITICAL VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005. TAGGED REACH IN COOLER.
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES. FOUND APPROXIMATELY 80 POUNDS OF COOKED TOMATO SALSAS AT 48.9F AND 49.3F. CRITICAL VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005. DISPOSED OF APPROXIMATLEY 80 POUNDS OF SALSAS. APPROXIMATE VALUE 50 DOLLARS.
3
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOUND BULK FOOD NOT LABELED. (RICE, SUGAR, ETC.)
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY ON SHELVING UNITS. MUST STORE INVERTED.
31
82
Nov 10, 2015
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS USED FOR FOOD STORAGE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE MATERIALS AND TO MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT DIRT ACCUMULATION ON THE UPPER INTERIOR PORTION OF THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE ACCUMULATION ON THE EXHAUST HOOD. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
86
Jan 5, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO STORE MULTI USE UTENSILS (PLATES) INVERTED TO HELP PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION AND TO MAINTAIN.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TORN GASKET ON THE 2 DOOR REACH IN PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT DIRT BUILDUP ON THE UPPER INTERIOR PORTION OF THE ICE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
33
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO FOODHANDLER CERTIFICATES PRESENT. INSTRUCTED FACILITY THAT ALL FOODHANDLERS MUST HAVE FOODHANDLER CERTIFICATES FROM AN ANSI APPROVED COURSE AND THEY MUST BE MAINTAINED ON PREMISES. INFORMATION PROVIDED.
45
82
Feb 4, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IN GARAGE STORAGE AREA.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FROZEN MEATS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS INSIDE OF REACH-IN FREEZER. MANAGER INSTRUCTED TO USE A FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
33
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOPS STORED ON TOP OF ICE MCHINE MUST PROPERLY STORE IN A CLEAN CONTAINER.
42
82
May 17, 2013
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. OBSERVED GROUND BEEF SITTING IN A CONTAINER ON THE FLOOR NEXT TO THE OVEN AT 53.7F. ALSO OBSERVED PASTOR PORK IN THE PREP COOLER AT 43.5F, AND SALSA AT 47.8F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 30# OF FOOD WORTH APPROXIMATELY $150. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
3
Sewage and waste water disposal, no back siphonage, cross connection and/or back flow
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WASTE WATER BACKING UP FROM THE FLOOR DRAIN UNDER THE STEAM TABLE IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA WHEN THE WATER IS RUN IN THE EXPOSED HANDSINK AND THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. DIRECTOR NOTIFIED OF CRITICAL VIOLATION AND A SUPERVISOR WAS SENT ONSITE TO ASSIST. MANAGER BEGAN RODDING OUT THE FLOOR DRAIN DURING THE INSPECTION AND WAS INSTRUCTED NOT TO SERVE ANY MORE CUSTOMERS AND TO REMOVE OR COVER ALL EXPOSED FOOD AND UTENSILS. MANAGER RODDED OUT THE SINK DURING THE INSPECTION. NO FURTHER WASTE WATER BACK UP WAS OBSERVED AT THE FLOOR DRAIN AFTER IT WAS RODDED OUT. THE FLOOR OF THE PREP AREA WAS CLEANED AND SANITIZED WITH BLEACH AND WATER. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
10
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION DURING STORAGE INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLER. OBSERVED ADOBO MOLE STORED IN A PLASTIC BUCKET THAT WAS MARKED "DISH DETERGENT." MANAGEMENT DISCARDED THE FOOD INSIDE OF THE CONTAINER AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS AND NOT TO USE CONTAINERS PREVIOUSLY USED TO STORE CHEMICALS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
16
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE THE CRACKED LID ON ONE OF THE GARBAGE DUMPSTERS LOCATED IN THE ALLEY.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE 3 DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA AND THE VEGETABLE COOLER IN THE GARAGE, GREASE TRAP UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD FLATS PLACED ON THE FLOOR OF THE FOOD PREP AREA UNDER THE RUBBER FLOOR MATS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE. DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE GARAGE STORAGE AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE WALLS OF THE PREP AREA. CLEAN AND REPAINT THE BASEBOARD AROUND THE PREP COOLER AND COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST PROVIDE A CEILING FOR THE GARAGE FOOD STORAGE AREA. THE HALF WALL BETWEEN THE ICE MACHINE AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK MUST BE SEALED.
35
70
Oct 26, 2012
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RUBBER DOOR GASKETS ON THREE DOOR REACH-IN COOLER TORN AND REPAIRED WITH DUCT TAPE. MUST REPLACE.
32
95
May 13, 2010
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. DETAIL CLEAN THE VENTILATION HOOD.
33
95
May 5, 2010
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY OBSERVED ON PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 40 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE GARAGE STORAGE AREA. GARAGE IS USED TO STORE FOOD. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREA AND SEAL ANY OPENINGS IN THE WALLS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. LABEL ALL DRY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS ON THE SHELF ABOVE THE 3 DOOR PREP COOLER.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. DETAIL CLEAN THE VENTILATION HOOD, INTERIOR OF 2 DOOR PREP COOLER NEXT TO THE STEAM TABLE, AND SLIDING DOOR TRACKS OF THE VEGETABLE COOLER IN THE GARAGE.
33
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. A VISIBLE THERMOMETER IS NEEDED INSIDE OF THE VEGETABLE COOLER IN THE GARAGE. MUST PROVIDE.
40
82
Jan 14, 2010
Routine
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tony's Burrito Mex last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Tony's Burrito Mex on file is from May 20, 2025. The public record contains 21 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Tony's Burrito Mex?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Tony's Burrito Mex.
Has Tony's Burrito Mex's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Tony's Burrito Mex have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Tony's Burrito Mex 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 Tony's Burrito Mex inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Tony's Burrito Mex is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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