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AY CARBON POLLO GRILL

5160 S PULASKI RD, CHICAGO, IL 60632 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

AY CARBON POLLO GRILL has been inspected 12 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since August 9, 2019. The most recent inspection, on November 25, 2025, found no infractions.

3 of 12 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 0 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Pests, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Cleaning and sanitizing.

Recent inspections have recorded fewer infractions than earlier ones, so the record is improving.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • PestsHigher risk

    Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded 5 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on July 18, 2024. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded 5 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on July 11, 2023. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on July 18, 2024. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk

    This covers how food is stored, prepared and displayed: raw meat kept away from ready-to-eat food, food covered and stored off the floor, and nothing dripping or splashing into it. Cross-contamination from raw to cooked food is a direct route for salmonella and E. coli.

    Recorded once on July 11, 2023. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • Food source, labelling and allergensHigher risk

    Food must come from approved suppliers, stay in labelled containers and be thrown out when it is spoiled or damaged, such as dented or swollen cans. Labelling matters for allergies: an unlabelled container can hide an allergen.

    Recorded once on November 19, 2020. For example: PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

About this data

These results come from Chicago Department of Public Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

12 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH FOODSERVICE MANAGER TRAINING.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE AS WELL AS CERTIFIED MANAGER IS REQUIRED ON SITE AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE BEING SERVED AND PREPARED(CHICKEN, BEANS, RICE). PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED FLY TRAPS IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN TRAPS AWAY FROM ALL FOOD PREP AREAS/TABLES.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED RUST-LIKE SUBSTANCE ON SHELVING INSIDE OF WALK-IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE RUST/REPLACE UNITS AS NEEDED AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED UNUSED EQUIPMENT, CRATES, AND HARDWARE STORED IN THE FRONT UNUSED AREA OF THE RESTAURANT AND IN THE BACK HALL NEAR THE WATER HEATER. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ORGANIZE ITEMS AND MAINTAIN ALL ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED SEVERAL WATER STAINED AND MISSING CEILING TILES IN FRONT UNUSED PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED MULTIPLE LIGHTBULBS NOT WORKING IN THE HOOD SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR/REPLACE LIGHTING IN THE AREA.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED EXCESSIVE BUILD-UP OF GREASE ON FILTERS IN HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEMS IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  4. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO PROCEDURE OR SUPPLIES ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTD TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS AND MAINTAIN ON SITE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OVER 20 LIVE SMALL FLIES AND HOUSE FLIES ON SITE. INSTD TO REMOVE ALL FLIES, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A) PRIORITY FOUNDATION
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • LEAK FROM CEILING IN REAR PREP AREA DUE TO RAIN. INSTD TO NOT USE AREA UNTIL LEAK REPAIRED AND THE ENTIRE AFFECTED AREA IS CLEAN AND SANITIZED.CITATION ISSUED PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005(A)
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • PREMISES USING LARGE 30-GALLON GARBAGE CONTAINERS ON SITE TO STORE CHICKEN. INSTD TO USE FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS AND THAT ARE ABLE TO BE PROPERLY WASHED, RINSE AND SANITIZED.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • MISSING SANITIZER TESTING DEVICE FOR CHLORINE ON SITE. INSTD TO PROVIDE SAME AND MAINTAIN. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A) PRIORITY FOUNDATION
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR FOOD HANDLERS. INSTD OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON SITE.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON SITE.
  5. Canvass

    0 infractions

  6. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • STYROFOAM AND PLASTIC CUPS SUBMERGED COMPLETELY IN SALSA AND USED TO DISPENSE SALSA. INSTD TO USE PROPER DISPENSING UTENSILS AND NOT STORE COMPLETELY IN FOOD
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • WALL STEEL COVERING BEHIND PREP TABLE IN REAR IN POOR REPAIR, NOT TIGHT FITTING TO WALL. INSTD TO REPAIR WALL AND HAVE TIGHT FITTING
  7. Complaint Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.11: WALL STEEL COVERING BEHIND PREP TABLE IN REAR IN POOR REPAIR, NOT TIGHT FITTING TO WALL. INSTD TO REPAIR WALL AND HAVE TIGHT FITTING
  8. Complaint Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-501.111: OVER 10 LIVE SMALL FLIES NOTED ON WALLS IN REAR WAREWASHING AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE FLIES, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. INSTD TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A) PRIORITY FOUNDATION
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-101.19: RUSTY SURFACES ON BOTTOM OF PREP TABLES. INSTD TO RUST AND MAINTAIN
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.11: WALL STEEL COVERING BEHIND PREP TABLE IN REAR IN POOR REPAIR, NOT TIGHT FITTING TO WALL. INSTD TO REPAIR WALL AND HAVE TIGHT FITTING
  9. Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • 2 CONTAINERS OF COOKED RICE NOT PROPERLY LABELED, DATED WITH DISCARD DATE. REFRIGERATED, READY TO EAT TCS FOOD PREPARED AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS SHALL BE CLEARLY MARKED TO INDICATE THE DAY OR DATE BY WHICH FOOD SHALL BE SOLD OR DISCARDED FOR A MAXIMUM OF 7 DAYS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. APPROX 10LBS $20VALUE
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OVER 10 LIVE SMALL FLIES NOTED ON WALLS IN REAR WAREWASHING AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE FLIES, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. INSTD TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A) PRIORITY FOUNDATION
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • RUSTY SURFACES ON BOTTOM OF PREP TABLES. INSTD TO RUST AND MAINTAIN
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • WALL STEEL COVERING BEHIND PREP TABLE IN REAR IN POOR REPAIR, NOT TIGHT FITTING TO WALL. INSTD TO REPAIR WALL AND HAVE TIGHT FITTING
  10. License Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY IN PLACE. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN SAME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • MISSING DISINFECTANT EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOOR TILES THROUGH OUT REAR PREP AREA AND DISHWASHING AREA WITH WORN GROUT LINES, CAUSING EXCESSIVE DEBRIS ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO RE GROUT FLOOR SO AS SURFACE TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • DIM LIGHT IN STORAGE CLOSET. INSTD TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
  11. License Re-Inspection

    5 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-102.14(O)NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY IN PLACE. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN SAME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2-501.11 MISSING DISINFECTANT EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.11 FLOOR TILES THROUGH OUT REAR PREP AREA AND DISHWASHING AREA WITH WORN GROUT LINES, CAUSING EXCESSIVE DEBRIS ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO RE GROUT FLOOR SO AS SURFACE TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 6-303.11 DIM LIGHT IN STORAGE CLOSET. INSTD TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
    • 59. PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • Previous priority foundation from 8/9/19 inspection not corrected. Still discovered over 20 flies in dry storage and various areas of kitchen and prep area. Over 50 mice droppings noted in the following areas: under prep line, in dry goods area near entrance to kitchen, in dry goods area near back door, and under prep tables in kitchen. Priority violation 7-42-090
  12. License

    10 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY IN PLACE. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN SAME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • MISSING DISINFECTANT EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • NO HANDWASH SINK IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA WHERE LARGER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED. INSTD TO PROVIDE HANDWASH SINK UNDER CITY PLUMBING IN SAME AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C).
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE PANEL WITH EXCESSIVE BLACK, MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTD TO DISPOSE OF ICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE MACHINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OVER 20 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED IN STORAGE AREAS UNDER SHELVING UNITS AND ALONG WALLBASE. OVER 20 LIVE FLIES (SMALL AND LARGE) NOTED ON WALLS, CEILINGS AND FLYING THROUGH OUT PREMISES. INSTD TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS, FLIES, AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A).
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • ALL CUTTING BOARDS STAINED WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN CUTTING BOARDS.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • LARGE 30-GALLON GARBAGE CONTAINERS ON SITE TO STORE CHICKEN. INSTD TO USE FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS AND THAT ARE ABLE TO BE PROPERLY WASHED, RINSE AND SANITIZED.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • LARGE POTS ON PREMISES UNABLE TO COMPLETELY SUBMERGE IN BASINS OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO REMOVE LARGE POTS OR PROVIDE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LARGE ENOUGH FOR COMPLETE SUBMERSION OF LARGEST PIECE OF MULTI USE EQUIPMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-025.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOOR TILES THROUGH OUT REAR PREP AREA AND DISHWASHING AREA WITH WORN GROUT LINES, CAUSING EXCESSIVE DEBRIS ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO RE GROUT FLOOR SO AS SURFACE TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • DIM LIGHT IN STORAGE CLOSET. INSTD TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING.

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