Skip to content
Loading map…

BIRRIERIA LA TAPATIA

2861 W CERMAK RD, CHICAGO, IL 60623 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

BIRRIERIA LA TAPATIA has been inspected 11 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since August 30, 2018. The most recent inspection, on September 8, 2026, recorded 5 infractions.

None of the 11 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there were 3 inspections with 18 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Pests.

Recent inspections have recorded more infractions than earlier ones, so it is worth reading the latest reports closely.

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.

  • 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 7 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on March 18, 2026. For example: WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

  • 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 6 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on March 18, 2026. For example: PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on September 8, 2026. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • Food temperature controlHigher risk

    Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.

    Recorded once on November 4, 2024. For example: PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

  • Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

    Floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth and clean, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate food-safety risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.

    Recorded 11 times across 8 separate inspections, most recently on September 8, 2026. For example: GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

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.

11 inspections

  1. Complaint Re-Inspection

    5 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-501.111 OBSERVED OVER 30 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON WOODEN LEDGE UNDER STAIRWAY AND BOTTOM OF PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-202.16 OBSERVED MILK CRATES USED AS SHELVING UNITS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • 5-501.113(B) OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING WITH TRASH, ATTRACTING FLIES AND LIDS NOT TIGHT-FITTING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MAINTAIN AND COVER OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER AND LIDS SHALL BE TIGHT-FITTING TO PREVENT PEST ATTRACTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B)
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.11 OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES AND MISSING OUTLET COVERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN CEILING TILES AND OUTLET COVERS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
  2. Complaint

    5 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED OVER 30 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON WOODEN LEDGE UNDER STAIRWAY AND BOTTOM OF PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED MILK CRATES USED AS SHELVING UNITS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING WITH TRASH, ATTRACTING FLIES AND LIDS NOT TIGHT-FITTING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MAINTAIN AND COVER OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER AND LIDS SHALL BE TIGHT-FITTING TO PREVENT PEST ATTRACTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B) CITATION ISSUED
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES AND MISSING OUTLET COVERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN CEILING TILES AND OUTLET COVERS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
  3. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • OBSERVED SPILLS AND PERSONAL ITEMS STORED ON SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED MULTI-USE EQUIPMENT TOO LARGE TO SUBMERGE INSIDE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE METHOD TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE ALL LARGE EQUIPMENT.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED SELF-CLOSING DEVICE IN POOR REPAIR IN STAFF WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON STAFF WASHROOM DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED OPENINGS AND PEELING SURFACES ON WALL BEHIND PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR WALL BEHIND PREP TABLE TO MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO VALID FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND EQUIPMENT MUST OBTAIN FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING.
  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNS IN RESTROOMS IN DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.11 OBSERVED BROKEN AND MISSING FLOOR TILE NEAR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AREA OF FLOOR TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
  5. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNS IN RESTROOMS IN DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED BUILD UP OF BLACK MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE ON INTERIOR COMPONENTS OF ICE MACHINE DRIPPING ONTO ICE (ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DISCARD ICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE MACHINE, AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED WASTEWATER BACKING UP INTO SINK COMPARTMENTS WHEN CENTER COMPARTMENT IS DRAINED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR SINK AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED BROKEN AND MISSING FLOOR TILE NEAR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AREA OF FLOOR TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
  6. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING SINK NOT MAINTAINED WITH HOT WATER: IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF HOT WATER OBSERVED AT DISHWASH HANDSINK AT 66F. REPAIRS WERE MADE DURING INSPECTION WATER IS AT 101F. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE OF HOT WATER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE AT LEAST 100F. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, SUCH AS 4 LBS OF BEEF AT 47.2F, 2 LBS OF BEEF BARBACOA AT 47.8F, AND 6 LBS OF GOAT AT 49.4F. THE MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL OF 12 LBS AT $250. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
  7. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED LARGE CUTTING BOARD IN REAR PREP AREA WITH DEEP GROOVES AND DARK MARKS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE OR RE-SURFACE TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
  8. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • NO DRAIN STOPPERS AT THREE COMP SINK FOR PROPER SET UP; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER DRAIN STOPPERS AT THREE COMP SINK.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN REAR UPPER INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE BEHIND FRONT SERVING COUNTER AND MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED UNCOVERED WASTE RECEPTACLES IN UNISEX WASHROOMS; MUST PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLES IN UNISEX WASHROOMS FOR FEMININE PRODUCTS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
  9. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CRATES USED FOR ELEVATION IN GARAGE AREA (FREEZERS) AS WELL AS PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS. MUST MAINTAIN.
  10. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEA, BUT NO CLEAN-UP KIT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED WATER STAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE THE ONE DOOR COOLER IN THE FRONT AREA COOK STATION. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
  11. License

    5 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO POLICY IN PLACE FOR EMPLOYEE HEALTH. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED. GIVEN 90 DAYS TO COMPLY.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED. GIVEN 90 DAYS TO COMPLY.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • SINK COMPARTMENTS MUST BE LARGE ENOUGH TO FULLY ACCOMMODATE IMMERSION OF THE LARGEST EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE LARGE UTENSILS FROM PREMISES OR PROVIDE A 3-COMP SINK THAT WOULD ACCOMODATE THE OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF EMPLOYEES FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRIED.

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website