EL AZTECA

Inspection summary

EL AZTECA has been inspected 6 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since July 5, 2023. The most recent inspection, on August 12, 2026, recorded 2 infractions.

1 of 6 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 5 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Pests, Cleaning and sanitizing and Food source, labelling and allergens.

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.

• 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 July 31, 2024. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

• 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 once on March 24, 2026. For example: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

• 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 July 31, 2024. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

• Equipment and utensilsLower risk

  Equipment has to be built from cleanable materials, kept in good repair and stored properly. These findings are mostly about upkeep, like a cracked shelf, a worn gasket or utensils stored the wrong way. They are generally lower risk but show how well the kitchen is maintained.

  Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on August 12, 2026. For example: IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

• 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on August 12, 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.

• View the official Chicago Department of Public Health disclosure site
• See all inspected facilities in Chicago
• How to read an inspection report