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EL CHARRO

2547 W LAWRENCE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60625 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

EL CHARRO has been inspected 7 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since February 24, 2023. The most recent inspection, on January 13, 2026, recorded 5 infractions.

1 of 7 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 5 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Food source, labelling and allergens and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

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.

  • 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 5 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on February 6, 2024. For example: WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on February 7, 2025. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on February 4, 2025. For example: PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on February 6, 2024. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 once on January 13, 2026. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

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.

7 inspections

  1. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED AN OPENING ON THE LEFT BOTTOM SIDE OF BACK DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR OR CLOSE OPENING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST REPAIR TORN GASKETS ON THE INSIDE OF THE TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER AND THE INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER DOOR IN THE KITCHEN AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED WET MOP STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO HANG MOPS TO ALLOW TO DRY WHEN NOT IN USE.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ON SITE FOOD EMPLOYEES DURING INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE AND KEEP CERTIFICATES ON SITE.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • 3-302.12--OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN THE KITCHEN PREP WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • 8-404.13(B:4)--PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2589227 DATED:02/06/2024. #49--4-602.13: NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILD-UP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER AND MAINTAIN. #55--6-501.13: **C** Cleaning Floors, Dustless Methods OBSERVED DIRTY FLOOR AT REAR CHEST FREEZER STORAGE AREA WITH LITTER AND DEBRIS.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN. #56--4-202.18: **C** Ventilation Hood Systems, Filters INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF EXCESSIVE HANGING GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN. #57--2-102.13: **C** Food Handler Training (PA 100-0367 Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act) OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH NOTED VIOLATIONS AND MAINTAIN BY 2/11/2025. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090.
  4. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN THE KITCHEN PREP WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
    • 50. HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE
      • OBSERVED LOW HOT WATER PRESSURE AT THE FOLLOWING: AT (2) HANDWASHING SINK IN THE KITCHEN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA AND AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK,INCLUDING THE UTILITY MOP SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE WATER PRESSURE AT ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C),CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND REPLACE BROKEN WALL TILES NEXT TO THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2589227 DATED:02/06/2024 #39--3-307.11: **C** Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND UTILITY MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD AND MAINTAIN. #41--3-304.14: **C** Wiping Cloths, Use Limitation OBSERVED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT REAR KITCHEN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE. #47--4-501.11: **C** Good Repair and Proper Adjustment- Equipment OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE KITCHEN 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS AND MAINTAIN. #49--4-602.13: NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILD-UP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER AND MAINTAIN. #51--5-205.15: **C** System Maintained in Good Repair (In Good Repair) OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THE UTILITY MOP SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN. #55--6-501.13: **C** Cleaning Floors, Dustless Methods OBSERVED DIRTY FLOOR AT REAR CHEST FREEZER STORAGE AREA WITH LITTER AND DEBRIS.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN. #56--4-202.18: **C** Ventilation Hood Systems, Filters INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF EXCESSIVE HANGING GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN. #56--6-202.11: **C** Light Bulbs, Protective Shielding OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELD FOR LIGHT FIXTURE AT REAR KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL LIGHT SHIELD OR SHATTER-PROOF LIGHT BULBS FOR LIGHT FIXTURE AND MAINTAIN. #57--2-102.13: **C** Food Handler Training (PA 100-0367 Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act) OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH NOTED VIOLATIONS AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090,CITATION ISSUED.
  5. Canvass

    11 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND UTILITY MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD AND MAINTAIN.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT REAR KITCHEN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE KITCHEN 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILD-UP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THE UTILITY MOP SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED BROKEN WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE UNISEX WASHROOM.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DIRTY FLOOR AT REAR CHEST FREEZER STORAGE AREA WITH LITTER AND DEBRIS.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELD FOR LIGHT FIXTURE AT REAR KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL LIGHT SHIELD OR SHATTER-PROOF LIGHT BULBS FOR LIGHT FIXTURE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF EXCESSIVE HANGING GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #58 NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2572012 DATED:03/03/2023 #58--2-102.13 OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MEET REQUIREMENT. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH NOTED VIOLATION AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090,CITATION ISSUED.
  6. License Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • 4-204.119 OBSERVED NO DRAINBOARDS ON SINK NOR EQUIPMENT THAT ALLOWS FOR ALL DISHES TO BE WASHED AND SELF DRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DRYING RACKS OR OTHER EQUIPMENT TO ALLOW FOR CLEANED DISHES TO BE SELF DRAINING.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • 5-502.12 OBSERVED NO GREASE RECEPTACLE FOR GREASE. FACILITY UTILIZES DEEP FRYER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE METHOD FOR DISPOSING OF GREASE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.11 OBSERVED CHIPPED WALL IN HALLWAY NEAR REAR ENTRANCE; OBSERVED CRACKED FLOOR TILES BEHIND COOLER UNIT TO IMMEDIATE RIGHT UPON WALKING IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MEET REQUIREMENT
  7. License

    8 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO AVAILABLE HANDWASHING SINK FOR CONVENIENT USE IN GRIDDLE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL HANDWASHING SINK FOR CONVENIENT USE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED NO MENU WITH CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE. FACILITY WILL COOK STEAK AND OTHER ITMES TO ORDER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE MENU WITH CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED DELI TOP COOLER WITH AN INADEQUATE INTERNAL AIR TEMPERATURE OF 52 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COOLERS HAVE AN INTERNAL AIR TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. MANAGER ADJUSTED COOLER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED EQUIPMENT TO LARGE TO FIT INTO 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGERS TO PROVIDE A LARGER SINK OR SMALLER UTENSILS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO DRAINBOARDS ON SINK NOR EQUIPMENT THAT ALLOWS FOR ALL DISHES TO BE WASHED AND SELF DRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DRYING RACKS OR OTHER EQUIPMENT TO ALLOW FOR CLEANED DISHES TO BE SELF DRAINING.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED NO GREASE RECEPTACLE FOR GREASE. FACILITY UTILIZES DEEP FRYER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE METHOD FOR DISPOSING OF GREASE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CHIPPED WALL IN HALLWAY NEAR REAR ENTRANCE; OBSERVED CRACKED FLOOR TILES BEHIND COOLER UNIT TO IMMEDIATE RIGHT UPON WALKING IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MEET REQUIREMENT

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