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EL CHILAQUIL

3711 W COLUMBUS AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60652 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

EL CHILAQUIL has been inspected 9 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since April 18, 2022. The most recent inspection, on July 9, 2026, recorded 1 infraction.

None of the 9 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there were 3 inspections with 11 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Pests and Protecting food from contamination.

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 6 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on July 9, 2026. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 2, 2026. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 March 26, 2025. For example: CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

  • 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 March 26, 2025. For example: PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

  • 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 March 15, 2024. 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.

9 inspections

  1. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • Violation Codes: 4-602.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE REAR DEEP FREEZER. MUST DEFROST AND CLEAN. MUST CLEAN STORAGE SHELVING, PREP TABLES AND LEDGES IN THE KITCHEN TO REMOVE DEBRIS AND/OR SPILLS
  2. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED 25 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE DEEP FREEZERS IN THE REAR. MUST REMOVE AND DETAIL CLEAN AFFECTED AREA. ALSO CALL PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED #7-38-020(A).
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE REAR DEEP FREEZER. MUST DEFROST AND CLEAN. MUST CLEAN STORAGE SHELVING, PREP TABLES AND LEDGES IN THE KITCHEN TO REMOVE DEBRIS AND/OR SPILLS
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS NEED DETAIL CLEANING THROUGH OUT ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS. ALSO CLEAN THE FLOORS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #58 NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2628300 DATE 12/10/25. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT OR MORE CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED #7-42-090. Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSDERVED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE WITHOUT THE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INFORMED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE ON SITE.
  3. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED THE LONG CUTTING BOARDS IN THE FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA BADLY DATAINED AND DEEP CUTTING GROOVES. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED THE SHELVING IN REAR FOOD SERVICE PREP AREA...THE DRY STORAGE AREA AND FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREAS IN NEED OF A DETAIL CLEANING OF DUST, DIRT, GREASE AND SMALL DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS AS NEEDED AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ACTIVITY.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE FLOOR OF THE WALK IN COOLING UNIT IN NEED OF A DETAIL CLEANING UNDER THE SHELVING ALONG THE WALLS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED A LEAK A THE FAUCET BASE AND DRAIN PIPE OF THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY IN NEED OF A DETAIL CLEANING, UNDER AND AROUND ALL COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSDERVED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE WITHOUT THE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INFORMED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE ON SITE.
  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-101.11(B, C, D, E): CERAMIC/CLAY DRINKING CUPS ON SITE. INSTD TO ENSURE CUPS ARE LEAD FREE OR LEAD SAFE LEVELS AND MAINTAIN DOCUMENTATION OF SUCH ON SITE; OR REMOVE CUPS FROM PREMISES
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.114: EXCESSIVE CLUTTER/UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN STORAGE ROOM NEXT TO TOILET ROOM. INSTD TO REMOVE ANY UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND ORGANIZE AREA
  5. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • MISSING CONSUMER ADVISORY WITH DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE MENU. INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE ON THE MENU WHICH FOODS (EX, EGGS, STEAK) CAN BE ORDERED UNDER COOKED/COOKED TO ORDER WITH AN ASTERISK NEXT TO THOSE SPECIFIC ITEMS; AND THEN BY ASTERISKING THEM TO A FOOTNOTE THAT STATES "THESE ITEMS ARE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR CONTAIN (OR MAY CONTAIN) RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS" . ALSO PROVIDE A REMINDER STATEMENT SUCH AS "Consuming raw or undercooked MEATS, POULTRY, seafood, shellfish, or EGGS may increase your RISK of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions" PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OVER 40 MICE DROPPINGS NOTED SCATTERED ALONG WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS OF BOTH STORAGE AREAS. INSTD TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A) PRIORITY FOUNDATION
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • MALE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTD TO PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINT AND MAINTAIN
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • MULTI USE UTENSILS, STRAINERS STORED INBETWEEN WALL AND PIPING ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • CERAMIC/CLAY DRINKING CUPS ON SITE. INSTD TO ENSURE CUPS ARE LEAD FREE OR LEAD SAFE LEVELS AND MAINTAIN DOCUMENTATION OF SUCH ON SITE; OR REMOVE CUPS FROM PREMISES
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • EXPANDING FOAM BEING USED TO SEAL CRACKS, CREVICES AND HOLES IN WALLS AND WALLBASE. INSTD TO REMOVE FOAM AND REPAIR SURFACES SO AS TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, AND EASILY CLEANABLE
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOOR UNDERNEATH AND BEHIND ENTIRE COOK LINE WITH EXCESSIVE DIRT/DEBRIS/GRIME. INSTD TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • EXCESSIVE CLUTTER/UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN STORAGE ROOM NEXT TO TOILET ROOM. INSTD TO REMOVE ANY UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND ORGANIZE AREA
  6. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • TCS READY TO EAT FOODS IN WALK-IN COOLER (PANS OF COOKED BEEF, CHICKEN, PORK, BEANS, RICE) NOT MARKED WITH A USE-BY/DISCARD DATE. FOOD PREPARED AND HELD IN A FOOD ESTABLISHMENT FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED TO INDICATE THE DATE OR DAY BY WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE CONSUMED ON THE PREMISES, SOLD, OR DISCARDED WHEN HELD AT A TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR LESS FOR A MAXIMUM OF 7DAYS. APPROXIMATELY 20LBS AT AN APPROXIMATE COST OF $100 DISCARDED ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTD TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • CARDBOARD LINING, ALUMINUM FOIL ON STORAGE SHELVES AND COUNTERTOP IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD LINING AND ALUMINUM FOIL SO AS SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN AND EASILY CLEANABLE
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • CUTTING BOARDS HEAVILY PITTED AND WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES. INSTD TO REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • SMALL LEAK AT PIPE UNDERNEATH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
  7. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE TRAYS STORED FACING UP AT THE COOK LINE. MUST INVERT SINGLE SERVICE CONTAINERS TO PROTECT FROM POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST DEFROST AND CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN FREEZERS TO REMOVE ICE BUILD UP AND DEBRIS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED USED MOP STORED IN THE MOP BUCKET IN THE BACK KITCHEN AREA. MUST HANG MOPS TO ALLOW TO DRY.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST CLEAN THE FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE AND DEBRIS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • SEE VIOLATION #60.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VILOATION (#58 ALLERGEN TRAINING) NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2554411 DATE 4-18-22. Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments:OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON-SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING AND RETAIN CERTIFICATE ON-SITE. PRIORTITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED #7-42-090.
  8. License Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF GRIME AND DEBRIS IN WALK IN COOLER ON SHELVING, AND IN COLD HOLD UNITS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DEBRIS AND BUILD UP OF GRIME ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA, STORAGE CLOSET, UNDER EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON-SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING AND RETAIN CERTIFICATE ON-SITE.
  9. License

    6 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • PIC WITHOUT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO VALID ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO SANITIATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON-SITE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE VALID ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE ON-SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES OR KIT ON-SITE FOR CLEAN-UP OF VOMITOUS PROCEDURES. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE AND KIT FOR CLEAN-UP VOMITOUS AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF GRIME AND DEBRIS IN WALK IN COOLER ON SHELVING, AND IN COLD HOLD UNITS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DEBRIS AND BUILD UP OF GRIME ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA, STORAGE CLOSET, UNDER EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON-SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING AND RETAIN CERTIFICATE ON-SITE.

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