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EL FORASTERO LLC

13514 S AVENUE O, CHICAGO, IL 60633 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

EL FORASTERO LLC has been inspected 7 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since August 1, 2022. The most recent inspection, on December 29, 2025, recorded 1 infraction.

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

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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on June 2, 2025. 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 25, 2023. 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 25, 2023. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 October 25, 2023. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 25, 2023. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

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

    1 infraction

    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED ONE FEMALE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS WITHIN 90 DAYS OF HIRE.
  2. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-202.13 OBSERVED INSECT CONTROL DEVICE HANGING BY A PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND ONLY ALLOW PEST CONTROL TO SET ALL INSECT CONTROL DEVICE. MANAGER REMOVED THE INSECT CONTROL DEVICE DURING THE INSPECTION.
  3. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIOIRTY FOUNDATION
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATIOON CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2583979 ON 10-25-23:57-OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED
  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    14 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • 3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-202.15 : OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT OUTTER DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • 3-305.11 : MUST ELEVATE STORED FOODS ON FLOOR IN FRONT PREP AREA AND PAPER GOODS IN OUTSIDE SHED.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • 2-402.11 : OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • 3-304.12 : OBSERVED SCOOPS STORED INSIDE OF LARGE FOOD CONTAINERS AND ICE SCOOP ON TOPSIDE OF ICE MACHINE MUST STORE IN A CLEAN CONTAINER.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON REAR 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-101.19 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE TORN AND WORN BOOTH SEATS IN DINING AREA
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINET & WHEEL BASES.MUST DEFROST ICE BUILD UP FROM REACH IN FREEZER
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.16 : MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT CHIPPING PAINT ON WALLS IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA,DINING AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.114 : MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN FURNANCE ROOM
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 6-202.11 : MUST PROVIDE END CAPS ON LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR DISH WASHING/PREP AREA
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 6-501.14 : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM VENTILATION HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  5. Canvass

    19 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA MUST INSTALL A HAND SINK WITH HOT & COLD RUNNING WATER ,SOAP & TOWELS AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT OUTTER DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • MUST ELEVATE STORED FOODS ON FLOOR IN FRONT PREP AREA AND PAPER GOODS IN OUTSIDE SHED.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED SCOOPS STORED INSIDE OF LARGE FOOD CONTAINERS AND ICE SCOOP ON TOPSIDE OF ICE MACHINE MUST STORE IN A CLEAN CONTAINER.
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON REAR 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE TORN AND WORN BOOTH SEATS IN DINING AREA.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINET & WHEEL BASES.MUST DEFROST ICE BUILD UP FROM REACH IN FREEZER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT CHIPPING PAINT ON WALLS IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA,DINING AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN FURNANCE ROOM.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST PROVIDE END CAPS ON LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR DISH WASHING/PREP AREA.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM VENTILATION HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2561904 8/9/22 NOT CORRECTED 5-204.12 #51-UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE OR LOCATE.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 61. SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
      • OBSERVED NO PREVIOUS SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE FOR PUBLIC VIEW A NEW SUMMARY REPORT WAS POSTED AT THIS TIME.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-010(B)(CITATION ISSUED)
  6. License

    1 infraction

    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE OR LOCATE.
  7. License

    0 infractions

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