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EL IDEAS

2419 W 14TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60608 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

EL IDEAS has been inspected 27 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since April 6, 2011. The most recent inspection, on December 11, 2025, recorded 2 infractions.

13 of 27 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 3 inspections with 2 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Cleaning and sanitizing and Pests.

The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.

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.

  • 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 3 separate inspections, most recently on December 6, 2024. For example: PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

  • 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 December 4, 2023. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • 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 April 2, 2015. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • 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 once on April 2, 2019. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 15 times across 10 separate inspections, most recently on December 11, 2025. For example: PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & 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.

27 inspections

  1. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • THE STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER ALL HAVE RUST ON THEM. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST OR REPLACE RACKS TO MAINTAIN A RUST-FREE, SMOOTH, AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. -THE HAND WASHING SINK BY THE PAN/POT STORAGE RACKS NEEDS A SPLASH GUARD TO SEPARATE THE SINK FROM THE UTENSILS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS IN THE CORNERS, UNDER THE DISH MACHINE, SINKS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
  2. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  4. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • 2-402.11 OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLERS WITH BEARDS AND WITHOUT BEARD GUARDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.12 OBSERVED FLOORS AND WALLS WITH MINOR DEBRIS UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
  5. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 FOUND CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITHOUT PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.
  7. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • FOUND PANEL IN ICE MACHINE WIH A MINIMAL AMOUNT OF A UNKOWN PINK SUBSTANCE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF UNISEX EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • FOUND CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITHOUT PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • FOUND CONTINUED NON- COMPLIANCE FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2456818 CONDUCTED ON 11/19/2020. THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS WERE NOT CORRECTED: 6-501.13 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DEBRIS UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. 6-201.13 OBSERVED COVING IS MISSING ON THE WALL UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND COVING IN POOR REPAIR UNDER THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY .PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
  8. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  9. Canvass Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.13 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DEBRIS UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. 6-201.13 OBSERVED COVING IS MISSING ON THE WALL UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND COVING IN POOR REPAIR UNDER THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 6-303.11 OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING BY THE DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE LIGHTING INTENSITY.
  10. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • 4-501.114 OBSERVED THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING AT A CHLORINE LEVEL OF 0PPM DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR SO THAT THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE SANITIZES PROPERLY AT A CHLORINE LEVEL OF 50-100PPM AT ALL TIMES. LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MAY NOT BE USED. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-025.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.13 OBSERVED COVING IS MISSING ON THE WALL UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND COVING IN POOR REPAIR UNDER THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.13 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DEBRIS UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 6-303.11 OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING BY THE DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE LIGHTING INTENSITY.
  11. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  12. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010, NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED CUSTOMER RESTROOMS IN THE REAR OF THE RESTAURANT, NO BARRIER KEEPING THE CUSTOMERS FROM WALKING THRU THE PREP KITCHEN/STORAGE AREA, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A BARRIER, MEANTIME YOU WIL NEED TO POST SIGN/NOTICE IN FRONT AUTHORIZED PERSONAL ONLY.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES FOR THE DISH WASHER, WAIT STAFF, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBERVED NO ALERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
  13. Canvass

    0 infractions

  14. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  15. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY. MUST STORE INVERTED.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT COOKING AREAS. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
  16. Canvass

    0 infractions

  17. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 42. APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
      • OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A HAIR NET. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS WEAR A HAIR NET AND MAINTAIN.
  18. Canvass

    0 infractions

  19. Complaint Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • SEAL OPENING AROUND PIPE FITTING UNDER SINK IN NORTH WASHROOM.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPAIR LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER SANITIZING COMPARTMENT OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. REPAIR LEAK UNDER DISH MACHINE.
  20. Complaint

    7 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OBSERVED 20-30 MICE DROPPINGS INSIDE FRYER CABINET IN PREP AREA, 15-20 MICE DROPPINGS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN SOUTHWEST STORAGE AREA, 5 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ALONG WALLS IN GAS METER ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #1358276 ON 5-28-14. 38-NO UTILITY SINK ON PREMISES. RECOMMEND OPERATOR TO INSTALL UTILITY SINK. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • SEAL OPENING AROUND PIPE FITTING UNDER SINK IN NORTH WASHROOM.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPAIR LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER SANITIZING COMPARTMENT OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. REPAIR LEAK UNDER DISH MACHINE.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • REMOVE UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND ARTICLES IN STORAGE AREAS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
  21. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NO UTILITY SINK ON PREMISES. RECOMMEND OPERATOR TO INSTALL UTILITY SINK.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • CLUTTER IN OUTSIDE REAR OF PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CLUTTER.
  22. Canvass

    0 infractions

  23. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED RUSTY STORAGE SHELVES IN WALK-IN COOLER NEED TO REMOVE RUST.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • NEED TO CLEAN INTERIOR OF WALK-IN COOLER.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • NEED TO CLEAN FLOOR PREP AREA/GARAGE AREA.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • NEED TO CLEAN CLUTTER IN SIDE GARAGE.
  24. Canvass

    0 infractions

  25. Complaint Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  26. Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. FOUND MICE DROPPINGS 25- 30 IN THE FRONT STORE ROOM AND 40- 50 MICE DROPPINGS IN THE FURNACE ROOM. ALSO THE SIDE DOOR GOING INTO THE GARAGE HAS A ONE INCH INCH GAP UNDER THE DOOR AND AROUND THE FRAME. NOT TIGHT FITTING OR INSECT PROOFED. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE THE DOOR TIGHT FITTING AND INSECT PROOFED. CALL YOU PEST CONTROL COMPANY TO COME HERE TO SERVICE THIS ESTABLISHMENT. SERIOUS CITATION GIVEN 7-38-020.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. CLEAN THE COOKING EQUIPMENT HAS GREASE ON THEM.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. CLEAN THE FLOORS IN THE STORE ROOMS PREP AREA AND THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT.
  27. License

    0 infractions

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