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EL MOFONGUITO LLC

3625 W NORTH AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60647 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

EL MOFONGUITO LLC has been inspected 8 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since June 16, 2020. The most recent inspection, on October 2, 2025, recorded 13 infractions.

2 of 8 inspections on record found no infractions at all. No inspections are on record from the past 12 months. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Food temperature control 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.

  • 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 4 separate inspections, most recently on October 2, 2025. For example: WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

  • Food temperature controlHigher risk

    Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.

    Recorded 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on August 18, 2023. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • 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 October 2, 2025. 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 October 2, 2025. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 October 15, 2024. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

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.

8 inspections

  1. Canvass

    13 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM AND SIDES OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT-FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND DRY STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD. MUST MAINTAIN
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED MILK & PRODUCE CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED RAW BEEF STORED IN PLASTIC THANK YOU BAG IN WALK IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT SINK STOPPERS MISSING FOR ALL 3 COMPARTMENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE WORKING STOPPERS AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED RUSTED BOTTOM OF PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP FULL OF RUST. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST, AND OR REPLACE; SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED HANDSINK FAUCET IN FRONT PREP LEKING FROM HOT & COLD WATER HANDLES AND FAUCET SPOUT SPRAYING TO SIDE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DIRTY AND DUSTY FANS IN THE DISH AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FLOOR AIR VENTS FULL OF FOOD DEBRIS, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MISSING FLOOR GROUNT, MISSING TILES AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AND IN THE DRY STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO CREATE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CLUTTER STORED ON FLOOR THROUGH OUT REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
  2. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • FOUND BULK FOOD NOT LABELED.(FLOUR, SUGAR,ETC.)MUST LABEL.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES AT MOP SINK FAUCET.MUST PROVIDE WHERE IT CAN BE LOCATED AND SERVICED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • FOUND HAND SINK LOOSE AT DISHWASHING AREAS.MUST FASTEN PROPERLY.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • SANITATION MANAGER WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING.MUST PROVIDE.
  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    9 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • 4-204.112(B) OBSERVED A BROKEN THERMOMETER INSIDE OF THE 1 DOOR COCA COLA COOLER USED TO STORE SALSA AND DESSERTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE OF ALL COOLERS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-602.13 CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE WIRE STORAGE SHELVES ABOVE THE CHEST FREEZER, AND NEXT TO THE STOVE. CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYER.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-205.15 REPAIR THE BROKEN DRAIN LINE UNDER THE HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED OUTSIDE OF THE WASHROOM.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • 5-501.17 NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE WAS PROVIDED IN THE WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.12 CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE FLOOR BENEATH THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.11 MUST SEAL ALL OF THE OPENINGS IN THE BASEMENT FLOOR AND WALLS TO ELIMINATE PEST HARBORAGE CONDITIONS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.114 OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER IN THE BASEMENT THAT IS CONTRIBUTING TO PEST HARBORAGE CONDITIONS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND CLUTTER AND STORE REMAINING ITEMS OFF OF THE FLOOR AND AWAY FROM THE WALLS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 NO VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE WAS PROVIDED BY THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW VALID PROOF OF TRAINING.
    • 59. PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • 8-404.13(B)(3) PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2579970 ON 8/11/23 NOT CORRECTED: 38 - OBSERVED OVER 200 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. 60 - PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2560541 ON 7/11/22 NOT CORRECTED: 57 - OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES HAD A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
  5. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED A BROKEN THERMOMETER INSIDE OF THE 1 DOOR COCA COLA COOLER USED TO STORE SALSA AND DESSERTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE OF ALL COOLERS.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED OVER 200 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED BROKEN PLASTIC CONTAINERS USED TO STORE FOODS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL BROKEN PLASTIC FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE WIRE STORAGE SHELVES ABOVE THE CHEST FREEZER, AND NEXT TO THE STOVE. CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYER.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE WAS PROVIDED IN THE WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE FLOOR BENEATH THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • NO VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE WAS PROVIDED BY THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW VALID PROOF OF TRAINING.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2560541 ON 7/11/22 NOT CORRECTED: 57 - NONE OF THE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES HAD A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
  6. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED A POT OF COOKED BEANS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AT 60.1F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROX. 25# OF FOOD WORTH $48. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED FROZEN CHICKEN STORED IN A PLASTIC GROCERY BAG IN THE CHEST FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE WALL BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • CLEAN THE EXCESSIVE GREASE ON BOTH SETS OF VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • NONE OF THE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES HAD A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
    • 61. SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
      • NO INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN VIEW OF ALL CUSTOMERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
  7. License Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  8. License

    8 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALL ITEMS LISTED ON THE CLEAN UP PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO METAL STEM PROBE THERMOMETER ON THE PREMISES TO TAKE FOOD TEMPERATURES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED A 1/2" GAP ALONG THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT DOOR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF ALL OUTER OPENINGS.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED THE SNEEZE GUARD NOT IN PLACE ABOVE THE HOT HOLDING UNIT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A PROPER SNEEZE GUARD. PRIORITY 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED THE WRONG CHEMICAL TEST KIT ON THE PREMISES TO MEASURE THE SANITIZER CONCENTRATION AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE CORRECT CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR THE SANITIZER THAT IS BEING USED TO SANITIZE DISHES AND UTENSILS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE WAS PROVIDED IN THE WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GARBAGE AND LITTER ON THE GROUND BEHIND THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B). NO CITATION ISSUED.

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