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EL PATIO RESTAURANT

4527 S ASHLAND AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60609 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

EL PATIO RESTAURANT has been inspected 13 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since October 27, 2010. The most recent inspection, on April 8, 2019, found no infractions.

1 of 13 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: Food source, labelling and allergens 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.

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on December 29, 2016. For example: FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

  • 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 May 12, 2015. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • Equipment and utensilsLower risk

    Equipment has to be built from cleanable materials, kept in good repair and stored properly. These findings are mostly about upkeep, like a cracked shelf, a worn gasket or utensils stored the wrong way. They are generally lower risk but show how well the kitchen is maintained.

    Recorded 22 times across 11 separate inspections, most recently on June 1, 2017. For example: FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

  • 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 11 times across 9 separate inspections, most recently on June 1, 2017. For example: LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

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.

13 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • REMOVE MEAT FROM GROCERY BAGS IN WALK-IN COOLER AND PROPERLY STORE IN FOOD STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • SECURE LOOSE CEILING VENT IN PREP AREA. CLEAN LIGHT SHIELD IN DISH WASHING AREA.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • PROPERLY CONNECT CONDENSATION DRAIN LINE IN REACH-IN COOLER. INSTALL MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN STAFF WASHROOM. REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
  3. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • NOTED TOMATO PASTE STORED IN #10 CAN IN TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR NEEDS TO BE TRANSFERED TO A FOOD GRADE PLASTIC OR METAL CONTAINER.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO TRANSFER CONTENTS MANAGEMENT COMPLIED
    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • POTS AND PANS NOT STORED (INVERTED)AFTER SANITIZING. MANAGEMENT ORDERED EMPLOYEE TO INVERT ALL POTS AND PANS. EMPLOYEE COMPLIED
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • NOTED BROKEN GLASS AT TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN KITCHEN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • TABLE SUPPORTING GRILL NEEDS CLEANING. STEAM TABLE WELLS NEED CLEANING.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • NOTED LIGHT SHIELD CAPS MISSING FROM LIGHT SHIELDS OVER HOT LINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO AFFIX CAPS TO SHIELDS.
  4. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • LABEL BULK CONTAINERS AT REAR AND IN WALK-IN COOLER.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTOM OF DEEP FRYER OF GREASE BUILD-UP.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN FLOORS AT REAR AND IN WALK-IN COOLER OF FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • FOUND LIGHT IN THE PREP AREA IN POOR REPAIR/NOT WORKING. MUST REPAIR AND PROVIDE PROPER LIGHTING INSIDE PREP AREA.
  6. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OBSERVERED 10 MICE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR AROUND THE REAR LEG OF THE MOP SINK, 15 MICE DROPPINGS ON THE GROUND AROUND THE HOT WATER TANK, AND IN THE REAR NEAR OVER HEAD DOOR WHICH HAS A 1/4 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM AND CORNER OF DOOR. MUST REMOVE AND CLEAN AFFECTED AREAS WHERE DROPPINGS WERE FOUND AND REPAIR DOOR TO PREVENT FUTHER ENTRY POINT FOR PEST. CITATION ISSUED #7-38-020.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS DIRTY AND GREASES AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN. ALSO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG THE WALL BASE AND REPAIR DISATTACHED WALL COVING WHERE EVER NEEDED TO PREVENT HIDING AND ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • FOUND LIGHT IN THE PREP AREA IN POOR REPAIR/NOT WORKING. MUST REPAIR AND PROVIDE PROPER LIGHTING INSIDE PREP AREA.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED WATER COMING FROM THE TOP BEHIND GAUGE OF THE DISH MACHINE WHEN TURNED ON, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. ALSO NOTED REAR EXPOSED HAND SINK HAS A SLOW DRAIN. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  7. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED THE WALK IN COOLER FAN GUARD COVER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED STANDING WATER UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR ALSO UNDER REAR DISH MACHINE, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/REMOVE STANDING WATER.
  8. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED RUSTY COOLER STORAGE SHELVES REAR WALK-IN, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD NOT CLEAN IN REAR PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED FRONT FLOOR NOT CLEAN UNDER AND AROUND UNUSED ICE MACHINE, WAIT STATION INSTRIUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED EAST WALL COVING OFF WALL NEXT TO UNUSED ICE MACHINE, INSTRUCTED TO REATTACH COVING. ALSO NEED TO CLEAN THE WALLS, AND CEILING IN REAR PREP AREA.NEED TO REPAIR FRONT CEILING PEELING PAINT EAST WALL.OBSERVED LIGHT SHIELDS NOT CLEAN REAR PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED WATER COMING FROM THE TOP BEHIND GAUGE OF THE DISH MACHINE WHEN TURNED ON, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
  9. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING. FRYERS NEED TO BE CLEANED TO REMOVE GREASE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • VENTILATION UNIT ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE GEASE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  10. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • WALK-IN COOLER CEILING AND FAN COVERS NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.
  11. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. ATTACHMENT ON BOTTOM REAR DOOR LOOSE/POOR REPAIR.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.INTERIOR UPPER BACK PANEL NOT CLEAN.MUST CLEAN.
  12. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • The licensee shall inform the public in writing of the Chicago Department of Public Health?s Consumer Advisory relating to consuming raw and undercooked animal products. All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers.MUST LABEL/DATE (FIFO) COOKED,PREP FOODS IN COOLERS. ALSO LABEL LARGE DRY STORAGE BINS.
    • 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.MUST REPAIR FLOOR/GROUND AT REAR DOOR IN POOR REPAIR/CRACKING.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • The flow of air discharged from kitchen fans shall always be through a duct to a point above the roofline. Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.LEAKY PIPE CONNECTION OF PIPE AT BACK FLOW DEVICE AT DISH MACHINE. MUST REPAIR.
  13. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • PAINT OR REPLACE RUSTY STORAGE RACKS(IN REAR) & FAN GAURD IN WALK-IN COOLER.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE, INTERIORS 0F WALK-IN COOLER & FREEZER(FLOORS FAN GUARDS,RACKS ETC.), EXTERIORS OF GREASE TRAPS, AND INTERIOR OF 2-DOOR COOLER IN REAR USED FOR STORAGE OF NON-FOOD ITEMS
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASES, IN CORNERS, UNDERNEATH AND BEHIND HEAVY EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED. LEVEL SECTIONS OF FLOOR IN KITCHEN WHERE SURFACE HAS CHIPPED.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • CLEAN ALL DUSTY CEILING AND WALL VENTS.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • REPAIR VENTILATION IN WASHROOMS

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