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EL TEJADO MEXICAN GRILL

6411 N CENTRAL AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60646 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

EL TEJADO MEXICAN GRILL has been inspected 13 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since November 14, 2018. The most recent inspection, on April 28, 2026, recorded 6 infractions.

None of the 13 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 6 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Protecting food from contamination, Cleaning and sanitizing and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

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.

  • 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 7 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on April 28, 2026. 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 5 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on April 28, 2026. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on April 28, 2026. For example: PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE

  • 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 November 14, 2018. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • Food safety training and certificationLower risk

    Most jurisdictions require a certified food handler or manager on site, and some require allergen or food-worker training. These findings mean the paperwork or the trained person was missing at the time. They do not by themselves mean food was handled unsafely.

    Recorded 14 times across 9 separate inspections, most recently on April 28, 2026. For example: CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

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

    6 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS ITEMS SUCH AS CHICKEN WERE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED
    • 6. PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE
      • MUST PROVIDE DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEES PERSONAL DRINKS. ALL OPEN DRINKS ARE PROHIBITED IN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER UNITS WITH FOOD STORED INSIDE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN WALK-IN COOLERS, UTILITY AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  2. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS ITEMS SUCH AS CHICKEN WERE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON INTERIOR OF 2 DOOR COOLER LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
  3. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LOOSE FAUCET AND LOW WATER PRESSURE AT WASHBOWL SINK LOCATED IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND GRIME IN INTERIOR OF BOTH MICROWAVES. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED 1 OF 2 CERTIFIED MANAGERS WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
  4. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • FOUND CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING.MUST PROVIDE.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • FOUND PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT DATED 10-11-22 INSPECTION# 2565103. VIOLATION.57.OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING EXPIRED. RENEW AND MAINTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-42-090.MUST PROVIDE.
  5. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING EXPIRED. RENEW AND MAINTAIN.
  6. Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED CONTAINERS OF CHICKEN STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE FOOD ITEM ON SHELVES.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS ON CUTTING BOARD IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BUCKET WHEN NOT IN USE.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE ON SIDE OF COOKING FRYER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  7. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED MINOR FOOD DEBRIS IN MICROWAVES AT FRONT PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN WALK IN COOLER. MUST USE FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS THAT ARE EASY TO CLEAN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MINOR GREASE BUILD UP INSIDE OF COOKING FRYER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MANY ITEMS BLOCKING MOP SINK IN REAR. MUST ORGANIZE MOP SINK AREA FOR EMPLOYEES TO HAVE ACCESS TO MOP SINK.
  8. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES AT FRONT COUNTER AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED GREASY HOT LINE HOOD AT FRONT FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOT LINE HOOD
  9. Complaint

    5 infractions

    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED TWO EMPLOYEES PREPARING AND COOKING NOT WEARING WEAR HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR HAIR RESTRAINT TO CONFINE THE HAIR.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • WOMEN'S WASHROOM WASTE RECEPTACLE MUST HAVE A LID OR COVER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOOR IN THE SMALL DINING AREA NEEDS DETAIL CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE FRONT DINING AREA. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • NO PROOF OF THE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR THE TWO EMPLOYEES HANDLING,COOKING FOOD. MUST OBTAIN WAITING 30 DAYS OF EMPLOYMENT.
  10. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE DRAIN BOARD OF 3 COMPT SINK FOR DIRTY DISHES AND THE PREP SINK.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED EXTRA BIG POTS BEING USED FOR COOKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WITH SMALLER POTS TO BE ABLE TO FIT IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH,RINSE AND SANITIZE OR INSTALL A BIGGER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
  11. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. (VIOLATION WAS WRITTEN FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT DATED 11/19/18)INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE DRAIN BOARD OF 3 COMPT SINK FOR DIRTY DISHES AND THE PREP SINK.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND CLEAN THE SHELVES FOR THE DRY STORAGE FOOD AND PAPER GOODS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • CEILING VENT COVER IN BOTH WASHROOMS WITH DUST BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • UPGRADED TO PRIORITY FOUNDATION.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2240404 DATED 11/19/18. #57- NO EMPLOYEE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD MUST OBTAIN A FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
  12. License Re-Inspection

    7 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 (a) NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES OR KIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • FOUND NO CONSUMER ADVISORY OR DISCLOSURE POSTED AND ON MENUS FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE FOR COFFEE MACHINE
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE INOPERABLE LIGHT BULB INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • FOOD HANDLER (S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. INFORMATION GIVEN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING.
  13. License

    6 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 (a) NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES OR KIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • FOUND NO CONSUMER ADVISORY OR DISCLOSURE POSTED AND ON MENUS FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • FOUND NO LICENSED PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK (SERVICE, CHEMICALS APPLIED, LOG, MAPS ETC.) AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • FOOD HANDLER (S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. INFORMATION GIVEN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING.

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