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LITTLE LAZO'S

1961 N WESTERN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60647 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

LITTLE LAZO'S has been inspected 11 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since October 10, 2019. The most recent inspection, on October 27, 2025, recorded 2 infractions.

2 of 11 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 2 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Food temperature control.

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.

  • 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 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on October 27, 2025. For example: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

  • 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 16, 2024. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on July 31, 2023. For example: APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

  • 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 July 25, 2022. For example: CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

  • 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 6 separate inspections, most recently on April 16, 2024. For example: PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

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.

11 inspections

  1. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • No sanitizer test strips on site for 3-comp sanitizer solution, Instructed to obtain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • Meat slicer not clean behind blade, food debris noted, instructed to clean and maintain.
  2. Canvass

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • FOUND NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT PREPARATION AREAS.MUST PROVIDE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES AT ICE MACHINE WATERLINE. MUST PROVIDE WHERE IT CAN BE LOCATED AND SERVICED.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • FOUND BROKEN LIGHT SHIELDING INSIDE REACH IN COOLER.MUST REPLACE.
  4. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 35. APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED RAW PORK THAWING IN A CONTAINER ON THE PREP TABLE OF THE REAR PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY THAW ALL TCS FOODS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE AND TOASTER OVEN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER IN THE BASEMENT SO THAT NOT ALL AREAS OF THE BASEMENT COULD BE VISUALLY INSPECTED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CLUTTER TO REDUCE PEST HARBORAGE CONDITIONS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2561636 ON 8/3/22 NOT CORRECTED: 57 - OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT WHILE TCS FOODS (SANDWICHES AND TACOS) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
    • 59. PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • 8-404.13(B)(3) PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2561197 ON 7/25/22 NOT CORRECTED: 54 - OBSERVED GARBAGE OVERFLOWING OVER THE TOP OF THE GARBAGE DUMPSTER SO THAT THE DUMPSTER LID COULD NOT BE CLOSED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE GARBAGE PICKUP SO THAT THE GARBAGE DOES NOT OVERFLOW OVER THE TOP OF THE CONTAINER AND THE LIDS ARE KEPT CLOSED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
  6. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE OR DESCRIBE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MUST ADD THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE BEFORE THE REMINDER STATEMENT:"THESE FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR MAY CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS." PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED GARBAGE OVERFLOWING OVER THE TOP OF THE GARBAGE DUMPSTER SO THAT THE DUMPSTER LID COULD NOT BE CLOSED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE GARBAGE PICKUP SO THAT THE GARBAGE DOES NOT OVERFLOW OVER THE TOP OF THE CONTAINER AND THE LIDS ARE KEPT CLOSED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
  7. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION COVERS ABOVE SLICER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING VENTILATION COVERS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • BASEMENT FLOOR CLUTTERED ALONG NORTH SIDE WALL. MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF FLOOR OR REMOVE.
  8. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  9. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE OR SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BOTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. OBSERVED MILK AT 44.6F, FLAN AT 46.4F, EGGS AT 47.5F, CHEESE AT 45.7F, MAYONNAISE AT 46.4F, PORK AT 46.6F, GARLIC IN OIL AT 47.5F, AND CREAM AT 49.3F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 20# OF FOOD WORTH $40. PRIORITY 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON THE PREMISES TO MEASURE THE SANITIZER CONCENTRATION AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
  10. License Re-Inspection

    6 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • Violation Codes: 2-102.14(O) Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • Violation Codes: 2-501.11 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • Violation Codes: 5-501.17 Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE A GARBAGE CAN WITH LID IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Violation Codes: 6-201.13 Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE A WALL BASE IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD MANAGERS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
  11. License

    11 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED NO BARRIER AT ENTRY INTO FOOD PREP AREA.MUST INSTALL TO PROVIDE PROTECTION AND UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS FROM ENTERING.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • MUST PROVIDE A GARBAGE CAN WITH LID IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE MASSIVE AMOUNT OF ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM BASEMENT FLOOR.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST PROVIDE A WALL BASE IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE WALL OUTLET COVER IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM,LOOSE & MISSING WALL BASE IN DINING AREA.DAMAGED FLOOR TILE AT ENTRY INTO PREP AREA.GAP BETWEEN WALL AND WINDOW TRIM IN DINING AREA,SMALL HOLES IN CONCRETE WALL BASE IN DINING AREA,GAP BETWEEN WALL AND DOOR TRIM OF WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM,HOLE AROUND PIPE UNDER HAND SINK IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPLACE MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVER IN BASEMENT.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AT 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 ALL FOOD MANAGERS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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