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MIXTECO GRILL

1601-1603 W MONTROSE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60613 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

MIXTECO GRILL has been inspected 12 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since May 14, 2010. The most recent inspection, on May 24, 2017, found no infractions.

4 of 12 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 temperature control, Protecting food from contamination and Pests.

The last 2 inspections in a row found no infractions. 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.

  • 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 3 separate inspections, most recently on May 12, 2015. For example: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on May 12, 2015. For example: FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

  • 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 2 separate inspections, most recently on July 9, 2013. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on April 20, 2016. For example: FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

  • 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 once on May 22, 2012. For example: APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

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.

12 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA.
    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • MUST PROPERLY STORED, INVERT ALL CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS DISHES IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED BROKEN HANDLE DOOR AT THE MEAT REFRIGERATOR IN BASEMENT. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINK AT THE EMPLOYEES WASHROOM DRAINING SLOW. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED ICE SCOOP INSIDE ICE BIN AT THE FRONT BAR AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOP IN A CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
  4. Canvass

    0 infractions

  5. Complaint Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MIDDLE REACH IN PREP COOLER ALONG COOKLINE DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR GASKETS.
  6. Complaint

    5 infractions

    • 3. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
      • FOUND THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE- CHEESE 49.3 F, CALIMARI 45.6 F, SOUR CREAM 45.6 F, PICO DE GALLO 46.9 F, RED/GREEN SAUCE AT 46.9 F, MAYONNAISE (OPEN) 47.0 F. FOUND ALL OUT OF TEMPERATURE ITEMS HELD INSIDE FAR LEFT HAND SIDE PREP REACH IN COOLER ALONG COOKLINE, HOWEVER SAID COOLER AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE AT 40.9 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 40 F OR BELOW. OUT OF TEMPERATURE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS VOLUNTARILLY DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
    • 16. FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
      • ICE MACHINE NOT MAINTAINED, OBSERVED ACCUMULATED PINK SLIME BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE DRIPPING INTO ICE (READY TO EAT FOOD). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. ALL ICE VOLUNTARILLY DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • SOME BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED AT BASEMENT STORAGE AREA BY STAIRS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MIDDLE REACH IN PREP COOLER ALONG COOKLINE DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR GASKETS.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE SOME COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS FOR ALL COOLERS.
  7. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED THE CONDENSATION LINE FROM THE ICE MACHINE DISCHARGING INTO THE EXPOSED HAND SINK. MUST REROUTE THE CONDENSATION LINE TO A FLOOR DRAIN. EXPOSED HAND SINKS MUST BE USED FOR HANDWASHING ONLY AT ALL TIMES.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • REPLACE RUSTY, FOOD ENCRUSTED STORAGE SHELVES IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FAN VENT COVER IN THE WALK-IN COOLER.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FOUND THE PAINT ON THE CEILING OF THE BASEMENT STAIRCASE IN POOR REPAIR, STARTING TO CHIP AWAY FROM THE WALL; DRY COVERED FOODS ARE BEING STORED ON A STORAGE RACK ALONG THE STAIRCASE ON THE WALL. MUST REPAINT THE STAIRCASE CEILING TO PROTECT FOOD AND PROVIDE A SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • THE EXPOSED HAND SINK LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT IS PARTIALLY CLOGGED AND SLOW DRAINING. MUST REPAIR HANDSINK TO PROVIDE PROPER DRAINAGE AND MAINTAIN.
  8. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • ENCRUSTED LIQUID SPILLAGE INSIDE THE TWO DOOR FREEZER,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  9. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 16. FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
      • FOOD NOT PROTECTED DURING THE STORAGE(ICE).FOUND INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WATER RESERVOIR WITH BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE DRIPPING INTO WATER WHERE ICE IS MADE.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE UNIT.SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-005(A)
    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • LIVE ROACHES WERE OBSERVED ON PREMISES: ONE ROACH STROLLING ON FLOOR IN DINING AREA,SIX LIVE ROACHES IN BASEMENT UNDER THE BASE OF PREP TABLE.THE BASE OF THE TABLE IS COVERED WITH A METAL SHEETS WHICH LIVE ROACHES ARE IN BETWEEN,ANOTHER ROACH WAS OBSERVED INSIDE THE CONTAINER OF CLEAN UTENSILS,INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ROACHES AND SEAL ALL CRACKS AND CREVICES THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT ,SEAL METAL SHEET AT BASE OF PREP TABLE. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-020
    • 19. OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED
      • OUTSIDE WASTE OIL CONTAINER NOT MAINTAINED, GREASE BUILD-UP ON TOP THE PLASTIC LID,SPLATTERED OIL ON WALL BEHIND THE CONTAINER,AND EXCESS GREASE ON GROUND AROUND THE SAME SAID CONTAINER,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AREA AND OIL CONTAINER TO MINIMIZE INSECTS AND RODENT ACTIVITIES. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-020
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • ENCRUSTED LIQUID SPILLAGE INSIDE THE TWO DOOR FREEZER,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FOOD DEBRIS BUILD-UP ON FLOOR BEHIND PIPES,GREASE TRAP,BEHIND THE WALK-IN COOLER IN BASEMENT,AND IN FRONT OF REAR EXIT DOOR,FIRST FLOOR.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • METAL SHEET BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT HAS HOLES ON IT,INSTRUCTED TO SEAL.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD BY THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK,IN BASEMENT AREA,INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
  10. Complaint

    6 infractions

    • 8. SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME
      • CHEMICAL DISH MACHINE NOT DISPENSING SANITIZER WHILE DISHES WERE BEING WASHED. FOUND 0PPM CHLORINE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. MACHINE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED AND PROPERLY DISPENSING SANITIZER. INSTRUCTED TO USE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE BY HAND. MUST CONTACT C.D.P.H. TO REQUEST FOR INSPECTION AND TAG REMOVAL. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING IN BASEMENT DRY FOOD STORAGE. PLASTIC DISH MACHINE RACKS IN POOR REPAIR, BADLY STAINED/SOILED. MUST REPLACE.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT WITH DEAD ORIENTAL COCKROACHES. MUST REMOVE AND MAINTAIN. NO LIVE ACTIVITY NOTED. FLOORS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT FOUND WET AND IN AREAS WITH POOLING WATER. MUST MAINTAIN DRY FLOORS TO PREVENT ORIENTAL ROACH ATTRACTION. CRACKED/MISSING FLOOR TILE AT ENTRANCE TO BASEMENT STAIRWELL. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • WALLS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT DRY FOOD STORAGE AREAS DIRTY WITH BLACK MOLD, COB WEBS AND CEILING IN REAR STORAGE AREA WITH PEELING PAINT. MUST CLEAN, REPAIR, REMOVE PEELING PAINT.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD IN BASEMENT HALLWAY LEADING TO FOOD PREP AND DRY FOOD STORAGE IN STAIRWELL.
    • 42. APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
      • ALL EMPLOYEES IN FOOD PREP AREAS MUST WEAR HAT/HAIR RESTRAINT.
  11. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  12. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 3. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
      • All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less. FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE:2 PANS COOKED PORK STORED IN WALK-IN COOLER AT TEMPERATURE OF 63.5F-67.8F(FOOD WAS COOKED BETWEEN 4 AM &5 AM,PER MANAGER STATEMENT, FOOD WAS TEMPED AT 1pm);COOKED RICE IN WALK IN AT TEMP OF46.4F STORED IN PLASTIC CONTAINER WAS COOKED ON 5-11-10.ALSO JUICE FROM PORK WAS A TEMP OF 86F.FOOD PRODUCTS DISCARDED AND DENATURED.PONDS 60, VALUE 100.CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A) HOOOO58995-11
    • 4. SOURCE OF CROSS CONTAMINATION CONTROLLED I.E. CUTTING BOARDS, FOOD HANDLERS, UTENSILS, ETC
      • All food shall be protected from contamination and the elements, and so shall all food equipment, containers, utensils, food contact surfaces and devices, and vehicles. SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION.OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WITH A BLACK AND WHITE SLIME,INCLUDED AT WATER RESERVOIR.THE BUILD UP OF WHITE AND BLACK SLIME WAS DRIPPING IN ICE WHICH IS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.TAGGED UNIT "HELD FOR INSPECTION"DO NOT USE UNIT.INSTRUCTED TO WASH AND SANITIZE ICE MACHINE, ALSO BUY ICE IN BAGS FROM A RETAIL FOOD LICENSE BUSINESS, KEEP RECEIPT.CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A) HOOOO58995-11
    • 19. OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED
      • The area outside of the establishment used for the storage of garbage shall be clean at all times and shall not constitute a nuisance.OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED. GROUND AROUND THE GARBAGE CONTAINER HAD FOOD DEBRIS (AVOCADO'S PEELS,TOMATOES,AND OTHER FOOD, ALSO EMPTY DEAN'S GREAM CARTONS).WASTE OIL CONTAINER HAD LAYERS OF GREASE BUILD UP ON TOP THELID AND THE LEDGE OF CONTAINER WHICH WAS DRIPPING ON GROUND.OUT SIDE REAR ARWA IN FRONT AND SIDE OF REAR DOOR OBSERVED RAT DROPPINGS, ALSO THROUGHOUT THE GANGWAY. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP DIRTY LINENS BOX CLOSED (WHICH IS LOCATED OUTSIDE ,NEXT TO REAR DOOR), AND CLEAN AREA.(ABOUT 30 RAT DROPPINGS) SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-020 HOOOO58996-12
    • 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.IF REAR DOOR IS KEPT OPENED A SCREEN DOOR MUST BE INSTALLED .,THIGHT FITTED TO DOOR FRAME
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.REPAIR WALL ABOVE SHELVES (CLEAN DISHES ARE STORED),NEXT TO DISH MACHINE.

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