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YVOLINA'S TAMALES+GROCERIES

814 W 18TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60608 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

YVOLINA'S TAMALES+GROCERIES has been inspected 16 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since February 16, 2016. The most recent inspection, on January 28, 2026, found no infractions.

5 of 16 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 0 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Pests and Food temperature control.

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.

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on March 4, 2020. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 April 11, 2022. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 once on June 8, 2018. For example: FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE

  • 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 once on June 8, 2018. For example: FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

  • 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 March 15, 2017. For example: FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

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.

16 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS.
  4. Canvass

    0 infractions

  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL BEING USED AS LINERS FOR SHELVING UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.
  6. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 10 RAT DROPPINGS ALONG THE WALL IN CORNER OF BASEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(a). CITATION ISSUED. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND ELIMINATE ALL EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON PREMISES.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL BEING USED AS LINERS FOR SHELVING UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED UNUSED ITEMS (COOLER) BEHIND SERVING LINE. ALSO OBSERVED CLUTTER IN BASMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TO CLUTTER IN BASMENT AND REMOVE COOLER TO PREVENT POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND KEEP EVERYTHING ELEVATED 6 INCHES OFF OF THE FLOOR.
  7. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED ITEMS IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA ON THE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE 6 INCHES OR MORE OFF THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN
  8. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-101.17 OBSERVED RAW WOOD ON THE COUNTERS LOCATED AT THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA/CUSTOMER SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL RAW WOOD.
  9. Canvass Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
  10. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010, NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES FOR VOMITING AND DIARHEAL EVENTS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 29. COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP
      • OBSERVED OVER 33 JARS OF MOLE, SALAS,ON PREMISES WHICH HAS BEEN CANNED IN THE RESTAURANT WITH OUT A HACCP/VARIANCE REVIEW, OR APPROVAL BY CDPH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005. ALL 33 JARS WERE REMOVED FROM SALE, AND HELD/TAGGED FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CONTACT CDPH SO INSPECTOR CAN COME AND REMOVE TAG, AND OBSERVED DUMPING OF THE PRODUCT. ALSO INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CONTACT [email protected], ATN. PARTICK OCONNER FOR HACCP/VARIANCE APPLICATIONS/FORMS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
  11. Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 2. FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
      • CHEST FREEZER CONTAINING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD(COOKED PULLED PORK AND BAGS OF ICE) NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE(38.5F). INSTRUCTED THAT FREEZER MUST MAINTAIN FOOD AT O DEGREES OR LOWER. CHEST FREEZER TAG HELD FOR INSPECTION. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
    • 16. FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
      • OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD, (13) 1-POUND BAGS OF COOKED PULLED PORK IN CLEAR PERMEABLE PLASTIC BAGS STORED PARTIALLY SUBMERGED IN WATER AND ICE WITHIN A CHEST FREEZER AT REAR OF PREP AREA. ALSO NOTED THAT (7) 7LB BAGS OF ICE WERE ALSO IN A PLASTIC BAG PLACED OVER THE BAGS OF COOKED PULLED PORK ALSO IN SAME FREEZER. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY VOLUNTARILY DENATURED AND DISCARDED BOTH FOOD AND ICE. INSTRUCTED THAT FROZEN FOOD /ICE MUST BE STORED AT 0 DEGREES F OR LOWER. APPROX. WT. 20LBS, VALUE $260.00. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A) ISSUED.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND HEAVY EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES AT REAR PREP AREA.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • REMOVE CLUTTER AT REAR PREP AREA, ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  12. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN/SANITIZE INTERIOR BOTTOM OF 2-DR COLD HOLDING STATION AT REAR PREP AREA AND REFRIGERATOR IN SAME AREA.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN FLOOR ALONG WALLBASE AND AT CORNERS UNDER PREP TABLE AT REAR PREP AREA OF FOOD DEBRIS.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • REMOVE CLUTTER FROM BEHIND REAR SERVICE COUNTER, ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PROPERLY STORE EMPLOYEES ARTICLES (COATS)FROM SHELF AT REAR.
  13. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  14. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 9. WATER SOURCE: SAFE, HOT & COLD UNDER CITY PRESSURE
      • NO HOT WATER PROVIDED THROUGHOUT THE ESTABLISHMENT. WATER TEMPERATURE WAS 46F AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE HOT WATER ABOVE 110F AT ALL TIMES FOR PROPER DISHWASHING. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #1631719 ON 2/16/16 NOT CORRECTED: 32 - OBSERVED LARGE POTS NOT ABLE TO SUBMERGE IN THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO USE SMALLER POTS THAT ARE ABLE TO SUBMERGE IN THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN ORDER TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE ALL EQUIPMENT OR REPLACE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. 36 - OBSERVED LIGHT SHIELDS NEEDED OVER THE DRY STORAGE/ PRODUCE AREA /FOOD PREP AREA LOCATED IN THE FRONT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • ALL PREPACKAGED SALSAS AND MOLES MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED WITH NAME OF ITEM, LIST OF ALL INGREDIENTS, NAME AND ADDRESS OF PREPARER, LIST OF ALLERGENS, ETC.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • REMOVE THE PROPANE STOVES FROM THE PREMISES. PROPANE STOVES CANNOT BE USED INDOORS. REPAIR THE LEAK AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK DRAIN LINE.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE.
  15. Canvass

    0 infractions

  16. License

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED LARGE POTS NOT ABLE TO SUBMERGE IN THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO USE SMALLER POTS THAT ARE ABLE TO SUBMERGE IN THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN ORDER TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE ALL EQUIPMENT. OBSERVED NO DRYING RACK LOCATED ABOVE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED BROKEN WALL TILE UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • OBSERVED LIGHT SHIELDS NEEDED OVER THE DRY STORAGE/ PRODUCE AREA LOCATED IN THE FRONT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED A SPLASH GUARD IS NEEDED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE EXPOSED HAND SINK LOCATED IN BETWEEN THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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