What is EL Caballo Locco's health inspection score?

EL Caballo Locco has a SafeDine safety score of 67 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was EL Caballo Locco last inspected?

EL Caballo Locco was last inspected on February 10, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does EL Caballo Locco have?

EL Caballo Locco has 31 total violations across 7 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is EL Caballo Locco safe to eat at?

EL Caballo Locco has a safety score of 67/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

What type of cuisine does EL Caballo Locco serve?

EL Caballo Locco serves American cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

EL Caballo Locco

Name: EL Caballo Locco
Address: 4024 N KEDZIE AVE, Chicago, 60618
Rating: 67

4024 N KEDZIE AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 2/10/2026

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0Fair

American•North Center

Ranked #409 of 551 in North CenterBetter than 17% of american restaurants

Declining

7 inspections

Last: Feb 10, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

57%

Clean Rate

4.4

Avg Violations

2 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Temperature control

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Facility condition

Building maintenance or structural issues

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-33

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-7 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-4 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-13 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

-11 pts

Latest

100% weight

100

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

How scoring works: Every restaurant starts at 100 points. Points are deducted for violations found during inspections.

Recent inspections are weighted more heavily. High priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact.

Location

4024 N KEDZIE AVE, Chicago, IL 60618

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Violation Timeline

Oct 2022

2 inspections

1 intermediate

5 basic

Oct

Sep 2023

1 inspections

Oct 2023

2 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

13 basic

Oct

Apr 2024

1 inspections

Feb 2026

1 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

8 basic

Feb

Inspection History

7 records on file

4 Canvass3 Non-Inspection

Feb 26

Canvass InspectionLatestPass

1 High1 Med8 Basic

10 total

69/100inspection score

−31 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINK IN THE MENS WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OUTER OPENINGS NOT PROTECTED. OBSERVED 1/2 INCH OPENING ON BOTTOM OF REAR SIDE DOOR. MUST MAKE DOOR RODENT PROOF TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

Basic (8)

−16 pts

43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED ON TOP OF ICE BIN IN FRONT BAR AREA ALSO OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. MUST PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
OBSERVED BOXES OF LIQUOR STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR LIQUOR STORAGE ROOM, INSIDE WALK-IN LIQUOR COOLER AND BASEMENT. MUST ELEVATE ITEMS OF THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED RAW UNFINISHED WOOD WALLS UNDERNEATH INTERIOR SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACES.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK DRAINING SLOW IN FRONT KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. ADDITIONAL WATER PRESSURE NEEDED AT THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE WOMENS WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED AND BROKEN CEILING TILES IN BOTH WASHROOMS. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DAMAGES AND BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA, REAR DISWASHING AREA AND INSIDE BOTH WASHROOMS. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON CEILING ABOVE PREP COOLERS IN REAR KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. MUST REPAINT AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING AND WALLS VENTILATION VENTS THROUGHOUT PREMISES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON WALL AND FLOOR IN FRONT BAR AREA, REAR KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA AND REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS ON BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST REMOVE CLUTTER CLEAN AND ORGANIZE AREA TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.

Base deductions−31 pts

Apr 24

Canvass InspectionCleanOut of Business

No violations

100/100inspection score

Oct 23

Canvass InspectionPass

1 High1 Med13 Basic

15 total

59/100inspection score

−41 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK IN BAR AREA AND IN MEN AND WOMEN WASHROOM.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE PREP COOLER AND INSIDE REFRIGERATOR IN THE KITCHEN.

Basic (13)

−26 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOLERS, HANDSINKS AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN BAR AND IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TIGHT FITTING COVER/LID FOR ICE BIN BEHIND BAR.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH GREASE ACCUMULATION IN THE KITCHEN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKY DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH HANDSINK IN THE BAR AREA.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE MUST BE COVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LID/COVER.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE NON WORKING SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT MEN AND WOMEN WASHROOM DOOR.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
OBSERVED LEAVES AND DEBRIS ON GROUND AROUND REAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN GROUND AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT PREP/DISHWASHING AREA AND IN BAR AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS WITH DRIED FOOD SPILLAGE AROUND PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, REORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND UNUSED ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN KITCHEN HOOD AND FILTERS IN THE KITCHEN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLE AROUND THE DRAINPIPE UNDERNEATH THE MOPSINK.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN REAR OUTSIDE AREA. NOTED SOME BOXES AND CLUTTER.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.

Base deductions−41 pts

Oct 23

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Sep 23

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Oct 22

Canvass InspectionPass

1 Med5 Basic

6 total

85/100inspection score

−15 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED GAP OPENINGS AT BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR ENTRANCE.INSTRUCTED TO MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOM TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED FROZEN FOODS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS INSIDE OF THE CHEST FREEZER.INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILDUP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER IN PREP AREA AND BAR GUNS AND HOUSINGS ATTACHED AT BAR AREA.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THE HAND SINK AT BAR AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE BROKEN UNUSED COOLER STORED AT REAR ACROSS THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE STOCK ITEMS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES FOR EASIER CLEANING.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.

Base deductions−15 pts

Oct 22

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

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Community Safety Reports

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Data source: Chicago CDPH · Official government inspection records

Grading System

85 – 100

Excellent

70 – 84

Good

Below 70

Fair

About SafeDine Scores

Scores are calculated using official government inspection data. High Priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact, followed by Intermediate and Basic violations. Community reviews can adjust the score by up to 5 points when 3+ reviews are submitted.

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