What is Ponce Place's health inspection score?

Ponce Place has a SafeDine safety score of 87 out of 100 (Grade A). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Ponce Place last inspected?

Ponce Place was last inspected on November 25, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Ponce Place have?

Ponce Place has 43 total violations across 8 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Ponce Place safe to eat at?

Yes, Ponce Place has an excellent safety record with a score of 87/100. This indicates strong compliance with health and safety standards.

Official Health Record

Ponce Place

Name: Ponce Place
Address: 3612 W NORTH AVE, Chicago, 60647
Rating: 87

3612 W NORTH AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 11/25/2025

▲Improving

Own or manage this restaurant?

Claim it to unlock analytics →

0Excellent

Logan Square

Ranked #234 of 735 in Logan Square

Improving

8 inspections

Last: Nov 25, 2025

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

13%

Clean Rate

5.4

Avg Violations

6 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Temperature controlHigh Priority

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Sanitation

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Permit/documentation

Administrative or documentation issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-13

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-2 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-7 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+6 pts

Latest

100% weight

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

Open location in Google Maps →

3612 W NORTH AVE, Chicago, IL 60647

Open in Maps

View Menu Order Online

Violation Timeline

Oct 2022

1 inspections

1 intermediate

6 basic

Oct

Aug 2023

2 inspections

1 high priority

2 intermediate

2 basic

Oct 2024

1 inspections

4 basic

Oct

Jul 2025

2 inspections

1 high priority

4 intermediate

15 basic

Nov 2025

2 inspections

1 intermediate

6 basic

Nov

Inspection History

8 records on file

1 Complaint Re-Inspection2 Complaint2 Canvass Re-Inspection3 Canvass

Nov 25

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-202.16: **C** Nonfood-Contact Surfaces OBSERVED RUSTED STORAGE RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
4-602.13: NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
6-304.11: **C** Mechanical- Ventilation FOUND LARGE 1 BURNER STOVE NOT UNDER EXHAUST HOOD.MUST REMOVE OR RELOCATE UNDER HOOD.

Base deductions−6 pts

Nov 25

Complaint InspectionFail

1 Med3 Basic

4 total

89/100inspection score

−11 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED OVER 200 MOUSE DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT THE FOLLOWING AREAS: INSIDE DEEP FRYER, BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT, UNDER COLD HOLDING AND HOT HOLDING EQUIPMENT, UNDER AND BEHIND REACH IN FREEZER AND UNDER & BEHIND REACH IN COOLER AT DISH, UNDER UTILITY SINK, IN RICE STORAGE AREA, BROOM STORAGE CLOSET AND IN WALK IN COOLER. OBSERVED ONE ROACH IN DINING ROOM AREA LEAVING THE " PRIVATE" OFFICE AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED RUSTED STORAGE RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
FOUND LARGE 1 BURNER STOVE NOT UNDER EXHAUST HOOD.MUST REMOVE OR RELOCATE UNDER HOOD.

Base deductions−11 pts

Jul 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Med7 Basic

8 total

81/100inspection score

−19 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
3-601.11: **C** Standards of Identity OBSERVED FOOD STORED IN CONTAINERS IN ALL THE COOLERS, WALK IN COOLER AND DRY STORAGE WITHOUT PROPER LABELING OF NAME. INSTRUCTED TO PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A LABEL REFLECTING THE FOOD ITEM'S NAME WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVE FROM ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING.

Basic (7)

−14 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
3-305.11: FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP, STORAGE, AND WALK-IN COOLER/FREEZERS. MUST PROVIDE PROPER, RAISED SHELVING TO STORE FOOD CONTAINERS 6" OFF FLOOR.
44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
4-903.11 (A;B;D): OBSERVED PLATES NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT PLATES AFTER SANITIZING AND AIR DRYING.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-501.12: **C** Cutting Surfaces OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-101.19: **C** Nonfood-Contact Surfaces OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-501.11: **C** Good Repair and Proper Adjustment- Equipment OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT SINK STOPPERS MISSING ON ALL COMPARTMENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE WORKING STOPPERS AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
4-602.13: NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN AND WALK IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.16: **C** Wall and Ceiling Coverings and Coatings OBSERVED CHIPPED PAINT, HOLES IN WALLS/ CEILINGS WITH MAJOR WATER DAMAGE IN REAR OVEN AREA, REAR PREP, FRONT PREP AND DINING ROOM ABOVE AIR CONDITIONING; AIR RTURN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR WATER DAMAGED CEILING, REPAIR HOLES AND RESURFACE AND REPAINT CHIPPED AREAS TO ENSURE WALLS ARE SEALED, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

Base deductions−19 pts

Jul 25

Complaint InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High3 Med8 Basic

12 total

59/100inspection score

−41 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
NOTED IMPROPER COLD-HOLD TEMPERATURE OF 50F AT COLD-HOLDING UNIT IN REAR PREP. INFORMED ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS SHALL MAINTAIN A PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F AND BELOW. THE REFRIGERATOR UNIT MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (CDPH). PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

21PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING FOOD NOT MEETING REQUIRED TEMPERATURE OF 135F DEGREES OR ABOVE IN THE DESIGNATED HOT-HOLDING UNIT: DEEP FRIED PLANTINE DUMPLING 114.9F FRIED CHCIKEN LEGS AT 116.4F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 9 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $70.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE REACH-IN COOLER TO BE IMPROPER: SLICED TOMATO 48.9F, SEASONED PORK CHOPS AT 59.8F, SHELLED EGGS AT 57.8F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 15 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $250.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION COMBINED WITH VIOLATION ABOVE.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED FOOD STORED IN CONTAINERS IN ALL THE COOLERS, WALK IN COOLER AND DRY STORAGE WITHOUT PROPER LABELING OF NAME. INSTRUCTED TO PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A LABEL REFLECTING THE FOOD ITEM'S NAME WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVE FROM ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING.

Basic (8)

−16 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP, STORAGE, AND WALK-IN COOLER/FREEZERS. MUST PROVIDE PROPER, RAISED SHELVING TO STORE FOOD CONTAINERS 6" OFF FLOOR.
44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
OBSERVED PLATES NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT PLATES AFTER SANITIZING AND AIR DRYING.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT SINK STOPPERS MISSING ON ALL COMPARTMENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE WORKING STOPPERS AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN AND WALK IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED MISSING AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT FACILITIES DINING AREA ANFD REAR PREP/ DISH AREA. NOTED FLOOR IN HALL LEADING TO TOILET ROOM NOT STABLE, FLOOR DIPPING AND SAGGING.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO CREATE A STABLE,SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED CHIPPED PAINT, HOLES IN WALLS/ CEILINGS WITH MAJOR WATER DAMAGE IN REAR OVEN AREA, REAR PREP, FRONT PREP AND DINING ROOM ABOVE AIR CONDITIONING; AIR RTURN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR WATER DAMAGED CEILING, REPAIR HOLES AND RESURFACE AND REPAINT CHIPPED AREAS TO ENSURE WALLS ARE SEALED, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

Base deductions−41 pts

Oct 24

Canvass InspectionPass

4 Basic

4 total

92/100inspection score

−8 pts

Basic (4)

−8 pts

48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
FOUND POTS AT PREMISES TO LARGE TO SANITIZE INSIDE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST REMOVE OR PROVIDE WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR WASHING AND SANITIZING LARGE POTS.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
FOUND INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLER NOT CLEAN.MUST CLEAN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
FOUND BURNT LIGHT FIXTURES INSIDE REACH IN COOLER.MUST REPAIR.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
FOUND LARGE 1 BURNER STOVE NOT UNDER EXHAUST HOOD.MUST REMOVE OR RELOCATE UNDER HOOD.

Base deductions−8 pts

Aug 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Aug 23

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High2 Med2 Basic

5 total

76/100inspection score

−24 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50F. THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE TCS FOODS SUCH AS EGGS AND CHEESE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE PREP COOLER BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLER AND WALK-IN COOLER. OBSERVED EGGS AT 46F, PLANTAIN SAUCE AT 45F, SAUSAGE AT 46-47F, BEANS AT 47F, CHEESE AT 48F, PORK AT 48F, CUT TOMATOES AT 47F, EMPANADAS AT 46F, AND BEEF AT 46F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED APPROX. 50 MOUSE DROPPINGS ALONG THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA AND THE DRY STORAGE ROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOOD. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2564776 ON 10/4/22 NOT CORRECTED: 47 - OBSERVED FROZEN MEAT STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS. 55 - GROUT THE WALL TILES UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. 57 - OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−24 pts

Oct 22

Canvass InspectionPass

1 Med6 Basic

7 total

83/100inspection score

−17 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
REMOVE THE DEAD INSECTS FROM THE SHELF UNDER THE COUNTERTOP.

Basic (6)

−12 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED FROZEN MEAT STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF THE STOVE AND OVEN, DEEP FRYERS, PREP TABLES, INTERIOR OF THE PREP COOLERS, STORAGE SHELVES AND TABLE NEXT TO THE STEAM TABLE.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
CLEAN THE TOP AND SIDES OF THE OUTDOOR GREASE DUMPSTER.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
SEAL THE OPENINGS IN THE CORNER OF THE WALLS OF THE DRY STORAGE AREA. GROUT THE WALL TILES UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
CLEAN THE FOOD DEBRIS ON THE WALLS AND CEILING OF THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED 2 FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.

Base deductions−17 pts

Community Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

Leave a Review

Community Safety Reports

No reviewed safety reports. Help keep others safe by reporting any food safety concerns.

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.

Explore More

Restaurants in Chicago Unknown Restaurants Best in Chicago All Illinois Restaurants