What is Mercadito Chicago's health inspection score?

Mercadito Chicago has a SafeDine safety score of 65 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Mercadito Chicago last inspected?

Mercadito Chicago was last inspected on June 1, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Mercadito Chicago have?

Mercadito Chicago has 36 total violations across 1 inspection on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Mercadito Chicago safe to eat at?

Mercadito Chicago has a safety score of 65/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

What type of cuisine does Mercadito Chicago serve?

Mercadito Chicago serves American cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Mercadito Chicago

Name: Mercadito Chicago
Address: 108-110 W KINZIE ST, Chicago, 60654
Rating: 65

108-110 W KINZIE ST, Chicago

Last Inspected: 6/1/2026

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0Fair

American•River North

Ranked #385 of 551 in River NorthBetter than 22% of american restaurants

Declining

9 inspections

Last: Jun 1, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

33%

Clean Rate

Avg Violations

This month

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Temperature controlHigh Priority

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

SanitationHigh Priority

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

-21

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-11 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-1 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

-23 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

100

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 79/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (65/100) which is computed during our regular data sync.

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

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108-110 W KINZIE ST, Chicago, IL 60654

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Violation Timeline

Jun 2022

1 inspections

2 high priority

1 intermediate

4 basic

Jun

Nov 2023

1 inspections

Dec 2023

1 inspections

1 high priority

4 basic

Dec

Oct 2024

2 inspections

2 high priority

1 intermediate

5 basic

Jul 2025

2 inspections

2 high priority

2 intermediate

6 basic

Jul

Oct 2025

1 inspections

1 basic

Jun 2026

1 inspections

1 high priority

4 intermediate

Jun

Inspection History

9 records on file

3 Canvass Re-Inspection1 Short Form Complaint4 Canvass1 Non-Inspection

Jun 26

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

1 High4 Med

5 total1 risk factor

65/100inspection score

−30 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLERisk Factor−10

Intermediate (4)

−20 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−5
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−5
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−5
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−5

Base deductions−30 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Oct 25

Short Form Complaint InspectionPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT DRAINPIPE UNDERNEATH THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAKS AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−2 pts

Jul 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jul 25

Canvass InspectionFail

2 High2 Med6 Basic

10 total

58/100inspection score

−42 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCES ON INTERIOR WATER COMPONENTS OF THE ICE MACHINE, DRIPPING INTO ICE "ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION" LOCATED IN STORAGE ROOM ADJACENT TO THE BASEMENT BAR AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO TURN OFF MACHINE, REMOVE ICE AND HAVE INTERIOR OF ICE MAKER CLEANED AND SANITIZED AND MAINTAINED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.
33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED A 2-DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE BASEMENT KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE (WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50.0F) NO TCS FOODS HELD INSIDE SAID COOLER.INSTRUCTED MANAGER COLD HOLDING UNIT MUST MAINTAIN COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41.0F OR COLDER AT ALL TIMES.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER IS TAGGED "HELD FOR INSPECTION" AT THIS TIME.INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED.***SEE COMMENTS BELOW***

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF (TCS FOODS) HELD INSIDE OF THE 3-DOOR PREP LINE COOLER IN THE BASEMENT KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA.OBSERVED COOKED LOBSTER AT 51.3F AND MIXED CHEESES AT 45.5F.MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 4#'S OF FOOD WORTH $150.00.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO MONITOR AND MAINTAIN ALL COLD (TCS FOODS) AT 41F OR COLDER AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED SOME BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).

Basic (6)

−12 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE AND MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 3 DOOR PREP LINE COOLER LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET AND MAINTAIN.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE 1ST FLOOR UNISEX WASHROOMS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD SYSTEMS TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−42 pts

Oct 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Oct 24

Canvass InspectionFail

2 High1 Med5 Basic

8 total

65/100inspection score

−35 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO EXPOSED SINK FOR HANDWASHING LOCATED IN FIRST FLOOR BAR. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN FIRST FLOOR BAR FOR CONVENIENT USE BY EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN BASEMENT IMPROPERLY SANITIZING AT A CONCENTRATION OF 0PPM CHLORINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN BASEMENT, LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE SHALL HAVE A MINIMUM CONCENTRATION OF 50PPM CHLORINE AFTER REPAIR. CORRECTED ON SITE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE REPAIRED BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION AFTER REPAIR LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE SANITIZING PROPERLY AT 50 PPM CHLORINE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

25CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD−5
OBSERVED NO ASTERISK ON MENU IDENTIFYING ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS THAT ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER. OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE ON MENU STATING THAT ASTERISKED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER. INSTRUCTED TO ADD ASTERISK IDENTIFYING ALL ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS THAT ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER AND TO ADD DISCLOSURE TO MENU STATING THAT ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED

Basic (5)

−10 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED EXPOSED ICE IN ICE BIN AT BAR WITH NO LID/COVER ON ICE BIN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LID/COVER FOR ICE BIN AT BAR TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF ICE IN ICE BIN DURING STORAGE TO PREVENT EXPOSURE TO SPLASHES, DUST OR OTHER CONTAMINATION. OBSERVED HOT HOLDING UNIT UNDERNEATH HANDWASHING SINK IN CEVICHE STATION IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE HOT HOLDING UNIT IN CEVICHE STATION IN BASEMENT TO PREVENT EXPOSURE TO SPLASHES.
44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
OBSERVED NO VENT COVER ON OPENING IN AIR DUCT IN BASMENT ABOVE EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS IN STOREROOM IN BASEMENT WITH ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVER FOR OPENING IN AIR DUCT OR RELOCATE EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION FROM DUST IN OPEN AIR DUCT.
44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
OBSERVED EXPOSED PRESET KNIFE AND FORK ON TABLES IN DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL PRESET TABLEWARE SHALL BE PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION BY BEING WRAPPED, COVERED OR INVERTED.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED EQUIPMENT STORED ON BEVERAGE CONTAINERS IN BASEMENT STOREROOM WITH ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NONFOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY AND TO PREVENT AREAS FOR PEST HARBORAGE.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED DIM STOREROOM IN BASEMENT WITH ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE LIGHT INTENSITY IN AREA WITH ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT.

Base deductions−35 pts

Dec 23

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High4 Basic

5 total1 risk factor

77/100inspection score

−18 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
ADDITIONAL WATER PRESURE NEEDED AT THE HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT FOOD PREPARATION ARE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. MUT PROVIVE AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERCED BROKEN LIGT SHIELD COVER ABOVE DISH WASHING MACHINE. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN REAR COFFEE STATION. MUST PROVDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT#2559719 ON 6/22/2022. VIOLATION#58 OBSERVED ONE EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−18 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Nov 23

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jun 22

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High1 Med4 Basic

7 total1 risk factor

62/100inspection score

−33 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN BAR AND SERVER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED BULK INGREDIENT CONTAINERS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL WITH THE COMMON NAME.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED DIRECTLY IN ICE CHEST IN REAR SERVER STATION. INSTRUCTED TO STORE OUTSIDE OF ICE.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED 1 BURNT OUT LIGHTBULB IN HOOD ABOVE COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AND GRIME ON FILTERS IN HOOD OVER COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED ONE EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−33 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

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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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