What is Pepes Mexican Restaurant's health inspection score?

Pepes Mexican Restaurant 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 Pepes Mexican Restaurant last inspected?

Pepes Mexican Restaurant was last inspected on February 27, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Pepes Mexican Restaurant have?

Pepes Mexican Restaurant has 30 total violations across 6 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Pepes Mexican Restaurant safe to eat at?

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

Official Health Record

Pepes Mexican Restaurant

Name: Pepes Mexican Restaurant
Address: 8227 S EXCHANGE AVE, Chicago, 60617
Rating: 67

8227 S EXCHANGE AVE, Chicago

Data may be outdated — inspected 2/27/2025

▼Declining

Own or manage this restaurant?

Claim it to unlock analytics →

0Fair

Chicago

Ranked #960 of 1000 in Chicago

Declining

6 inspections

Last: Feb 27, 2025

low confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

Avg Violations

14 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Employee hygiene

Personal hygiene practices not followed

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-33

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-0 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-9 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-12 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

-13 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

8227 S EXCHANGE AVE, Chicago, IL 60617

Open in Maps

View Menu Order Online

Violation Timeline

Sep 2022

1 inspections

1 intermediate

1 basic

Sep

Nov 2022

1 inspections

1 intermediate

Jul 2023

2 inspections

2 high priority

2 intermediate

14 basic

Jul

Mar 2024

1 inspections

3 basic

Feb 2025

1 inspections

1 high priority

5 basic

Feb

Inspection History

6 records on file

4 Canvass1 Canvass Re-Inspection1 Short Form Complaint

Feb 25

Canvass InspectionLatestPass

1 High5 Basic

6 total1 risk factor

75/100inspection score

−20 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

6PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED OPEN CUP OF PINK LEMONADE IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CLOSED LID CONTAINERS FOR EMPLOYEE BEVERAGES.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED PICKLED PEPPERS NOT COVERED NEAR CARRY OUT WINDOW, BULK SALT CONTAINER NOT COVERED ON REAR PREP TABLE, AND FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER AND WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY COVER AND ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.
43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
OBSERVED PLASTIC CUPS USED FOR DISPENSING SALT ON REAR PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LONG HANDLE UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES NOT INVERTED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER HAND WASHING SINK IN WASHROOM AND LEAKING FAUCET ON UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING.

Base deductions−20 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Mar 24

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE CONTAINERS NOT INVERTED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON VENTILATION FAN IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2579024 ON 7-25-23:58- OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED

Base deductions−6 pts

Jul 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
5-205.15 : MUST PROVIDE AN EXTENTION TO DRAIN LINE OF ICE MACHINE TO OPEN SITE FLOOR DRAIN UNDER ICE MACHINE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED AND MISSING WALL TILES,WALL BASES,STAINED IN VESTIBULE,DINING AREA,TOILET ROOM .MUST GROUT FLOOR AROUND FLOOR DRAIN UNDER 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13; OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−6 pts

Jul 23

Canvass InspectionFail

2 High2 Med11 Basic

15 total

48/100inspection score

−52 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

9NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED−10
OBSERVED BARE HAND CONTACT WITH TCS READY TO EAT FOODS BY FEMALE EMPLOYEE.OBSERVED HER PUTTING TOMATO,CHEESE AND LETTUCE ON A ORDER OF FOOD WITH BARE HANDS.MUST PROVIDE UTENSILS,GLOVES OR DELI PAPER TO HANDLE FOODS.(COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA MUST INSTALL A HAND SINK WITH HOT & COLD RUNNING WATER,SOAP AND TOWELS AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
MUST LABEL FOOD SHAKERS ,CONTAINERS AND SQUEEZE BOTTLES WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 25 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR NEXT TO ICE MACHINE,CO2 TANKS, HOT WATER TANK.APPX. 10 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES ON LOWER WALL UNDER SODA MACHINE AND FLOOR DARIN AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS.CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 7/18/23.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)

Basic (11)

−22 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN FREEZER & COOLER.MUST ELEVATE OFF OF FLOOR 6 INCHES AND MAINTAIN.
45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
46GLOVES USED PROPERLY−2
OBSERVED FEMALE FOOD HANDLER HANDLING TCS READY TO EAT FOODS WITH BARE HANDS.MUST PROVIDE GLOVES,UTENSILS OR DELI PAPER .(COS)
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED RAW WOOD SHELVING UNIT IN WALK IN FREEZER MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT.MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM LOWER SHELVES OF GRILL AND PREP TABLES.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINETS,WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY FAUCET AND BACK FLOW DEVICE ON 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND MOPSINK.MUST PROVIDE AN EXTENTION TO DRAIN LINE OF ICE MACHINE TO OPEN SITE FLOOR DRAIN UNDER ICE MACHINE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED AND MISSING WALL TILES,WALL BASES,STAINED CEILING TILES IN VESTIBULE,DINING AREA,TOILET ROOM AND PREP AREAS.MUST GROUT FLOOR AROUND FLOOR DRAIN UNDER 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT CHIPPING PAINT ON CEILING OVER FRONT SERVICE COUNTER.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
MUST REPLACE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD OVER ICE MACHINE.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR SOME EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−52 pts

Nov 22

Short Form Complaint InspectionPass

1 Med

1 total

95/100inspection score

−5 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED THE INTERIOR REAR DOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING ON THE SIDES AND BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADD WEATHER STRIPPING AROUND THE DOOR TO PREVENT ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.

Base deductions−5 pts

Sep 22

Canvass InspectionPass

1 Med1 Basic

2 total

93/100inspection score

−7 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED THE INTERIOR REAR DOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING ON THE SIDES AND BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADD WEATHER STRIPPING AROUND THE DOOR TO PREVENT ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.

Basic (1)

−2 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED COOKED TACO BOAT SHELL STORED ON TOP SHELF ABOVE PREP STATION NOT PROTECTED FOR THE ELEMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY COVER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

Base deductions−7 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