What is Pepe's Mexican Restaurant's health inspection score?

Pepe's Mexican Restaurant has a SafeDine safety score of 77 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Pepe's Mexican Restaurant last inspected?

Pepe's Mexican Restaurant was last inspected on April 3, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Pepe's Mexican Restaurant have?

Pepe's Mexican Restaurant has 26 total violations across 8 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Pepe's Mexican Restaurant safe to eat at?

Pepe's Mexican Restaurant has a good safety record with a score of 77/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

Official Health Record

Pepe's Mexican Restaurant

Name: Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
Address: 131 E 79TH ST, Chicago, 60619
Rating: 77

131 E 79TH ST, Chicago

Last inspected 12mo ago

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0Good

Chicago

Ranked #1000 of 1000 in Chicago

Stable

8 inspections

Last: Apr 3, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

13%

Clean Rate

3.3

Avg Violations

12 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Employee hygiene

Personal hygiene practices not followed

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Other violation

Regulatory compliance issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-23

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-9 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-0 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-4 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-7 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

0 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

131 E 79TH ST, Chicago, IL 60619

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Violation Timeline

May 2022

1 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

2 basic

May

Oct 2022

1 inspections

2 basic

Nov 2022

1 inspections

Nov

Feb 2023

1 inspections

1 intermediate

4 basic

Jan 2024

1 inspections

3 basic

Jan

Dec 2024

1 inspections

7 basic

Mar 2025

1 inspections

1 high priority

2 basic

Mar

Apr 2025

1 inspections

1 high priority

1 basic

Inspection History

8 records on file

1 Canvass Re-Inspection4 Canvass1 Complaint Re-Inspection2 Complaint

Apr 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

1 High1 Basic

2 total

88/100inspection score

−12 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT THE WASHBOWLS IN THE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (1)

−2 pts

56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
LIGHT BULBS BY THE VENTILATION HOOD IS BLOWN. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−12 pts

Mar 25

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High2 Basic

3 total

86/100inspection score

−14 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT THE WASHBOWLS IN THE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
LIGHT BULBS BY THE VENTILATION HOOD IS BLOWN. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2608963 DATED 12/11/2024 NOT CORRECTED AND/OR MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN: -40. FOOD HANDLERS/EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS TO WEAR A HAIR RESTAINT. -51. THERE IS A LEAK AT THE BASE OF THE COLD WATER KNOB ON THE REAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN LEAK. -53. TRASH RECEPTACLES IN BOTH TOILET ROOMS HAVE NO LIDS/COVERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH RECEPTACLES WITH LIDS/COVERS AND MAINTAIN. -55. TRASH RECEPTACLES IN BOTH TOILET ROOMS HAVE NO LIDS/COVERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH RECEPTACLES WITH LIDS/COVERS AND MAINTAIN. -55. REAR WALL IN WALK IN COOLER WITH RUST. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN A RUST FREE, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. -58. CFMs WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED

Base deductions−14 pts

Dec 24

Canvass InspectionPass

7 Basic

7 total

86/100inspection score

−14 pts

Basic (7)

−14 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
FOOD HANDLERS/EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS TO WEAR A HAIR RESTAINT.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
THERE IS A LEAK AT THE BASE OF THE COLD WATER KNOB ON THE REAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN LEAK.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
TRASH RECEPTACLES IN BOTH TOILET ROOMS HAVE NO LIDS/COVERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH RECEPTACLES WITH LIDS/COVERS AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT WITH DIRT/DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
REAR WALL IN WALK IN COOLER WITH RUST. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN A RUST FREE, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED ONLY ONE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE. MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
CFMs WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.

Base deductions−14 pts

Jan 24

Canvass InspectionPass

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE STORAGE RACKS THAT THE MULTI USE UTENSILS ARE STORED ON, IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN TO REMOVE FOOD AND DIRT. MAINTAIN SAME.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE FLOORS UNDER THE FRYERS WITH FOOD, GREASE AND DIRT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAID FLOORS.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLER ON SITE WITH NO PROOF THAT SHE MET THE FOOD HANDLER'S REQUIREMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL FOOD HANDLERS MEET THE REQUIREMENTS AND PROVIDE PROOF. MAINTAIN SAME.

Base deductions−6 pts

Feb 23

Canvass InspectionPass

1 Med4 Basic

5 total

87/100inspection score

−13 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED A SMALL OPENING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR IN THE UPPER-LEVEL DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED A DAMAGED RUBBER GASKET ON THE TWO DOOR COOLER NEAR THE MANAGER'S OFFICE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE SAID GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE MICROWAVE AT THE HOT COOKING LINE WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND FOOD SPLATTERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAID EQUIPMENT.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED UNDER THE STAIRCASE IN THE REAR DRY FOOD/WALK-IN COOLING UNIT AREA WITH CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESARY ITEMS, ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN SAID AREA.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL FOOD HANDLERS TAKE THE FOOD HANDLING COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−13 pts

Nov 22

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Oct 22

Complaint InspectionFail

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WHICH IS SLOW DRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
OBSERVED OUTSIDE RECEPTACLE TO BE OVERFLOWING AND UNABLE TO CLOSE. INSTRUCTED MANGER TO MAINTAIN OUTSIDE RECEPTACLES AND THE SURROUNDING AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED

Base deductions−4 pts

May 22

Complaint InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High1 Med2 Basic

4 total

81/100inspection score

−19 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED PREP COOLER NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE 51.4F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER AT 41F OR BELOW. PREP COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE FRONT PREP COLD HOLDING UNIT RANGING FROM 46.4F TO 52.8F, SUCH AS TOMATOES, LETTUCE, DICED TOMATOES, SHREDDED CHEESE, SOUR CREAM AND RAW BEEF. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 15LBS AT $100. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW . PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
OBSERVED ICE SCOOP INSIDE OF CUP WHICH WAS INSIDE THE ICE BIN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE CUP AND STORE ICE SCOOP HANDLE UP OUTSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. COS
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.

Base deductions−19 pts

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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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