What is Mekato's Colombian Bakery's health inspection score?

Mekato's Colombian Bakery has a SafeDine safety score of 60 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Mekato's Colombian Bakery last inspected?

Mekato's Colombian Bakery was last inspected on June 5, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Mekato's Colombian Bakery have?

Mekato's Colombian Bakery has 37 total violations across 7 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Mekato's Colombian Bakery safe to eat at?

Mekato's Colombian Bakery has a safety score of 60/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

Official Health Record

Mekato's Colombian Bakery

Name: Mekato's Colombian Bakery
Address: 5423 N LINCOLN AVE, Chicago, 60625
Rating: 60

5423 N LINCOLN AVE, Chicago

Last inspected 10mo ago

▲Improving

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0Fair

Lincoln Square

Ranked #329 of 447 in Lincoln Square

Improving

7 inspections

Last: Jun 5, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

14%

Clean Rate

5.3

Avg Violations

10 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 issuesHigh Priority

Evidence of pests found during inspection

SanitationHigh Priority

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-40

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-9 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-2 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-7 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-7 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

+37 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

5423 N LINCOLN AVE, Chicago, IL 60625

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Violation Timeline

Jul 2022

1 inspections

3 high priority

6 basic

Jul

Aug 2023

3 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

5 basic

May 2024

1 inspections

2 high priority

1 intermediate

6 basic

May

May 2025

1 inspections

4 high priority

1 intermediate

6 basic

Jun 2025

1 inspections

1 basic

Jun

Inspection History

7 records on file

3 Canvass Re-Inspection4 Canvass

Jun 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.11--- NOTED DAMAGED/MISSING FLOOR TILES IN VARIOUS AREAS OF THE REAR NORTH KITCHEN. MUST REPLACE.---DIRTY FLOOR DRAIN AND DRAIN SCREENED COVER UNDER THE SOUTH KITCHEN HAND WASHING SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.----ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE REAR STORAGE ROOM MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.

Base deductions−2 pts

May 25

Canvass InspectionFail

4 High1 Med6 Basic

11 total2 risk factors

33/100inspection score

−57 pts

High Priority (4)

−40 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
PERSON IN CHARGE AT THE INITIAL INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON AT AT THE INITIAL INSPECTION. MANAGER WAS TELEPHONED UPON MY ARRIVAL AND ARRIVED DURING THE INSPECTION. REVIEWED A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIME WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
HAND SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE IN THE SOUTH KITCHEN WHEN FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED. SINK BLOCKED BY A LARGE WOODEN TABLE WITH A LARGE METAL CONTAINER ON TOP. HAND SINKS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
NO PAPER TOWELS AVAILABLE AT THE ABOVE MENTIONED HAND SINK IN THE SOUTH KITCHEN. MUST PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) SEE VIOLATION #10 ABOVE FOR CITATION.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

21PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
NOTED APPROXIMATELY 2 LBS MEAT STUFFED PASTRIES INSIDE THE PASTRY DISPLAY CASE FOR SALE HELD AT AN IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 78.4F. REVIEWED HOT AND COLD HOLDING REQUIREMENTS FOR TCS FOODS. ALL DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (6)

−12 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS IN THE THE WALK-IN COOLER OR FOR SOILED LINENS.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
PEELING PLASTIC ON THE METAL EXTERIOR HOOD VENTILATION IN THE SOUTH KITCHEN. MUST REMOVE.----MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
NOTED DAMAGED/MISSING FLOOR TILES IN VARIOUS AREAS OF THE REAR NORTH KITCHEN. MUST REPLACE.----MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS MATTING FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY.----NOTED EXCESSIVE DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR OF THE WALK-IN FREEZER AND DIRTY FLOOR WITH DEBRIS AND GRESE UNDER AND AROUND THE GREASE TRAP AT THE NORTH KITCHEN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.---WALLS AT SAME SINK AREA WITH GREASE SPLATTER.----DIRTY FLOOR DRAIN AND DRAIN SCREENED COVER UNDER THE SOUTH KITCHEN HAND WASHING SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.----ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE REAR STORAGE ROOM MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
NOTED A PLUMBING ROUTER BEING STORED IN THE CLEAN DISH STORAGE AREA. MUST REMOVE.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
NOTED EMPLOYEES PERSONAL BELONGINGS BEING STORED IN FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST PROVIDE A DESIGNATED STORAGE AREA FOR EMPLOYEES BELONGINGS.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 5-7-24 REPORT #2594134 NOT CORRECTED.#16- 4-602.11(B-E)- OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ENCRUSTED ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEBRIS, DETAIL CLEAN INSIDE ICE MACHINE/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE AT ALL TIMES.#37- 3-302.12---OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR DRY STORAGE WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).#51- 5-204.12-- BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT NORTH SIDE UTILITY MOP SINK.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.#55- 6-201.17-- INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREAS AND INSIDE THE UNISEX WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−57 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

May 24

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High1 Med6 Basic

9 total

63/100inspection score

−37 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINKS (PREP AREAS AND WASHROOMS).
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ENCRUSTED ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEBRIS, DETAIL CLEAN INSIDE ICE MACHINE/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE AT ALL TIMES.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR DRY STORAGE 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

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE DEEP FRYER AND OVEN IN THE NORTH SIDE PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
50HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE−2
THE PREMISES HAS 2 KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREAS.THE NORTH SIDE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA WITH ADEQUATE HOT RUNNING WATER AND FULLY EQUIPPED WITH DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND HANDWASHING SINK AND A UTILITY MOP SINK ALSO, WASHROOM.HOWEVER,OBSERVED THE SOUTH SIDE KITCHEN FOOD PREP WITH NO HOT RUNNING WATER THROUGHOUT MULTIPLE SINKS (3-COMPARTMENT SINK,PREP SINK,WASHROOMS,UTILITY MOP SINK) ALSO,NOTICED HOT WATER HEATER WAS TURNED-OFF.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE HOT RUNNING WATER ABOVE 110F AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND MINIMUM OF 100F AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C),CITATION ISSUED.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT NORTH SIDE UTILITY MOP SINK.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR LOCATED IN THE SOUTH SIDE KITCHEN PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREAS AND INSIDE THE UNISEX WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED SEVERAL MISSING AND BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD COVERS IN THE NORTH SIDE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−37 pts

Aug 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Aug 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionFail

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-501.12 OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN PREP AREA WITH HEAVY SCRATCHES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
8-404.13(B:4) OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED WITHIN SPECIFIED TIMEFRAME. REPORT #2560316 DATED JULY 6 2022 INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO #10 PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE IN CUSTOMER TOILET ROOM, #47 REPAINT OR REPLACE RUSTY RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER, #49 CLEAN RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER, AND TO #58 PROVIDE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN CUSTOMER TOILET ROOM; OBSERVED RUSTED RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER WITH MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE;OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADDRESS ALL PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 NO CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−4 pts

Aug 23

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High1 Med3 Basic

5 total

79/100inspection score

−21 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED 2 COOLER COOLERS HELD AT INADEQUATE TEMPERATURES OF 57 F AND 51 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COOLERS ARE HELD AT 41 F AND BELOW. COOLERS TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED SEVERAL TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 51-53 F. MANAGER DISCARDED 2 POUNDS OF EGGS, 1 GALLON OF MILK, AND 1/4TH GALLON OF HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM ($25)INSTRUCTED MANAGER ENSURE ALL COLD TCS FOODS ARE HELD AT 41 F AND BELOW.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN PREP AREA WITH HEAVY SCRATCHES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS.
52SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED−2
OBSERVED INADEQUATE WASTE WATER DISPOSAL AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. WHEN ONE COMPARTMENT DRAINS ANOTHER ONE FLOODS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED WITHIN SPECIFIED TIMEFRAME. REPORT #2560316 DATED JULY 6 2022 INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO #10 PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE IN CUSTOMER TOILET ROOM, #47 REPAINT OR REPLACE RUSTY RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER, #49 CLEAN RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER, AND TO #58 PROVIDE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN CUSTOMER TOILET ROOM; OBSERVED RUSTED RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER WITH MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE;OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADDRESS ALL PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−21 pts

Jul 22

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

3 High6 Basic

9 total2 risk factors

48/100inspection score

−42 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
FOUND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (BEEF, CHICKEN, MEAT EMPANADA, ETC) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHEN HANDLING TCS FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK IN FRONT PREP AREA AND INSIDE CUSTOMER'S WASHROOM.

Basic (6)

−12 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE OR REPAINT RUSTY METAL STORAGE RACKS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS WITH WHITE MOLD LIKE BUILD-UP INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR (2) PREP AREA.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
FOUND FOOD HANDLERS WITH INCOMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE . INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
61SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC−2
FOUND NO INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT (05-07-2021) POSTED ON PREMISE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER, A SUMMARY REPORT MUST BE DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010 (B) CITATION ISSUED

Base deductions−42 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 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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