What is Carnitas LA Esquinita's health inspection score?

Carnitas LA Esquinita has a SafeDine safety score of 97 out of 100 (Grade A). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Carnitas LA Esquinita last inspected?

Carnitas LA Esquinita was last inspected on December 31, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Carnitas LA Esquinita have?

Carnitas LA Esquinita has 35 total violations across 9 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Carnitas LA Esquinita safe to eat at?

Yes, Carnitas LA Esquinita has an excellent safety record with a score of 97/100. This indicates strong compliance with health and safety standards.

Official Health Record

Carnitas LA Esquinita

Name: Carnitas LA Esquinita
Address: 3424 W IRVING PARK RD, Chicago, 60618
Rating: 97

3424 W IRVING PARK RD, Chicago

Last Inspected: 12/31/2025

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0Excellent

North Center

Ranked #34 of 551 in North Center

Stable

9 inspections

Last: Dec 31, 2025

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

22%

Clean Rate

3.9

Avg Violations

3 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Food labeling

Food not properly labeled or dated

Food storage

Food not properly stored or protected

Facility condition

Building maintenance or structural issues

Permit/documentation

Administrative or documentation issue

Other violation

Regulatory compliance issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-3

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-1 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-1 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+3 pts

100

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

100

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

3424 W IRVING PARK RD, Chicago, IL 60618

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Violation Timeline

Dec 2022

2 inspections

3 high priority

13 basic

Dec

Nov 2023

3 inspections

4 intermediate

11 basic

Mar 2024

1 inspections

1 basic

Mar

Mar 2025

2 inspections

1 intermediate

2 basic

Dec 2025

1 inspections

Dec

Inspection History

9 records on file

5 Canvass1 Non-Inspection3 Canvass Re-Inspection

Dec 25

Canvass InspectionLatestCleanOut of Business

No violations

100/100inspection score

Mar 25

Canvass InspectionPass

1 Med2 Basic

3 total

91/100inspection score

−9 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
NOTED NO LABELS FOR BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS (SALT AND SUGAR). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE OF ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
OBSERVED SCOOPS FOR DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS BEING STORED DIRECTLY INSIDE OF THE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL UTENSILS BETWEEN USE PROPERLY.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON VENTILATION SYSTEM NEAR HAND SINK AND ON BACK OF PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL WALLS AND EQUIPMENT VENTILATION SYSTEMS.

Base deductions−9 pts

Mar 25

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Mar 24

Canvass InspectionPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED RAW WOOD SHELF IN KITCHEN OVER COOKING AREA CONTAINING TO GO CONTANERS. RAW WOOD MUST BE SEALED OR PAINTED.

Base deductions−2 pts

Nov 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13 CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

Base deductions−2 pts

Nov 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionFail

1 Med1 Basic

2 total

93/100inspection score

−7 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

25CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD−5
3-603.11 FOUND NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED "RAW" OR UNDER COOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK (*) TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT STATES THAT EATING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

Basic (1)

−2 pts

58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13 CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

Base deductions−7 pts

Nov 23

Canvass InspectionFail

3 Med9 Basic

12 total

67/100inspection score

−33 pts

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

25CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD−5
FOUND NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED "RAW" OR UNDER COOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK (*) TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT STATES THAT EATING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
35APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED−5
OBSERVED IMPROPER THAWING PROCEDURE ON FROZEN CHICKEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, THAWING MUST OCCUR UNDER REFRIGERATION THAT MAINTAINS THE FOOD TEMPERATURE AT 41.0F OR LESS OR COMPLETELY SUBMERGED UNDER RUNNING WATER OR THAWED IN A MICROWAVE OVEN AND IMMEDIATELY TRANSFERRED TO CONVENTIONAL COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH NO INTERRUPTION IN THE PROCESS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN CORRECT THAWING PROCEDURES.
36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS (PREP COOLER, REACH-IN COOLERS, WALK-IN COOLER)

Basic (9)

−18 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS WITH WHITE MOLDLIKE BUILD-UP INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER (CHILI PEPPERS) INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE INSIDE REACH-IN COOLER.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD LINER ON PREP AND STORAGE SHELVES IN PREP/COOKING AREA.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKY DRAINPIPE UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK (FAR RIGHT) IN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE MUST BE COVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVER/LID.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
OBSERVE REAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER NOT MAINTAINED PROPERLY, NOT CLEAN AND WITH OVERFLOWING GARBAGE . INSTRUCTED TO EMPTY GARBAGE CCONTAINER, DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE SURROUNDING AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (B)
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS AND WALLS WITH DRIED FOOD SPILLAGE AND THROUGHOUT PREP/COOKING AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED BETWEEN 2 DOOR REACH IN COOLER AND WALL IN PREP/COOKING AREA.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

Base deductions−33 pts

Dec 22

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 High4 Basic

5 total

82/100inspection score

−18 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
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.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-101.19--OBSERVED RUSTS ON THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUSTS AND REPAINT OR REPLACE THE SHELVES.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-501.12--OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
4-202.18--INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE HANGING GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13--OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−18 pts

Dec 22

Canvass InspectionFail

2 High9 Basic

11 total

62/100inspection score

−38 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK IN WASHROOM.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
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.

Basic (9)

−18 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDED HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND MAINTAIN ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED RUSTS ON THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUSTS AND REPAINT OR REPLACE THE SHELVES.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAP, PREP TABLES, FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE CHEST FREEZER AND PREP COOLERS,SIDES OF HOT COOKING EQUIPMENTS AND DEEP FRYER.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE DAMAGED,WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN KITCHEN PREP AREA AND DETAIL CLEAN WALLS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENTS TO REMOVE FOOD SPLASHED DEBRIS.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE HANGING GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING AND MAINTAIN.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2545411 DATED:12/10/2021 #37--OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS OF RICE IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE WITH NO LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL WITH COMMON NAME. #39--OBSERVED MEAT IN WHITE CHEST FREEZER FROZEN IN GROCERY STORE BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO ONLY STORE FOOD IN FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS. #48--OBSERVED LARGE POT USED FOR MAKING CARNITAS UNABLE TO BE SUBMERGED IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CREATE WRITTEN CLEANING PROCEDURE FOR POT AND KEEP ON SITE. #51--OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE CONNECTED TO MOP SINK LOCATED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL. #56--OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHTBULBS IN DINING ROOM, BATHROOM, UNDERNEATH HOOD, AND IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION. #57--OBSERVED 2 EMPLOYEES WITH NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT NOTED VIOLATIONS AND MAINTAIN BY 12/22

Base deductions−38 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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