What is EL Pescador Restaurant's health inspection score?

EL Pescador Restaurant has a SafeDine safety score of 82 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was EL Pescador Restaurant last inspected?

EL Pescador Restaurant was last inspected on May 12, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does EL Pescador Restaurant have?

EL Pescador Restaurant has 28 total violations across 7 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is EL Pescador Restaurant safe to eat at?

EL Pescador Restaurant has a good safety record with a score of 82/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

Official Health Record

EL Pescador Restaurant

Name: EL Pescador Restaurant
Address: 4056 S WESTERN AVE, Chicago, 60609
Rating: 82

4056 S WESTERN AVE, Chicago

Last inspected 10mo ago

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0Good

Chicago

Ranked #1000 of 1000 in Chicago

Stable

7 inspections

Last: May 12, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

14%

Clean Rate

Avg Violations

11 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Temperature control

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

SanitationHigh Priority

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Facility condition

Building maintenance or structural issues

Other violation

Regulatory compliance issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-18

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-3 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-3 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-5 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-7 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

-3 pts

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

4056 S WESTERN AVE, Chicago, IL 60609

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Violation Timeline

Oct 2022

2 inspections

5 basic

Oct

May 2023

1 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

3 basic

Mar 2024

1 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

9 basic

Mar

Oct 2024

1 inspections

Nov 2024

1 inspections

1 high priority

2 basic

Nov

May 2025

1 inspections

1 intermediate

3 basic

Inspection History

7 records on file

4 Canvass1 Complaint1 Non-Inspection1 Canvass Re-Inspection

May 25

Canvass InspectionLatestPass

1 Med3 Basic

4 total

89/100inspection score

−11 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
UNABLE TO LOCATE THERMOMETER INSIDE UPRIGHT COOLER LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA CONTAINING FISH, SHRIMP AND HOUSEMADE SAUCES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
OBSERVED DRIED PLATE S/KITCHENWARE STORED UPRIGHT ON TOP OF PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED INTERNAL SURFACES OF COOLING UNITS IN BAR/FRONT PREP AREA WITH SPILLS AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED STORAGE ROOM NEXT TO WALK IN COOLER WITH MISCELLANEUS ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR THROUGHOUT. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE AT LEAST 6 INCHES FOR PROPER CLEANING IN SAID SPACE.

Base deductions−11 pts

Nov 24

Complaint InspectionPass

1 High2 Basic

3 total

86/100inspection score

−14 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
4-602.11 (A) OBSERVED THE ICE BIN INTERIOR IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-501.12 CUTTING BOARDS WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.17(A) NOTED DIRTY AND DUSTY CEILING VENTILATION COVER ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−14 pts

Oct 24

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Mar 24

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High1 Med9 Basic

11 total

67/100inspection score

−33 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED ICE SCOOPER BEING STORED INSIDE THE ICE BIN TOUCHING THE ICE. INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO STORE ICE SCOOP BETWEEN USES PROPERLY.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE FOOD DISPLAY COOLER TO BE IMPROPER: CHICKEN 51.4F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 10 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $40.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (9)

−18 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD. MUST MAINTAIN
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON THE SHELF IN THE 1-DOOR FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF DEBRIS AND ICE BUILDUP ON THE FLOOR/WALLS IN THE CHEST FREEZER. MUST REMOVE EXCESS ICE, DETAIL CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH-IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED DRAINPIPE LEAKING UNDER HAND WASHING SINK IN THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKING DRAINPIPE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED MOP IN A POSITION THAT DOES NOT ALLOW IT TO DRY PROPERLY AND PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. MUST STORE MOP AFTER USE IN A MOUNTED POSITION THAT ALLOWS FOR AIR-DRYING WITHOUT SOILING AND PEST HARBORAGING.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE WOMEN'S AND MEN'S TOILET ROOM EXHAUST VENTILATION. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED A BURNED LIGHT LIGHT-BULB IN THE REAR DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BULB AND MAINTAIN LIGHTING IN THE UNIT.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED A MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN THE REAR FOOD PREP/DISH WASHING AREA CEILING LIGHT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH AN EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE ON FILE.

Base deductions−33 pts

May 23

Canvass InspectionPass

1 High1 Med3 Basic

5 total

79/100inspection score

−21 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED THE ICE BIN INTERIOR IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT SINK STOPPERS MISSING AT FRONT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE WORKING STOPPERS AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.

Base deductions−21 pts

Oct 22

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
FOUND DISHES IN PREP AREA NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT DURING STORAGE, MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
FOUND MINOR DEBRIS ACCUMULATED INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−4 pts

Oct 22

Canvass InspectionFail

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
FOUND DISHES IN PREP AREA NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT DURING STORAGE, MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
FOUND MINOR DEBRIS ACCUMULATED INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 12/9/21, REPORT #2545336: #10: MUST PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINK IN PREP AREAS AND TOILET ROOMS. #38:OBSERVED AN APPX"1-2" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING. #47: MUST APPLY A SEALANT ON RAW WOOD SURFACES IN BAR AREA. MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELVES OF PREP TABLES THROUGHOUT. #55: MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON CEILING IN PREP AREA. MUST ELEVATE, REMOVE OR ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN STORAGE WALK IN COOLER,OFFICE/STORAGE AREA, HOT WATER TANK AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−6 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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