What is EL Cubanito's health inspection score?

EL Cubanito has a SafeDine safety score of 99 out of 100 (Grade A). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was EL Cubanito last inspected?

EL Cubanito was last inspected on January 12, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does EL Cubanito have?

EL Cubanito has 28 total violations across 10 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is EL Cubanito safe to eat at?

Yes, EL Cubanito has an excellent safety record with a score of 99/100. This indicates strong compliance with health and safety standards.

Official Health Record

EL Cubanito

Name: EL Cubanito
Address: 2555-2557 N PULASKI RD, Chicago, 60639
Rating: 99

2555-2557 N PULASKI RD, Chicago

Last Inspected: 1/12/2026

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0Excellent

Chicago

Ranked #99 of 1000 in Chicago

Stable

10 inspections

Last: Jan 12, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

10%

Clean Rate

2.8

Avg Violations

4 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Other violation

Regulatory compliance issue

Facility condition

Building maintenance or structural issues

Food labeling

Food not properly labeled or dated

Food storage

Food not properly stored or protected

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-1

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

+2 pts

100

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

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2555-2557 N PULASKI RD, Chicago, IL 60639

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Violation Timeline

Jul 2022

1 inspections

1 intermediate

3 basic

Jul

Jun 2023

3 inspections

1 high priority

3 intermediate

8 basic

Sep 2024

1 inspections

1 high priority

2 intermediate

2 basic

Sep

Oct 2024

1 inspections

2 intermediate

1 basic

Dec 2024

2 inspections

1 high priority

2 intermediate

Dec

Oct 2025

1 inspections

1 basic

Jan 2026

1 inspections

Jan

Inspection History

10 records on file

5 Canvass1 Complaint Re-Inspection1 Complaint3 Canvass Re-Inspection

Jan 26

Canvass InspectionLatestCleanOut of Business

No violations

100/100inspection score

Oct 25

Canvass InspectionPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED SIDE OF HANDSINK CABINETS IN WOMEN'S RESTROOM TO BE DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

Base deductions−2 pts

Dec 24

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Med

1 total

95/100inspection score

−5 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

35APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED−5
OBSERVED FROZEN MEAT THAWING IN FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO THAW TCS FOODS UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER, IN THE REFRIGERATOR OR IN THE MICROWAVE AS PART OF A CONTINUOUS COOKING PROCESS.

Base deductions−5 pts

Dec 24

Complaint InspectionFail

1 High1 Med

2 total

85/100inspection score

−15 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT PREP AREA HANDWASHING SINK. TEMPERATURE OF WATER WAS 95.5F AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 100F AT ALL HAND WASH SINKS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C)

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

35APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED−5
OBSERVED FROZEN MEAT THAWING IN FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO THAW TCS FOODS UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER, IN THE REFRIGERATOR OR IN THE MICROWAVE AS PART OF A CONTINUOUS COOKING PROCESS.

Base deductions−15 pts

Oct 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

2 Med1 Basic

3 total

88/100inspection score

−12 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

35APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED−5
OBSERVED FROZEN EMPANADA THAWING IN A PLASTIC CONTAINER IN THE DISHWASHING AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO THAW TCS FOODS UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER, IN THE REFRIGERATOR OR IN THE MICROWAVE AS PART OF A CONTINUOUS COOKING PROCESS.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED SUGAR OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND IN STAINLESS STEEL CONTAINERS BY THE WOK STATION WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.

Basic (1)

−2 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.

Base deductions−12 pts

Sep 24

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High2 Med2 Basic

5 total

76/100inspection score

−24 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED 2 HANDWASHING SINKS INACCESSIBLE AT THE FRONT PREP AREA AND DISHWASHING AREA IN OPERABLE DUE TO THEM LEAKING WHEN IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(c)

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

35APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED−5
OBSERVED FROZEN EMPANADA THAWING IN A PLASTIC CONTAINER IN THE DISHWASHING AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO THAW TCS FOODS UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER, IN THE REFRIGERATOR OR IN THE MICROWAVE AS PART OF A CONTINUOUS COOKING PROCESS.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED SUGAR OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND IN STAINLESS STEEL CONTAINERS BY THE WOK STATION WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.

Base deductions−24 pts

Jun 23

Canvass Re-Inspection 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
4-501.11 OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF BOTH DOORS FOR THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN GASKETS.

Base deductions−2 pts

Jun 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionFail

1 Med3 Basic

4 total

89/100inspection score

−11 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
6-501.111 OBSERVED APPROX. 15 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS, CEILING AND ON EQUIPMENT IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS, DISH WASHING AREAS AND DRY STORAGE ROOM. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A).

Basic (3)

−6 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-501.11 OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF BOTH DOORS FOR THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN GASKETS.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
6-501.19 OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICES ON THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE SMALL SIDE PREP KITCHEN AND ON THE DOORS FOR BOTH WASHROOMS IN THE BANQUET AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.

Base deductions−11 pts

Jun 23

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High2 Med4 Basic

7 total

72/100inspection score

−28 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR AND 3 DOOR PREP COOLERS. OBSERVED THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50F, AND THE 3 DOOR PREP COOLER WAS TURNED OFF WITH NO FOOD STORED INSIDE OF IT. THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER WAS USED TO STORE TCS FOODS SUCH AS EGGS AND HAM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BOTH COOLERS AND MAINTAIN THEM BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. OBSERVED BEEF AT 46F, HAM AT 45F, LIQUID EGGS AT 45F, CUBAN SANDWICHES AT 47F, AND PORK AT 44F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED APPROX. 50 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS, CEILING AND ON EQUIPMENT IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS, DISH WASHING AREAS AND DRY STORAGE ROOM. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF BOTH DOORS FOR THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN GASKETS.
52SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED−2
OBSERVED WASTE WATER OVERFLOWING FROM THE SIDES AND TOP OF THE GREASE TRAP THAT IS LOCATED BENEATH THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE GREASE TRAP SO THAT THE WATER DRAINS PROPERLY AND DOES NOT OVERFLOW THE GREASE TRAP. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICES ON THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE SMALL SIDE PREP KITCHEN AND ON THE DOORS FOR BOTH WASHROOMS IN THE BANQUET AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.

Base deductions−28 pts

Jul 22

Canvass InspectionPass

1 Med3 Basic

4 total

89/100inspection score

−11 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE THE COFFEE AREA 2-DOOR MILK COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD ON THE FRONT TO-GO KITCHEN HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED DIRECTLY NEXT TO THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD IN BETWEEN THE SINKS TO PROTECT CLEAN DISHES AND FOOD PREPARATION EQUIPMENT FROM MISCELLANEOUS SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
NOTED THE CHEST FREEZER IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA IN DISREPAIR; LID IS BROKEN AND BEING HELD TOGETHER WITH DUCT TAPE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR LID OR REPLACE.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE (WASTE CAN WITH LID) INSIDE THE BANQUET AREA UNISEX WASHROOMS AND INSIDE THE TO-GO KITCHEN UNISEX WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE INSIDE EACH WASHROOM.

Base deductions−11 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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