What is Pupuseria & Restaurant EL Cuscatleco's health inspection score?

Pupuseria & Restaurant EL Cuscatleco has a SafeDine safety score of 91 out of 100 (Grade A). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Pupuseria & Restaurant EL Cuscatleco last inspected?

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

How many health violations does Pupuseria & Restaurant EL Cuscatleco have?

Pupuseria & Restaurant EL Cuscatleco has 26 total violations across 7 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Pupuseria & Restaurant EL Cuscatleco safe to eat at?

Yes, Pupuseria & Restaurant EL Cuscatleco has an excellent safety record with a score of 91/100. This indicates strong compliance with health and safety standards.

What type of cuisine does Pupuseria & Restaurant EL Cuscatleco serve?

Pupuseria & Restaurant EL Cuscatleco serves American cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Pupuseria & Restaurant EL Cuscatleco

Name: Pupuseria & Restaurant EL Cuscatleco
Address: 3125 W LAWRENCE AVE, Chicago, 60625
Rating: 91

3125 W LAWRENCE AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 1/12/2026

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0Excellent

American•Lincoln Square

Ranked #88 of 448 in Lincoln SquareBetter than 22% of american restaurants

Stable

7 inspections

Last: Jan 12, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

14%

Clean Rate

3.7

Avg Violations

5 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

Pest issuesHigh Priority

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Employee hygiene

Personal hygiene practices not followed

Sanitation

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-9

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-6 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

0 pts

Latest

100% weight

100

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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3125 W LAWRENCE AVE, Chicago, IL 60625

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Violation Timeline

May 2022

1 inspections

3 intermediate

4 basic

May

Oct 2023

2 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

3 basic

Aug 2024

1 inspections

3 high priority

2 intermediate

1 basic

Aug

Apr 2025

2 inspections

2 intermediate

5 basic

Jan 2026

1 inspections

1 high priority

Jan

Inspection History

7 records on file

5 Canvass2 Canvass Re-Inspection

Jan 26

Canvass InspectionLatestPass

1 High

1 total

90/100inspection score

−10 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
MUST PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE DISHWASHING AREA.

Base deductions−10 pts

Apr 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Apr 25

Canvass InspectionFail

2 Med5 Basic

7 total

80/100inspection score

−20 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE THE CHEESE REFRIGERATION UNIT LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A VISIBLE ACCURATE,WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE SAID COOLER.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES.OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30 RODENT (RAT) DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN A CLUTTERED NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM AND BEHIND THE CHEST FREEZERS IN SAME AREA.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AFFECTED AREAS IN DETAIL.ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A),CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (5)

−10 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.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED MISSING SINK STOPPERS FOR THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN 3 ADEQUATE WORKING SINK STOPPERS.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT UTILITY MOP SINK.MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE THE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE MOPS,BROOMS CLEANING EQUIPMENTS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF DUSTS ON THE CEILING VENTILATION COVER INSIDE THE EMPLOYEE UNISEX WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−20 pts

Aug 24

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

3 High2 Med1 Basic

6 total2 risk factors

48/100inspection score

−42 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE.
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE AND NO CERTIFICATE POSTED WHILE (TCS FOODS)PUPUSAS,CHICKEN TAMALES,BEEF ETC. IS BEING PREPARED/SERVED.INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE,THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN (TCS FOODS) ARE PREPARED,HANDLED, AND/OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012,CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK NEXT TO THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED BROKEN DAMAGED WEATHERSTRIP AT BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOM TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

Basic (1)

−2 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS STORED ON SHELF ABOVE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−42 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Oct 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
4-101.19 OBSERVED RUSTED RACKS IN 2-DOOR PREP COOLER AND SHELVING ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE OR REPAINT RACKS.

Base deductions−2 pts

Oct 23

Canvass InspectionFail

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 2-DOOR PREP COOLER WITH AN INADEQUATE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 47 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS HAVE AN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. COOLER TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED SEVERAL TCS FOODS HELD AT INADEQUATE TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 44-51 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD TCS FOODS ARE HELD AT 41 F AND BELOW. MANAGER DISCARDED: 1 POUND TAMALES, 1 GALLON SOUP, 5 POUNDS CHICKEN, 7 POUNDS BEEF, AND 10 POUNDS OF RICE ($300). PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED RUSTED RACKS IN 2-DOOR PREP COOLER AND SHELVING ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE OR REPAINT RACKS.
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

Base deductions−19 pts

May 22

Canvass InspectionPass

3 Med4 Basic

7 total

77/100inspection score

−23 pts

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
INSTRUCTED TO LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (FLOUR, SALT ETC)
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRANCE/EXIT DOOR.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
FOUND ICE COOP STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE IN A CLEAN SEPARATE CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS (TOMATO PASTE) FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OR PAINT RAW WOOD STORAGE SHELVINGS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE MISSING AT MOPSINK FAUCET. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.

Base deductions−23 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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