What is Pepe's Mexican Restaurant's health inspection score?

Pepe's Mexican Restaurant has a SafeDine safety score of 92 out of 100 (Grade A). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Pepe's Mexican Restaurant last inspected?

Pepe's Mexican Restaurant was last inspected on January 16, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Pepe's Mexican Restaurant have?

Pepe's Mexican Restaurant has 36 total violations across 6 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Pepe's Mexican Restaurant safe to eat at?

Yes, Pepe's Mexican Restaurant has an excellent safety record with a score of 92/100. This indicates strong compliance with health and safety standards.

Official Health Record

Pepe's Mexican Restaurant

Name: Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
Address: 1901 W 79TH ST, Chicago, 60620
Rating: 92

1901 W 79TH ST, Chicago

Last Inspected: 1/16/2026

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0Excellent

Chicago

Ranked #1000 of 1000 in Chicago

Stable

6 inspections

Last: Jan 16, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

Avg Violations

3 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

SanitationHigh Priority

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Permit/documentation

Administrative or documentation issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-8

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-0 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-7 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+5 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

1901 W 79TH ST, Chicago, IL 60620

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Violation Timeline

Apr 2022

1 inspections

1 high priority

8 basic

Apr

Jun 2023

1 inspections

1 intermediate

1 basic

Feb 2024

1 inspections

1 high priority

2 intermediate

11 basic

Feb

Mar 2024

1 inspections

3 basic

Feb 2025

1 inspections

6 basic

Feb

Jan 2026

1 inspections

2 basic

Inspection History

6 records on file

4 Canvass2 Canvass Re-Inspection

Jan 26

Canvass InspectionLatestPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED THE BASE OF THE 3 COMP SINK FAUCET IN POOR REPAIR(LEAKS). MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DEBRIS IN THE FLOOR DRAIN UNDER THE 3 COMP SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT BREEDING PLACE FOR PESTS.

Base deductions−4 pts

Feb 25

Canvass InspectionPass

6 Basic

6 total

88/100inspection score

−12 pts

Basic (6)

−12 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED HORCHATA STORED IN A REUSED VINEGAR BOTTLE INSIDE OF REACH IN COOLER MUST USE PROPER FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAIMINATION.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST REMOVE STRING USED FOR A HANDLE ON HOT HOLDING LID AND PROVIDE PROPER HANDLE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
MUST REMOVE CALCIUM BUILD UP FROM HANDLES ON FAUCETS AT HAND SINKS IN BOTH TOILET ROOMS.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHTS IN MAIN PREP AREA.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED MISSING AND EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−12 pts

Mar 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 2- DOOR PREP COOLER AND WALK IN FREEZER.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
4-301.12 : OBSEVED A FEW OVERSIZED POTS AND LARGE PLASTIC BINS TO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED INTO 3- COMPARTMENT SINK TO BE PROPERLY CLEAN AND SANITIZED.MUST PROVIDE SMALL POTS OR LARGE SINK IS NEEDED
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLES, FRYER CABINETS,MEAT SLICER,WALK IN COOLER -FAN GUARD COVERS.

Base deductions−6 pts

Feb 24

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High2 Med11 Basic

14 total

58/100inspection score

−42 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED FEMALE EMPLOYEE SANITIZING MULTI-USE UTENSILS AT 0.0 PPM'S AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED HER TWICE USE A POT WITH SOAP IN FAR LEFT COMPARTMENT TO WASH 2- BOWLS AND THEN RINSE UNDER RUNNING WATER AND PROCEEDED TO USE BOWLS. INSTRUCTED AGAIN TO SET UP SINK TO PROPERLY WASH,RINSE AND SANITIZE UTENSILS.(PRIORITY 7-38-025)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS ,SHAKERS AND SQUEEZE BOTTLES WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 15 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND MOP SINK AREA,ON CEILING IN REAR PREP AREA AND MOP SINK AREA AND CRAWLING ON DAMAGED ONIONS IN A BIN ON SHELVING UNIT. MUST REMOVE DAMAGED PRODUCE.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 2/23/24.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-0209A)(CITATION ISSUED)

Basic (11)

−22 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED BOXES OF FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN FREZER MUST STORE OFF OF FLOOR TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.
44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES.
45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM UNDERNEATH CHEMICAL STORED ON SHELVING UNIT.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELF OF GRILL TABLE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 2- DOOR PREP COOLER AND WALK IN FREEZER.SINK STOPPER HANDLES IN POOR REPAIR AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN POOR REPAIR OBSERVED 2- FAUCETS AT SAID SINK AND THE FAR LEFT HOT WATER FAUCET IS TRICKLING WATER AND FAR RIGHT TRICKLING COLD WATER AND A LOUD PIERCING SOUND AND FAUCETS SHAKING WHEN WATER IS TURNED ON NOT ENOUGH WATER PRESSURE TO FILL UP SINK TO SET UP SINK PROPERLY.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO USE A CLEAN CONTAINER TO DIVERT WATER TO FILL UP OTHER COMPARTMENTS PROPERLY.MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-025)(CITATION ISSUED)
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSEVED A FEW OVERSIZED POTS AND LARGE PLASTIC BINS TO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED INTO 3- COMPARTMENT SINK TO BE PROPERLY CLEAN AND SANITIZED.MUST PROVIDE SMALL POTS OR LARGE SINK IS NEEDED.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLES, FRYER CABINETS,MEAT SLICER,WALK IN COOLER -FAN GUARD COVERS.MUST REMOVE ICE BUILD UP FROM WALK IN FREEZER SHELVING UNITS.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY FAUCETS AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN DINING AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST REMOVE ICE BUILD UP FROM WALK IN FREEZER FLOOR.

Base deductions−42 pts

Jun 23

Canvass InspectionPass

1 Med1 Basic

2 total

93/100inspection score

−7 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED REAR EXIT DOOR OPEN AND SCREEN DOOR IN POOR REPAIR AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A BETTER WEATHER STRIP AT THE BOTTOM TO PREVENT POSSIBLE ENTRY POINT FOR PEST.

Basic (1)

−2 pts

51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED LEAKS AT THE 3 COMP SINK: LEFT FAUCET AT THE BASE & PIPE UNDERNEATH ON THE RIGHT SIDE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−7 pts

Apr 22

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High8 Basic

9 total

74/100inspection score

−26 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
Violation Codes: 6-301.14 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN IN CUSTOMERS TOILET ROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (8)

−16 pts

44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
Violation Codes: 4-903.11 (A;B;D) Inspector Comments: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
Violation Codes: 4-501.11 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKET ON WALK IN FREEZER.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
Violation Codes: 4-101.19 Inspector Comments: MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD AND DELI PAPER FROM LOWER SHELF AT COOKING EQUIPMENT.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
Violation Codes: 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINETS,STEAM TABLE.WALK IN COOLER FANGUARD COVERS AND SHELVING UNITS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
Violation Codes: 6-501.13 Inspector Comments: MUST REMOVE ICE BUILD UP FROM FLOOR IN WALK IN FREEZER.MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM ALL FLOOR DRAINS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
Violation Codes: 6-201.13 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED WALL BASES NEAR WALK IN COOLER AND FREEZER,GAP ALONG WALLBASES IN DINING AREA.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
Violation Codes: 6-202.11 Inspector Comments: MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHT IN PREP AREA.
64MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS−2
Violation Codes: 7-38-060 Default beverage for children's meals. Inspector Comments: OBSERVED THE CHILDREN'S MENU LISTING A 10% FRUIT JUICE AND PINK LEMONADE WITH(ARTIFICIAL SWEETNERS) AS DEFAULT BEVERAGE,NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH ORDINANCE (7-38-060)

Base deductions−26 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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