What is EL Pueblito Mexican Grill's health inspection score?

EL Pueblito Mexican Grill has a SafeDine safety score of 93 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 Pueblito Mexican Grill last inspected?

EL Pueblito Mexican Grill was last inspected on August 28, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does EL Pueblito Mexican Grill have?

EL Pueblito Mexican Grill has 32 total violations across 9 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is EL Pueblito Mexican Grill safe to eat at?

Yes, EL Pueblito Mexican Grill has an excellent safety record with a score of 93/100. This indicates strong compliance with health and safety standards.

Official Health Record

EL Pueblito Mexican Grill

Name: EL Pueblito Mexican Grill
Address: 5152 N CICERO AVE, Chicago, 60630
Rating: 93

5152 N CICERO AVE, Chicago

Last inspected 7mo ago

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0Excellent

Chicago

Ranked #999 of 1000 in Chicago

Stable

9 inspections

Last: Aug 28, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

11%

Clean Rate

3.6

Avg Violations

8 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Facility conditionHigh Priority

Building maintenance or structural issues

Other violation

Regulatory compliance issue

Permit/documentationHigh Priority

Administrative or documentation issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-7

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-2 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-3 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-3 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

+5 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

5152 N CICERO AVE, Chicago, IL 60630

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Violation Timeline

Oct 2022

1 inspections

1 intermediate

2 basic

Oct

Nov 2022

1 inspections

2 basic

May 2023

2 inspections

1 high priority

9 basic

May

Apr 2024

1 inspections

2 high priority

6 basic

Apr 2025

2 inspections

1 intermediate

4 basic

Apr

Aug 2025

2 inspections

1 intermediate

3 basic

Inspection History

9 records on file

2 Complaint Re-Inspection2 Complaint2 Canvass Re-Inspection3 Canvass

Aug 25

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionLatestCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Aug 25

Complaint InspectionFail

1 Med3 Basic

4 total

89/100inspection score

−11 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED 2 LIVE ROACHES ON WALL IN MOP SINK ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REMOVE ALL ROACH/PEST ACTIVITY BY DATE OF REINSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). ADVISED TO CALL PEST CONTROL OPERATOR FOR SERVICE.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD BUILD UP INSIDE REACH IN COOLER (ALONG COOKLINE). INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF SAID REACH IN COOLER AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
DISHWASH AREA HANDWASH SINK DRAIN PIPE LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAID HANDWASH SINK.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERED ACCUMULATED GREASE/FOOD BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN VENTILATION HOOD AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−11 pts

Apr 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.11 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED FLOORS UNCLEAN UNDER AND BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REFRIGERAITON UNITS. OBSERVED FLOORS UNCLEAN AROUND HOT WATER HEATER AND UNDER ADJACENT SHELVES. OBSERVED FLOORS UNCLEAN IN MOP ROOM. CLEAN SANTITZE AND MAINTAIN FLOORS. Friday, April 18, 2025
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.11 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED FLOORS UNCLEAN UNDER AND BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REFRIGERAITON UNITS. OBSERVED FLOORS UNCLEAN AROUND HOT WATER HEATER AND UNDER ADJACENT SHELVES. OBSERVED FLOORS UNCLEAN IN MOP ROOM. CLEAN SANTITZE AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.

Base deductions−4 pts

Apr 25

Canvass InspectionFail

1 Med2 Basic

3 total

91/100inspection score

−9 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED OVER 100 RODENT DROPPINGS IN REAR MOP SINK AREA AND AREA AROUND HOT WATER HEATER. ALL DROPPINGS MUST BE REMOVED AND ALL AFFECTED AREAS MUST BE CLEANED AND SANITIZED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(a)

Basic (2)

−4 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FLOORS UNCLEAN UNDER AND BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REFRIGERAITON UNITS. OBSERVED FLOORS UNCLEAN AROUND HOT WATER HEATER AND UNDER ADJACENT SHELVES. OBSERVED FLOORS UNCLEAN IN MOP ROOM. CLEAN SANTITZE AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES DIRECTLY ABOVE OPEN FOOD PREP AREA. REPLACE CEILING TILES TO INSURE NO LEAKING CONDITION CAN CONTAMINATE FOOD AND MAINTAIN CEILING OVER FOOD PREPARATION (IN REAR ACCROSS FROM 3 COMPARTMENT SINK).

Base deductions−9 pts

Apr 24

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High6 Basic

8 total2 risk factors

58/100inspection score

−32 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS ITEMS SUCH AS CHICKEN WERE PREPARED FROM 10:15AM-10:40AM. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (6)

−12 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON DOOR OF 2 DOOR PREP COOLER LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE UNISEX TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE ON FILTERS IN HOOD OVER COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED SEVERAL BURNT OUT LIGHTBULBS IN CEILING OF REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF DUST ON VENT IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED 3 EMPLOYEES WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−32 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

May 23

Complaint 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 OBSERVED LOSE ICE MAKER DOOR WITH DAMAGED GASKETS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.11 OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES IN DINING ROOM AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE ANY STAINED CEILING TILES.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION FOR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH FOOD ALLERGEN REQUIREMENT

Base deductions−6 pts

May 23

Complaint InspectionFail

1 High6 Basic

7 total

78/100inspection score

−22 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

9NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED−10
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE REMOVE SOFT TACO SHELL FROM GRILL WITH SPATULA THEN PROCEED TO HOLD THOSE TACO SHELLS WITH BARE HANDS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE THERE IS NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOODS. EMPLOYEE PUT ON GLOVES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (6)

−12 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED LOSE ICE MAKER DOOR WITH DAMAGED GASKETS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED LEAK FROM FAUCET OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. WHEN WATER IS TURNED ON WATER HEAVILY DRIPS FROM FAUCET. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
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
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
OBSERVED OUTSIDE DUMPSTER RECEPTACLE WITH DAMAGED AND BENT LID. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING LID. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B) CITATION ISSUED.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES IN DINING ROOM AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE ANY STAINED CEILING TILES.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION FOR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH FOOD ALLERGEN REQUIREMENT

Base deductions−22 pts

Nov 22

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-201.11 INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE OR REMOVE RUST ACCUMULATION ON STORAGE RACKS INSIDE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.11 INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS IN REAR STORAGE AREA BEHIND COOLERS AND FREEZERS.

Base deductions−4 pts

Oct 22

Canvass InspectionFail

1 Med2 Basic

3 total

91/100inspection score

−9 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED OVER 30 SMALL LIVE FLIES ON WALLS IN REAR STORAGE AREA AND OVER 10 SMALL LIVE FLIES IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMEND TO CONTACT LICENSED PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (A) CITATION ISSUED

Basic (2)

−4 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE OR REMOVE RUST ACCUMULATION ON STORAGE RACKS INSIDE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEANN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS IN REAR STORAGE AREA BEHIND COOLERS AND FREEZERS.

Base deductions−9 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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