What is EL Texcal Restaurant's health inspection score?

EL Texcal Restaurant has a SafeDine safety score of 87 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 Texcal Restaurant last inspected?

EL Texcal Restaurant was last inspected on February 25, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does EL Texcal Restaurant have?

EL Texcal Restaurant has 21 total violations across 5 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is EL Texcal Restaurant safe to eat at?

Yes, EL Texcal Restaurant has an excellent safety record with a score of 87/100. This indicates strong compliance with health and safety standards.

What type of cuisine does EL Texcal Restaurant serve?

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

Official Health Record

EL Texcal Restaurant

Name: EL Texcal Restaurant
Address: 3700 W LAWRENCE AVE, Chicago, 60625
Rating: 87

3700 W LAWRENCE AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 2/25/2026

▲Improving

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0Excellent

American•Lincoln Square

Ranked #119 of 448 in Lincoln SquareBetter than 22% of american restaurants

Improving

5 inspections

Last: Feb 25, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

4.2

Avg Violations

3 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

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Employee hygiene

Personal hygiene practices not followed

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-12

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-4 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-1 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-5 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+19 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 88/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (87/100) which is computed during our regular data sync.

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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3700 W LAWRENCE AVE, Chicago, IL 60625

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Violation Timeline

Jan 2023

2 inspections

1 high priority

5 basic

Jan

Apr 2024

1 inspections

1 high priority

3 intermediate

5 basic

Apr 2025

1 inspections

1 high priority

4 basic

Apr

Feb 2026

1 inspections

1 basic

Inspection History

5 records on file

4 Canvass1 Canvass Re-Inspection

Feb 26

Canvass InspectionLatestPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED FACILITY STORING RAW MEATS IN SINGLE USE GROCERY BAGS IN THE FREEZER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT NOT TO STORE FOOD ITEMS IN SINGLE USE GROCERY BAGS AND TO STORE IN FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS OR BAGS.

Base deductions−2 pts

Apr 25

Canvass InspectionPass

1 High4 Basic

5 total

82/100inspection score

−18 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK LOCATED AT REAR DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR EMPLOYEE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT BASE OF FAUCET AT THE FRONT PREP DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA AND INSIDE THE FURNACE 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.(NO MILK CRATES TO BE USED FOR ELEVATING ITEMS).
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE MECHANICAL VENTILATION INSIDE THE WOMENS WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−18 pts

Apr 24

Canvass InspectionPass

1 High3 Med5 Basic

9 total

65/100inspection score

−35 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
Observed no handwashing sign at hand sink at front prep area. Instructed to provide handwashing sign at front prep area hand sink.

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
Observed no thermometer present in the reach in cooler at the front prep area. Instructed manager to provide thermometer the front reach in cooler. Manager provided at time of inspection.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
Observed storage containers in rear dry storage to not have the common name of the food stored. Instructed manager to label storage containers with common name such as garlic, onions, chili powder, etc.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
Observed no door sweep present at door to the rear exit alleyway door. Gap greater than 1/4 inch was observed at bottom of door. Instructed manager to rodent proof rear exit door.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
Observed wet wiping cloths stored on the shelf and prep surface in front prep area. Instructed manager that all wet wiping cloths must be stored in a sanitizer solution in between each use.
44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
Observed stored pots and pans to not be covered or inverted in the rear dry storage area. Instructed manager to invert or cover all pots and pans in storage.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
Observed a scratched and deeply gouged cutting board in front prep area. Instructed manager to provide a replacement with a smooth and easily cleanable surface.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
Observed damaged wall section above rear dry storage shelves, peeling paint on the ceiling in rear dry storage area near chest freezer, and a hole in ceiling near chest freezer. Instructed manager to provide a smooth and easily cleanable surface for all walls and ceiling.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
Observed milk crates stored and used as shelving in rear dry storage area. Instructed manager to provide shelves.

Base deductions−35 pts

Jan 23

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
4-202.12 OBSERVED POT TOO LARGE FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CREATE CLEAN IN PLACE PROCEEDURE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-101.19 OBSERVED MEAT STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAG IN FREEZER CHEST. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PLACE MEAT IN FOOD GRADE BAG.

Base deductions−4 pts

Jan 23

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High3 Basic

4 total

84/100inspection score

−16 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WASH AND RINSE DISHES AND PUT THEM AWAY WITHOUT SANITIZING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL DISHES ARE WASHED RINSED AND SANITIZED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED

Basic (3)

−6 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED POT TOO LARGE FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CREATE CLEAN IN PLACE PROCEEDURE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED MEAT STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAG IN FREEZER CHEST. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PLACE MEAT IN FOOD GRADE BAG.
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−16 pts

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Community Safety Reports

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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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