What is Mariscos EL Barbas's health inspection score?

Mariscos EL Barbas has a SafeDine safety score of 84 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Mariscos EL Barbas last inspected?

Mariscos EL Barbas was last inspected on November 20, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Mariscos EL Barbas have?

Mariscos EL Barbas has 38 total violations across 8 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Mariscos EL Barbas safe to eat at?

Mariscos EL Barbas has a good safety record with a score of 84/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

Official Health Record

Mariscos EL Barbas

Name: Mariscos EL Barbas
Address: 4569 N ELSTON AVE, Chicago, 60630
Rating: 84

4569 N ELSTON AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 11/20/2025

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0Good

Chicago

Ranked #960 of 1000 in Chicago

Improving

8 inspections

Last: Nov 20, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

13%

Clean Rate

4.8

Avg Violations

7 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

SanitationHigh Priority

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Other violationHigh Priority

Regulatory compliance issue

Permit/documentation

Administrative or documentation issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-19

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-10 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-2 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-4 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-3 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

+18 pts

100

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 81/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (84/100) 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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4569 N ELSTON AVE, Chicago, IL 60630

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Violation Timeline

Sep 2022

1 inspections

1 high priority

5 basic

Sep

May 2023

1 inspections

5 high priority

1 intermediate

7 basic

Jun 2023

1 inspections

2 basic

Jun

Apr 2024

2 inspections

1 high priority

4 basic

Sep 2024

1 inspections

2 basic

Sep

Jun 2025

1 inspections

3 high priority

1 intermediate

6 basic

Nov 2025

1 inspections

Nov

Inspection History

8 records on file

5 Canvass1 Canvass Re-Inspection1 Complaint Re-Inspection1 Complaint

Nov 25

Canvass InspectionLatestCleanOut of Business

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jun 25

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

3 High1 Med6 Basic

10 total

53/100inspection score

−47 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
NO PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED AT HANDWASHING SINK AT PREP AREA.PAPER TOWEL WAS PROVIDED AFTER MY REQUEST.REVIEWED HAND WASHING PROCEDURE.MUST KEEP PAPER TOWELS AT SAID SINK AT ALL THE TIME FOR PROPER HANDWASHING PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
NO SOAP PROVIDED AT HANDWSHING AT BAR AREA,PROVIDED UPON MY REQUEST,REVIEWED HAND WASHING PROCEDURE FOR PROPER HANDWASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CONSOLIDATE WITH ABOVE VIOLATION
14REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION−10
NO-TAG WAS PROVIDED FOR 45 EACH FRESH OYSTER IN CONTAINER STORED INSIDE THE 2-REACH-IN COOLER. TAG MUST REMAIN WITH PRODUCTS;MUST DATE WHEN THE LAST OYSTER IS CONSUMED ON THE SAID TAG, MUST BE RETAINED TAG FOR A MINIMUM OF 90 DAYS. PRESENT OYSTER DISCARDED AND DENATURED:45 EACH, VALUE 34. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
LABEL DRY FOOD WITH COMMON NAME

Basic (6)

−12 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREAS IN SANITIZER BUCKET BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
PREP TABLE BASE IN THE KITCHEN IS RUSTY UNABLE TO CLEAN.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
ADDITIONAL HOT WATER FLOW IS REQUIRED AT HANDLE OF HANDWASHING SINK AT BAR AREA.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
EXCESS WEEDS AROUND THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE CONTAINERS IN THE ALLEY,AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL, WOODS ETC BEHIND THE GARBAGE CONTAINERS.REMOVE ITEMS,CLEAN THE AREA AND KEEP IT CLEAN
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
HOLES ON WALLS AND CEILING IN REAR AREA.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON SITE FOR THE NEW MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS

Base deductions−47 pts

Sep 24

Canvass InspectionPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED NO DUMP SINK AVAILABLE IN ALCOHOLIC DRINK PREPARATION SERVICE AREA. INSTALL DUMP SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER IN ALCOHOLIC DRINK PREPARATION AREA.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON WATER INTAKE LINE FOR ICE MACHINE. INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−4 pts

Apr 24

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
OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON DOOR OF 2 DOOR COOLER IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Base deductions−2 pts

Apr 24

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High3 Basic

4 total

84/100inspection score

−16 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED NO SANITIZER ON SITE FOR WASHING DISHES IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SANITIZER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON DOOR OF 2 DOOR COOLER IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED BARBEQUE GRILL ON REAR PATIO. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM PREMISES.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING REPEAT CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2576955 DATED 6/7/2023: 39 " OBSERVED TWO MISSING SPLASH GUARDS ON HANDWASHING SINK IN KITCHEN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN." INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND COME INTO COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−16 pts

Jun 23

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
3-307.11 OBSERVED TWO MISSING SPLASH GUARDS ON HANDWASHING SINK IN KITCHEN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.11 OBSERVED MISSING TILES ON WALL AT BASE NEXT TO UTILITY/MOP SINK. OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES IN HALLWAY LEADING TO UTILITY/ ICE MACHINE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−4 pts

May 23

Complaint InspectionFail

5 High1 Med7 Basic

13 total2 risk factors

21/100inspection score

−69 pts

High Priority (5)

−50 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION.
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE POSTED. PREMISES SERVES TCS FOODS: STEAK, CHICKEN TACOS, ETC. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN, POST CERTIFICATE VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA WITH NO SOAP AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL HAND WASHING SINKS ARE STOCKED WITH SOAP AT ALL TIMES. EMPLOYEE RESTOCKED SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING HANDWASHING SINKS IN BAR/FRONT PREP AND KITCHEN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION
33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED 3 DOOR COOLER WITH AN INADEQUATE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 57 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COOLERS HOLD AN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATUE 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 47-57 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD FOODS ARE HELD AT A TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. MANAGER DISCARDED: 3 POUND PASTA, 3 POUNDS CHICKEN, 10 POUNDS STEAK, 10 POUNDS OYSTERS, 1/4 GALLON MILK, 1 POUND CHOPPED LETTUCE, 1/2 POUND SLICED TOMATOES, 5 POUNDS CHORIZO, AND 15 POUNDS FISH ($774) PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

Basic (7)

−14 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED TWO MISSING SPLASH GUARDS ON HANDWASHING SINK IN KITCHEN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED POT TOO LARGE TO FIT INTO 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL EQUIPMENT CAN FIT INTO 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-48-025 CITATION ISSUED.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED MISSING TILES ON WALL AT BASE NEXT TO UTILITY/MOP SINK. OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES IN HALLWAY LEADING TO UTILITY/ ICE MACHINE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON HOODS IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN DOCUMENTATION OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING ON PREMISES.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENT.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED WITHIN SPECIFIED TIMEFRAME. REPORT#2564478 DATED SEPTEMBER 28 2022 INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN FLOORS IN REAR PREP AREA, REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS, AND TO CLEAN DUSTY VENTS IN TOILET ROOMS. OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT REAR PREP AREA, DUST ACCUMULATION ON VENTS IN TOILET ROOMS, AND CUTTING BOARD IN FRONT PREP AREA WITH DEEP SCRATCHES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADDRESS ALL PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−69 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Sep 22

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High5 Basic

6 total1 risk factor

75/100inspection score

−20 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE POSTED. PREMISES SERVES TCS FOODS: STEAK, CHCIKEN TACOS, ETC. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN, POST CERTIFICATE VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP SCRATCHES AND STAINS ON PREP TABLES IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR UTILITY SINK, LOCATED IN THE REAR NEXT TO ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE LOCATED SO THAT IT MAY BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED VENT COVERS WITH DUSTA ACCUMULATION IN BOTH TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE DUST AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DIRTY FLOORS WITH FOOD DEBRIS\SPILLS THROUGHOUT REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WITH EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN AWARENESS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL WITH THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL THAT HOLDS A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE COMPLETES ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING AND RECEIVES CERTIFICATE AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−20 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 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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