What is Pozoleria EL Mexicano Inc.'s health inspection score?

Pozoleria EL Mexicano Inc. has a SafeDine safety score of 72 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Pozoleria EL Mexicano Inc. last inspected?

Pozoleria EL Mexicano Inc. was last inspected on June 6, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Pozoleria EL Mexicano Inc. have?

Pozoleria EL Mexicano Inc. has 40 total violations across 8 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Pozoleria EL Mexicano Inc. safe to eat at?

Pozoleria EL Mexicano Inc. has a good safety record with a score of 72/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

Official Health Record

Pozoleria EL Mexicano Inc.

Name: Pozoleria EL Mexicano Inc.
Address: 5037-5039 W DIVERSEY AVE, Chicago, 60639
Rating: 72

5037-5039 W DIVERSEY AVE, Chicago

Last inspected 10mo ago

▲Improving

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0Good

Chicago

Ranked #960 of 1000 in Chicago

Improving

8 inspections

Last: Jun 6, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

13%

Clean Rate

Avg Violations

10 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Temperature controlHigh Priority

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Facility condition

Building maintenance or structural issues

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-28

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-8 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-2 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-6 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-7 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

+22 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

5037-5039 W DIVERSEY AVE, Chicago, IL 60639

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Violation Timeline

Jul 2022

2 inspections

2 intermediate

9 basic

Jul

May 2023

1 inspections

2 intermediate

4 basic

Jun 2023

1 inspections

Jun

Jul 2024

1 inspections

6 basic

Dec 2024

1 inspections

4 high priority

1 intermediate

4 basic

Dec

Jun 2025

2 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

6 basic

Inspection History

8 records on file

1 Complaint Re-Inspection2 Complaint3 Canvass2 Canvass Re-Inspection

Jun 25

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-101.11(B, C, D, E) Inspector Comments: OBSERVED MOP SINK IN ROOM CONTAINING ICE MACHINE WITH A LARGE HOLE IN THE SIDE. REPLACE SINK AND MAINTAIN MOP SINK.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.11 OBSERVED CEILING TILES IN NORTH EAST CORNER OF KITCHEN ABOVE ELECTRICAL BOX MISSING CEILING TILES. REPLACE CEILING TILES ABOVE ELECTRICAL BOXES. OBSERVED CEILING TILES ABOVE SHELVING CONTAINING POTS AND PANS STAINED. REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN CEILING IN FOOD PREPARATION AREAS.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE ALLERGEN TRAINING. PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−6 pts

Jun 25

Complaint InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High1 Med3 Basic

5 total

79/100inspection score

−21 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED WALK IN COOLER AT 50.0F WITH TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOOD INSIDE INCLUDING RAW BEEF, COOKED BEEF, AND COOKED RICE. COOLER WAS TAGGED DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 50 LBS OF SLICED RAW BEEF AT 50.4F, APPROXIMATELY 25 LBS OF CHICKEN FLAUTAS AT 47.9, OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS OF COOKED RICE AT 47.2, APPROXIMATELY 20 LBS OF COOKED GROUND BEEF AT 48.4. ALL FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES WAS VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005

Basic (3)

−6 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED MOP SINK IN ROOM CONTAINING ICE MACHINE WITH A LARGE HOLE IN THE SIDE. REPLACE SINK AND MAINTAIN MOP SINK.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED CEILING TILES IN NORTH EAST CORNER OF KITCHEN ABOVE ELECTRICAL BOX MISSING CEILING TILES. REPLACE CEILING TILES ABOVE ELECTRICAL BOXES. OBSERVED CEILING TILES ABOVE SHELVING CONTAINING POTS AND PANS STAINED. REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN CEILING IN FOOD PREPARATION AREAS.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE ALLERGEN TRAINING. PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−21 pts

Dec 24

Complaint InspectionPass w/ Conditions

4 High1 Med4 Basic

9 total1 risk factor

42/100inspection score

−53 pts

High Priority (4)

−40 pts

6PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USERisk Factor−10
MUST PROVIDE DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEES PERSONAL DRINKS. ALL OPEN DRINKS ARE PROHIBITED IN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN DISHWASHING AREA RENDERED INACCESSIBLE BY SOAP AND CONTAINER BEING PLACED INSIDE IT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS OPEN AND ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP AVAILABLE AT HANDSINK IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDSOAP AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C) CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PAPER TOWELS AT ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED SEVERAL DEAD ROACHES IN THE PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE AND CLEAN

Basic (4)

−8 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED TORN/DAMAGED AND DIRTY RUBBER GASKET ON SEVERAL DOOR OF THE COOLER IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GSASKET.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.

Base deductions−53 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Jul 24

Canvass InspectionPass

6 Basic

6 total

88/100inspection score

−12 pts

Basic (6)

−12 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD ON MAIN COOK LINE COVERED WITH DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACES.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
MUST FULLY CLOSE AND SEAL THE GREASE TRAPS UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS AT THE KITCHEN AND BAR AREA TO PREVENT PEST ACTIVITY.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND HEAVY COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRY AT ALL TIMES.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.

Base deductions−12 pts

Jun 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

May 23

Canvass InspectionFail

2 Med4 Basic

6 total

82/100inspection score

−18 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE 1 DOOR PREP COOLER. OBSERVED CHICKEN AT 48F, BEEF AT 47F, GUACAMOLE AT 49F, SALSA AT 45F, AND COOKED PEPPERS AT 44F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED APPROX. 15 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS AND CEILING OF THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AND THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE ALL PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE, PREP TABLE AND THE LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE THE FOOD PREP AREA.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
MUST FULLY CLOSE AND SEAL THE GREASE TRAPS UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS AT THE KITCHEN AND BAR AREA TO PREVENT PEST ACTIVITY.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
MUST PROVIDE A COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE WALK-IN COOLER. CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE FOOD PREP AREA ESPECIALLY BEHIND AND UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.

Base deductions−18 pts

Jul 22

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
FOUND A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.

Base deductions−2 pts

Jul 22

Canvass InspectionFail

2 Med8 Basic

10 total

74/100inspection score

−26 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

25CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD−5
OBSERVED AN INCOMPLETE CONSUMER ADVISORY FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOODS - ADVISORY IS MISSING A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ADD A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT TO THE CURRENT ADVISORY THAT SAYS "ITEMS CAN BE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR CONTAIN UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS" OR "ITEMS ARE COOKED TO ORDER". PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 RODENT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE HOT WATER HEATER INSIDE THE MOP SINK/STORAGE ROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM SAID AREA, AND TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICE TO ELIMINATE ALL ACTIVITY FROM PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (8)

−16 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
FOUND BAGS OF ONIONS STORED DIRECTLY ON THE FLOOR INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ELEVATE FOOD OFF THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING USED AS SHELF LINER IN THE COOKS LINE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD SO SURFACE IS SMOOTH, NON-ABORBENT, AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
FOUND CRACKED EGGS, DIRT, AND OTHER OLD FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE THE REACH IN BEER COOLER IN THE BAR. COOLER IS CURRENTLY TURNED OFF. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REMOVE ALL OLD FOOD AND DETAIL CLEAN.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON THE STAFF WASHROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT TOILET ROOM DOORS MUST BE TIGHT FITTING AND SELF CLOSING.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING USED AS FLOOR MATS IN THE REAR PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE FLOOR COVERINGS THAT ARE A NON-ABSORBENT, NON-CORROSIVE, SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
FOUND HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE BUILD UP IN THE CREVICES OF THE KITCHEN FLOOR MATS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR MATS AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
FOUND HEAVY SOOT AND GREASE BUILD UP ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS AND MAINTAIN.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
FOUND A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.

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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