What is EL Charro's health inspection score?

EL Charro has a SafeDine safety score of 91 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 Charro last inspected?

EL Charro was last inspected on January 13, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does EL Charro have?

EL Charro has 35 total violations across 7 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is EL Charro safe to eat at?

Yes, EL Charro has an excellent safety record with a score of 91/100. This indicates strong compliance with health and safety standards.

Official Health Record

EL Charro

Name: EL Charro
Address: 2547 W LAWRENCE AVE, Chicago, 60625
Rating: 91

2547 W LAWRENCE AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 1/13/2026

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0Excellent

Lincoln Square

Ranked #89 of 448 in Lincoln Square

Declining

7 inspections

Last: Jan 13, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

14%

Clean Rate

Avg Violations

4 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Employee hygiene

Personal hygiene practices not followed

Other violation

Regulatory compliance issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-9

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-4 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-5 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

-6 pts

Latest

100% weight

100

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

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2547 W LAWRENCE AVE, Chicago, IL 60625

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Violation Timeline

Feb 2023

1 inspections

2 high priority

1 intermediate

5 basic

Feb

Mar 2023

1 inspections

4 basic

Feb 2024

1 inspections

11 basic

Feb

Feb 2025

3 inspections

2 intermediate

5 basic

Jan 2026

1 inspections

1 intermediate

4 basic

Jan

Inspection History

7 records on file

3 Canvass2 Canvass Re-Inspection1 License Re-Inspection1 License

Jan 26

Canvass InspectionLatestPass

1 Med4 Basic

5 total

87/100inspection score

−13 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED AN OPENING ON THE LEFT BOTTOM SIDE OF BACK DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR OR CLOSE OPENING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST REPAIR TORN GASKETS ON THE INSIDE OF THE TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER AND THE INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER DOOR IN THE KITCHEN AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED WET MOP STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO HANG MOPS TO ALLOW TO DRY WHEN NOT IN USE.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ON SITE FOOD EMPLOYEES DURING INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE AND KEEP CERTIFICATES ON SITE.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.

Base deductions−13 pts

Feb 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Feb 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionFail

1 Med1 Basic

2 total

93/100inspection score

−7 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
3-302.12--OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN THE KITCHEN PREP WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).

Basic (1)

−2 pts

60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
8-404.13(B:4)--PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2589227 DATED:02/06/2024. #49--4-602.13: NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILD-UP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER AND MAINTAIN. #55--6-501.13: **C** Cleaning Floors, Dustless Methods OBSERVED DIRTY FLOOR AT REAR CHEST FREEZER STORAGE AREA WITH LITTER AND DEBRIS.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN. #56--4-202.18: **C** Ventilation Hood Systems, Filters INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF EXCESSIVE HANGING GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN. #57--2-102.13: **C** Food Handler Training (PA 100-0367 Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act) OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH NOTED VIOLATIONS AND MAINTA

Base deductions−7 pts

Feb 25

Canvass InspectionFail

1 Med4 Basic

5 total

87/100inspection score

−13 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN THE KITCHEN PREP WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).

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 ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
50HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE−2
OBSERVED LOW HOT WATER PRESSURE AT THE FOLLOWING: AT (2) HANDWASHING SINK IN THE KITCHEN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA AND AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK,INCLUDING THE UTILITY MOP SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE WATER PRESSURE AT ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C),CITATION ISSUED.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND REPLACE BROKEN WALL TILES NEXT TO THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2589227 DATED:02/06/2024 #39--3-307.11: **C** Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND UTILITY MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD AND MAINTAIN. #41--3-304.14: **C** Wiping Cloths, Use Limitation OBSERVED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT REAR KITCHEN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE. #47--4-501.11: **C** Good Repair and Proper Adjustment- Equipment OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE KITCHEN 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS AND MAINTAIN. #49--4-602.13: NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILD-UP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER AND MAINTAIN. #51--5-205.15: **C** System Maintained in Good Repair (In Good Repair)

Base deductions−13 pts

Feb 24

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

11 Basic

11 total

78/100inspection score

−22 pts

Basic (11)

−22 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND UTILITY MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD AND MAINTAIN.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT REAR KITCHEN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE KITCHEN 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILD-UP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THE UTILITY MOP SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED BROKEN WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE UNISEX WASHROOM.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DIRTY FLOOR AT REAR CHEST FREEZER STORAGE AREA WITH LITTER AND DEBRIS.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF EXCESSIVE HANGING GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELD FOR LIGHT FIXTURE AT REAR KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL LIGHT SHIELD OR SHATTER-PROOF LIGHT BULBS FOR LIGHT FIXTURE AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #58 NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2572012 DATED:03/03/2023 #58--2-102.13 OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MEET REQUIREMENT. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH NOTED VIOLATION AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090,CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−22 pts

Mar 23

License Re-Inspection InspectionPass

4 Basic

4 total

92/100inspection score

−8 pts

Basic (4)

−8 pts

48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
4-204.119 OBSERVED NO DRAINBOARDS ON SINK NOR EQUIPMENT THAT ALLOWS FOR ALL DISHES TO BE WASHED AND SELF DRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DRYING RACKS OR OTHER EQUIPMENT TO ALLOW FOR CLEANED DISHES TO BE SELF DRAINING.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
5-502.12 OBSERVED NO GREASE RECEPTACLE FOR GREASE. FACILITY UTILIZES DEEP FRYER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE METHOD FOR DISPOSING OF GREASE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.11 OBSERVED CHIPPED WALL IN HALLWAY NEAR REAR ENTRANCE; OBSERVED CRACKED FLOOR TILES BEHIND COOLER UNIT TO IMMEDIATE RIGHT UPON WALKING IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MEET REQUIREMENT

Base deductions−8 pts

Feb 23

License InspectionFail

2 High1 Med5 Basic

8 total

65/100inspection score

−35 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO AVAILABLE HANDWASHING SINK FOR CONVENIENT USE IN GRIDDLE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL HANDWASHING SINK FOR CONVENIENT USE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED
33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED DELI TOP COOLER WITH AN INADEQUATE INTERNAL AIR TEMPERATURE OF 52 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COOLERS HAVE AN INTERNAL AIR TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. MANAGER ADJUSTED COOLER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

25CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD−5
OBSERVED NO MENU WITH CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE. FACILITY WILL COOK STEAK AND OTHER ITMES TO ORDER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE MENU WITH CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED

Basic (5)

−10 pts

48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED EQUIPMENT TO LARGE TO FIT INTO 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGERS TO PROVIDE A LARGER SINK OR SMALLER UTENSILS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025 NO CITATION ISSUED.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED NO DRAINBOARDS ON SINK NOR EQUIPMENT THAT ALLOWS FOR ALL DISHES TO BE WASHED AND SELF DRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DRYING RACKS OR OTHER EQUIPMENT TO ALLOW FOR CLEANED DISHES TO BE SELF DRAINING.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
OBSERVED NO GREASE RECEPTACLE FOR GREASE. FACILITY UTILIZES DEEP FRYER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE METHOD FOR DISPOSING OF GREASE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED CHIPPED WALL IN HALLWAY NEAR REAR ENTRANCE; OBSERVED CRACKED FLOOR TILES BEHIND COOLER UNIT TO IMMEDIATE RIGHT UPON WALKING IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MEET REQUIREMENT

Base deductions−35 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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