What is Ponce Restaurant's health inspection score?

Ponce Restaurant has a SafeDine safety score of 86 out of 100 (Grade A). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Ponce Restaurant last inspected?

Ponce Restaurant was last inspected on November 4, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Ponce Restaurant have?

Ponce Restaurant has 24 total violations across 7 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Ponce Restaurant safe to eat at?

Yes, Ponce Restaurant has an excellent safety record with a score of 86/100. This indicates strong compliance with health and safety standards.

What type of cuisine does Ponce Restaurant serve?

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

Official Health Record

Ponce Restaurant

Name: Ponce Restaurant
Address: 4313 W FULLERTON AVE, Chicago, 60639
Rating: 86

4313 W FULLERTON AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 11/4/2025

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0Excellent

American•Chicago

Ranked #960 of 1000 in ChicagoBetter than 22% of american restaurants

Improving

7 inspections

Last: Nov 4, 2025

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

14%

Clean Rate

3.4

Avg Violations

7 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Temperature controlHigh Priority

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Food storage

Food not properly stored or protected

Permit/documentation

Administrative or documentation issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-14

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-4 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-4 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-2 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+16 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

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4313 W FULLERTON AVE, Chicago, IL 60639

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Violation Timeline

Sep 2024

1 inspections

Sep

Oct 2024

2 inspections

1 high priority

12 basic

Jan 2025

1 inspections

2 basic

Jan

Aug 2025

1 inspections

1 high priority

2 intermediate

1 basic

Oct 2025

1 inspections

1 high priority

2 intermediate

1 basic

Oct

Nov 2025

1 inspections

1 basic

Inspection History

7 records on file

1 Complaint Re-Inspection1 Short Form Complaint1 Canvass1 Complaint1 License Re-Inspection2 License

Nov 25

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
3-307.11: NOTED NO SPLASH GUARD RICE&CUTTING BOARD STORED NEXT TO HANDSINK IN DISHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO MOVE RICE STORAGE BIN AND CUTTING BOARD OR INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−2 pts

Oct 25

Short Form Complaint InspectionFail

1 High2 Med1 Basic

4 total

78/100inspection score

−22 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
4-301.11 OBSERVED AN IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF A WALK-IN COOLER THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY TAGGED ON 08/08/2025. TCS FOOD ITEMS WERE STORED INSIDE THE UNIT AT THIS TIME. UNIT REMAINS TAGGED AND SHALL NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CDPH. INSTRUCTED COLD HOLDING UNITS MUST REACH AND MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
3-501.16(A:2,&B) OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE A PREVIOUSLY TAGGED WALK-IN COOLER.FOUND 3 BINS OF BEEF (46.2F-48.7F), A CONTAINER OF BEANS 45.0F. APPROXIMATELY 215LBS AT $300 WORTH OF FOOD ITEMS DISCARDED. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0�F OR BELOW. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
6-501.111 OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 40 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON SITE. MICE DROPPINGS WERE FOUND ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA SURROUNDING HOT AND COLD HOLDING UNITS, IN THE REAR EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM, NEAR THE SPEAKER IN THE DINING AREA NEAR THE SPEAKER, AND ON THE LOWER SHELF UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLE IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE MICE DROPPINGS, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. SUGGESTED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED

Basic (1)

−2 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
3-307.11: NOTED NO SPLASH GUARD RICE&CUTTING BOARD STORED NEXT TO HANDSINK IN DISHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO MOVE RICE STORAGE BIN AND CUTTING BOARD OR INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−22 pts

Aug 25

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High2 Med1 Basic

4 total

78/100inspection score

−22 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
NOTED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF COLD-HOLDING EQUIPMENT. AMBIENT AIR OF 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR 59.5 F, PREP COOLER 47.7 F, WALK-IN COOLER 47.1 F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED UNITS TAGGED

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
NOTED IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOOD AT KITCHEN PREP COOLER, KITCHEN 2 DOOR COOLER, AND KITCHEN WALK-IN COOLER. PREP COOLER: SWEET PLANTAINS 47.8 F SLICED TOMATOES 48, CHOPPED LETTUCE 46.2, CHICKEN 49.4 2 DOOR COOLER: MALANGA(PLANTAIN) 46.4 F, BACALAITOS (FISH) BLOOD SAUSAGE 47.8 F, SHISH KABOB 44.6 F AND IN WALK-IN COOLER: CHEESE 45.1 F, PORK 49.7 F, PERSON IN CHARGE REMOVED ALL OTHER TCS FOODS (MIXED LEAFY GREENS, COOKED RICE, DELI MEAT, SHREDDED CHEESE, CONDIMENTS, BEEF EMPANADAS, BEEF STEW, CHICKEN STEW, BEANS, PORK CHOPS) FROM COOLER AND DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROX. 170 LBS VALUED AT $1717 PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION
28TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED−5
NOTED POTATOES IN WATER IN BUCKET THAT PREVIOUSLY HELD DISH SOAP. DISCARDED 3 LBS OF POTATOES VALUED AT $10. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. COS, CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (1)

−2 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
NOTED NO SPLASH GUARD RICE&CUTTING BOARD STORED NEXT TO HANDSINK IN DISHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO MOVE RICE STORAGE BIN AND CUTTING BOARD OR INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−22 pts

Jan 25

Complaint InspectionPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
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−4 pts

Oct 24

License Re-Inspection InspectionPass

6 Basic

6 total

88/100inspection score

−12 pts

Basic (6)

−12 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
OBSERVED ICE SCOOP LAYING ON TOP OF PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ICE SCOOP HANDLE UP ABOVE ICE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
NOTED SOME USE OF MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION AT THE KITCHEN AREA, DISHWASHING AREA, AND DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST ALSO BE STORED 6" AWAY FROM THE WALL
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED TORN GASKET IN THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.

Base deductions−12 pts

Oct 24

License InspectionFail

1 High6 Basic

7 total

78/100inspection score

−22 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR/DISHWASHING AREA RENDERED INACCESSIBLE DUE TO IT LEAKING WHEN IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS OPEN AND ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (6)

−12 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
OBSERVED ICE SCOOP LAYING ON TOP OF PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ICE SCOOP HANDLE UP ABOVE ICE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
NOTED SOME USE OF MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION AT THE KITCHEN AREA, DISHWASHING AREA, AND DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST ALSO BE STORED 6" AWAY FROM THE WALL
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED TORN GASKET IN THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.

Base deductions−22 pts

Sep 24

License InspectionCleanNot Ready

No violations

100/100inspection score

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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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