What is Pepe's Mexican Restaurant's health inspection score?

Pepe's Mexican Restaurant has a SafeDine safety score of 83 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Pepe's Mexican Restaurant last inspected?

Pepe's Mexican Restaurant was last inspected on August 18, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Pepe's Mexican Restaurant have?

Pepe's Mexican Restaurant has 41 total violations across 9 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Pepe's Mexican Restaurant safe to eat at?

Pepe's Mexican Restaurant has a good safety record with a score of 83/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

Official Health Record

Pepe's Mexican Restaurant

Name: Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
Address: 8313-8325 S COTTAGE GROVE AVE, Chicago, 60619
Rating: 83

8313-8325 S COTTAGE GROVE AVE, Chicago

Last inspected 9mo ago

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0Good

Chicago

Ranked #960 of 1000 in Chicago

Stable

9 inspections

Last: Aug 18, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

4.6

Avg Violations

9 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Temperature control

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Employee hygiene

Personal hygiene practices not followed

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Other violation

Regulatory compliance issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-17

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-0 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-9 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-3 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

0 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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8313-8325 S COTTAGE GROVE AVE, Chicago, IL 60619

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Violation Timeline

Nov 2022

2 inspections

4 basic

Nov

Mar 2023

3 inspections

3 intermediate

14 basic

Jan 2024

1 inspections

6 basic

Jan

Jan 2025

1 inspections

4 basic

Aug 2025

2 inspections

10 basic

Aug

Inspection History

9 records on file

3 Complaint Re-Inspection2 Complaint3 Canvass1 Canvass Re-Inspection

Aug 25

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

4 Basic

4 total

92/100inspection score

−8 pts

Basic (4)

−8 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATED ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED RUSTY SURFACES ON SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINNTAN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED MISSING GROUT AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN REAR DISH WASHING AND UTILITY AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RE-GROUT, REPAIR AND MAINTAIN FLOOR TILES.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING AVAILABLE FOR CERTIFIED MANAGERS. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.

Base deductions−8 pts

Aug 25

Complaint InspectionFail

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 INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATED ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED RUSTY SURFACES ON MIXER AND SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINNTAN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEAD STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE MOP HEAD UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED MISSING GROUT AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN REAR DISH WASHING AND UTILITY AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RE-GROUT, REPAIR AND MAINTAIN FLOOR TILES.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING AVAILABLE FOR CERTIFIED MANAGERS. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2610085 ON 1-6-25:47-RUSTY STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST FROM RACKS. BROKEN TOP ON THE TOILET IN THE EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED

Base deductions−12 pts

Jan 25

Canvass InspectionPass

4 Basic

4 total

92/100inspection score

−8 pts

Basic (4)

−8 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
FEMALE FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS TO WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT. MAINTAIN SAME.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
RUSTY STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST FROM RACKS. BROKEN TOP ON THE TOILET IN THE EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK IN COOLER AND IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH FOOD AND DIRT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
FLOORS IN WALK IN FREEZER WITH FOOD AND DEBRIS. ALSO, PRODUCT STORED ON THE FLOOR OF WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ITEMS OFF THE FLOORS AND CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS.

Base deductions−8 pts

Jan 24

Canvass InspectionPass

6 Basic

6 total

88/100inspection score

−12 pts

Basic (6)

−12 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED AN EMPLOYEE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT THEY MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE IN THE PREP AREA AND HANDLING FOOD. MAINTAIN SAME.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED A WIPING CLOTH NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED THE STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER/FREEZER, REAR AND FRONT STORAGE AREA WITH RUST. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE RUST OR REPLACE STORAGE RACKS AND MAINTAIN A RUST FREE SURFACE.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED THE UNISEX TOILET ROOMS WITH TRASH RECEPTACLES WITH NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE RECEPTACLES WITH LIDS AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR EMPLOYEES THAT ARE NOT THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST MEET THE REQUIREMENTS, PROVIDE PROOF AND MAINTAIN.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
PIC AND EMPLOYEES WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE HAVE NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−12 pts

Mar 23

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Med4 Basic

5 total

87/100inspection score

−13 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
4-204.112(B) OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE THE WALK-IN REFRIGERATION UNIT CONSPICUOUSLY POSTED TO MONITOR THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO EQUIP ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH ACCURATE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
3-307.11 OBSERVED IN THE CUSTOMERS TOILET ROOM A CUP FILLED WITH HANDWASHING SOAP. INSTRUCTED TO PROVDE AN APPROPRIATE HANDWASHING CLEANSER DISPENSER IN THE SAID TOILET ROOM AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
4-601.11(C) OBSERVED ICE BUILD UP IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER ON THE CONDENSER ABOVE THE SHELVING UNIT AND ON THE FLOORS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE ICE BUILD UP AND MAINTAIN.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
5-501.116 OBSERVED THE OUTDOOR GREASE RECEPTACLE WITH DRIED UP GREASE DROPLETS ON THE OUTERIOR OF THE GREASE RECEPTACLE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD UP AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EMPLOYEE MUST COMPLY WITH FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING BY THE FOOD HANDLING REGULATION ENFORCEMENT ACT.

Base deductions−13 pts

Mar 23

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionFail

1 Med5 Basic

6 total

85/100inspection score

−15 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
4-204.112(B) OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE THE WALK-IN REFRIGERATION UNIT CONSPICUOUSLY POSTED TO MONITOR THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO EQUIP ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH ACCURATE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
3-307.11 OBSERVED IN THE CUSTOMERS TOILET ROOM A CUP FILLED WITH HANDWASHING SOAP. INSTRUCTED TO PROVDE AN APPROPRIATE HANDWASHING CLEANSER DISPENSER IN THE SAID TOILET ROOM AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
4-601.11(C) OBSERVED ICE BUILD UP IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER ON THE CONDENSER ABOVE THE SHELVING UNIT AND ON THE FLOORS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE ICE BUILD UP AND MAINTAIN.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
5-501.116 OBSERVED THE OUTDOOR GREASE RECEPTACLE WITH DRIED UP GREASE DROPLETS ON THE OUTERIOR OF THE GREASE RECEPTACLE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD UP AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EMPLOYEE MUST COMPLY WITH FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING BY THE FOOD HANDLING REGULATION ENFORCEMENT ACT.
59PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2572147, 03/07/2023 NOT CORRECTED #51-5-205.15 OBSERVED 3 COMP SINK WITH 1 OF THE 2 FAUCETS REPLACED BY A FOOD GRADE HOSE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE FAUCET PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090, CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−15 pts

Mar 23

Complaint InspectionFail

1 Med5 Basic

6 total

85/100inspection score

−15 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE THE WALK-IN REFRIGERATION UNIT CONSPICUOUSLY POSTED TO MONITOR THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO EQUIP ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH ACCURATE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED IN THE CUSTOMERS TOILET ROOM A CUP FILLED WITH HANDWASHING SOAP. INSTRUCTED TO PROVDE AN APPROPRIATE HANDWASHING CLEANSER DISPENSER IN THE SAID TOILET ROOM AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ICE BUILD UP IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER ON THE CONDENSER ABOVE THE SHELVING UNIT AND ON THE FLOORS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE ICE BUILD UP AND MAINTAIN.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
OBSERVED THE OUTDOOR GREASE RECEPTACLE WITH DRIED UP GREASE DROPLETS ON THE OUTERIOR OF THE GREASE RECEPTACLE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD UP AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EMPLOYEE MUST COMPLY WITH FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING BY THE FOOD HANDLING REGULATION ENFORCEMENT ACT.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 11/30/2022, REPORT #2567403 #51-5-205.15 OBSERVED 3 COMP SINK WITH 1 OF THE 2 FAUCETS REPLACED BY A FOOD GRADE HOSE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE FAUCET. PRIORITY FOUNDATION:7-42-090, CITATION ISSUED

Base deductions−15 pts

Nov 22

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
5-205.15 OBSERVED 3 COMP SINK WITH 1 OF THE 2 FAUCETS REPLACED BY A FOOD GRADE HOSE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE FAUCET.

Base deductions−2 pts

Nov 22

Canvass InspectionFail

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING UTILIZED AS SHELVING NEAR 3 COMP SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE CARDBOARD
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED 3 COMP SINK WITH 1 OF THE 2 FAUCETS REPLACED BY A FOOD GRADE HOSE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE FAUCET.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
OBSERVED OUTSIDE DUMPSTER RECEPTACLE WITH HOLES IN THE FLOOR OF RECEPTACLE AND WITH LIDS DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DUMPSTER RECEPTACLE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED

Base deductions−6 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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