What is EL Barco Restaurant's health inspection score?

EL Barco Restaurant has a SafeDine safety score of 80 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was EL Barco Restaurant last inspected?

EL Barco Restaurant was last inspected on May 28, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does EL Barco Restaurant have?

EL Barco Restaurant has 40 total violations across 9 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is EL Barco Restaurant safe to eat at?

EL Barco Restaurant has a good safety record with a score of 80/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

Official Health Record

EL Barco Restaurant

Name: EL Barco Restaurant
Address: 1035 N ASHLAND AVE, Chicago, 60622
Rating: 80

1035 N ASHLAND AVE, Chicago

Last inspected 11mo ago

▲Improving

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0Good

Wicker Park

Ranked #262 of 583 in Wicker Park

Improving

9 inspections

Last: May 28, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

11%

Clean Rate

4.4

Avg Violations

12 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

SanitationHigh Priority

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Permit/documentationHigh Priority

Administrative or documentation issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-20

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-7 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-2 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-0 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-7 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

+14 pts

100

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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1035 N ASHLAND AVE, Chicago, IL 60622

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Violation Timeline

Jan 2023

2 inspections

5 high priority

1 intermediate

9 basic

Jan

Mar 2023

2 inspections

4 high priority

2 intermediate

4 basic

Sep 2023

1 inspections

1 basic

Sep

Jul 2024

2 inspections

5 high priority

1 intermediate

4 basic

May 2025

2 inspections

3 high priority

1 intermediate

May

Inspection History

9 records on file

3 Canvass Re-Inspection3 Canvass1 Short Form Complaint1 Complaint Re-Inspection1 Complaint

May 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionLatestCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

May 25

Canvass InspectionFail

3 High1 Med

4 total1 risk factor

60/100inspection score

−35 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
No certified food service manager on site while handling and serving TCS foods ( beans, fish...), instructed to obtain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
There is no hot and cold running water at the bar hand-wash sink. I instructed the manager to provide 100- 120�F water temperature at all hand wash sinks. This is a priority violation of 7-38-30 (c).
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
The high-temperature dishwashing machine did not sanitize during the final rinse. The hottest temperature on the dish surface was 142�F. The manager was instructed to provide 165 F or higher. This was a priority violation 7-38-025. The dishwasher is tagged and not allowed to be used.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

23PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION−5
There is no discard date on cooked food items. We found several containers of cooked beans with no discard date in the walk-in cooler that were placed there three days ago. We instructed the manager to provide a discard date on all cooked food held for more than 24 hours. This is a priority foundation violation 7-38-005.

Base deductions−35 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Jul 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
5-203.13 OBSERVED NO SERVICE SINK IN THE FACILITY. THE MANAGER STATED THAT THE SERVICE SINK WAS REMOVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE SERVICE SINK.

Base deductions−2 pts

Jul 24

Canvass InspectionFail

5 High1 Med3 Basic

9 total1 risk factor

34/100inspection score

−61 pts

High Priority (5)

−50 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE UPON ARRIVAL WHILE TCS FOODS WERE PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER IS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO SOAP AT BAR HAND WASHING SINK AND ONLY HANDWASHING SINK IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE SOAP IS PROVIDED TO ALL HAND WASHING SINKS. THE MANAGER PLACED SOAP AT HAND WASHING SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT THE HAND WASHING SINK AT THE BAR AND ONLY THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE PAPER TOWELS ARE PROVIDED TO ALL HAND WASHING SINKS. MANAGER PROVIDED PAPER TOWELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) ( CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH PREVIOUS VIOLATION).
14REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION−10
OBSERVED OYSTERS AND SHELLSTOCK TAGS DATED FOR THE LAST 30 DAYS ONLY. TAGS MUST BE KEPT ON SITE FOR 90 DAYS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE TAGS FOR OYSTERS ARE KEPT ON FILE FOR 90 DAYS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED DISH MACHINE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING DISHES. CHLORINE CONCENTRATION FOR LOW-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE MEASURED AT 0 PPM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A CHLORINE CHEMICAL SANITIZER CONCENTRATION OF AT LEAST 50 PPM. DISH MACHINE PREVIOUSLY TAGGED. TAG REMOVED WITHOUT BEING RE-INSPECTED BY HEALTH DEPARTMENT. THE TECHNICIAN ARRIVED ON SITE BEFORE THE CONCLUSION OF THE INSPECTION TO REPAIR THE DISH MACHINE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED MORE THAN 15 SMALL FLIES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY, INCLUDING THE BAR AND KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE ALL AREAS AFFECTED BY PESTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN BAR NOT IN PROPER WORKING ORDER. WHEN WATER IS DRAINED FROM ONE COMPARTMENT ANOTHER COMPARTMENT FLOODS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED NO SERVICE SINK IN THE FACILITY. THE MANAGER STATED THAT THE SERVICE SINK WAS REMOVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE SERVICE SINK.
52SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED−2
OBSERVED IMPROPER WASTEWATER DISPOSAL ON SITE. OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE DUMP WASTE WATER INTO DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE WASTEWATER IS DISPOSED OF IN PROPER LOCATION AND NOT USING DISH MACHINE, 3 COMPARTMENT SINK OR HAND WASHING SINKS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−61 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Sep 23

Short Form Complaint InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING REPEAT CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2573404 DATED 3/29/2023: #58 "OBSERVED MANAGER ON DUTY WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES." INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND COME INTO COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−2 pts

Mar 23

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Med2 Basic

3 total

91/100inspection score

−9 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
4-204.112(A, D) OBSERVED 2 OF 3 PROBE THERMOMETERS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA NOT FUNCTIONING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
5-205.15 OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED MANAGER ON DUTY WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−9 pts

Mar 23

Complaint InspectionFail

4 High1 Med2 Basic

7 total

51/100inspection score

−49 pts

High Priority (4)

−40 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AND DISH AREA RENDERED INACCESSIBLE BY PAN FILLED WITH SILVERWARE BEING PLACED INSIDE IT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS FREE AND ACCESSIBLE FOR HANDWASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO SOAP AT THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN SOAP AT ALL EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION COMBINED WITH THE ABOVE VIOLATION.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS AT ALL EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION COMBINED WITH THE ABOVE VIOLATIONS.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED BUILD-UP OF PINK AND BLACK SLIME IN THE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE USED TO PRODUCE ICE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED 2 OF 3 PROBE THERMOMETERS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA NOT FUNCTIONING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED MANAGER ON DUTY WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−49 pts

Jan 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 High3 Basic

4 total

84/100inspection score

−16 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED AT THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED LEAK AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISH AND LOW-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE LOCATED IN SAME AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED ALL FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE ARE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−16 pts

Jan 23

Canvass InspectionFail

4 High1 Med6 Basic

11 total2 risk factors

33/100inspection score

−57 pts

High Priority (4)

−40 pts

3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
5PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTSRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO KIT AND PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA ON SITE AT THE INSPECTION. LEFT ONE PAGER AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PROCEDURE AND KIT CONTAINING ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES, INCLUDING A SANITIZER RATED AS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED AT THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED A HIGH-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER FINAL RINSE TEMPERATURE OF 120F. THE MACHINE WAS TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR MACHINE SO THAT IT IS CAPABLE OF DELIVERING A FINAL RINSE TEMPERATURE BETWEEN 180-192F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS ITEMS STORED IN THE PREP COOLER OPPOSITE THE COOK LINE, MAINTAINING THE STATED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES: FISH AT 47.8F AND CEVICHE AT 46.2F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 20 LBS OF PRODUCT VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $400. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL TCS ITEMS AT OR BELOW 41F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (6)

−12 pts

48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING THERMOMETER FOR CHECKING THE FINAL RINSE TEMPERATURE OF WATER IN THE HI-TEMP DISHMACHINE ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED SINK STOPPER EASTERN COMPARTMENT OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN THE REAR DISH AREA IS NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED LEAK AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISH AREA AND HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE LOCATED IN SAME AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED ALL FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE ARE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
61SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC−2
OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2522343 DATED 7/6/2021. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−57 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 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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