What is EL Jacalito's health inspection score?

EL Jacalito has a SafeDine safety score of 82 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 Jacalito last inspected?

EL Jacalito was last inspected on March 31, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does EL Jacalito have?

EL Jacalito has 39 total violations across 7 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is EL Jacalito safe to eat at?

EL Jacalito has a good safety record with a score of 82/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

What type of cuisine does EL Jacalito serve?

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

Official Health Record

EL Jacalito

Name: EL Jacalito
Address: 8465 S COMMERCIAL AVE, Chicago, 60617
Rating: 82

8465 S COMMERCIAL AVE, Chicago

Last inspected 12mo ago

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0Good

American•Chicago

Ranked #960 of 1000 in ChicagoBetter than 17% of american restaurants

Stable

7 inspections

Last: Mar 31, 2025

low confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

29%

Clean Rate

5.6

Avg Violations

13 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Facility condition

Building maintenance or structural issues

Other violation

Regulatory compliance issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-19

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-4 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-2 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-12 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

0 pts

Latest

100% weight

100

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 81/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (82/100) which is computed during our regular data sync.

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

8465 S COMMERCIAL AVE, Chicago, IL 60617

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Violation Timeline

Dec 2022

1 inspections

6 basic

Dec

Aug 2023

1 inspections

2 high priority

6 intermediate

10 basic

Sep 2023

1 inspections

1 intermediate

7 basic

Sep

Dec 2023

1 inspections

Apr 2024

1 inspections

1 intermediate

4 basic

Apr

May 2024

1 inspections

Mar 2025

1 inspections

1 intermediate

1 basic

Mar

Inspection History

7 records on file

4 Canvass3 Canvass Re-Inspection

Mar 25

Canvass InspectionLatestPass

1 Med1 Basic

2 total

93/100inspection score

−7 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINER NOT LABELED IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.

Basic (1)

−2 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED CLUTER IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ORGANIZE ALL COOLERS AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−7 pts

May 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Apr 24

Canvass InspectionFail

1 Med4 Basic

5 total

87/100inspection score

−13 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED OVER 50 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON SHELVES UNDER FRONT COUNTER AND ON FLOOR UNDER SHELVES IN DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED

Basic (4)

−8 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOLERS, PREP TABLES, SHELVING UNITS, ROLLING CARTS, COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED OPENING IN BOTTOM SHELVES UNDER FRONT COUNTER AND AROUND PIPE FITTING NEAR FURNACE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OPENINGS IN SHELVING AND AROUND PIPE FITTINGS IN ALL AREAS.

Base deductions−13 pts

Dec 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Sep 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionFail

1 Med7 Basic

8 total

81/100inspection score

−19 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

25CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD−5
3-603.11 : OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE NOR REMINDER ON MENU OF CONSUMING RAW AND UNDERCOOKED (EGGS)FOODS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)

Basic (7)

−14 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
SEE VIOLATION #59.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLES, ROLLING CART WHEEL BASES AND LEGS OF ALL EQUIPMENT,PIPESO F EQUIPMENT,INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF GARBAGE CANS,STOVE,REACH IN & PREP COOLERS,STOVE,PREP TABLES,ALL SHELVING & STORAGE UNITS,TOP SIDE OF HOT WATER TANK.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.13 : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM INSIDE OF FOOTREST AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN FLOOR UNDERNEATH STOVE,LOOSE WALL PANEL BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA,GAPS AND OPENINGS IN WALLS THROUGHOUT PREMISES,DAMAGED WALLS THROUGHOUT PREMISES
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.11 : MUST CLEAN DIRT AND GREASE BUILD UP FROM WALLS & CEILING ,VENTS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR MATS IN PREP AREA TO BE IN GOOD REPAIR.
59PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2580823 8/28/23 NOT CORRECTED #38-STILL OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 50 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON & UNDER POP AND FOOD STORAGE SHELVING UNITS,ON FLOOR UNDER,AROUND AND ALONG WALL ON FLOOR & ON SHELVING UNIT AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER,INTERIOR LEDGE OF 3- DOOR PREP COOLER.ALSO. 5 - LIVE ROACHES CRAWLING ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH BRICK AT GREASE 3- COMPARTMENT SINK,IN BETWEEN CRACKS AND CREVICES OF WOOD SHELVING UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA ,ON FLOOR NEAR REAR REACH IN FREEZER AND WALL BASE NEAR COFFEE PREP TABLE.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. MUST HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 9/7/23. PREVIOUS PRIROITY FOUNDATION VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT # 2580823 8/28/23 NOT CORRECTED #49-4-601.11(B) : OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON FRONT AND REAR COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE. 4-602.13 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN THE ALL STORAGE SHELVING TO REMOVE SPILLS AND/O

Base deductions−19 pts

Aug 23

Canvass InspectionFail

2 High6 Med10 Basic

18 total

30/100inspection score

−70 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

9NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED−10
OBSERVED BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT TCS FOODS SUCH AS (SHREEDED CHEESE)THAT THE FEMALE FOOD HANDLER REACH INTO A BAG OF CHEESE WITH BARE HAND AND SPRINKLED CHEESE ON TOP OF BEANS INSIDE OF A FOAM CONTAINER.INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD FOOD. MUST PROVIDE UTENSILS,GLOVES OR TISSUE PAPER TO HANDLE READY TO EAT FOODS. (COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED MULTI-USE UTENSILS NOT BEING SANITIZED AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AT 0.0 PPM'S AT THIS TIME. OBSERVED FEMALE EMPLOYEE DISCARD COFFEE FROM COFFEE POT,SQUIRT SOAP INTO GLASS COFFEE POT AND RUN WATER INSIDE ,THEN DUMPED IT OUT AND REFILLED WITH WATER AND NOT SETTING UP SINK TO PROPERLY WASH,RINSE AND SANITIZE UTENSILS.INSTRUCTED EMPLOYEE ON HOW TO SET UP SINK.(PRIROITY 7-38-025)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)

Intermediate (6)

−30 pts

21PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS 1LBS. COOKED ONIONS AND PEPPERS AT 82.0F ON FRONT SERVICE COUNTER SHELF. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER. MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING AT 135.0F OR ABOVE.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)APPX. 1LBS. $2.
22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS READY TO EAT FOODS SUCH AS 1LB.SHREEDED LETTUCE AT 71.8F IN A PAN AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER. MST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.APPX.1LBS. $3.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)
25CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD−5
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE NOR REMINDER ON MENU OF CONSUMING RAW AND UNDERCOOKED (EGGS)FOODS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
28TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED−5
OBSERVED SEVERAL BAGS OF TOXIC POISON (RODENTICIDE) SCATTERED ON FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES IN FOOD PREP,FOOD & PAPER STORAGE,FRONT SERVICE COUNTER.MUST REMOVE AND HAVE TOXIC ITEMS STORED INSIDE ENCLOSED BAIT STATION.(PRIORITY 7-38-015)(CITATION ISSUED)
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE (SHAKERS & SQUEEZE BOTTLES)
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 150 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON & UNDER POP AND FOOD STORAGE SHLEVING UNITS,ON FLOOR UNDER,AROUND AND ALONG WALL BASES OF COOLERS, FURNANCE,HOT WATER TANK,WINDOW SILLS,ON FLOOR UNDER FRONT SERVICE COUNTER,30 COMPARTMENT SINK.ALSO. 7 - LIVE ROACHES CRAWLING ON GREASE TRAP LID OF 3- COMPARTMENT SINK,IN BETWEEN CRACKS AND CREVICES OF WOOD SHELVING UNIT IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA,FRONT SERVICE COUNTER.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 8/28/23.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)

Basic (10)

−20 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS IN FOOD STORAGE AREA.OBSERVED A MALE CUSTOMER WALK INTO REAR STORAGE AREA AND OPEN POP COOLER AND REMOVED A DTINK AND WENT AND SET BACK DOWN IN DINING AREA AND FOOD WAS DELIVERED TO HIS TABLE AS WELL AS A FEMALE CUSTOMER WALK IN AND WENT INTO REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED NO UNAUTHORIZED PERONS ALLOWED IN FOOD AREA. (PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
46GLOVES USED PROPERLY−2
OBSERVED NO GLOVES, UTENSILS OR DELI TISSUE USED FOR READY TO EAT FOODS BY EMPLOYEE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED NO SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLES, ROLLING CART WHEEL BASES AND LEGS OF ALL EQUIPMENT,PIPESO F EQUIPMENT,INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF GARBAGE CANS,STOVE,REACH IN & PREP COOLERS,STOVE,PREP TABLES,ALL SHELVING & STORAGE UNITS,TOP SIDE OF HOT WATER TANK.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN DIRT AND GREASE BUILD UP FROM WALLS,CEILINGS,DOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN FLOOR UNDERNEATH STOVE,LOOSE WALL PANEL BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA,GAPS AND OPENINGS IN WALLS THROUGHOUT PREMISES,DAMAGED WALLS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT CHIPPING PAINT ON WALLS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM INSIDE OF FOOTREST AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT # 2567976 12/5/22 NOT CORRECTED #49-4-601.11(B) : OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON FRONT AND REAR COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE. 4-602.13 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN THE ALL STORAGE SHELVING TO REMOVE SPILLS AND/OR DEBRIS. ALSO CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN FREEZER.-#47-4-501.11 : OBSERVED THE RUBBER GASKET AROUND THE INTERIOR OF THE 2- DOOR COOLER IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.#55- 6-501.13 : FLOORS NEED DETAIL CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN THE CORNERS THROUGH OUT TO REMOVE SPILLS, DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE.#55- 6-501.12 : MUST CLEAN WALLS THROUGH OUT PREMISES TO REMOVE FOOD SPLATTER. #56-4-202.18 : OBSERVED THE HOOD ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.#58- 2-102.13 : MANAGER ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE HAS EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY AND MAINTAIN WITH THE ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED OR CITATION WILL FOLLOW.

Base deductions−70 pts

Dec 22

Canvass InspectionPass

6 Basic

6 total

88/100inspection score

−12 pts

Basic (6)

−12 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED THE RUBBER GASKET AROUND THE INTERIOR OF THE 2- DOOR COOLER IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN THE ALL STORAGE SHELVING TO REMOVE SPILLS AND/OR DEBRIS. ALSO CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN FREEZER.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
FLOORS NEED DETAIL CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN THE CORNERS THROUGH OUT TO REMOVE SPILLS, DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN WALLS THROUGH OUT PREMISES TO REMOVE FOOD SPLATTER.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED THE HOOD ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
MANAGER ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE HAS EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY AND MAINTAIN WITH THE ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED OR CITATION WILL FOLLOW.

Base deductions−12 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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