Canvass Re-Inspection
Mar 4, 2026
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 4, 2026 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
Antojitos Guatemaltecos
5536 N Elston Ave
Last inspected Mar 4, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
5 inspectionsCanvass
Feb 23, 2026
Fail
10 recorded violations
notedCode 6Employee health and hygiene
Official wording
PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE EATING ON FOOD SERVICE LINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE FOOD EMPLOYEES EAT IN DESIGNATED AREAS.
In plain English
This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.
More about employee hygiene or health policy issuesnotedCode 28Chemicals
Official wording
TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED BOTTLE OF COMET CLEANER ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE TO AVOID ANY CROSS CONTAMINATION OF FOOD OR EQUIPMENT. MANAGER MOVED CHEMICAL. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
In plain English
Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.
More about chemicals stored or used unsafelynotedCode 35Food temperature
Official wording
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED MEAT BEING THAWED IN SINK WITH NO RUNNING WATER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO THAW IN PREP SINK UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER OR IN COOLER.
In plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperaturenotedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS OF FOOD NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL BULK CONTAINERS WITH CONTENTS NAME.
In plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
More about food source, dating, or labeling problemsnotedCode 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO PROOF OF AT LEAST 2 PEST CONTROL SERVICES WITHIN THE PAST YEAR. NO SERVICE REPORTS IN LOG BOOK, MANAGER UNABLE TO PROVDE REPORTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN FOR 1 YEAR. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C) CITATION ISSUED.
In plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsnotedCode 39Contamination
Official wording
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD STORED DIRECTLY ON TOP OF UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE. OBSERVED ONIONS STORED NEXT TO GARBAGE CAN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MOVE GARBAGE CAN. OBSERVED UTILITY SINK NEAR PREP AREA WITH NO SPLASH GUARD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL SPLASH GUARDS AT UTILITY SINK.
In plain English
Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.
More about food not protected from contaminationnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD WITH STAINS AND DEEP SCRATCHES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARD.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOLERS/FREEZERS WITH FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN COOLERS.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 52Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED INADEQUATE WASTE WATER DISPOSAL FROM KITCHEN FLOOR DRAIN AND IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. WHEN USING HAND SINK, WASTE WATER FROM THE FLOOR DRAIN IN KITCHEN BACKS UP ONTO FLOOR. WHEN WATER IS DRAINED AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, GREASE TRAP LEAKS AND WATER IS DISPOSED TO ANOTHER COMPARTMENT BEFORE GOING DOWN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE ALL WASTE WATER ISSUES. ALL SINKS MUST DRAIN WITHOUT BACK-UPS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
In plain English
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
More about water, plumbing, or sewage problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED FLOORS, WALLS, AND CEILINGS THROUGHOUT FACILITY WITH SOIL AND DEBRIS BUILD UP. WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN DINING ROOM, MUST REPAIR ANY LEAKS AND REPLACE CEILING TILES. INSTRUCTED MANGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 23, 2026 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Mar 4, 2025
Pass
4 recorded violations
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector’s notes
5-203.13OBSERVED NO SERVICE SINK ON SITE. MUST INSTALL SERVICE SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER.
In plain English
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
More about water, plumbing, or sewage problemsnotedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
Inspector’s notes
6-501.19 OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON DOOR OF EMPLOYEE BATHROOM IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 54Facility maintenance
Official wording
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
Inspector’s notes
5-501.115 OBSERVED NON WORKING COLD HOLD UNIT STORED OUTSIDE IN REAR OF FACILITY. REMOVE AND MAINTAIN REFUSE AREA.
In plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
More about building upkeep issuesnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
6-201.11 OBSERVED FLOOR AROUND GREASE TRAP IN DISREPAIR AND NOT SMOOTH OR EASILY CLEANABLE. RESTORE FLOOR AROUND GREASE TRAP TO A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE CONDITION AND MAINTAIN.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 4, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Feb 25, 2025
Fail
10 recorded violations
notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS ON COUNTERS UNCLEAN. STORE ALL WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZER SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 2Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO ONE ON SITE WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TIME/TEMPERAURE CONTROLLED FOOD IS PREPARED AND SERVED INCLUDING COOKED CHICKEN AND COOKED BEEF. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012
In plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesnotedCode 23Food source and labeling
Official wording
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO LABELS OR DATE MARKING ON READY TO EAT/TIME TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOODS HELD OVER 24 HOURS INCLUDING COOKED BEANS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
In plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
More about food source, dating, or labeling problemsnotedCode 36Equipment and utensils
Official wording
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER IN REAR 2 DOOR SLIDING COOLER IN REAR. INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
In plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
More about equipment or utensil issuesnotedCode 25Food temperature
Official wording
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO REMINDER STATEMENT OR DISCLOSURE ON MENUS INDICATING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOOD INCLUDING "EGGS COOKED TO ORDER". MUST HAVE REMINDER STATEMENT AND DISCLOSE WHICH ITEMS ARE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
In plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperaturenotedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO SERVICE SINK ON SITE. MUST INSTALL SERVICE SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER.
In plain English
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
More about water, plumbing, or sewage problemsnotedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON DOOR OF EMPLOYEE BATHROOM IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 54Facility maintenance
Official wording
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NON WORKING COLD HOLD UNIT STORED OUTSIDE IN REAR OF FACILITY. REMOVE AND MAINTAIN REFUSE AREA.
In plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
More about building upkeep issuesnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED FLOOR AROUND GREASE TRAP IN DISREPAIR AND NOT SMOOTH OR EASILY CLEANABLE. RESTORE FLOOR AROUND GREASE TRAP TO A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE CONDITION AND MAINTAIN.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 57Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
In plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 25, 2025 · Original Source
License
Mar 28, 2024
Pass w/ Conditions
7 recorded violations
notedCode 3Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PROVIDED MANAGEMENT WITH TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEESS TO HAVE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
In plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED 2 DOOR COOLER GASKET IS LOOSE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE/REPAIR.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED LOOSE SINK BASE IN THE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE.
In plain English
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
More about water, plumbing, or sewage problemsnotedCode 10Handwashing
Official wording
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IN TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
In plain English
Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.
More about handwashing problemsnotedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED OLD EQUIPMENT (MICROWAVE, COOLER) IN THE BACK DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN THE PREMISES.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING/CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.
In plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 28, 2024 · Original Source