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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Don Pedro Carnitas

1113 W 18th St

Last inspected Jul 30, 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

7 inspections

Canvass

Jul 30, 2026

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

ALL LARGE BULK FOOD CONTAINERS IN NEED OF PROPER LABELING. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN

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 problems
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

HOOD VENT FILTERS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

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 issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 30, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Sep 18, 2025

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

4-402.12: OBSERVED AN OPENING IN THE LEFT, LOWER FLOOR IN THE VENTILATION STORAGE CLOSET IN THE DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL TO ELIMINATE POTENTIAL PEST ENTRY/HARBOR POINTS 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 problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-501.114: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 8 EMPTY CANS OF TOMATOES STORED ON A SHELF IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNNECCESSARY ITEMS 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 problems
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

6-303.11: OBSERVED NO LIGHT IN THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT AND MAINTAIN.

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 issues
notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

2-102.13: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR NEW EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.

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 issues
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

2-102.13: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FROM CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST TAKE ALLERGEN COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.

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 issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 18, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Sep 11, 2025

Fail

7 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MICE DROPPINGS, SMALL AND BIG FLIES ON SITE. APPROXIMATELY 30 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS WERE OBSERVED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: ON THE WALLBASES THROUGHOUT THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA, FLOORS NEAR THE REAR WALK-IN COOLER, IN THE REAR EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM, IN THE OFFICE. APPROXIMATELY 10 SMALL FLIES WERE OBSERVED NEAR THE EMPTY CANS OF TOMATOES IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. APPROXIMATELY 4 BIG FLIES WERE OBSERVED IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE ANF THROUGHOUT PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE MICE DROPPINGS, ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY, AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFEECTED AREAS. RECOMMEND CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), 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 insects
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED AN OPENING IN THE LEFT, LOWER FLOOR IN THE VENTILATION STORAGE CLOSET IN THE DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL TO ELIMINATE POTENTIAL PEST ENTRY/HARBOR POINTS 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 problems
notedCode 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO SANITIZER TEST STRIP KIT ON-SITE TO TEST CONCENTRATION OF SANITIZER IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A TEST STRIP KIT ON SITE AT ALL TIMES TO MONITOR THE STRENGTH OF THE SANITIZER PROPERLY. CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS WERE PROVIDED AT THE END OF THE WALK THROUGH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED

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 problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 8 EMPTY CANS OF TOMATOES STORED ON A SHELF IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNNECCESSARY ITEMS 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 problems
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO LIGHT IN THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT AND MAINTAIN.

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 issues
notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR NEW EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.

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 issues
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FROM CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST TAKE ALLERGEN COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.

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 issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 11, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Nov 14, 2024

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 14, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Nov 7, 2024

Fail

7 recorded violations

notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16(A)(2)NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER TO BE IMPROPER: PORK 44.4F, GOAT 44.4F, SALSA 45.5F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 20 GALLONS AND 955 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $ 3530.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. 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 temperature
notedCode 23Food source and labeling

Official wording

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

Inspector’s notes

3-501.17 OBSERVED TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (PORK, SALSA)NOT PROPERLY DATED AND STORED LONGER THAN 24 HOURS IN A COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER DATE MARKING WITH DISPOSITION DATE FOR FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24 HOURS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED. 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 problems
notedCode 33Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Inspector’s notes

4-301.11 OBSERVED FACILITY EQUIPMENT FOR COLD HOLDING IN DISREPAIR. NOTED WALK-IN COOLER TO BE IMPROPER AT 50.5F. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE FOR PROPER COLD HOLDING OF 41 DEGREES F OR BELOW. TAGGED UNIT. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. 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 temperature
notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

3-302.12 OBSERVED SEVERAL LARGE FOOD CONTAINERS WITH DRY PRODUCTS. (SALT SUGAR) WITHOUT PROPER COMMON FOOD NAME MARKINGS. MUST LABEL BULK AND WORKING FOOD CONTAINERS WITH CONTENTS COMMON NAME. MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.

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 problems
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

6-501.111 FOUND APPROX. NOTED 40-50 SMALL FLIES IN THE BACK STORAGE AREA. MUST MINIMIZE FLY ACTIVITY. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A). 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 insects
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

4-501.12 CUTTING BOARDS WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS.

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 problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-201.17(A) NOTED DIRTY AND DUSTY CEILING VENTS AND THE CEILING TILES AROUND THE VENTS ABOVE THE FRONT PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN 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 problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 7, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Oct 11, 2023

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

4-603.15: **C** Washing, Procedures for Alternative Manual Warewashing Equipment OBSERVED LARGE POTS FOR COOKING CARNITAS, SALSA'S,ETC. UNABLE TO FULLY SUBMERGE IN BASINS OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE WRITTEN PROCEDURE TO ADEQUATELY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE COOKING EQUIPMENT.

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 problems
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

6-303.11: **C** Intensity- Lighting FOUND NO LIGHTING IN DRY STORAGE AREA LOCATED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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 issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 11, 2023 · Original Source

Complaint

Oct 5, 2023

Fail

8 recorded violations

notedCode 52Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED

Inspector’s notes

FOUND WASTE WATER LEAKING FROM GREASE TRAP LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA. SEWAGE SHALL BE CONVEYED TO THE POINT OF DISPOSAL THROUGH AN APPROVED SANITARY SEWAGE SYSTEM THAT IS CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C).CITATION ISSUED. INSTRUCTED TO NO LONGER USE SAID 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.

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 problems
notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING CLEANSER AT HANDWASHING SINK AT FRONT DISPENSING SINK AND REAR PREP AREA. ALL HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH HAND CLEANING LIQUID AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030-(C). CITATION ISSUED.

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 problems
notedCode 21Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

FOUND IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF CARNITAS RANGING FROM 125F - 130F LOCATED IN FRONT FOOD DISPENSING AREA UNDER HEAT LAMP. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDS SAID FOOD ITEM AT 60LB COST $100. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN A MINIMUM HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 135F. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. 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 temperature
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

FOUND APPROX. 20 MOUSE DROPPINGS UNDER REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. ALSO NOTES 4 LARGE FLIES AND 5 SMALL FLIES IN SAID AREA. MUST MINIMIZE FLY ACTIVITY. ALSO, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE DROPPINGS, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN SAID AREAS. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A). 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 insects
notedCode 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LARGE POTS FOR COOKING CARNITAS, SALSA'S,ETC. UNABLE TO FULLY SUBMERGE IN BASINS OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE WRITTEN PROCEDURE TO ADEQUATELY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE COOKING EQUIPMENT.

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 problems
notedCode 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

FOUND INSIDE GARBAGE RECEPTACLE OPEN. MUST PROVIDE CLOSED TIGHT FITTING GARBAGE LIDS AT ALL TIMES.

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 issues
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

FOUND NO LIGHTING IN DRY STORAGE AREA LOCATED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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 issues
notedCode 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

FOUND CONTINUED NON- COMPLIANCE FROM INSPECTION REPORT # 2556801 CONDUCTED ON 06/06/2022. THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS WERE NOT CORRECTED: 6-202.15 OBSERVED SIDE EXIT DOOR WITH 1/2 GAP AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE SAID DOOR TIGHT FITTING AND RODENT PROOFED. 6-501.13 OBSERVED MINOR DIRT DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. 2-102.13 OBSERVED PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT A ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY . PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 5, 2023 · Original Source

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