Canvass
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
El Mercadito
2815 N Central Ave
Last inspected Mar 4, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
Pass
Get the next inspection, free.
We'll email you when El Mercadito has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.
Own this restaurant? Add an inspection badge to your website · Inspection prep checklist
ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
3 inspectionsCanvass
Mar 25, 2025
Pass w/ Conditions
3 recorded violations
notedCode 56Facility maintenance
Official wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED OPEN COFFEE CUP WITHOUT A LID STORED ON PREP TABLE WHERE FOOD EMPLOYEE WAS CUTTING LIMES. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PERSONAL ITEMS AWAY FROM PREP AREAS AND CLEAN EQUIPMENT/UTENSILS.
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 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NEW CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD 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 issuesnotedCode 60Other
Official wording
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
Inspector’s notes
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 7/29/2024, REPORT #2598194. #57--OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. 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 findingOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 25, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Jul 29, 2024
Pass w/ Conditions
5 recorded violations
notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
Inspector’s notes
MUST PROVIDE LID ON TRASH CAN IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM.
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 MILK CRATES STORED BY OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER. MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS FROM 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 60Other
Official wording
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
Inspector’s notes
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 9/5/2023, REPORT #2581209. #58--OBSERVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE MISSING FOR ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. 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 findingnotedCode 10Handwashing
Official wording
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT HAND WASHING SINK IN STAFF TOILET ROOM IN REAR. HAND DRYER WAS BROKEN. MUST PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE WAY TO DRY HANDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED. EMPLOYEE PROVIDED PAPER TOWELS DURING INSPECTION.
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 57Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE.
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, Jul 29, 2024 · Original Source