Non-Inspection
Sep 29, 2026
No Entry
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 29, 2026 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
La Vaca Margarita Bar
1160 W 18th St
Last inspected Sep 29, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
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SteadyThe last two inspections recorded a similar number of violations. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
15 inspectionsNon-Inspection
Jan 15, 2026
No Entry
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 15, 2026 · Original Source
Complaint
May 14, 2025
Pass
7 recorded violations
notedCode 36Equipment and utensils
Official wording
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
Inspector’s notes
OUTSIDE THERMOMETER ON THE HALL COOLER IS BROKEN. INSTRUCTED TO FIX OR PROVIDE AN INTERNAL THERMOMETER FOR SAID COOLER. MAINTAIN SAME.
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 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
BOTH REAR EXIT DOORS WITH 1/4"-1/2" GAPS AT THE TOP/SIDE/BOTTOM OF DOOR AND IS NOT RODENT/INSECT PROOFED. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OPENINGS-RODENT/INSECT PROOF DOORS AND MAINTAIN.
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 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
MUST PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SHELVING FOR THE UPSTAIRS STORAGE AREA AND STORE STOCK ITEMS 6" FROM THE FLOOR. MAINTAIN SAME.
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
INTERIOR OF FRYERS WITH GREASE, FOOD AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FRYERS.
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 53Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
Inspector’s notes
TRASH RECEPTACLES INSIDE OF STALLS WITH NO LIDS IN THE WOMEN'S CUSTOMER TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH RECEPTACLES WITH LIDS AND MAINTAIN SAME.
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
BROKEN/DAMAGED AND/OR MISSING FLOOR TILES ON THE STEPS AND FLOOR BY THE REAR HAND WASHING SINK IN THE PREP AREA. -PITTED FLOOR INSIDE OF REAR WALK IN COOLER WITH STANDING WATER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE FLOOR/FLOOR TILES TO MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
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
CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER (CFM) ON SITE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
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, May 14, 2025 · Original Source
Non-Inspection
May 13, 2025
No Entry
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 13, 2025 · Original Source
Non-Inspection
Apr 24, 2025
No Entry
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 24, 2025 · Original Source
Complaint
Feb 4, 2025
Pass
2 recorded violations
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
4-601.11(C) OBSERVED RUST ON THE SHELVES IN THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST.
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 53Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
Inspector’s notes
5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES INSIDE OF THE TWO WEST SIDE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR EACH 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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 4, 2025 · Original Source
Non-Inspection
Jan 17, 2025
No Entry
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 17, 2025 · Original Source
Complaint Re-Inspection
Jul 2, 2024
Pass
1 recorded violation
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
6-201.11 OBSERVED CRACKS AND CREVICES IN VARIOUS AREAS ON THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL CRACKS AND CREVICES. 6-201.13 OBSERVED NO COVING ON THE WALL UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK / DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE THE AREA BETWEEN THE FLOOR AND WALL TIGHT FITTING.
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, Jul 2, 2024 · Original Source
Complaint
Jun 21, 2024
Fail
5 recorded violations
notedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s notes
3-302.12 OBSERVED SOME DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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
6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON SITE. OBSERVED ABOUT 3 LIVE ROACHES CRAWLING IN THE MEN'S TOILET ROOM, ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE DISH MACHINE, AND IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA BY THE REACH-IN FREEZER. OBSERVED ABOUT 5 LIVE LARGE FLIES FLYING AROUND THE CUSTOMER DINING AREA, ABOUT 5 LIVE SMALL FLIES IN THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM, AND ABOUT 10 LIVE SMALL FLIES IN THE MEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).
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 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
4-601.11(C) OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE DEBRIS BETWEEN AND INSIDE THE FRYERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
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 53Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
Inspector’s notes
5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE WOMEN'S 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
6-201.11 OBSERVED CRACKS AND CREVICES IN VARIOUS AREAS ON THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL CRACKS AND CREVICES.
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, Jun 21, 2024 · Original Source
Non-Inspection
May 22, 2024
No Entry
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 22, 2024 · Original Source
Complaint Re-Inspection
Feb 27, 2024
Pass
1 recorded violation
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
4-101.19 OBSERVED A CRACKED TOILET BOWL COVER IN THE FAR LEFT TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE TOILET BOWL COVER.
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 27, 2024 · Original Source
Complaint
Feb 20, 2024
Fail
3 recorded violations
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
4-101.19 OBSERVED A CRACKED TOILET BOWL COVER IN THE FAR LEFT TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE TOILET BOWL COVER.
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 25Food temperature
Official wording
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
Inspector’s notes
3-603.11 OBSERVED AN ADDED BRUNCH MENU WITHOUT CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE FOR SUNNY SIDE (FRIED) EGG ITEMS (DESAYUNO VACA AND CHILAQUILES VACA) AND AN ASTREIK MISSING ON THE CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER THAT IS ALREADY PRINTED ON THE MENU. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURES BY MARKING SAID ITEMS WITH AN ASTREIK AND PROVIDE AN ASTREIK NEXT TO THE CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER ON THE BRUNCH MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
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 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY. OBSERVED ABOUT 20 RODENT DROPPINGS ON THE SHELVES LOCATED IN THE 2ND FLOOR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE RODENT ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).
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 insectsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 20, 2024 · Original Source
Complaint Re-Inspection
Oct 30, 2023
Pass
4 recorded violations
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
6-501.11 FOUND BUILT IN TILE TABLE IN REAR PREP BROKEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR 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 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
6-202.15 FOUND 1/8 INCH GAP LOCATED AT ALL FRONT ENTRANCE DOORS. ALSO NOTED 1/2 INCH GAP ON RIGHT REAR EXIT DOOR. MUST PROVIDE TIGHT FITTING DOORS.
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 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
4-201.11 FOUND BUILT IN STOPPER LOCATED AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BASIN CLOSEST TO 18TH STREET NOT HOLDING WATER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR 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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector’s notes
5-205.15 FOUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP NEXT TO DISH MACHINE LEAKING FROM DRAIN PIPE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 30, 2023 · Original Source
Complaint
Oct 23, 2023
Fail
6 recorded violations
notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
Inspector’s notes
FOUND AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE ON THE FOOD CONTACT SURFACE OF THE ICE MACHINE. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. MUST CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 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 problemsnotedCode 25Food temperature
Official wording
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED CEVICHE ON MENU SAID ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED. FOUND NO WRITTEN DISCLOSURE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE FOOTNOTE, DISCLOSURE (WRITTEN DISCLOSURE AND DISCLOSURE BY ASTERISK) AND REMINDER FOR MENU ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDER COOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.7-38-005.
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 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
FOUND APPROX. 25 SMALL FLIES LOCATED IN: MENS TOILET ROOM, WOMENS TOILET ROOM AND REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MINIMIZE ALL 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 insectsnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
FOUND BUILT IN STOPPER LOCATED AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BASIN CLOSEST TO 18TH STREET NOT HOLDING WATER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR 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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector’s notes
FOUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP NEXT TO DISH MACHINE LEAKING FROM DRAIN PIPE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
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
FOUND BUILT IN TILE TABLE IN REAR PREP BROKEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR 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, Oct 23, 2023 · Original Source
Complaint
Oct 20, 2023
No Entry
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 20, 2023 · Original Source