License
Jul 23, 2026
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 23, 2026 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
Penelope's Vegan Taqueria #3
1165 W 18th St
Last inspected Jul 23, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
Pass
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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
6 inspectionsCanvass
Jul 23, 2026
Pass
3 recorded violations
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
SIDES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. 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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
FLOORS AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND FRYERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL WATER AND FOOD DEBRIS INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT 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 56Facility maintenance
Official wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s notes
HOOD VENT FILTERS IN NEED OF CLEANINF TO REMOVE GREASE 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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 23, 2026 · Original Source
License
Sep 30, 2025
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 30, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Sep 9, 2025
Pass
4 recorded violations
notedCode 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED DEAD GNATS ON THE FLOOR IN THE TOILET ROOM AND ON THE BASIN OF THE MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE 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 39Contamination
Official wording
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED A BOWL OF CHIPS STORED ON THE STOVE NOT COVERED. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AND MAINTAIN.
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 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED THE LID ON THE BULK DRY STORAGE INGREDIENT CONTAINER WITH SLIGHT BUILD UP OF DEBRIS. 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 problemsnotedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAIN CERTIFICATE FOR THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE. INSTURCTED TO 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, Sep 9, 2025 · Original Source
License Re-Inspection
Nov 22, 2024
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 22, 2024 · Original Source
License
Nov 20, 2024
Fail
1 recorded violation
notedCode 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON SITE. OBSERVED ABOUT 40 RAT DROPPINGS LOCATED ON THE FLOOR IN THE CORNERS OF THE BASEMENT AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE RODENT ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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, Nov 20, 2024 · Original Source