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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Pepe's Mexican Restaurant

131 E 79th St

Last inspected Jun 25, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Pass w/ Conditions

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More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

10 inspections

Complaint

Jun 25, 2026

Pass w/ Conditions

7 recorded violations

notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

NOTED HEAVY DUST BUILDUP ON BATHROOM VENTILATION SYSTEMS. 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
notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

NOTED TOP INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL SURFACES 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 23Food source and labeling

Official wording

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY (TCS) FOODS (COOKED TAMALES, RICE, GROUND BEEF AND CORN) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE PRODUCT'S NAME AND DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED WITHIN 7 DAYS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING AND DISCARD DATE FOR REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS PLACED IN ALL COLD-HOLDING UNITS. PERSON IN CHARGE DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROX. 50 LBS VALUED AT $100 PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OUND THE DOOR OF THE ICE MACHINE IN THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA IN POOR REPAIR (WITH GAPS/OPENING). INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE/REPAIR DOOR 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

FOUND THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYERS WITH GREASE 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 problems
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

NOTED LEAK COMING FROM EAST HOTWATER HANDLE OF KITCHEN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO Repair

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 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

NOTED NO SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON CUSTOMER WASHROOM DOOR. INSTRCUTED TO INSTALL.

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, Jun 25, 2026 · Original Source

License

Jun 2, 2026

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 2, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Jun 2, 2026

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

FOUND THE HANDLE ON THE FAUCET IN THE CUSTOMER'S TOILET ROOM EXREMELY LOOSE. INSTRUCTED TO TIGHTEN/REPAIR HANDLE AND MAINTAIN.

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

FOUND THE DOOR OF THE ICE MACHINE IN THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA IN POOR REPAIR (WITH GAPS/OPENING). INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE/REPAIR DOOR 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

FOUND THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYERS WITH GREASE 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 problems
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

FOUND THE LIGHTING INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER NOT BRIGHT ENOUGHT TO SEE EFFECTIVELY INSIDE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING PER CITY CODE FOR PROPER CLEANING AND SAFETY PURPOSES. MAINTAIN SAME.

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, Jun 2, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Nov 20, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

2 recorded violations

notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT VALID ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE POSTED WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING TCS FOODS (MILK, EGG ROLLS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. 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 issues
notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISIONS AVAILABLE AT HANDSINK LOCATED NEXT TO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN FOR PROPER HANDWASHING.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (C). NO 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 20, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Apr 3, 2025

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT THE WASHBOWLS IN THE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AND MAINTAIN.

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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

LIGHT BULBS BY THE VENTILATION HOOD IS BLOWN. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE 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, Apr 3, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Mar 27, 2025

Fail

3 recorded violations

notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

LIGHT BULBS BY THE VENTILATION HOOD IS BLOWN. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE 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 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT THE WASHBOWLS IN THE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AND MAINTAIN.

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 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2608963 DATED 12/11/2024 NOT CORRECTED AND/OR MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN: -40. FOOD HANDLERS/EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS TO WEAR A HAIR RESTAINT. -51. THERE IS A LEAK AT THE BASE OF THE COLD WATER KNOB ON THE REAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN LEAK. -53. TRASH RECEPTACLES IN BOTH TOILET ROOMS HAVE NO LIDS/COVERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH RECEPTACLES WITH LIDS/COVERS AND MAINTAIN. -55. TRASH RECEPTACLES IN BOTH TOILET ROOMS HAVE NO LIDS/COVERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH RECEPTACLES WITH LIDS/COVERS AND MAINTAIN. -55. REAR WALL IN WALK IN COOLER WITH RUST. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN A RUST FREE, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. -58. CFMs WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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, Mar 27, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Dec 11, 2024

Pass

6 recorded violations

notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

FOOD HANDLERS/EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS TO WEAR A HAIR RESTAINT.

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 issues
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

THERE IS A LEAK AT THE BASE OF THE COLD WATER KNOB ON THE REAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN LEAK.

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 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

TRASH RECEPTACLES IN BOTH TOILET ROOMS HAVE NO LIDS/COVERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH RECEPTACLES WITH LIDS/COVERS 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

FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT WITH DIRT/DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.

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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ONLY ONE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE. MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.

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

CFMs WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES. 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 issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 11, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Oct 3, 2024

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 3, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Jan 30, 2024

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE STORAGE RACKS THAT THE MULTI USE UTENSILS ARE STORED ON, IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN TO REMOVE FOOD AND DIRT. 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 problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE FLOORS UNDER THE FRYERS WITH FOOD, GREASE AND DIRT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAID FLOORS.

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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLER ON SITE WITH NO PROOF THAT SHE MET THE FOOD HANDLER'S REQUIREMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL FOOD HANDLERS MEET THE REQUIREMENTS AND PROVIDE PROOF. MAINTAIN SAME.

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, Jan 30, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Nov 6, 2023

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 6, 2023 · Original Source

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