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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Pepes Mexican Restaurant

8227 S Exchange Ave

Last inspected Apr 29, 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

3 inspections

Canvass

Apr 29, 2026

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE OR PROVIDE.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 29, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Feb 27, 2025

Pass

6 recorded violations

notedCode 6Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED OPEN CUP OF PINK LEMONADE IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CLOSED LID CONTAINERS FOR EMPLOYEE BEVERAGES.

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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PICKLED PEPPERS NOT COVERED NEAR CARRY OUT WINDOW, BULK SALT CONTAINER NOT COVERED ON REAR PREP TABLE, AND FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER AND WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY COVER AND ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.

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 contamination
notedCode 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PLASTIC CUPS USED FOR DISPENSING SALT ON REAR PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LONG HANDLE UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

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 issues
notedCode 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES NOT INVERTED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.

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 issues
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER HAND WASHING SINK IN WASHROOM AND LEAKING FAUCET ON UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO 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 problems
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING.

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, Feb 27, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Mar 7, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

3 recorded violations

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON VENTILATION FAN IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER 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
notedCode 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2579024 ON 7-25-23:58- OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. 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
notedCode 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE CONTAINERS NOT INVERTED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.

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 issues

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

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