GOOD INFORMATION. BETTER PEACE OF MIND.Español · Always free. No signup required.

Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Pupuseria & Restaurant El Cuscatleco

3125 W Lawrence Ave

Last inspected Jan 12, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Pass

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when Pupuseria & Restaurant El Cuscatleco has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

No account needed. Unsubscribe at any time.

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

The full inspection history

6 inspections

Canvass

Jan 12, 2026

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

MUST PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE DISHWASHING AREA.

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, Jan 12, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Apr 22, 2025

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 22, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Apr 11, 2025

Fail

7 recorded violations

notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE THE CHEESE REFRIGERATION UNIT LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A VISIBLE ACCURATE,WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE SAID COOLER.

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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES.OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30 RODENT (RAT) DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN A CLUTTERED NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM AND BEHIND THE CHEST FREEZERS IN SAME AREA.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AFFECTED AREAS IN DETAIL.ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY.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 insects
notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDED HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.

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 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MISSING SINK STOPPERS FOR THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN 3 ADEQUATE WORKING SINK STOPPERS.

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

BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT UTILITY MOP SINK.MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE THE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE MOPS,BROOMS CLEANING EQUIPMENTS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING 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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF DUSTS ON THE CEILING VENTILATION COVER INSIDE THE EMPLOYEE UNISEX WASHROOM 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 11, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Aug 12, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

6 recorded violations

notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER 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
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BROKEN DAMAGED WEATHERSTRIP AT BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOM TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

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 insects
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS STORED ON SHELF ABOVE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS 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 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE AND NO CERTIFICATE POSTED WHILE (TCS FOODS)PUPUSAS,CHICKEN TAMALES,BEEF ETC. IS BEING PREPARED/SERVED.INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE,THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN (TCS FOODS) ARE PREPARED,HANDLED, AND/OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012,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

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK NEXT TO THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.

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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 12, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Oct 5, 2023

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 RUSTED RACKS IN 2-DOOR PREP COOLER AND SHELVING ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE OR REPAINT RACKS.

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, Oct 5, 2023 · Original Source

Canvass

Oct 3, 2023

Fail

4 recorded violations

notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SEVERAL TCS FOODS HELD AT INADEQUATE TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 44-51 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD TCS FOODS ARE HELD AT 41 F AND BELOW. MANAGER DISCARDED: 1 POUND TAMALES, 1 GALLON SOUP, 5 POUNDS CHICKEN, 7 POUNDS BEEF, AND 10 POUNDS OF RICE ($300). PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

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 temperature
notedCode 52Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED INADEQUATE WASTE WATER DISPOSAL AT THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK. WHEN ONE COMPARTMENT DRAINS, ANOTHER ONE FLOODS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED

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 33Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 2-DOOR PREP COOLER WITH AN INADEQUATE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 47 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS HAVE AN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. COOLER TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

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 temperature
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED RUSTED RACKS IN 2-DOOR PREP COOLER AND SHELVING ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE OR REPAINT RACKS.

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, Oct 3, 2023 · Original Source

More restaurants nearby