LA ESMERALDA
1005 N PULASKI RD, Chicago, IL, 60651
Most recent inspection
- Date
- March 17, 2026
- Type
- Canvass
- Result
- Pass w/ Conditions
- Risk category
- Risk 1 (High)
- Cited findings
- 9
- Jurisdiction
- Cook County (Chicago)
Violations (9)
- 52
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL GREASE TRAP BOX/INTERCEPTOR CONNECTED UNDERNEATH THE 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.
- 3
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010, CITATION ISSUED.
- 23
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS (COOKED CHICKEN) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE CONSUMED OR DISCARDED.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO DATE MARK ALL READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS.MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 8#'S OF FOOD WORTH $30.00.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.
- 47
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED RAW WOOD SURFACES IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTD TO SEAL/PAINT ALL RAW WOOD SURFACES SO AS TO BE NON POROUS AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
- 47
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
- 47
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED FROZEN MEATS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE CHEST FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS AND MAINTAIN.
- 55
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDER ALL SHELVING UNITS, INTERIOR OF THE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA, AROUND PREP TABLES AND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE SPILLS, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
- 56
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD SYSTEM TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
- 57
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES.MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN.
Source: Cook County (Chicago) health department. Data refreshed September 4, 2026. Results are shown in the health department's own wording. This record is provided for general information; confirm current status with the health department before relying on it.