FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
EL GUSTAZO BORICUA LLC Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
October 29, 2025
Canvass
License #2900577
7
Total Violations
4
Critical
3
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
7
Violation #2
CRITICAL
Violation Details
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION, WHILE FOOD WAS BEING PREPARED AND HOT/COLD HELD DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES, WHILE FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.
Food Code Requirement
Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.
Specific Requirements
Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-102.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION AT ANY OF THE HANDWASHING SINKS ON SITE AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. EMPLOYEE PROVIDED ROLLS OF PAPER TOWEL AT EACH SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C), CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR DISHWASHING/FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30 OR MORE RAT DROPPINGS AND 4 LIVE BIG FLIES ON SITE. RAT DROPPINGS WERE FOUND ON THE FLOORS IN THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: THE FLOOR NEAR THE FRONT SERVICE COUNTER, UNDER THE COUNTER BEHIND THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA, ON THE FLOORS UNDER THE REAR FOOD PREP TABLE ACROSS FROM THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, AND IN THE DINING AREA. FOUND FLIES ON THE WALLS IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RAT DROPPINGS, REMOVE BIG FLY ACTIVITY, AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE AT THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Specific Requirements
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.13
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED THE FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY IN NEED OF CLEANING. ESPECIALLY UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, SURROUNDING THE GREASE TRAP UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, IN THE HOT WATER TANK STORAGE CLOSET, UNDER THE NON-SLIP MATS AT THE FRONT SERVICE COUNTER, AND UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED THE FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY IN NEED OF CLEANING. ESPECIALLY UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, SURROUNDING THE GREASE TRAP UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, IN THE HOT WATER TANK STORAGE CLOSET, UNDER THE NON-SLIP MATS AT THE FRONT SERVICE COUNTER, AND UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Health Department Information
Department
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division
Food Protection Program
Report Issues
Call 311 or File Online
More Information
CDPH Food Protection