PASS
Risk 1 (High)
EL POLLO REAL INC Passes Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
November 20, 2025
Complaint
License #2560316
4
Total Violations
1
Critical
1
Major
2
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
4
Violation #36
MINOR
Violation Details
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS INSIDE DISPLAY COOLERS AND PREP AREA COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT.
Why This Matters
Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.
Food Code Requirement
Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.
Specific Requirements
50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11
Violation #41
MAJOR
Violation Details
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE BETWEEN USAGE.
Why This Matters
Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.
Food Code Requirement
Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.
Specific Requirements
Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-304.14
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CHICKEN IN 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR/COOLER AND FROZEN CHICKEN STORED IN FREEZER UNITS STORED IN PLASTIC STORAGE TOTES. INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND/OR CONTAINERS ONLY.
Why This Matters
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-101.11
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CHICKEN IN 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR/COOLER AND FROZEN CHICKEN STORED IN FREEZER UNITS STORED IN PLASTIC STORAGE TOTES. INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND/OR CONTAINERS ONLY.
Why This Matters
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-101.11
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