FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
PONCE RESTAURANT Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
October 24, 2025
Short Form Complaint
License #2988888
4
Total Violations
2
Critical
2
Major
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
4
Violation #22
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: 3-501.16(A:2,&B) OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE A PREVIOUSLY TAGGED WALK-IN COOLER.FOUND 3 BINS OF BEEF (46.2F-48.7F), A CONTAINER OF BEANS 45.0F. APPROXIMATELY 215LBS AT $300 WORTH OF FOOD ITEMS DISCARDED. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0�F OR BELOW. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.
Food Code Requirement
Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.
Specific Requirements
Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.16(A)(1)
Violation #33
MAJOR
Violation Details
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: 4-301.11 OBSERVED AN IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF A WALK-IN COOLER THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY TAGGED ON 08/08/2025. TCS FOOD ITEMS WERE STORED INSIDE THE UNIT AT THIS TIME. UNIT REMAINS TAGGED AND SHALL NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CDPH. INSTRUCTED COLD HOLDING UNITS MUST REACH AND MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.
Food Code Requirement
All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.
Specific Requirements
Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-501.111 OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 40 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON SITE. MICE DROPPINGS WERE FOUND ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA SURROUNDING HOT AND COLD HOLDING UNITS, IN THE REAR EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM, NEAR THE SPEAKER IN THE DINING AREA NEAR THE SPEAKER, AND ON THE LOWER SHELF UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLE IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE MICE DROPPINGS, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. SUGGESTED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL. 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 #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-501.111 OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 40 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON SITE. MICE DROPPINGS WERE FOUND ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA SURROUNDING HOT AND COLD HOLDING UNITS, IN THE REAR EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM, NEAR THE SPEAKER IN THE DINING AREA NEAR THE SPEAKER, AND ON THE LOWER SHELF UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLE IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE MICE DROPPINGS, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. SUGGESTED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL. 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
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