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IsTheKitchenClean displays publicly available food inspection data from the Chicago Department of Public Health. Trending rankings and summaries are automated interpretations of that data and are not official health department assessments. Inspection findings reflect conditions at a specific point in time and may not represent current conditions at a restaurant.

Birrieria La Tapatia

Restaurant

2861 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60623

Far South Side

Sep 8, 2026 — Complaint re-inspection

Fail

A follow-up to confirm complaint-related violations were fixed.

Inspector found over 30 mouse droppings scattered throughout food prep areas.

Standout Inspection

We flagged this inspection for serious public health concerns.

Key Findings

  • More than 30 mice droppings observed on wooden ledge under stairway and bottom of prep table in rear prep/storage area. Manager ordered to call exterminator and sanitize all affected areas.
  • Outside garbage dumpster overflowing with trash and attracting flies, with lids not tight-fitting. Manager instructed to maintain dumpster and use tight-fitting lids to prevent pest attraction.
  • Milk crates used as shelving units in rear prep area instead of proper shelving, making pest control and cleaning difficult.
  • Stained ceiling tiles and missing outlet covers found in prep and storage areas. Certified manager missing required allergen training.

Key findings are derived directly from the inspector's notes from the Chicago Department of Public Health. See the full violation notes below.

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Violation code #38 — INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector's Notes:

6-501.111 OBSERVED OVER 30 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON WOODEN LEDGE UNDER STAIRWAY AND BOTTOM OF PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED

Violation code #47 — FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector's Notes:

4-202.16 OBSERVED MILK CRATES USED AS SHELVING UNITS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL.

Inspection History

Birrieria La Tapatia has had 8 inspections in the last 5 years with a 63% pass rate. Last inspection was on Sep 8, 2026.

Standout inspection
Sep 8, 2026FailVIEWING NOW

Complaint Re-Inspection — A follow-up to confirm complaint-related violations were fixed.

5 violations
Standout inspection
Aug 31, 2026Fail

Complaint — Triggered by a public complaint about this restaurant.

5 violations
Mar 18, 2026Pass

Canvass — A routine, unannounced visit by a city health inspector.

8 violations