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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.

Zocalo

Restaurant

1438 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

West Side

Aug 27, 2026 — Canvass re-inspection

Pass

A follow-up to confirm violations from a routine visit were fixed.

Cooling units lacked thermometers and had dirty internal surfaces; dry storage area behind curtains was unsanitary.

Key Findings

  • No thermometers found inside cooling units in prep area; inspector ordered installation and maintenance.
  • Internal surfaces of bar cooler and rear prep cooler were dirty; must be cleaned and sanitized.
  • Dry storage space behind curtains had items stored improperly on floor; must elevate items 6 inches minimum and ensure easily cleanable surfaces.
  • Food manager must obtain allergen training certificate.

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 #36 — THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
Inspector's Notes:

4-204.112(B) UNABLE TO LOCATE THERMOMETERS INSIDE COOLING UNITS LOCATED IN PREP. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Violation code #49 — NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector's Notes:

4-602.13 OBSERVED INTERNAL SURFACES OF COOLING UNIT IN BAR AND UPRIGHT COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.

Inspection History

Zocalo has had 6 inspections in the last 5 years with a 50% pass rate. Last inspection was on Aug 27, 2026.

Aug 27, 2026PassVIEWING NOW

Canvass Re-Inspection — A follow-up to confirm violations from a routine visit were fixed.

4 violations
Aug 20, 2026Fail

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

6 violations
Oct 16, 2025Pass

License Re-Inspection — A follow-up to confirm license-inspection violations were fixed.

1 violation