CHICAGO, IL - Food safety inspectors found regulatory violations at Ponce Restaurant during an inspection on 08/08/2025.
Situated at 4313 W Fullerton Avenue Chicago Illinois in Logan Square, the restaurant serves a diverse clientele in one of Chicago's bustling districts.
According to inspection records: "Noted improper internal temperatures of TCS food at kitchen prep cooler, kitchen 2 door cooler, and kitchen walk-in cooler. 28. Toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used - comments: noted potatoes in water in bucket that previously held..." This type of violation requires correction to maintain food safety standards.
The inspection identified violations related to hand washing, an important area of food safety.
Public health authorities continually highlight the fundamental significance of comprehensive hand washing practices. Studies from public health organizations show that Federal guidelines require food service workers to wash hands for a minimum of 20 seconds using soap and warm water. The FDA Hand Washing Standards offers detailed requirements for maintaining compliance.
The inspection found infractions involving pest control, a fundamental aspect of food service operations.
Restaurant industry studies show that pest-related violations often correlate with other sanitation deficiencies Data compiled by food safety institutions reveals that Effective pest control is considered a critical control point in preventing foodborne illness outbreaks. Per HACCP Prevention Guidelines, such standards maintain that dining facilities comply with comprehensive protection measures.
Inspectors documented deficiencies involving sanitation, an essential component of restaurant operations.
Industry experts consistently emphasize the critical importance of proper sanitation protocols. The Food Safety Modernization Act clearly states that The FDA Food Code establishes comprehensive sanitation requirements that form the foundation of safe food service operations.
Inspectors documented deficiencies involving temperature control, an essential component of restaurant operations.
Temperature control violations pose immediate risks to public health and food safety Research conducted by federal health agencies demonstrates that The FDA requires continuous temperature monitoring for all potentially hazardous foods in commercial kitchens. The FDA Temperature Safety Guidelines provides comprehensive guidance for preventing such violations.
Such infractions require attention for the business to maintain compliance with community safety standards. Public health officials note that addressing these violations helps maintain trust in dining establishments.
The Chicago Department of Public Health has mandated that Ponce Restaurant immediately address all identified violations before resuming normal operations. A follow-up inspection has been scheduled to verify compliance.
This inspection emphasizes the fundamental necessity of strict regulatory adherence in dining establishments. Area customers have the right to access compliance documentation when selecting food service establishments.
| Inspection ID | 2621952 |
| DBA Name | PONCE RESTAURANT |
| AKA Name | PONCE RESTAURANT |
| License # | 2988888 |
| Facility Type | Restaurant |
| Risk | Risk 1 (High) |
| Address | 4313 W FULLERTON AVE |
| City | CHICAGO |
| State | IL |
| Zip | 60639 |
| Inspection Date | 08/08/2025 |
| Inspection Type | Canvass |
| Results | Pass w/ Conditions |
| Violations | 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: NOTED IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOOD AT KITCHEN PREP COOLER |
| AND KITCHEN WALK-IN COOLER. PREP COOLER | SWEET PLANTAINS 47.8 F SLICED TOMATOES 48 |
| CHICKEN 49.4 2 DOOR COOLER | MALANGA(PLANTAIN) 46.4 F |
| SHISH KABOB 44.6 F AND IN WALK-IN COOLER | CHEESE 45.1 F |
| & USED - Comments | NOTED POTATOES IN WATER IN BUCKET THAT PREVIOUSLY HELD DISH SOAP. DISCARDED 3 LBS OF POTATOES VALUED AT $10. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. COS |
| CITATION ISSUED. | 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments | NOTED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF COLD-HOLDING EQUIPMENT. AMBIENT AIR OF 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR 59.5 F |
| STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments | NOTED NO SPLASH GUARD RICE&CUTTING BOARD STORED NEXT TO HANDSINK IN DISHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO MOVE RICE STORAGE BIN AND CUTTING BOARD OR INSTALL AND MAINTAIN. |
| Latitude | 41.92428005782633 |
| Longitude | -87.73464807570147 |
| Location | (41.92428005782633 |
This inspection was conducted on August 8, 2025.
Chicago Department of Public Health
The following violations were found: hand-washing, pest-control, sanitation, temperature-control.
Health code violations can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Common concerns include improper food temperatures (which can allow bacteria growth), inadequate handwashing facilities (which can spread germs), pest activity (which can contaminate food), and cross-contamination risks. These violations are monitored by health departments to ensure public safety and prevent foodborne illness outbreaks.
All inspection data for this report is sourced directly from the Chicago Department of Public Health . View the original data source .
Food safety standards referenced in this report are based on:
Important Note: This article is based on official inspection reports at the time of inspection. Current conditions may differ. Always check the most recent inspection results before dining. Establishments have the opportunity to correct violations and request re-inspection.
