CHICAGO, IL - Health department officials identified compliance problems at Pepe'S Mexican Restaurant during an inspection on 08/11/2025.
Situated at 8313-8325 S Cottage Grove Avenue Chicago Illinois in Chatham, the restaurant serves a diverse clientele in one of Chicago's bustling districts.
Health department documentation states: "39. Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display - comments: observed food items stored on floor inside walk-in freezer. 47. Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used - comments: observ..." Such infractions require correction to meet regulatory standards.
The examination revealed violations related to pest control, which need to be addressed for proper compliance.
Industry experts consistently emphasize the critical importance of proper pest control protocols. The HACCP Prevention Guidelines clearly states that The FDA Food Code mandates that food storage areas remain free from pest contamination at all times.
The inspection identified violations related to sanitation, an important area of food safety.
Public health authorities continually highlight the fundamental significance of comprehensive sanitation practices. Studies from public health organizations show that Proper sanitation practices prevent cross-contamination and maintain the integrity of food preparation environments. The Food Safety Modernization Act offers detailed requirements for maintaining compliance.
The inspection found infractions involving temperature control, a fundamental aspect of food service operations.
Industry research indicates that improper food temperatures can allow dangerous bacteria to multiply rapidly Data compiled by food safety institutions reveals that The FDA requires continuous temperature monitoring for all potentially hazardous foods in commercial kitchens. Per USDA Safe Temperature Standards, such standards maintain that dining facilities comply with comprehensive protection measures.
In addition to regulatory requirements, these issues may affect the business's standing and public trust. Community health organizations track health department findings to provide education to local residents.
Local regulatory authorities have ordered that Pepe'S Mexican Restaurant swiftly remediate the documented deficiencies before reopening to customers. Additional review is planned to confirm remediation.
These findings underscore the essential nature of comprehensive health compliance in restaurant operations. Community members should feel empowered to examine health department findings when choosing restaurants.
| Inspection ID | 2622053 |
| DBA Name | PEPE'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT |
| AKA Name | PEPE'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT |
| License # | 50042 |
| Facility Type | Restaurant |
| Risk | Risk 1 (High) |
| Address | 8313-8325 S COTTAGE GROVE AVE |
| City | CHICAGO |
| State | IL |
| Zip | 60619 |
| Inspection Date | 08/11/2025 |
| Inspection Type | Complaint |
| Results | Fail |
| Violations | 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION |
| STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments | OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATED ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR. | 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE |
| CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments | OBSERVED RUSTY SURFACES ON MIXER AND SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINNTAN. | 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED |
| MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments | OBSERVED MISSING GROUT AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN REAR DISH WASHING AND UTILITY AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RE-GROUT |
| REPAIR AND MAINTAIN FLOOR TILES. | 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments | OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING AVAILABLE FOR CERTIFIED MANAGERS. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING. | 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2610085 ON 1-6-25:47-RUSTY STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST FROM RACKS. BROKEN TOP ON THE TOILET IN THE EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED |
| Latitude | 41.743533070705446 |
| Longitude | -87.6048731835614 |
| Location | (41.743533070705446 |
This inspection was conducted on August 11, 2025.
Chicago Department of Public Health
The following violations were found: 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.
