Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Birrieria Ocotlan

8726 S Commercial Ave

Last inspected Oct 16, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

Quick Answers

When was Birrieria Ocotlan last inspected?: The most recent inspection on record was on Oct 16, 2026. The result listed by Chicago Department of Public Health was “Pass”.
Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?: Yes: 4 violations recorded. Each one is listed below with the official wording.
How many inspections are on record?: 4 inspections on record, from Mar 1, 2024 to Oct 16, 2026.
Has Birrieria Ocotlan ever been closed by the health department?: No closure appears in the 4 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Mar 1, 2024.

The Full Inspection History

4 inspections

Canvass

Oct 16, 2026

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official Wording

Insects, rodents, & animals not present

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED SIDE DOOR OPEN WITHOUT PROPER SCEENING TO PREVENT ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS. INSTRUCTED MNAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN DOOR WAY WITH A SCREEN DOOR WHICH NEEDS TO SEALED ALL AROUND TO PREVENT ENTRY POINT FOR PEST OR KEEP DOOR CLOSED.

In Plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS USED FOR STORING FOOD ITEMS BASEMENT FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROPER FOOD STORAGE BAGS AND/OR CONTAINERS.

In Plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s Notes

MUST DEFROST AND THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN DEEP FREEZERS IN THE BASMENT.

In Plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official Wording

Allergen training as required

Inspector’s Notes

INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MAINTAIN AND PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES AT ALL TIMES FOR CITY CERTIFED MANAGERS AS REQUIRED OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.

In Plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 16, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Apr 7, 2025

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official Wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED ALONG STAIRWAY LEADING TO BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.

In Plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems

notedCode 43Equipment and utensils

Official Wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED STYROFOAM CUP USED FOR DISPENSING SALSA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LONG HANDLE DISPENSING UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

In Plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS USED FOR STORING FOOD ITEMS IN FIRST FLOOR COOLERS AND BASEMENT FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROPER FOOD STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.

In Plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF BASMENT CHEST FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

In Plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official Wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED VENTILATION FAN NOT OPERABLE IN BASEMENT WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

In Plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 7, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Mar 31, 2025

Fail

6 recorded violations

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official Wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED ALONG STAIRWAY LEADING TO BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.

In Plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems

notedCode 43Equipment and utensils

Official Wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED STYROFOAM CUP USED FOR DISPENSING SALSA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LONG HANDLE DISPENSING UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

In Plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS USED FOR STORING FOOD ITEMS IN FIRST FLOOR COOLERS AND BASEMENT FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROPER FOOD STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.

In Plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER CONCENTRATION IN SANITIAING SOLUTIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

In Plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF BASMENT CHEST FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

In Plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official Wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED VENTILATION FAN NOT OPERABLE IN BASEMENT WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

In Plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 31, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Mar 1, 2024

Pass

8 recorded violations

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official Wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED ALONG STAIRWAY TO BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROOPERLY LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS.

In Plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems

notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official Wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGERS. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.

In Plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

notedCode 39Contamination

Official Wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS NOT COVERED IN COOLERS AND STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY COVER AND ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

In Plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination

notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official Wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.

In Plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED CRATES USED AS SHELVING UNITS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE.

In Plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

In Plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON WALLS AND CEILINGS IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MAKE ALL WALLS AND CEILINGS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

In Plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official Wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.

In Plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 1, 2024 · Original Source