RestaurantLicence 2363763

Frontera Tortas By Rick Bayless Gate K4 T3

11601 W Touhy Ave, Chicago 60666

Latest verdictConditionalMay 19, 2026 · 4 months ago

Inspections28since Dec 30, 2014

Fail rate14.3%4 of 28 verdictscitywide 22.4% · below average

City risk ratingHigh riskWhat this kind of business could do if it went wrong — not a grade it earned.

Read the pairs, not the count. A failure is normally followed within days by a re-inspection, and that re-inspection is a second row here. On the timeline below they sit almost on top of each other — one bad day, two marks.

The whole record

Pass75%
Conditional11%
Fail14%

28 inspections from 2014 to 2026 · hover a mark

201620182020202220242026

ConditionalMay 19, 2026CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 10
  Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
  Observed hand washing sink unable to be used. When water is run, water disposes to floor. Instructed manager to ensure hand washing sink is accessible at all times. Maintenance serviced hand washing sink priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c) citation issued.
2. 16
  Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
  Observed dish machine providing a final chlorine sanitizer concentration of 0 ppm. Instructed manager to ensure dish machine provides a minimum sanitizer concentration of 50 ppm. Sanitizer restored prior to conclusion of inspection. Priority violation 7-38-025 citation issued.
3. 28
  Toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used
  Observed lactic acid sanitizer being dispensed from 3 compartment sink in concentrations exceeding 1875 ppm as recommended on manufacter's label for food contact surfaces. Concentration of sanitizer measured at approximately 2258 ppm. Instructed manager to ensure sanitizer is dispensed in accordance with manufacturer's instruction. All toxic and poisonous materials shall be used according to manufacterer's instructions. Manager contacted ecolab and stated sanitizer will be diluted before use. Priority violation 7-38-015 citation issued.
4. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Observed ice machine with mineral build up on interior. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.
PassOct 22, 2025CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 35
  Approved thawing methods used
  Observed salsa cups being thawed in prep sink. Instruted to thaw items either under running water or inside mechanical refrigeration.
2. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Noted teh following equipment issues throughout facility: hot hold unit at front prep area not working, doors on 2 door cooler in rear prep area not level, not in use low temperature dish machine, and torn gasket in interior of 4 drawer cooler located in front prep area. Instructed to repair or replace all items and maintain in good condition.
3. 51
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
  Noted build up of food debris and grime in floor drain underneath keg cooler. Instructed to correct and maintain in good condition.
4. 57
  All food employees have food handler training
  Noted several employees with expired food handler training. Instructed all employees must complete food hanlder training and maintain records thereof on site at all times.
5. 58
  Allergen training as required
  Observed manager on duty with expired allergen training. Instructed all employees holding city of Chicago foodservice manager certificate must complete allergen training and maintain records thereof on site at all times.
PassApr 4, 2025CanvassRisk 1 (High)
PassNov 21, 2024CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Instructed to clean and maintain floors along wall base and underneath equipment especially at the bar.
PassMay 3, 2024CanvassRisk 1 (High)
PassApr 14, 2023CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 36
  Thermometers provided & accurate
  Instructed to provide and maintain an accurate,visible thermometer inside the 2-door prep line cooler located next to deep fryer at front prep area.
2. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed stained cutting boards stored on hanging rack in rear dishwashing area. Instructed to resurface or replace the cutting boards and to maintain.
3. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Intructed to detail clean the dust build-up on storage racks in rear dishwashing area and to maintain.
4. 57
  All food employees have food handler training
  Observed some expired food handler certificates provided on the premises.must provide current certificates for all food handling employees.
PassMay 3, 2022CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 51
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
  Observed plumbing leak under hand sink when you first enter cooking area. Repair and maintain sink.
2. 58
  Allergen training as required
  Observed all certified food managers are in need of proof of allergen training.
PassSep 8, 2021CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Instructed to clean and maintain interior surfaces of reach-in cooler with dried food debris accumulation in rear prep area.
2. 51
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
  Instructed to repair leaky faucet neck/handle at 3 compartment sink in rear dishwashing area.
3. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Instructed to re-grout floor tiles with deep seams around grease box underneath 3 compartment sink (between 3 compartment sink and prep sink) in rear prep/dishwashing area.
PassMar 15, 2021CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 37
  Food properly labeled; original container
  Instructed to properly label food containers identified with common name (sugar).
PassMar 20, 2020CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 48
  Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
  Instructed to repair stripped (hot) faucet handle at 3 compartment sink in rear dishwashing area.
2. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Instructed to re-grout floor tiles with deep seams in rear prep area.
PassOct 17, 2019CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 10
  Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
  Instructed to provide hand washing sign at hand sink behind the bar.
2. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Instructed to remove foil liner on top of grease box underneath 3 compartment sink. Must clean and repaint rusty metal top/cover.
3. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Instructed to re-grout floor tiles with deep seams by 3 compartment sink (under and around) in rear dish washing area. Noted water pooling in between deep seams. Must be kept dry to prevent pest harborage at same area.
4. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Instructed to clean and maintain floors along the walls especially on corners in rear prep/dish washing and storage area.
5. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Instructed to remove unnecessary articles/items stored in between coolers, cleaning supplies (sanitizer, detergent etc) underneath 3 compartment sink must be stored off the floor for easy access on cleaning.
ConditionalApr 19, 2019Short Form ComplaintRisk 1 (High)
1. 22
  Proper cold holding temperatures
  Observed tcs foods (shredded jack cheese) at improper temperature requirement during storage on top of prep table with an internal temperature of 55.0f, 52.4f, 51.5f, 52.3f. Instructed manager tcs foods must maintain cold holding temperature of 41.0f or below. Manager discarded the said food products. Total value $296.00, total weight 30 lbs. Priority violation 7-38-005 citation issued
2. 37
  Food properly labeled; original container
  Instructed to provide proper label for white bulk food containers and to maintain.
3. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Cutting boards with open seams and dark stains. Must refinish or replace damaged or stained cutting boards.
PassApr 3, 2019Canvass Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
1. 37
  Food properly labeled; original container
  Instructed to provide proper label for white bulk food containers and to maintain.
2. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Cutting boards with open seams and dark stains. Must refinish or replace damaged or stained cutting boards.
FailMar 26, 2019Canvass Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
1. 3
  Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
  No person or employee health policy in place. Instructed manager to provide documentation that all food employees are informed of their responsibility to report any disease transmissible through food. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012 (a), no citation. -
2. 5
  Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
  Found no procedure/plan for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events. Instructed to provide and maintain appropriate supplies or kit. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005, no citation issued. -
3. 37
  Food properly labeled; original container
  Instructed to provide proper label for white bulk food containers and to maintain.
4. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  Observed live fruit flies in the food prep area and the bar area. Approximately 15 live fruit flies were observed on the walls, ceiling and equipment in these areas.instructed to detail clean and sanitize all affected areas and pest control service is now recommended. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(a).
5. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Cutting boards with open seams and dark stains. Must refinish or replace damaged or stained cutting boards.
6. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Instructed to detail clean and maintain bottom of kitchen storage shelf above the dish washing 3 compartment sink.
7. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Instructed to detail clean floor drains throughout the premises.
8. 57
  All food employees have food handler training
  Found expired food handler training certificates on site.instructed to provide updated food handler training certificates and maintain on site.
FailMar 26, 2019CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 3
  Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
  No person or employee health policy in place. Instructed manager to provide documentation that all food employees are informed of their responsibility to report any disease transmissible through food. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012 (a), no citation. -
2. 5
  Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
  Found no procedure/plan for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events. Instructed to provide and maintain appropriate supplies or kit. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005, no citation issued. -
3. 10
  Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
  Found no hot running water at rear hand washing sink next to dish washing 3 compartment sink water temperature 90 f.must provide hot running water under city pressure minimum temperature of water must be 100 f. Priority violation 7-38-030(c),citation issued. -
4. 28
  Toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used
  Observed low temperature bar dish machine in use washing glasses exceeding/dispensing over 200 parts per million (p.p.m.)of chlorine solution.manager immediately notified eco lab services.instructed to repair and maintain said dish machine must dispense chlorine solution to 100 p.p.m..priority violation 7-38-005,citation issued.
5. 37
  Food properly labeled; original container
  Instructed to provide proper label for white bulk food containers and to maintain.
6. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  Observed live fruit flies in the food prep area and the bar area. Approximately 15 live fruit flies were observed on the walls, ceiling and equipment in these areas.instructed to detail clean and sanitize all affected areas and pest control service is now recommended. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(a),citation issued.
7. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Cutting boards with open seams and dark stains. Must refinish or replace damaged or stained cutting boards.
8. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Instructed to detail clean and maintain bottom of kitchen storage shelf above the dish washing 3 compartment sink.
9. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Instructed to detail clean floor drains throughout the premises.
10. 57
  All food employees have food handler training
  Found expired food handler training certificates on site.instructed to provide updated food handler training certificates and maintain on site.
PassMay 10, 2018Complaint Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
1. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Instructed to detail clean and maintain exterior surfaces of cold holding (prepackaged salsa) unit with excessive food spillage under front service area.
2. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  Instructed to detail clean and maintain floors with food debris and water under and around dish machine in rear prep area.
3. 42
  Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
  Observed 1 food handler with no hair restraint.instructed to provide hair restraints when working around open foods and maintain.
ConditionalMay 9, 2018ComplaintRisk 1 (High)
1. 2
  Facilities to maintain proper temperature
  Facilities do not maintain proper temperature. Observed the rear 2 door stand-up cooler with an air temperature of (52.0f-55.0f). The cooler was used to store potentially hazardous foods such as pork,beans,cooked vegetables,guacamole etc. Unit tagged held for inspection. Must empty the unit and have it repaired so that it maintains an air temperature below 40f or below at all times.management immediately notified refrigeration technician for service. Critical violation 7-38-005(a).
2. 3
  Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
  Potentially hazardous foods stored at improper temperatures inside the 2 door stand-up cooler located at rear.found pork at 46.4f,cooked mushrooms at 47.2f-57.1f,beans at 50.1f,guacamole at 47.8f etc.management voluntarily discarded/denatured approx:100 lbs of food worth $300.00 as stated by manager at this time.instructed manager that all cold foods must be stored at a temperature of 40f or below and all hot foods must be stored at a temperature of 140f or above at all times.critical violation 7-38-005(a).
3. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Instructed to detail clean and maintain exterior surfaces of cold holding (prepackaged salsa) unit with excessive food spillage under front service area.
4. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  Instructed to detail clean and maintain floors with food debris and water under and around dish machine in rear prep area.
5. 42
  Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
  Observed 1 food handler with no hair restraint.instructed to provide hair restraints when working around open foods and maintain.
PassApr 5, 2018CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Instructed to detail clean and maintain exterior surfaces of cold holding (prepackaged salsa) unit with excessive food spillage under front service area.
2. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  Instructed to detail clean and maintain floors with food debris and water under and around dish machine in rear prep area.
PassNov 8, 2017Short Form ComplaintRisk 1 (High)
PassOct 27, 2017Canvass Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
1. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Observed the bar soda guns to be dirty. Also observed the soda gun lines/housing near the front registers to be dirty. Instructed facility to clean and maintain. Observed slight dust accumulation in the electrical side of the ice machine. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.
2. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  Observed dirt and debris on the floors in various areas: under and around the dish machine, under the register/drink counter, and along wall bases. Instructed facility to clean and maintain all.
FailOct 20, 2017CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 18
  No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
  Observed 20 small flies at the bar (on walls and flying in air). Instructed facility to remove all pests, clean affected areas, and maintain. Recommended to contact a licensed pest control provider for service. Serious violation 7-38-020.
2. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Observed the bar soda guns to be dirty. Also observed the soda gun lines/housing near the front registers to be dirty. Instructed facility to clean and maintain. Observed slight dust accumulation in the electrical side of the ice machine. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.
3. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  Observed dirt and debris on the floors in various areas: under and around the dish machine, under the register/drink counter, and along wall bases. Instructed facility to clean and maintain all.
4. 42
  Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
  Observed an employee working without hair restraints. Instructed facility that all foodhandlers (including managers) must wear hair restraints.
PassMar 15, 2017CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 32
  Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
  Observed the bulk sugar container to have a cracked plastic lid. Instructed facility to replace and maintain.
2. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Observed the upper mechanical portion of the ice machine not maintained- found calcium and dust accumulation. Instructed facility to clean and maintain. Observed the upper interior food-contact surfaces of the ice machine not maintained- found slight dirt accumulation. Instructed facility to clean, sanitize, and maintain. Observed the bar dish machine exterior where piping/tubing is located to have dirt accumulation. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.
3. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  Observed dirt and debris accumulated on floors along wall bases under, around and behind equipment. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.
4. 38
  Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
  Observed a small leak at the cold water valve below the 1 compartment prep sink. Instructed facility to repair and maintain.
5. 40
  Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
  Instructed facility to install and maintain a thermometer in the 2 door cooler near the coffee station.
PassSep 30, 2016Canvass Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
1. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Observed slight dirt and debris on the upper interior portions of the rotunda prep area ice machines (both units) and in the electrical portion of the frontera ice machine. Instructed facility to clean, sanitize, and maintain.
2. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  Observed the floor around the 3 compartment sink at frontera and in the rotunda prep area to be wet and have dirt in various areas. Instructed facility to clean and maintain dry. Observed the rotunda prep area kitchen floor to have dirt and debris along the wall bases and behind and under the cooking line. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.
3. 35
  Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
  Observed dirt and food debris on the wall mounted bar soda lines and on the ceiling above the pickup area. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.
4. 38
  Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
  Observed the exposed handsink at the bar to be dirty. Instructed facility to clean all areas of the handsink and to maintain.
FailSep 23, 2016CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 16
  Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
  Observed food not protected: observed raw chicken stored in the walk in cooler in the rotunda prep area above precooked beef. Instructed facility to store foods in order of final cooking temperature with highest on the bottom to help prevent contamination and to maintain. Facility relocated during inspection. Also observed a black, mold-like substance on the upper interior portion of the ice machine at frontera. Instructed facility to remove all ice, clean and sanitize machine, and maintain. Serious citation issued 7-38-005(a).
2. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Observed slight dirt and debris on the upper interior portions of the rotunda prep area ice machines (both units) and in the electrical portion of the frontera ice machine. Instructed facility to clean, sanitize, and maintain.
3. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  Observed the floor around the 3 compartment sink at frontera and in the rotunda prep area to be wet and have dirt in various areas. Instructed facility to clean and maintain dry. Observed the rotunda prep area kitchen floor to have dirt and debris along the wall bases and behind and under the cooking line. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.
4. 35
  Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
  Observed dirt and food debris on the wall mounted bar soda lines and on the ceiling above the pickup area. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.
5. 38
  Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
  Observed the exposed handsink at the bar to be dirty. Instructed facility to clean all areas of the handsink and to maintain.
PassJan 7, 2016ComplaintRisk 1 (High)
1. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  Instructed to re grout floor tiles with deep seam in front prep/cashier area and by 3 compartment sink. Must detail clean and maintain floors along the walls and in all corners in bar area.
2. 40
  Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
  Instructed to provide thermometer visible inside all coolers.
3. 43
  Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
  Ice scoop must be stored in a clean separate container to prevent contamination (noted ice scoop stored on top of ice machine).
PassOct 27, 2015CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 30
  Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
  Foods inside coolers not properly labeled or dated. Instructed to label and date all foods not in original containers.
2. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Interior of deep fryer, cooler gaskets, and interior panel of ice machine not clean. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize all food contact surfaces.
3. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  Floor behind and between equipment not clean. Instructed to detail clean daily.
PassApr 20, 2015CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Deep fryer cabinet and filters on exhaust hood not clean. Instructed to detail clean.
2. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  Floor under deep fryer, three compartment sink not clean. Instructed to detail clean daily.
3. 38
  Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
  Drainline uder three compartment sink leaking. Instructed to repair to prevent leak.
PassDec 30, 2014LicenseRisk 1 (High)
1. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Filters on exhaust hood not clean. Instructed to detail clean.
2. 38
  Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
  Faucet leaking at 3 compartment sink. Instructed to repair to prevent leak.

Fails sit above the line, passes below. Every inspection the city has published for this licence.

On the street

Apple Maps street-level imagery. Click to look around the block.

What it gets cited for

3311×
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
3411×
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
558×
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
477×
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
387×
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
495×
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
375×
Food properly labeled; original container
574×
All food employees have food handler training

Counted across every inspection on record here. A code that keeps coming back is the more telling signal.

Source

Published by the Chicago Department of Public Health as Food Inspections, updated weekly. This page shows every row the city holds under licence 2363763 — a business that changed hands may carry history from its predecessor.