What is EL Faro Restaurant's health inspection score?

EL Faro Restaurant has a SafeDine safety score of 25 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was EL Faro Restaurant last inspected?

EL Faro Restaurant was last inspected on March 25, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does EL Faro Restaurant have?

EL Faro Restaurant has 32 total violations across 1 inspection on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is EL Faro Restaurant safe to eat at?

EL Faro Restaurant has a safety score of 25/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

What type of cuisine does EL Faro Restaurant serve?

EL Faro Restaurant serves American cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

EL Faro Restaurant

Name: EL Faro Restaurant
Address: 3936 W 31ST ST, Chicago, 60623
Rating: 25

3936 W 31ST ST, Chicago

Last Inspected: 3/25/2026

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0Poor

American•Little Village

Ranked #35 of 35 in Little VillageBetter than 22% of american restaurants

Declining

6 inspections

Last: Mar 25, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

5.3

Avg Violations

3 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Employee hygiene

Personal hygiene practices not followed

Pest issuesHigh Priority

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-69

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-4 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-17 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-2 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

-31 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 31/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (25/100) which is computed during our regular data sync.

How scoring works: Every restaurant starts at 100 points. Points are deducted for violations found during inspections.

Recent inspections are weighted more heavily. High priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact.

Location

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3936 W 31ST ST, Chicago, IL 60623

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Violation Timeline

Aug 2022

2 inspections

2 high priority

1 intermediate

6 basic

Aug

Aug 2023

1 inspections

1 high priority

2 basic

Sep 2024

1 inspections

2 high priority

5 basic

Sep

Aug 2025

1 inspections

2 high priority

2 basic

Mar 2026

1 inspections

3 high priority

6 intermediate

Mar

Inspection History

6 records on file

3 Canvass2 Complaint1 Complaint Re-Inspection

Mar 26

Canvass InspectionLatestPass with Conditions

3 High6 Med

9 total3 risk factors

25/100inspection score

−60 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLERisk Factor−10

Intermediate (6)

−30 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−5
40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−5
45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−5
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−5
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−5
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−5

Base deductions−60 pts

Risk factor bonus (3× +5)−15 pts

Aug 25

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High2 Basic

4 total1 risk factor

71/100inspection score

−24 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION WITH VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING SOUP, CHICKEN, BEANS, SLICED AVOCADO. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED CUSTOMER MEN'S RESTROOM WITH NO HANDWASHING SIGN. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED REAR EMPLOYEE RESTROOM WITH NO COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR HYGIENIC PRODUCTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
61SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC−2
OBSERVED CURRENT SUMMARY REPORT POSTED FROM 2022 ON-SITE. INSTRUCTED TO POST THE MOST RECENT INSPECTION REPORT MUST BE DISPLAYED IN A LOCATION THAT IS VISIBLE TO CONSUMERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-010(b). CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−24 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Sep 24

Complaint InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High5 Basic

7 total1 risk factor

65/100inspection score

−30 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION WITH VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING, SOUP, CHICKEN, BEANS, SLICED AVOCADO. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
9NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED−10
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER PREPARING (SALAD) READY TO EAT FOOD(LETTUCE) AND TACOS WITH BARE HANDS DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO DISPOSE OF ALL SLICED LETTUCE AND TORILLA WITH CHEESE AND USE GLOVES FOR PREPARING ALL READY TO EAT FOODS. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED. ITEMS WERE VOLUNATRILY DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. TOTAL COST OF ORDER $55.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS HANDLING FOOD WITHOUT EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED ORANGE SOILED TOWELS STORED IMPROPERLY ON PREP TABLES THROUGHOUT PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE INSIDE SANITIZER BUCKET WITH SANITIZER STRENGTH AT @ LEAST 50 PPM.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED SPACE WHERE BEVERAGE DISPENSERS ARE LOCATED WITH EXCESSIVE SPILLS AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED HIGH TEMP DISH MACHINE WITH SLIGHT WATER LEAK ON EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW.

Base deductions−30 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Aug 23

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High2 Basic

3 total

86/100inspection score

−14 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

9NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED−10
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS CUTTING READY TO EAT FOOD(LETTUCE) WITH BARE HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO DISPOSE OF ALL SLICED LETTUCE, SANITIZE EQUIPMENT, AND USE GLOVES FOR PREPARING ALL READY TO EAT FOODS. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED. (LETTUCE DISCARDED 10LBS AT A COST OF $20)

Basic (2)

−4 pts

48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE TEST STRIPS/TESTING DEVICE ON SITE TO ADEQUATELY MEASURE THE FINAL RINSE (180F) FOR HIGH TEMP DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. (TEST STRIPS PROVIDED BY MANAGER AT END OF INSPECTION).
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN REAR EMPLOYEE RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−14 pts

Aug 22

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.

Base deductions−2 pts

Aug 22

Complaint InspectionFail

2 High1 Med5 Basic

8 total

65/100inspection score

−35 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

9NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED−10
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER MAKING A SANDWICH AND CUTTING FRESH FRUIT WITH HIS BARE HANDS. INSTRUCTED THAT GLOVES MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES WHEN HANDLING ANY READY TO EAT FOOD. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
SOME WASHROOMS WITHOUT PROPER HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AND SOME EXPOSED HANDSINKS WITHOUT PROPER HANDWASHING SIGNAGE; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED PEST ACTIVITY ON PREMISES. FOUND TWENTY MOUSE DROPPINGS IN THE KITCHEN PANTRY ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE SHELF. FOUND TEN FRUIT FLIES IN THE SAME ROOM ON THE SHELF AND TWENTY FRUIT FLIES IN THE PROCESSING ROOM ON THE CUTTING BOARDS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE PRIOR TO REINSPECTION NEXT WEEK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) ISSUED.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED SOME FOOD HANDLERS AND WAIT STAFF NOT WEARING EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS AS REQUIRED; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN UNDERNEATH THE GRILL IN FRONT PREP AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE VENT FANS ON THE CEILINGS OF THE WASHROOMS TO REMOVE DUST.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
61SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC−2
NO INSPECTION SUMMARY POSTED AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT THE INSPECTION SUMMARY MUST BE POSTED AT ALL TIMES FROM THE PREVIOUS INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B) ISSUED.

Base deductions−35 pts

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Data source: Chicago CDPH · Official government inspection records

Grading System

85 – 100
Excellent
70 – 84
Good
Below 70
Fair

About SafeDine Scores

Scores are calculated using official government inspection data. High Priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact, followed by Intermediate and Basic violations. Community reviews can adjust the score by up to 5 points when 3+ reviews are submitted.

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