MAR 3
2026
PASSED
8 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
EL TACO EXPRESS.
YOUR CALL. 65/100
8548 S STONY ISLAND AVE · SOUTH CHICAGO, CHICAGO
Last inspected March 3, 2026 · passed
3 of 6 inspections passed, 2 failed, 1 passed with conditions. 9 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
6
3 passed · 1 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
51
includes 9 critical
RECORDS COVER
2 YEARS
since Apr 2023
INSPECTION HISTORY
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
4-602.11 OBSERVED A GREEN SUBSTANCE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED BY THE ICE MAKER AND ON THE SIDES OF THE INTERIOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
3-501.13 OBSERVED IMPROPER THAWING OF TCS FOODS. OBSERVED RAW BEEF THAWING AT ROOM TEMPERATURE IN A CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS THAW FROZEN PRODUCTS PROPERLY UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER (NOT EXCEEDING 70F) OR IN A REFRIGERATOR AT ALL TIMES.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
3-302.12 OBSERVED DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABEL WITH PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS.
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
3-304.12 OBSERVED SCOOPS BEING STORED IN DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS AND PLATES USED TO SCOOP FOOD BEING STORED IN PRODUCT'S CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND STORE ALL UTENSILS PROPERLY.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
4-601.11 OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYERS WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE OR PROVIDE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-201.13 OBSERVED COVING DETACHED IN VARIOUS AREAS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.114 OBSERVED A BAG OF ONIONS BEING STORED DIRECTLY ON THE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE EVERYTHING AT LEAST 6 INCHES AND DO NOT STORE FOOD ITEMS ON THE FLOOR.
JAN 282025PASSED6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 28
2025
PASSED
6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED FLY STRIP HANGING NEAR HAND WASHING SINK IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE FLY STRIP FROM PREP AREA.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES STORED ON FLOOR UNDER FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES OFF FLOOR.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKET ON PREP COOLER DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED CLUTTER IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
JAN 302024PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
JAN 30
2024
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL STOCK SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
JAN 232024FAILED9 violationsDETAILS
JAN 23
2024
FAILED
9 violationsDETAILS
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
OBSERVED THREE PACKS OF GROUND BEEF IMPROPERLY THAWING IN STANDING WATER INSIDE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY THAW FOOD UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER, REFRIGERATION OR PART OF COOKING PROCESS.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL STOCK SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED FOOD DEBIRS AND SPILLS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, HOLDING UNITS, PREP TABLES, COOLERS AND FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE REFCEPTACLE IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
OBSERVED OUTSIDE WASTE GREASE AREA NOT MAINTAINED, WASTE GREASE DUMPSTER NOT COVERED, GREASE SPILLS ON TOP OF DUMSPER AND GROUND AROUND DUMSPTERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN OUTSIDE WASTE GREASE AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B) CITATION ISSUED
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED FLOOR DRAIN COVERS MISSING IN PEP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
MAY 92023PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 9
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
Violation Codes: 2-102.14(O) Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
Violation Codes: 2-501.11 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Violation Codes: 4-301.14 Inspector Comments: MUST STORE COOKING EQUIPMENT COMPLETELY UNDER VENTILATION HOOD.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
show all 6 inspections →
APR 112023FAILED21 violations6 CRITICALDETAILS
APR 11
2023
FAILED
21 violations6 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND SINK IN TOILET ROOM MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINKS IN PREP & TOILET ROOM MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED NO DATE MARKINGS ON TCS READY TO EAT FOODS STORED INSIDE OF REACH IN & PREP COOLER.MUST LABEL AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
OBSERVED HOT HOLDING UNITS NOT OPERABLE AT THIS TIME,ELECTRICITY KEEPS KICKING OUT POWER NOT ABLE TO MAINTAIN 135.0F FOR HOT HOLDING UNITS.MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF AN INFESTATION OF APPX. 125 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED THROUGHOUT PREMISES ON FLOOR AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER,ON FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT,UNDER AND BEHIND GREASE TRAP OF 3- COMPARTMENT SINK,ON LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE,BEHIND LARGE FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS,IN TOILET ROOM BEHIND DOOR,ON FLOOR SCATTERED IN BETWEEN ARTICLES ON FLOOR IN FURNANCE ROOM,ON BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ABOVE DISH MACHINE,ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH FOOD & CHEMICAL STORAGE SHELVES.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 4/11/23.(PRIORITY 7-38-020(A)
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR AND IN LEFT CORNER OF FRONT DOOR MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING.
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON OVERHEAD DISH STORAGE SHELVES.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLE.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE BEHIND DISH MACHINE.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
MUST PROVIDE A GARBAGE CAN WITH LID IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
MUST PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON TOILET ROOM DOOR THAT LEADS TO PREP AREA.
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
OBSERVED DEBRIS,TRASH AND TALL WEEDS OUTSIDE OF REAR DOOR MUST REMOVE AND CLEAN AREA.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE OR ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN FURNACE ROOM.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST REMOVE WATER FROM FLOOR BEHIND DISH MACHINE AND 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND KEEP DRY.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST PROVIDE A HOOKING SYSTEM FOR HANGING MOPS TO DRY.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING WALL BASES IN PREP AREA.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
MUST STORE COOKING EQUIPMENT COMPLETELY UNDER VENTILATION HOOD.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health. We'd love to link you straight to this restaurant's record — turns out Chicago considers that a luxury. The full dataset is what's on offer →