MAR 18
2025
PASSED
1 violation1 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
EL TACO FELIZ, INC..
YOUR CALL. 72/100
5439 W ADDISON ST · AVONDALE, CHICAGO
Last inspected March 18, 2025 · passed
6 of 11 inspections passed, 5 passed with conditions. 7 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
11
6 passed · 5 w/ conditions
VIOLATIONS
48
includes 7 critical
RECORDS COVER
9 YEARS
since Nov 2015
INSPECTION HISTORY
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED REAR EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF WITH A GAP AT THE SIDE OF THE DOOR (ABOUT 1/2'). INSTRUCTED TO MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
MAY 302024PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
MAY 30
2024
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE NOT WEARING A HAIR RESRTAINT AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WEAR HAIR RETRAINTS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF FOOD AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDERNEATH ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDERNEATH ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE PERSONAL ITEMS STORED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE ORDERLY STORAGE AREA FOR EMPLOYEES CLOTHING AND OTHER POSSESSIONS AND MAINTAIN.
APR 112023PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violationsDETAILS
APR 11
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
7 violationsDETAILS
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE 3 DOOR PREP COOLER AND REFRIGERATOR. OBSERVED PORK AT 53F, COOKED RICE AT 53F, BEANS AT 52F, SOUR CREAM AT 52F, STEAK AT 54F, CHORIZO AT 69F, AND CHEESE AT 52F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL TCS FOODS COLD BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
OBSERVED THE 3 DOOR PREP COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 52F. THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE TCS FOODS SUCH AS CHEESE AND MEATS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE COOLER BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYER.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
REGLUE THE BASEBOARD ALONG THE WALL BETWEEN THE PREP COOLER AND DEEP FRYER.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE WALL BEHIND THE GRILL.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.
NOV 72022PASSED1 violationDETAILS
NOV 7
2022
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED BROKEN DOOR HANDLE ON REFRIGERATOR LOCATED IN THE REAR PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.
DEC 82021PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
DEC 8
2021
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE.
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
FOUND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (TACOS,BEANS,SOUP ETC.) IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED TO CUSTOMERS.INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT WHEN PREPARING AND SERVING (TCS FOODS).PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012,CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 1 DOOR (WHITE) REFRIGERATOR NEXT TO STOVE IN PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.
show all 11 inspections →
MAR 192020PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MAR 19
2020
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
MISSING CLEANING SUPPLIES KIT FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISINFECTANT EFFECTIVE FOR NOROVIRUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
FOUND TCS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE INSIDE THE REACH IN COOLER AND REFRIGERATOR. PORK AT 45.0F 4LBS, $11.00, AND RICE AT 44.0F 3LBS, $3.00. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN A TEMPERATURE OF 41.0F OR BELOW DURING STORAGE. MANAGER DISCARDED THE SAID PRODUCT WORTH $14.00, TOTAL 7 LBS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. COOLER TEMPERATURE AT 40.1F.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
WIPING CLOTH FOR WIPING THE PREP TABLES, CHOPPING BOARD, COOLERS, MUST BE STORED ON A BUCKET WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION IN BETWEEN USES.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
FAN GUARD OF THE 3 DOOR REACH IN COOLER WITH HEAVY DUST BUILD-UP. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
CLEAN REMOVE DUST BUILD -UP ON THE CEILING VENTILATION COVER OF THE WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD MUST OBTAIN A FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
PREVIOUS SUMMARY REPORT FROM REPORT #2303766 DATED 7/26/19 NOT POSTED ON SITE FOR THE CUSTOMER TO VIEW. INSTRUCTED TO POST SUMMARY REPORT ALL THE TIMES FOR THE CUSTOMER TO VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-010(B). PROVIDED NEW SUMMARY REPORT TO POST ON SITE.
JUL 262019PASS W/ CONDITIONS12 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
JUL 26
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
12 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
FOUND NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010,NO CITATION ISSUED. -
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. (NECESSARY ITEMS AT A MINIMUM: GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER THAT KILLS NOROVIRUS).PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED. -
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK IN WASH ROOM.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS (RICE,BEANS ETC) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE CONSUMED OR DISCARDED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DATE MARK ALL READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED. - -
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
FOUND NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED "RAW" OR UNDER COOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK (*) TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT STATES THAT EATING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED. - - -
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT KITCHEN SPOONS,FORKS THAT ARE STORED ON SHELF ABOVE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND TO MAINTAIN.
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.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
FOUND TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE REFRIGERATOR BEHIND FRONT COUNTER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET AND TO MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN REAR STORAGE ROOM AND UNUSED EQUIPMENT (BROKEN UNUSED GRILL)TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE AND TO MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FOUND DIRTY FLOORS IN REAR STORAGE ROOM.MUST CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY FOR CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
JAN 312018PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
JAN 31
2018
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALUMINUM FOIL ON TOP OF GREASE BOX UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT.-------- MUST USE GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE INSIDE FREEZER. MUST USE FOOD GRADE BAGS.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
INSTRUCTED TO RESEAL UNSEALED FLOOR BASEBOARD AROUND DINING AREA.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
INSTRUCTED TO REPAINT WALLS ABOVE WASHROOM DOOR/BEHIND HEATER.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REORGANIZE AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER STORED IN REAR STORAGE ROOM AND IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA. USABLE ITEMS (FOOD AND NON FOOD) MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING AND TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.---------CLEANING EQUIPMENT (MOPS, BROOMS ETC) MUST BE STORED OFF THE FLOOR.
MAR 282017PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violationsDETAILS
MAR 28
2017
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violationsDETAILS
* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012. ONE CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE WALL BUT THE SAID PERSON IS NOT ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO ENROLL IN SANITATION CLASS AND BE CERTIFIED UNDER CITY OF CHICAGO.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
FAN GUARD OF THE 3 DOOR REACH IN COOLER WITH DUST ACCUMULATED. MUST CLEAN, REMOVE DUST AND MAINTAIN.
APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
OBSERVED MALE EMPLOYEE PREPARING AND COOKING FOOD NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR HAIR RESTRAINT TO CONFINE THE HAIR.
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. MUST PROVIDE.
MAY 122016PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
MAY 12
2016
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
Found several items (beef, pork, etc) without date. Instructed must properly label prepped potentially hazardous foods (held for more than 24 hrs) with name and date. Must maintain.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
Found raw wood shelving in outside/rear storage room. Instructed must paint or stain wooden shelving so that it is sealed, smooth, and easily cleanable. Must maintain.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
Found excessive grease build up in lower interior of fryer. Must clean, sanitize and maintain.
NOV 162015PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
NOV 16
2015
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
MUST NOT USE GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE BOX FREEZER. FOODS MUST BE STORED IN FOOD GRADE BAGS OR WASHABLE CONTAINERS.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
INTERIOR SMALL FREEZER WITH DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
FLOOR UNDER THE BOX FREEZER WITH SOME DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN 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 →