FEB 4
2026
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
EL TACONAZO EXPRESS INC.
YOUR CALL. 73/100
3129 W ARMITAGE AVE · LOGAN SQUARE, CHICAGO
Last inspected February 4, 2026 · passed with conditions
8 of 14 inspections passed, 3 failed, 3 passed with conditions. 3 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
14
8 passed · 3 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
35
includes 3 critical
RECORDS COVER
5 YEARS
since Nov 2020
INSPECTION HISTORY
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED APPROXIMATLEY 60 LBS COOKED CHICKEN AS WELL AS 40 LBS COOKED STEAK STORED INSIDE WALK IN COOLER WITHOUT LABELS DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN DISCARD DATE LABELS ON TCS FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS.PIC VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED SAID FOOD ITEMS AT THIS TIME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
UNABLE TO LOCATE THERMOMETER INSDIE COLD HOLD UNIT WITH TWO DOOR ATTACHED IN FRONT OF SERVICE WINDOW. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES THROUGHOUT DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO STORE INSIDE CHLORINE SOLUTION @ AT LEAST 50PPM IN BETWEEN USES.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED UPRIGHT COOLER NEXT TO PREP TABLE AS WELL AS 2 DOOR COOLING UNIT WITH COLD HOLD ATTACHED NEAR SERVICE WINDOW WITH RIPPED GASKETS WITH BUILT UP FOOD DEBRIS. NOTED COLD HOLD UNIT EQUIPMENT LID HELD TOGETHER WITH STRING.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT IN GOOD REPAIR AS REQUIRED.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED FRONT SERVICE AREA COUNTER AS WELL AS NON FOOD STORAGE/ OFFICE SPACE ATTACHED TO DINING AREA WITH EXCESSIVE CLUTTER, OLD EQUIPMENT, MISCELLANEUS ITEMS STORED ON FLOORS. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR, MUST MAINTAIN PREMISE
MAY 232025PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violationsDETAILS
MAY 23
2025
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
7 violationsDETAILS
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT IN PREP TO BE IMPROPER: BREADED CHICKEN BREAST 48.7F, PICADILLO 47.9F, ASADA STEAK CUT 48.8F, CARNITAS 48.5F, RICE 47.4F, PORK CHOP 49.4F, EGGS AT 48.7F, AND PREPARED CHICKEN TACO MEAT 50.2F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 25 LBS OF AFFECTED PRODUCTS, VALUED AT $295.00, UTILIZING A DENATURING PROCESS TO PREVENT CONSUMPTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
NOTED IMPROPER COLD-HOLD TEMPERATURE OF 50.8F IN PREP AREA. INFORMED ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS SHALL MAINTAIN A PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F AND BELOW. REFRIGERATOR UNIT MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (CDPH). PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE WALK IN COOLER, AND REACH IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD, TINFOIL, OR PLASTIC WRAP FOR LINER ON ANY SHELVING OR EQUIPMENT. ALL MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON FAN IN WALK-IN COOLER, LIGHT SHIELDS IN COOKING AREA AND CEILING AND WALL VENTS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FANS, LIGHT SHIELDS AND CEILING/WALL VENTS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED CHIPPED PAINT ON THE WALLS IN THE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE AND REPAINT CHIPPED AREAS TO ENSURE WALLS ARE SEALED, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
JAN 172024PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JAN 17
2024
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
FOUND HAND SINK NEXT TO ICE MACHINE LOOSE.MUST FASTEN PROPERLY TO WALL.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN INSIDE STORAGE AREAS AND INSIDE WALK IN COOLER.MUST CLEAN.
show all 14 inspections →
JUL 72023FAILED3 violationsDETAILS
JUL 7
2023
FAILED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
OBSERVED PINK SLIMY SUBSTANCE ON INTERIOR SHIELD OF ICE MACHINE, ICE IN MACHINE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. ICE DISCARDED. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED ON TOP EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE INVERTED ICE SCOOP IN CONTAINER ON EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. CORRECTED ON SITE.ICE SCOOP CLEAN, SANITIZED AND STORED INVERTED IN CONTAINER ON EXTERIOR TOP OF ICE MACHINE.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED NO FILTERS IN HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
JAN 122023PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JAN 12
2023
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
2-DOOR PREP COOLER (ACROSS FROM HOT COOKING LINE) RIGHT SIDE DOOR RUBBER GASKET RIPPED. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE SAID DAMAGED DOOR GASKET.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON WALL BEHIND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST CLEAN WALL AND MAINTAIN.
OCT 252022PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OCT 25
2022
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES TO RESPOND TO A VOMIT OR DIARRHEAL EVENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
REMOVE HANGING FLY STRIPS FROM THE CEILING IN THE FOOD PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
CLEAN THE WALLS IN THE DISH WASHING AREA AND THE FLOORS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND WALK-IN FREEZER.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED SEVERAL EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
MAR 182022FAILED4 violationsDETAILS
MAR 18
2022
FAILED
4 violationsDETAILS
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED BY A STATEMENT BEFORE THE REMINDER STATEMENT STATING THAT "THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED." PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
CLEAN THE GREASE FROM THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
MUST INSTALL A WORKING VENTILATION FAN IN THE MEN'S WASHROOM.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
JUL 132021PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
JUL 13
2021
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP INSIDE PREP AREA REACH IN COOLER UPPER PORTION AROUND CORNERS ALSO OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP ON PREP AREA SHELVES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
PREP AREA HANDWASH BOWL COLD WATER HANDLE STRIPPED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REPAIR/MAINTAIN SAID COLD WATER HANDLE.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED ON ICE MACHINE WATER LINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AND MAKE VISIBLE A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR ICE MACHINE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FLOOR CLUTTERED THROUGHOUT OFFICE. MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF FLOOR OR REMOVE.
NOV 62020FAILED4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
NOV 6
2020
FAILED
4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
MUST INSTALL DEDICATED, EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO COOKING LINE, PREP COOLERS, AND SERVICE WINDOW IN PREP AREA. HAND SINK MUST HAVE PLUMBED HOT/COLD WATER, SOAP/PAPER TOWELS AND SIGNAGE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
OBSERVED REFRIGERATION AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. FOUND 4 DRAWER COOLER WITH AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 56.4F. FOUND AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE INSIDE WALK IN COOLER @ 43.5F. ALL REFRIGERATION MUST BE AT 41F OR LESS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGERS.
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 →