SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

GORDO'S TINY TACO BAR.

YOUR CALL. 65/100

333 E BENTON PL · LOOP, CHICAGO

Last inspected May 14, 2025 · passed

11 of 18 inspections passed, 2 failed, 5 passed with conditions. 15 critical violations across the record.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
18
11 passed · 5 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
57
includes 15 critical
RECORDS COVER
12 YEARS
since Jul 2012

INSPECTION HISTORY

MAY 14
2025
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

4-202.18: MUST CLEAN DUST AND DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM VENTILATION HOOD ABOVE COOKING AND FRYING EQUIPMENT

FEB 26
2025
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

MUST CLEAN DUST AND DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM VENTILATION HOOD ABOVE COOKING AND FRYING EQUIPMENT.

MAY 14
2024
PASSED
6 violations
DETAILS
MINORFood Storage & Handling
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS (BEANS, RICE, FLOUR) IN THE REAR PREP AREA.

MINOREmployee Hygiene
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

MUST INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD ON HANDWASHING SINK CONNECTED TO THE LINE TABLE IN THE WAIT STATION AREA TO PROTECT SINGLE USE UTENSILS AND FOOD FROM CONTAMINATION.

MINOROther
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

OBSERVED ALUMINUM CONTAINERS STORED FACING UP ON THE LINE SHELF. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT CONTAINERS TO PROTECT FROM OVERHEAD CONTAMINATION.

MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED TORN GASKETS AT THE BOTTOM OF DESSERT REACH-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED FRONT WAIT STATION HANDSINK WITH A SLOW DRAINAGE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.

SEP 19
2023
PASSED
0 violations
SEP 7
2023
FAILED
5 violations3 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Loose knob at front server line hand wash sink, Instructed to repair and maintain.

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

No hand wash signs in restrooms, instructed to install.

MINOROther
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

No probe thermometer provide at main prep line, instructed to obtain.

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Found 4 live cockroaches in rear clean utensils storage area, about 20 live fruit flies at bar area, instructed to eliminate insects activity in all affected areas, pest control service recommended. priority foundation violation 7-38-020(A).

MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Ice bin at bar area missing a lid, instructed to install.

show all 18 inspections →
APR 27
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations3 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

No hand soap at bar hand wash sink. instructed to provide. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c).

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

No paper towels at bar hand wash sink, bar is in operation during inspection. instructed to provide. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c)

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

No hands washing signs in employees restrooms.

MINORSanitation
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Observed bar tender drying glassed with a cloth towel. Instructed to use air drying method only.

JAN 7
2022
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINOROther
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ARE IN NEED OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.

NOV 21
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
8 violations3 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

OBSERVED PERSON IN CHARGE FAILED TO PRESENT DEMONSTRATE FOOD SAFETY KNOWLEDGE AND WAS WITHOUT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE.

CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD HANDLERS PREPARING AND HANDLING FOODS WITHOUT NEITHER A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER NOR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST REMAIN POSTED ON SITE AND A CERTIFIED MANAGER SHALL BE ON SITE DURING FOOD PREPARATION, COOKING, SERVING AND OPERATING HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALSanitation
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED FACILITY WITH USE OF THE SAMPLE CLEAN UP PROCEDURE PROVIDED FROM CDPH WEBSITE AND NO SUPPLIES. SUPPLIES MUST INCLUDE ADEQUATE SANITIZER THAT ELIMINATES NOROVIRUS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP PROCEDURES AND REFLECTIVE SET OF SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND/OR DIARRHEA TO PROPERLY HANDLE BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED

SERIOUSOther
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

OBSERVED THE PRINTED MENU WITHOUT A DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED WITH RAW OR UNDERCOOKED ANIMAL FOOD PRODUCTS (EGGS OFFERED ANY STYLE FOR BREAKFAST). CDPH CONSUMER ADVISORY GUIDE WAS GIVEN AS AN EXAMPLE. NOTE: EGGS OBSERVED IN WALK-IN COOLER UNIT HAD NO DOCUMENTATION (INVOICE NOR MARKING ON BOX) THAT THEY WERE PASTEURIZED EGGS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

MINORDocumentation & Training
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED FOOD STORED IN CONTAINERS IN ALL THE WALK IN COOLER WITHOUT PROPER LABELING OF NAME. INSTRUCTED TO PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A LABEL REFLECTING THE FOOD ITEM'S NAME WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVE FROM ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING.

MINORSanitation
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

OBSERVED MOUTH PORTION OF SILVERWARE EXPOSED ON CUSTOMER DINING TABLES AND NOT COVERED TO PREVENT FROM POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROTECT SILVERWARE ON CUSTOMER DINING TABLES AT ALL TIMES.

MINORSanitation
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

OBSERVED SINGLE-USE EATING UTENSILS NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO AVOID CONTAMINATION BY INVERTING UTENSILS WITH HANDLES EXPOSED TO AVOID CONTAMINATION.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO PERSONS ON SITE WITH PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.

NOV 15
2018
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INTRUCTED TO OBTAIN

CRITICALSanitation
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

NO VOMIT/DIARRHEA CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN

MINORFood Storage & Handling
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

BULK AND COOKED FOOD CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN WALK IN COOLER AND DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA. INTRUCTED TO LABEL

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR FOODSERVICE MANAGER. INTRUCTED TO OBTAIN

MAY 25
2018
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

INSIDE OF SODA GUN DISPENSER AT BAR AREA NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINOREmployee Hygiene
APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

DISH WASHER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT, INSTRUCTED TO WEAR.

JUN 16
2017
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALFood Temperature
SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME

OBSERVED FINAL RINSE TEMPERATURE AT 165F FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE, LOCATED IN FOOD PREP AREA, DISH MACHINE HAD BEEN IN USE DURING INSPECTION. MANAGER TRIED 5 TIMES TO OPERATE DISH MACHINE AND ON THE FIFTH TRY THE DISH MACHINE REACHED A FINAL RINSE TEMPERATURE OF 190F. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS MAINTAIN A FINAL RINSE TEMPERATURE OF 180F OR ABOVE AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.

MINORFacility Condition
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

OBSERVED UNLABELED VARIOUS SEASONING CONTAINERS STORED UNDER PREP TABLES BY WALK-IN COOLER DOOR IN REAR KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers.

MINORSanitation
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

OBSERVED A STYROFOAM CUP STORED INSIDE SEASONING CONTAINER LOCATED UNDER PREP TABLE BY WALK-IN COOLER DOOR AND A STYROFOAM CUP BEING USED AS A SCOOP. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER UTENSILS FOR FOOD PREPARATION OR SCOOP WITH HANDLE AND STORE UTENSIL PROPERLY.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED DRAINING PIPE LINE FROM DISHWASHING MACHINE DIRECTLY CONNECTED TO FLOOR DRAINING WITH NO AIR GAP BETWEEN. ALSO, OBSERVED DRAINING PIPE WAS COVERED BY A PLASTIC CUP AND DIRECTLY ATTACHED TO FLOOR DRAINING WITH NO AIR GAP LOCATED UNDER 3-COMP SINK AT FRONT BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE PLASTIC CUP ATTACHED ON DRAINING PIPE AND REPLACE/REPAIR & MAINTAIN.

NOV 10
2016
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

Walk in cooler shelving/racks that had peeling paint/rust shall be repaired/replaced.

MINORSanitation
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

Floors in bar area s, and in kitchen prep areas need re-grouting. Floors in bar area under 3 compartment sink not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners).

FEB 5
2016
PASSED
4 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

Cooler shelving/racks that had peeling paint/rust, shall be repaired/replaced. Caulk around dish machine area, exposed hand sink, and prep table in state of disrepair, shall be repaired/replaced. Cutting boards that had deep cuts shall repaired/replaced.

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

Walk in cooler shelving/cooler not clean, need detailed cleaning, cooler shelving, kitchen storage shelving not clean, need detailed cleaning.

MINORSanitation
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

Floors under heavy equipment, cooking equipment not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners).

MINORSanitation
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

Walls that had peeling paint in rear kitchen prep area, shall be repaired/sealed.

OCT 8
2015
PASSED
3 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

NOTED THORN RUBBER GASKETS ON DOOR OF THE SERVICE COOLER AT THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT. MUST ALSO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FLOOR DRAINS ESPECIALLY UNDERNEATH THE DISH WASHING AREA.

MINORSanitation
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

NOTED ICE SCOOP AND CONTAINER INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE AT THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ICE SCOOP HOLDER FOR THE ICE MACHINE.

OCT 2
2015
FAILED
5 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
HANDS WASHED AND CLEANED, GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES; NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS.

NOTED EMPLOYEE WASHING HANDS WITH GLOVES ON AT THE PREP SINK OF THE KITCHEN PREP WHILE PREPARING AND HANDLING READY TO EAT FOOD. SAME EMPLOYEE CONTINUED PREPARING FOOD WITHOUT CHANGING GLOVES OR WASHING HANDS; WHILE OTHER EMPLOYEES AT THE SAME TIME WHILE WEARING GLOVES MOVED FROM THE PREP AREA TO THE WALK IN COOLER AND OPENED THE COOLER WITH GLOVES ON, THEN BACK TO THE PREP AREA WITHOUT CHANGING GLOVES OR WASHING HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO WASH HANDS AND CHANGE GLOVE AT ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED FOR CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-010(A)

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED

NOTED EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK AT THE REAR IN POOR REPAIR WITH BROKEN PIPPING AT THE BOTTOM OF PIPE.AS A RESULT HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER WAS TURNED OFF.ALSO NOTED NO HOT AND COLD RUNNING AT THE COFFEE PREP AREA. MANAGER ALSO STATED THAT WATER WAS TURNED OFF BECAUSE THEY PLAN TO CLOSE COFFEE STATION.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND MUST HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT HAND WASH SINKS ALWAYS. CITATION ISSUED FOR CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-030

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

NOTED THORN RUBBER GASKETS ON DOOR OF THE SERVICE COOLER AT THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT. MUST ALSO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FLOOR DRAINS ESPECIALLY UNDERNEATH THE DISH WASHING AREA.

MINORSanitation
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

NOTED ICE SCOOP AND CONTAINER INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE AT THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ICE SCOOP HOLDER FOR THE ICE MACHINE.

JAN 16
2014
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORChemical Safety
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

MISSING LABELS ON BULK-FOOD CONTAINERS, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL.

MINORSanitation
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

ICE SCOOP STORED ON ICE CUBES AT BAR ICE BINS, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP OFF CUBES IN A CLEAN CONTAINER.

MAR 5
2013
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALFood Temperature
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. OBSERVED COOKED BLACK BEANS AT 44.1F, SHRIMP AT 43.7F, COOKED ONIONS AT 44.9F, CHEESE AT 43.9F, CHIPOTLE MAYO AT 45.2F, ROASTED BEETS AT 49.2F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 10# OF FOOD WORTH $150. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.

SERIOUSOther
* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED

NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON PREMISES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (BEANS AT 164.2F) ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD IS BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

MUST LABEL ALL DRY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS.

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED COOKED RICE STORED IN A PLASTIC GROCERY BAG LINING THE INSIDE OF A STAINLESS STEEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER IN THE STEAM TABLE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS.

MINOROther
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL PREP COOLERS.

JUL 26
2012
PASSED
0 violations

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 →

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