LOS TACOS EXPRESS, INC.

Chicago Health Dept

3742 W MONTROSE AVE · NORTH CENTER, CHICAGO

Last inspected 2023.

9 inspections on record since 2018 · Last inspected Apr 2023.

Last inspected Apr 2023. Records may not reflect current conditions.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

APR 2023

INSPECTION HISTORY

APR 5

2023

PASS 3 violations

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-203.13 NOTED PREMISES HAD AN EXISTING MOPSINK THAT HAS BEEN REMOVED. INSTRUCTED TO REINSTALL MOPSINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER EQUIPPED WITH BAKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-201.16 INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE HEAVY WATER STAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE HALLWAY LEADING TO WASHROOM.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-201.13 INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLES ON WALL AROUND PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.

MAR 28

2023

FAIL 5 violations 1 CRITICAL

Serious Other

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

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

PREMISES LAST PEST CONTROL SERVICED WAS ON 06-24-2021. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CURRENT SERVICE. (MINIMUM PEST CONTROL SERVICE 2X A YEAR) INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CURRENT SERVICE AND A PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK WITH A COMPLETE CONTENTS ( CONTRACT/SERVICE AGREEMENT, SERVICE REPORTS, CHEMICALS USED ETC.) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (C) CITATION ISSUED

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

NOTED PREMISES HAD AN EXISTING MOPSINK THAT HAS BEEN REMOVED. INSTRUCTED TO REINSTALL MOPSINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER EQUIPPED WITH BAKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE HEAVY WATER STAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE HALLWAY LEADING TO WASHROOM.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLES ON WALL AROUND PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.

JAN 7

2022

PASS 8 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

4-904.11--INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT POTS/PANS IN KITCHEN STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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

4-501.11--OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE REAR 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-204.12--BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED AT UTILITY MOP SINK.MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.114--OBSERVED BROKEN UNUSED PREP COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNUSED EQUIPMENTS FROM THE PREMISES.

Minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

4-202.18--INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

6-202.11--INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD WITH END CAPS ON LIGHT BULB INSIDE THE KITCHEN PREP 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER OR SHATTER-PROOF LIGHT BULB AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

2-102.13-- OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

2-102.13--OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.

JAN 5

2022

FAIL 12 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT POTS/PANS IN KITCHEN STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE INSIDE THE REAR 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER. MUST USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE REAR 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILD-UP UNDERNEATH AND SIDES OF THE GRILL AND ON TOP OF THE COOKING STOVE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.

Serious Employee Hygiene

HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE

OBSERVED INADEQUATE WATER PRESSURE AT HANDSINK IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING ISSUE AND PROVIDE WATER UNDER PRESSURE TO HANDWASHING SINK AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030,CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED AT UTILITY MOP SINK.MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED BROKEN UNUSED PREP COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNUSED EQUIPMENTS FROM THE PREMISES.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD WITH END CAPS ON LIGHT BULB INSIDE THE KITCHEN PREP 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER OR SHATTER-PROOF LIGHT BULB AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.

DEC 16

2021

FAIL 6 violations 1 CRITICAL

Serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY OR REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE OR DESCRIBE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MUST INCLUDE THAT "THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED." PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 200 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM THE PREMISES. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.

Minor Facility Condition

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2453894 ON 10/27/20 NOT CORRECTED: 53 - OBSERVED BATHROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. MUST INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON BATHROOM DOOR. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090.

show all 9 inspections →

OCT 27

2020

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED BATHROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. MUST INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON BATHROOM DOOR TO PREVENT ANY OBNOXIOUS ODORS.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER NEAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER. MUST REMOVE JUNK AND CLEAN AREA.

Minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

OCT 11

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 6 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE WITH ALL NECESSARY ITEMS AS OUTLINED IN POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Serious Food Storage & Handling

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

OBSERVED REFRIGERATED TCS FOODS WITHOUT SELL BY DATE ON LABELS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOOD, PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD GREATER THAN 24 HOURS MUST HAVE SELL BY DATE ON LABELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Employee Hygiene

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

OBSERVED FOOD ONE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

SOME FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING CERTIFICATES NOT ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST HAVE CERTIFICATES WITH NAMES OF EMPLOYEES ON PREMISES.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.

APR 16

2018

PASS 1 violation

Minor Sanitation

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

Removal of excess debris on fan vent cover in two door reach in refrigerator. Instructed to still replace door gaskets on the two door reach-in refrigerator.

APR 13

2018

FAIL 4 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

Rear exit door not rodent proofed: Observed 1 inch gap under door at the rear exit door. Must install a door sweep to properly seal and rodent proof rear exit door. Serious violation# 7-38-020

Serious Chemical Safety

DISH MACHINES: PROVIDED WITH ACCURATE THERMOMETERS, CHEMICAL TEST KITS AND SUITABLE GAUGE COCK

Observed no chemical test kit on site at this time. Instructed to provide. Serious violation# 7-38-030

Minor Sanitation

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

Observed ripped door gaskets on the two door reach-in refrigerator. Must replace to provide a tight fitting seal at all times, and maintain. Observed excess debris on fan vent cover in two door reach in refrigerator. Instructed to remove debris, clean, and maintain.

Minor Sanitation

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

Observed mops and brooms stored on floor. Must store mops and brooms hanging at least six inches off the floor in between use during storage for sanitary purposes.

Public inspection records from Chicago Department of Public Health. Records current as of 2026-07-05. EatOrBeat reports records and does not rate restaurants. Source dataset →

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