FEB 25
2026
PASSED
7 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
PACO'S TACOS.
EAT. 77/100
4311 S ARCHER AVE · BRIGHTON PARK, CHICAGO
Last inspected February 25, 2026 · passed
Passed all 10 inspections, but 6 critical violations on file.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
10
7 passed · 3 w/ conditions
VIOLATIONS
48
includes 6 critical
RECORDS COVER
8 YEARS
since May 2017
INSPECTION HISTORY
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED SOAP DISPENSER FOR HANDWASHING SINK INSTALLED ABOVE LEFT DRAINBOARD OF TWO COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE AND REINSTALL SOAP DISPENSER SO THAT IT SHALL NOT CONTAMINATE FOOD OR EQUIPMENT ON LEFT DRAINBOARD OF TWO COMPARTMENT SINK.
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
OBSERVED EQUIPMENT STORED ON SHELF UNDERNEATH WASTE WATER PIPE IN UTILITY CLOSET WITH HOT WATER TANK. INSTRUCTED TO ENCASE WASTE WATER PIPE OR RELOCATE SHELF AND EQUIPMENT ON SHELF TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION FROM PREMISES.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL USED AS LINER ON THE BACK OF FLAT TOP GRILL AND IN INTERIOR OF TWO DISPLAY CASES CONTAINING CHICHARRON IN FRONT PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALUMINUM FOIL LINERS FROM SAID PIECES OF EQUIPMENT NON FOOD CONTACT SURFACES SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED OF A CORROSION-RESISTANT, NONABSORBENT AND SMOOTH MATERIAL. OBSERVED SODA CRATES USED TO ELEVATE BOXES OF SODA IN BASEMENT WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NONFOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKETS ON BOTH DOORS OF SMALL TWO DOOR HOLDING UNIT ACROSS FROM COOKLINE IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR DAMGED GASKETS ON BOTH DOORS OF SMALL TWO DOOR COLD HOLDING UNIT ACROSS FROM COOKLINE IN FRONT PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET AT TWO COMPARTMENT SINK IN FIRST FLOOR REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET AT TWO COMPARTMENT SINK IN FIRST FLOOR REAR PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED UNUSED LARGE MEAT SLICER STORED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ITEMS THAT ARE UNNECESSARY TO THE OPERATION OR MAINTENANCE OF THE ESTABLISHEMNT SUCH AS EQUIPMENT THAT IS NONFUNCTIONAL OR NO LONGER USED.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED DIMLY LIT BASEMENT AND FIRST FLOOR WALK IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE LIGHT INTENSITY IN BASEMENT AND FIRST FLOOR WALK IN COOLERS. OBSERVED NO LIGHT BULBS IN HOOD IN FIRST FLOOR FRONT PREP AREA ABOVE COOKLINE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL LIGHT BULDS IN HOOD IN FIRST FLOOR FRONT PREP AREA ABOVE COOKLINE TO INCREASE LIGHT INTENSITY IN SAID AREA.
NOV 142025PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
NOV 14
2025
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED MILK CRATES USED AS SHELVING IN WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE CLEANING.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED LEAK AT FAUCET HANDLES ON 2-COMPARTMENT SINK IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
AUG 262024PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 26
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IN RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AND MAINTAIN.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED BACK UP AT THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK. WASTE WATER BACKS UP INTO ALTERNATE COMPARTMENTS WHEN THE MIDDLE COMPARTMENT IS DRAINED. OBSERVED SEEPAGE A TOP OF GREASE TRAP AS WELL WHEN WATER IS RELEASED, CAUSING WASTE WATER TO LEAK ONTO FLOOR. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED. (FOOD MANAGER CORRECTED ON SITE DURING INSPECTION).
JUL 282023PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
JUL 28
2023
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IN BASEMENT WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS FLOOR MATS AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED BLOOD ON FLOOR OF FIRST FLOOR WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
NOV 232022PASS W/ CONDITIONS13 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
NOV 23
2022
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
13 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING DEVICES AT REAR PREP / DISH WASHING AREA HAND SINK WHILE DISHES ARE BEING WASHED AND FOOD HANDLED AT THIS TIME. MUST PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES. TOWELS WERE PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION.(COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
OBSERVED A MALE DISH WASHER NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING MULTI-USE UTENSILS AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AT 0.0 P.P.M.. OBSERVED OVER SIZED POTS AND PLASTIC FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS BEING WASHED WITH A BUCKET OF SOAPY WATER AND TOWEL BEING USED IN MIDDLE COMPARTMENT BASIN TO WASH AND RUNNING WATER FOR RINSING UNDER FAUCET.INSTRUCTED MANAGER ON HOW TO SET UP SINK TO WASH,RINSE AND SANITIZE MULTI-USE UTENSILS.STILL OBSERVED DISH WASHER NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING DURING INSPECTION AFTER BEING TOLD.(COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005(C)(CITATION ISSUED)
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED APPX. 30LBS.COOKED PORK BELLIES WITH MEAT IN LARGE PLASTIC BINS ON REAR STORAGE SHELVES AND INSIDE OF FRONT SERVICE COUNTER HOT HOLDING UNIT.AT 67.1F.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER. MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE.APPX. 30 LBS. $.90(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF 2-180 LB.OF RAW CHEEK MEAT INSIDE OF LARGE PLASTIC GARBAGE CANS INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER RANGING FROM 47.3F-54.1F .2.5LBS. COOKED BEANS 64.8F.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.APPX.385 LBS.$.1,450.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION )(COS)
COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP
OBSERVED LETTER FOR LAB ANALYSIS WITH ONLY WATER ACTIVITY FOR PORK BELLIES MISSING PH RANGE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER WILL NOT SELL UNTIL FOOD ITEM UNTIL PROPERLY TESTED.(COS)
VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS
SEE VIOLATION #29.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER FOR CARNITAS HOT HOLDING UNIT.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD AT HAND SINK NEXT TO 2- COMPARTMENT SINK MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON STORAGE CARTS.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN FANGUARD COVER IN BASEMENT WALK IN COOLER AND INTERIOR DOOR PANEL IN 1ST FL. WALK IN COOLER.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED CRATES BEING USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN WALK IN COOLERS AND BASEMENT PAPER/DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA.MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED OVERSIZED POTS AND KETTLE TO LARGE TO FIT INTO 3- COMPARTMENT SINK BASIN TO PROPERLY WASH,RINSE AND SANITIZE. MUST REMOVE LARGE CONTAINERS OR PROVIDE A LARGER SINK .
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING.
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OCT 252021PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
OCT 25
2021
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
ATTACHED STOPPERS AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISREPAIR, HANDLES UNABLE TO CLOSE STOPPERS. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN, SMALL LEAK AT TOILET TANK. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
LIGHTS WITHOUGHT SHIELDS AT HOT HOLDING CASES FOR CARNITAS AND CHICHARRON. INSTD TO PROVIDE SHIELDS OR MAINTAIN PROOF ON SITE FOR SHATTERPROOF LIGHTS
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
ALL ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATIONS ON SITE ARE EXPIRED. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATION ON SITE
OCT 22020PASSED1 violationDETAILS
OCT 2
2020
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
WOODEN CRATES AND BLACK MILK TYPE CRATES BEING USED TO STORE CLEAN CILANTRO. INSTD TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS THAT ARE SMOOTH, AND EASILY CLEANBLE
AUG 202019PASS W/ CONDITIONS10 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 20
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
10 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP SIGNED COPIES OF HEALTH POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010, NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN UP KIT ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP KIT WITH ALL NECESSARY ITEMS AND SANITIZER EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HANDWASH SIGN AT HANDWASH SINK NEAR CASH REGISTER AND NEAR FLAT TOP GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO PUT UP SIGNS AND MAINTAIN.
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED IMPROPER DATE MARKING. INSTRUCTED TO MARK ALL READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOOD, PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS WITH DATE OF CREATION AND DISPOSAL DATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBERVED LARGE TRASH CANS BEING USED TO STORE PORK AND BEEF. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP ALL INGREDIENTS IN FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED SEVERAL LARGE COOKING POTS UNABLE TO BE FULLY SUBMERGED IN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE EQUIPMENT THAT CAN BE FULLY SUBMERGED IN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK OR HAVE WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR ALTERNATIVE MANUAL WAREWASHING EQUIPMENT.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF BLACK, SLIMY SUBSTANCE ON GASKET OF REACH IN FREEZER IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED NO LIGHTBULBS IN HOOD OVER GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN WORKING LIGHTBULBS.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST HAVE VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.
JUN 122018PASSED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 12
2018
PASSED
5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED. INSTD TO LABEL.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
LARGE 30 GALLON GARBAGE TYPE CONTAINERS BEING USED TO STORE FOOD (PORK, BEEF, ETC). INSTD TO USE PROPERLY DESIGNED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
CRACKED FLOOR TILES IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN TILES.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
NO EXPOSED HANDSINK AT FRONT PREP AREA WHERE CARNITAS AND CHICARRON HANDLED AND SERVED. INSTD TO INSTALL EXPOSED HANDSINK WITH HOT/COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE AT SAME AREA. LARGE MULTI USE POTS IN USE TO COOK CARNITA UNABLE TO COMPLETELY SUBMERGE IN BASIN OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE. INSTD TO PROVIDE MULTI USE EQUIPMENT THAT IS ABLE TO FULLY SUBMERGE IN BASIN OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
MULTI USE EQUIPMENT AND UTILITY SINK IN BASEMENT DIRECTLY UNDER LARGE EXPOSED BLACK SEWAGE PPIES. ANY STORAGE/EQUIPEMENT ETC, UNDER EXPOSED SEWAGE/WASTE PIPES IS PROHIBITED.
MAY 182017PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
MAY 18
2017
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
OBSERVED THE BASEMENT BOX FREEZER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST, AND CLEAN.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
OBSERVED THE WALK-IN COOLER NOT CLEAN UNDER STORAGE RACKS, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
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 →