SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

RAINBOW TACOS INC..

BEAT. 35/100

5119 N LINCOLN AVE · LINCOLN SQUARE, CHICAGO

Last inspected April 7, 2025 · passed with conditions

Failed an inspection 2 years ago. 7 critical violations on the cumulative record. Recent enough to matter.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
7
1 passed · 5 w/ conditions · 1 failed
VIOLATIONS
36
includes 7 critical
RECORDS COVER
4 YEARS
since Nov 2020

INSPECTION HISTORY

APR 7
2025
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
9 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP WAS PROVIDED AT THE HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA AND INSIDE THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM.INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL HANDWASHING SINKS WITH HAND SOAP AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C),CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA AND INSIDE THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HAND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C),CONSOLIDATED WITH THE ABOVE CITATION.

MINORChemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM(NAME (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).

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

OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARD ON TOP OF THE FRONT PREP LINE COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

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

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT BASE OF FAUCET AT THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING ISSUE AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE EXHAUST HOOD AREA TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

APR 29
2024
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

4-501.12--OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

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

APR 25
2024
FAILED
9 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
MINOREmployee Hygiene
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

OBSERVED THE COOK PREPARING FOODS AT FRONT PREP AREA WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.

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

OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FAN COVERS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF DUSTS AND DETAIL CLEAN STORAGE SHELFS INSIDE SAME COOLER TO REMOVE STAINS AND MAINTAIN.

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED

OBSERVED ONE HANDWASHING SINK TO BE COMPLETELY IN POOR REPAIR;CLOGGED LOCATED NEXT TO THE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING ISSUE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.INSTRUCTED TO UTILIZE THE OTHER HAND SINK WITHIN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO WASH HANDS.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C),CITATION ISSUED.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED BROKEN SELF CLOSING DEVICE ATTACHED TO THE WASHROOM DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE SELF CLOSING DEVICE FOR WASHROOM DOOR AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED DIRTY FLOORS WITH SPILLED FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD-UP UNDERNEATH THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA AND WALLS/CEILING WITH STAINS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE EXHAUST HOOD AREA TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

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

MINOROther
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2570667 DATED: 02/02/2023 #47 (4-501.11) -- OBSERVED NO DRAIN PLUGS ON SITE FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DRAIN PLUGS. #51 (5-205.15)--OBSERVED LEAK FROM FAUCET OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR NOTED VIOLATIONS AND MAINTAIN BY 5/2/2024. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090,CITATION ISSUED.

FEB 2
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED

OBSERVED EMPLOYEE PICK UP SHREDDED LETTUCE WITH BARE HANDS AND PROCEED TO DRESS READY TO EAT TACO. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE THAT EMPLOYEES WEAR GLOVES AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.

SERIOUSEmployee Hygiene
FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED

OBSERVED EMPLOYEE HANDLE RAW MEAT WITH GLOVES ON THEN PROCCEED TO PICK UP WHOLE ONION WITH THE SAME PAIR OF GLOVES ON. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE USE OF GLOVES IS LIMITED TO ONE TASK SUCH AS WORKING WITH READY TO EAT FOOD OR RAW ANIMAL FOOD TO AVOID CROSS CONTAMINATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.

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

OBSERVED NO DRAIN PLUGS ON SITE FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DRAIN PLUGS.

SERIOUSEmployee Hygiene
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED LEAK FROM BOTTOM OF HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED LEAK FROM FAUCET OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED DAMAGED STRUCTURE ABOVE GRIDDLE AREA WITH LIGHT BULB FIXTURES BROKEN AND HANGING OUT OF SOCKET. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.

JUL 28
2022
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL HANDSINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER EQUIPPED WITH HAND SOAP AND HAND DRYING DEVICE ACCESSIBLE TO FRONT PREP/COOKING AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C)

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WOODEN STORAGE SHELVES WITH BLACK AND GREEN MOLDLIKE ACCUMULATION INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.

MINORSanitation
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN REAR OUTSIDE AREA BY THE GARBAGE DUMPSTER, NOTED SOME LITTER ON GROUND.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND REPAINT WATER STAINED CEILING ABOVE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA (ABOVE WALK-IN COOLER)

show all 7 inspections →
JUN 28
2021
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE EACH EMPLOYEE SIGN THE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE, INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYER AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE PAINTED STORAGE SHELVES.

NOV 6
2020
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY OBSERVED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-32-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE FLOOR BENEATH THE DEEP FRYER.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

REMOVE ALL NONWORKING AND UNUSED EQUIPMENT FROM THE PREMISES.

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 →

NEARBY IN LINCOLN SQUARE