AUG 26
2025
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
TACO BELL #30404.
BEAT. 36/100
500 W MADISON · WEST LOOP, CHICAGO
Last inspected August 26, 2025 · passed
Failed 4 of 22 inspections. 16 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
22
10 passed · 8 w/ conditions · 4 failed
VIOLATIONS
50
includes 16 critical
RECORDS COVER
11 YEARS
since Apr 2014
INSPECTION HISTORY
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
FOUND NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR SANITATION MANAGER.MUST PROVIDE.
APR 242025PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
APR 24
2025
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
No certified food service manger on site, No certificate posted while handling and serving TCS foods ( beef, chicken...) instructed to obtain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012.
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED
Observed a food handler wiping a spill on floor then changing gloves to return to food production station without washing hands before putting on gloves. Instructed manager to have food handlers wash hands when required. Priority violation 7-38-010.
JUL 122024PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JUL 12
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
OBSERVED THE PIC WITHOUT HIS CITY SANITATION CERTIFICATE AS REQUIRED.
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS CHICKEN AND GROUND BEEF. INSTRUCED PIC A CITY CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON DUTY/SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED #7-38-012.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED MULTIPLE LEAKS AT THE 3 COMP SINK FAUCET AND PIPES UNDERNEATH. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FLOORS NEED CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS THOUGHT OUT TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY CERTIFIED MANAGERS AS REQUIRED OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.
AUG 282023PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 28
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
JAN 282022PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 28
2022
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
FOUND NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (BEEF) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7.38.010. CITATION ISSUED.
MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
FOUND DINE IN RESTAURANT WITHOUT A WRITTEN PROTOCOL FOR IMPLEMENTING AND ENFORCING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS ORDER. SUCH WRITTEN RECORD SHALL BE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION UPON REQUEST OF ANY CITY OFFICIAL AUTHORIZED TO ENFORCE THIS ORDER. PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER. 2021-2.
MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
PREMISES HAS NO WRITTEN RECORD OF EMPLOYEE VACCINATION OR TESTING STATUS PER OSHA STANDARDS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A WRITTEN RECORD UPON THE NEXT INSPECTION.
MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
FOUND NO VACCINATION SIGNAGE POSTED. FACILITY ALLOWS DINE IN SEATING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
show all 22 inspections →
JUL 152021PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JUL 15
2021
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES IN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF REPORTING AGREEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. SUPPLIES MUST INCLUDE ADEQUATE SANITIZER THAT ELIMINATES NOROVIRUS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES TO PROPERLY HANDLE BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED VENTILATION HOOD FILTERS ABOVE FRYER UNIT IN NEED OF CLEANING DUE TO DUST BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
SEP 142020PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
SEP 14
2020
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED INTERIOR SURFACES OF HOT HOLDING UNIT WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
JAN 272020FAILED5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 27
2020
FAILED
5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
OBSERVED PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (PICO, COOKED BEEF, COOKED CHICKEN, BEANS, CHEESE,ETC). INSTRUCTED TO HAVE AT LEAST ONE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WITH VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED. MUST MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.7-38-012.CITATION ISSUED.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP ON EXTERIOR SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT NEAR 2 DOOR FREEZER AND FRYING STATION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE
OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER THROUGHOUT FACILITY DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED WATER TEMPERATURE @ HANDSINK IN REAR PREP TEMPERATURE @84.0F, 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP/DISH AREA TEMPERATURE @ 86.4F, AND FRONT PREP AREA HANDWASHING SINK @80.9F. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HOT WATER @ ALL HANDSINKS @ AT LEAST 100F AND AT LEAST 110F AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING.PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON SITE FOR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
MAR 82019FAILED4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MAR 8
2019
FAILED
4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
NO CLEAN UP KIT OR PROCEDURES ONSITE FOR VOMITING OR DIARRHEA EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE KIT AND POST PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE
OBSERVED NO HOT WATER AT THE 4-COMP SINK (67F) OR AT THE HAND SINKS (54F) IN THE PREP AREAS AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT PLUMBER TO HAVE HOT WATER RESTORED. ADEQUATE HOT WATER IS TO BE MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES, INCLUDING THE CAPACITY TO PROVIDE HOT WATER AT PEAK HOT WATER DEMAND. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS AND WATER FROM FLOORS IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED FOR EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENSE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE COURSE AND KEEP THE CERTIFICATE ONSITE.
DEC 52017PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violationsDETAILS
DEC 5
2017
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violationsDETAILS
* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
Observed no City of Chicago food sanitation manager certification posted in facility. Observed no Chicago certified food manager on site while potententially hazardous foods (eggs, beef, etc.) are being prepped/served. Instructed must post City of Chicago food sanitation manager certification in plain view of customers. Instructed must have a city of Chicago certified food manager on site while all potentially hazardous foods are being prepped, cooked, and/or served. Serious violatio 7-38-012.
* INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS
Observed previous inspection report summary # 1995746, dated 3/17/17, not posted in facility. Instructed must have most recent inspection report summary posted in plain view of customers at all times. Printed and posted new summary during inspection. Serious violation 7-42-010(b).
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
Observed excessive debris on floor in corner under 3 compartment sink. Must detail clean and sanitize. Must maintain same.
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
Operator could not provided proof of food handler training for employees handling food. Instructed must provide proof of food handler training for all food handling employees. Must maintain records on site at all times.
MAR 172017PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
MAR 17
2017
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
Found small amounts of orange and brown, slimy, mold-like substances on upper interior of ice machine. Must remove, detail clean and sanitize machine. Must maintain same.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
Found excessive dust and grease build up on all floor under and behind cooking equipment and coolers in kitchen area. Must pull equipment out from the walls and remove debris, detail clean and sanitize areas. Found cracked baseboard tile along rear wall of kitchen, behind heat cabinet. Must repair. Must maintain same.
FEB 32017PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violationsDETAILS
FEB 3
2017
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violationsDETAILS
* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
Observed no city of Chicago certified food manager on site while potentially hazardous foods (beef, chicken, etc.) being prepped, cooked and served. Must have a city of Chicago certified food manager on site at all times while potentially hazardous foods are being prepped, cooked and/or served. Must have original city of Chicago certified food manager certificate posted at all times. Serious violation 7-38-012.
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
Found bulk food items (rice, pasta, etc.) not properly labeled. Must label all dry foods/bulk food containers with name. Operator corrected during inspection. Must maintain same.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
Found small amounts of orange and brown, slimy, mold-like substances on upper interior of ice machine. Must remove, detail clean and sanitize machine. Must maintain same.
FEB 172015PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
FEB 17
2015
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR TOP PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOORS UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
MUST REPAIR THE LEAK UNDERNEATH THE REAR HAND SINK.
NOV 52014PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
NOV 5
2014
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA
INADEQUATE HAND WASHING FACILITIES. NO PAPER TOWELS AT FRONT PREP EXPOSED HAND SINK. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030.
* INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS
NO SUMMARY REPORT GIVEN FROM 5-16-14 POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS CUSTOMERS. SUMMARY WAS FOUND INSIDE BINDER ALONG WITH BUSINESS LICENSE AND AND OTHER DOCUMENTS. GIVEN TODAYS SUMMARY AND POSTED. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-42-010(B).
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
INTERIOR WALLS OF THE WALK-IN COOLER DIRTY WITH BLACK DIRT/DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
WALK-IN COOLERS EXTERNAL THERMOMETER BROKEN. MUST REPAIR OR PROVIDE AN INTERNAL THERMOMETER.
MAY 82014FAILED3 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 8
2014
FAILED
3 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED
MUST PROVIDE ADDITIONAL HAND WASHING FACILITIES IN FRONT PREP AREA.(NO CITATION ISSUED)
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
NOTED EVIDENCE OF INSECTS ON SITE. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 15 LIVE SMALL FLIES RESTING ON WALLS AND FLYING IN REAR DISHWASHING/PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE FLIES,SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND HAVE THE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE AREAS. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
MUST INSTALL A BACKFLOW DEVICE AT THE COFFEE MAKER,THE SODA DISPENSER AND ALL EQUIPMENT DIRECTLY CONNECTED TO THE WATER SUPPLY.
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 →