AUG 13
2025
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
15 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
TACO BROS.
BEAT. 31/100
1959 W CHICAGO AVE · WICKER PARK, CHICAGO
Last inspected August 13, 2025 · passed with conditions
Failed 2 of 9 inspections. 14 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
9
5 passed · 2 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
66
includes 14 critical
RECORDS COVER
4 YEARS
since Jul 2021
INSPECTION HISTORY
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA MUST BE PROVIDED AND MAINTAINED.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS, SUCH AS 3LBS. COOKED CHICKEN-56.3F.1LBS. COOKED RICE-44.9F.3LBS. COOKED GROUND BEEF-55.2F.2LBS. RAW STEAK-51.7F.2LBS. SHRIMP-54.7F. INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER AND REACH IN COOLER. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.APPX.11LBS. $100.(COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-005)
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE (SHAKERS,SQUEEZE BOTTLES,ETC
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
6-202.15 : OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT & REAR DOORS MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
3-305.11 : OBSERVED FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER MUST ELEVATE AND STORE PROPERLY TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED BOTTLED DRINKS STORED INSIDE OF CLOSET IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM MUST REMOVE AND STORE IN A PROPER FOOD STORAGE AREA.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
3-304.14 : MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE FROM SURFACES.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINET,GRILL TABLE,COOLERS,WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
5-204.12 : OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING WITH BAGS OF TRASH ABOVE RIM AND LIDS WIDE OPEN.MANAGER PUSHED BAGS OF TRASH DOWN INTO DUMPSTERS AND CLOSED LIDS TO BE TIGHT FITTING.THERE IS ANOTHER UNKNOWN DUMPSTER IN ALLEY NEAR THERE TRASH CONTAINER THAT IS OVERFLOWING.(COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B)(CITATION ISSUED)
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTERS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
7-38-060 Default beverage for children's meals. : OBSERVED A KIDS MENU WITH A DRINK THAT IS MORE THAN 130 CALORIES MUST BE LESS THAN 130 CALORIES.
JUN 182025PASSED11 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 18
2025
PASSED
11 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE (SHAKERS,SQUEEZE BOTTLES,ETC.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
6-202.15 : OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT & REAR DOORS MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
3-305.11 : OBSERVED FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER MUST ELEVATE AND STORE PROPERLY TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
3-304.14 : MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE FROM SURFACES.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
4-101.19 : MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS .
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINET,GRILL TABLE,COOLERS,WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
5-204.12 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
: 2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
7-38-060 Default beverage for children's meals. Inspector Comments: OBSERVED A KIDS MENU WITH A DRINK THAT IS MORE THAN 130 CALORIES.
JUN 112025FAILED18 violations6 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 11
2025
FAILED
18 violations6 CRITICALDETAILS
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE MUST PROVIDE AND MAITAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED, AND SERVED, SUCH AS (BEANS, RICE, CHICKEN, ETC.) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. (PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 4:23 P.M.(COS)
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS 2LBS. -GROUND BEEF-57.0F.25LBS. RAW STEAK-45.7F.2.5LBS. COOKED PORK-56.1F.5LBS. SHRIMP-60.8F.10LBS. CHICKEN-59.0F.2LBS. SHREEDED LETTUCE-46.4F.20LBS. COOKED BEANS-57.9F.INSIDE OF COOLERS.PRODUCT WERE DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. APPX.67 LBS. $325.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 4- DRAWER PREP COOLER AT 48.2F WITH TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE . A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG HAS BEEN PLACED ON UNIT. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNIT AT 41.0F OR BELOW.ONCE REPAIRED EMAIL:FOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE (SHAKERS,SQUEEZE BOTTLES,ETC.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C)(CITATION ISSUED)
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT & REAR DOORS MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER MUST ELEVATE AND STORE PROPERLY TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE FROM SURFACES.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS .
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINET,GRILL TABLE,COOLERS,WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
OBSERVED A KIDS MENU WITH A DRINK THAT IS MORE THAN 130 CALORIES.
AUG 192024FAILED7 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 19
2024
FAILED
7 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO BODILY FLUID CLEAN-UP KIT OR PROCEDURES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE BODILY FLUID CLEAN-UP KIT AND PROCEDURES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE IN STAFF TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE.
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE WASH AND RINSE UTENSILS BUT NOT SANITIZE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL DISHES AND UTENSILS ARE SANITIZED BEFORE USE AFTER CLEANING. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED VARIOUS TCS FOODS HELD AT INADEQUATE TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 48-52 F, LIKE CHICKEN OBSERVED TO BE 48F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD TCS FOODS ARE HELD AT A TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. MANAGER DISCARDED 4 POUNDS TOMATOES, 10 POUNDS OF CHICKEN ($50) PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION WAS ISSUED.
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
OBSERVED 2 COOLERS ON THE KITCHEN SERVICE LINE, BOTH WITH AN INADEQUATE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS HAVE AN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. COOLERS TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED MORE THAN 30 SMALL FLIES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY, INCLUDING IN THE DRY STORAGE MOP AREA, IN TOILET ROOMS, NEAR THE BAR AREA, IN THE KITCHEN, AND IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MINIMIZE SMALL FLY ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED FOOD STORED IN TOILET ROOM CLOSET. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL FOOD ITEMS FROM TOILET ROOM CLOSET TO AVOID ANY CONTAMINATION FORM. FOOD MAY NOT BE STORED IN TOILET ROOM.
show all 9 inspections →
SEP 152023PASSED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
SEP 15
2023
PASSED
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR LEADING TO DUMPSTERS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL PROPERLY TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED HANDSINK IN DISREPAIR IN THE FRONT BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DRY AND SPILLED FOOD DEBRIS NOTED ON THE FOLLOWING AREAS: FLOORS UNDERNEATH DRY STORAGE RACKS AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, BEHIND AND UNDER COOKING AND FRYING EQUIPMENT, AND WALK-IN COOLER FLOORS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER HAS 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.
JAN 212022PASS W/ CONDITIONS10 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 21
2022
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
10 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
BSERVED FACILITY FOOD HANDLERS PREPARING AND HANDLING TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS WITHOUT ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER AND CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST REMAIN POSTED ON SITE AND CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE DURING TCS FOOD PREP, COOKING, SERVING AND OPERATING HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED NO LABEL FOR BULK SUGAR STORAGE CONTAINER STORED ON THE SHELF NEAR THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTH LAYING ON THE COUNTERS OF THE FOOD PREP AREAS. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING. OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON THE SHELF IN THE ONE DOOR COOLER IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED BREAD STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE IN THE KITCHEN SOILED WITH FOOD DERBIS AND SPLASH. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR EMPLOYEES ON SITE. INSTRCUTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON FILE.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.
MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
OBSERVED NO RECORDS OF VACCINATION STATUS OF EMPLOYEES ON SITE. INSTRCUTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON FILE.
MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROTOCOL ON THE PROCEDURE ON VERIFYING PROOF OF VACCINATION CARDS FOR THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON FILE.
JUL 22021PASSED1 violationDETAILS
JUL 2
2021
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
FOUND MIDDLE BASIN AT REAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LEAKING FROM DRAIN PIPE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
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 →