TACO EL JALICIENSE.
2859 W CHICAGO AVE · WICKER PARK, CHICAGO
Failed 2 of 18 inspections. 21 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
AUG 222025PASS W/ CONDITIONS12 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-01)(CITATION ISSUED)
OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLER CHEWING FOOD WHILE HANDLING FOOD AT THE GRILL MUST EAT IN DESIGNATED AREA ONLY.
OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES BY FOOD HANDLER OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLER/DISH WASHER TAKE GARDEN HOSE OUTSIDE CAME BACK INSIDE THEN PUT ON GLOVES AND GOT AN ORANGE FROM WALK IN COOLER AND PLACED ON CUTTING BOARD,ALSO WENT INTO FREEZER AND PUT FROZEN SHRIMP INTO A PLASTIC BOWL WITHOUT WASHING HANDS MUST WASH HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAIMINATION.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE.OBSERVED A GARBAGE CAN IN FRONT OF SAID SINK AND 2- DRYING TOWELS INSIDE OF SAID HAND SINK ARTICLES WERE REMOVED DURING INSPECTION MUST KEEP ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER AND SEVERAL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS STORED IN HALLWAY OUTSIDE OF TOILET ROOM MUST ELEVATE FOOD FROM FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER AND PLACE CONTAINERS OF FOOD INSIDE OF PREP AREA TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.
MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON TOPSIDE OF EQUIPMENT AND SHELVING UNITS.
OBSERVED MALE EMPLOYEE NOT USING GLOVES PROPERLY.
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN/DEEP GROOVES ON CUTTING BOARDS.
OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING.
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
OCT 182023PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
THE PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT THE PERSON IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS (STEAK, CHICKEN, PROK, BEANS) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDSINK IN THE DISHWASHING/PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
OBSERVED A BROWN RESIDUE SUBSTANCE ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED FROZEN CONTAINER OF MEAT STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PLACE MEAT AT LEAST SIX INCHES ABOVE THE GROUND TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION OR PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SHELVING.
OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON THE PREP TABLES, COUNTERS, AND HANDSINKS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP WIPE CLOTHS STORED IN PROPER SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
MAR 222022PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD HANDLERS PREPARING AND HANDLING TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS (CHICKEN, PORK AND STEAK) 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.
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT THE HAND SINK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD. MUST MAINTAIN
OBSERVED WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE PUBLIC/EMPLOYEE TOLIET ROOM AND FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE STAINED CEILING TILES.
SEP 222020PASS W/ CONDITIONS1 violation1 CRITICALDETAILS
NO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE ON SITE WHILE HANDLING AND SERVING TCS FOODS ( CHICKEN, PORK...) INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012.
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AUG 122019PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
THE PERSON IN CHARGE PROVIDE PROCEDURE FOR EMPLOYEE TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY ITEMS GLOVES, MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
OBSERVED IMPROPER DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL AND MAINTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR OF KITCHEN. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES INSIDE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
JUL 232018PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
PREMISES HAS NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFCATE POSTED OR CERTIFED MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS STEAK, CHICKEN AND REFRIED BEANS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER HAS TO BE ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012.
NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH NEW RULES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CODE #2-201.11.
PREMISES HAS NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE. INSTRUCED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW RULES OR CITATION WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CODE #2-501.11.
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER USING HIS BARE HANDS TO PUT CONDIMENTS ON A CUSTOMERS TACO SUCH AS CHEESE AND TOMATOES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THERE IS NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOODS. PREMISES MUST USE GLOVES. PRIORITY VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED #7-38-010.
NOTED PRECOOKED FOOD ITEMS STORED INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY LABEL ITEMS WITH THE DATE AND TIME (FIFO).
NO ALLENGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY.
JAN 132017PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES OBSERVED ON PREMISES: OBSERVED BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOOD IN THE KITCHEN. FOOD HANDLER WAS PREPARING TACOS, TORTAS AND BURRITOS WITH BARE HANDS AFTER THE TORTILLAS WERE REMOVED FROM THE GRILL AND BEING PREPARED TO SERVE. INSTRUCTED STAFF MEMBERS THAT BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOOD IS PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES. EMPLOYEES MUST WASH HANDS BEFORE APPLYING A NEW PAIR OF GLOVES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-010
OBSERVED MEAT STORED DIRECTLY IN GROCERY BAGS IN THE REACH-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS TO PROPERLY STORE MEATS AT ALL TIMES.
MUST REPLACE THE ONE WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILE IN THE REAR ABOVE THE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
JAN 112016PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS STORED INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE: TWO CONTAINERS OF COOKED PORK WITH ONIONS AT TEMP OF 86.4F TO 87.4F; A COOKED WHOLE PIECE OF BEEF AT TEMP OF 51.4F; ONE CONTAINERS OF DICED COOKED BEEF AT TEMP OF 52.7F. MANAGER ON SITE STATED FOOD WAS COOKED IN THE MORNING AT 8am.COLD FOOD MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 40F AND BELOW.COOLER MAINTAINS TEMP OF 40.1F.FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED.POUNDS 8 ,VALUE 80 CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A)
RAW/POROUS WOOD SHELVES STORED INSIDE THE WHITE REACH-IN FREEZER,INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE. BROKEN LINER INSIDE THE REACH-IN FREEZER NEED TO BE REPLACED/REPAIRED.
MAY 142015PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
NEW CUTTING BOARDS NEEDED, WORN DISCOLORED WITH DEEP CUTS. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
FLOORS IN NEED OF CLEANING UNDER EQUIPMENT AND CABINETS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
LEAK AT P TRAP AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
ALL WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOULTION WHEN NOT IN USE. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT INFORMATION FOR MANGER FOR FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATION.
JUL 22014FAILED7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS WASHING HANDS IN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK WITH NO SOAP AND DRYING HANDS ON DIRTY APRON. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MONITOR EMPLOYEE HAND WASHING. HANDS MUST BE WASHED IN EXPOSED HAND SINK WITH SOAP, WARM RUNNING WATER AND DRIED WITH CLEAN PAPER TOWELS OR SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-010A CITATION ISSUED.
PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED PER MUNICIPAL CODE OF CHICAGO FROM REPORT #1401794 ON 3-10-14. 35-REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES NEAR WATER HEATER. SEAL HOLD IN WALL BEHIND UTILITY SINK. 26-REPLACE DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELD NEAR WALK-IN COOLER. 38-INSTALL BACK FLOW DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK. 43-PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOP IN HOLDER INSIDE ICE MACHINE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
REPLACE STAINED AND MISSING CEILING TILES IN PREP AND REAR AREAS.
REPLACE DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA AND NEAR WALK-IN COOLER.
INSTALL BACK FLOW DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK.
SEPARATE PAINT FROM BEVERAGES ON STORAGE SHELVES.
STORE ICE SCOOP IN HOLDER TO MINIMIZE BAR HAND CONTACT.
MAR 102014PASSED7 violationsDETAILS
CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE.
ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR IN PREP AND WALK-IN COOLER AREAS.
REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILE NEAR WATER HEATER. SEAL HOLE IN WALL BEHIND UTILITY SINK.
REPLACE DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELD NEAR WALK-IN COOLER.
INSTALL BACK FLOW DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK.
STORE MOP HEADS UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOP IN HOLDER INSIDE ICE MACHINE.
JUN 172013PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
MUST LABEL AND DATE COOKED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER IN REAR OF PREMISES
MUST REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS AT FRONT PREP AREA HAS OPEN SEAMS
MAY 312013FAILED9 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
AIR TEMPERATURE TAKEN OF CHEST PREP COOLER AT FRONT PREP AREA READS 51.6 WHICH HAS POTTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS INSIDE COOLER,COOLER WILL BE TAGED AND FOOD ITEMS WERE REMOVE FROM COOLER BY MANAGER ,MUST FAX A LETTER FOR TAG REMOVAL WHEN COOLER IS REPAIRED FAX# 312 746-4240 ATTENTION ARLEEN LOPEZ CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A)
FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS INSIDE CHEST PREP COOLER AT FRONT PREP AREA RANGING FROM 45.9 TO 47.2 FOODS INSIDE COOLER WAS CHEESE,STEAK, GROUND BEEF,FISH,SLICED ONIONS,TOMATOES,AND MEXICAN SAUSAGE ALL FOOD PRODUCTS INSIDE COOLER WHERE DENATURED AND DESTROYED AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION TOTAL WEIGHT 20LBS TOTAL COST $150.00 CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A)
FRONT AND REAR EXIT DOORS NOT RODENT PROOF DOORS HAVE A 1/4 INCH GAP AT BOTTOM OF DOORS MUST RODENT PROOF DOORS TO PREVENT RODENT ENTRY CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020
MUST LABEL AND DATE COOKED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER IN REAR OF PREMISES
MUST REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS AT FRONT PREP AREA HAS OPEN SEAMS
MUST DEFROST THE REACH-IN FREEZER IN REAR OF PREMISES HAS HEAVY ICE BUILD-UP INSIDE
CLEAN FLOORS BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT PREP AREA ALONG WALL BASE AND CORNERS
FOOD HANDLERS BEHIND FRONT PREP AREA NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS MUST PROVIDE
MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE AT FRONT PREP AREA
OCT 162012PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
Floors behind-under-around heavy equipments in need for cleaning, elevate the threshold at rear exit door.
Must provide,maintain a self closing device for the toilet room door.
Must provide,maintain a backflow prevention device for the ice machine.
Must properly store,maintain clean,soiled linen in a sanitary manner.
Must provide,maintain thermometers inside all refrigeration units.
JAN 62011PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
MUST PROVIDE SPACE FOR EMPLOYEES BELONGINGS TO BE STORE NICE AND NEATLY
All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. MUST PROVIDE LONG STEM THERMOMETER TO TAKE FOOD TEMPS
JAN 132010PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.FOUND NO SINK STOPPERS FOR THE 3 COMP SINK.
All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage.SHELVING BEHIND FRONT COUNTER REQUIRE DETAIL CLEANING.
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.FLOOR UNDER 3 COMP SINK AREA,INSIDE FURNACE ROOM REQUIRE CLEANING.
The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.REPLACE WATER CEILING TILES AT FRONT AREA.
Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENTS NOT 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 →