TACO JOINT.

Chicago Health Dept

158 W ONTARIO ST · RIVER NORTH, CHICAGO

Last inspected 2018.

15 inspections on record since 2013 · Last inspected Jul 2018.

Last inspected Jul 2018. Records may not reflect current conditions.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

JUL 2018

INSPECTION HISTORY

JUL 17

2018

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO IMPLEMENT APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN PROPER DOCUMENTATION OF COMPLETED TRAINING ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION: 7-38-012(A), NO CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO POLICY IN PLACE FOR CLEAN-UP OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MUST PROVIDE POLICY AND MAINTAIN REQUIRED CLEAN UP MATERIALS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION: 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED A MAJORITY OF FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES TO BE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST MAINTAIN CURRENT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATION AND PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF COMPLETION ON SITE.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON SITE WITH REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING REQUIREMENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367. NO CITATION ISSUED.

JUL 10

2017

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED RAW WOOD BOARD UNDER STANDING MIXER IN COOKING AREA. PAINT OR SEAL BOARD SO THAT IT IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

OBSERVED 2 LIGHTS OUT ABOVE GRILL. REPLACE BULBS AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING. OBSERVED 1 LIGHT SHEILD ABOVE GRILL. REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED HOT WATER HANDLE MISSING AT MOP SINK. REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Pest Activity

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED MOPS NOT HUNG TO DRY AFTER USE. HANG MOPS TO DRY TO PREVENT SMALL FLY BREEDING SITE.

JUL 13

2016

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

OBSERVED SLIGHT CALCIUM BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE UPPER PORTION. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE.

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

MUST CALIBRATE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR FOOD HANDLERS.

JAN 11

2016

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON PREP AREA 1-DOOR REACH IN COOLER CONDENSER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN COOLER CONDENSER.

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

OBSERVED ONE MISSING CEILING LIGHT COVER ABOVE DISHMACHINE. MUST PROVIDE COVER FOR CEILING LIGHT BULBS ABOVE DISHMACHINE.

MAY 8

2015

PASS 1 violation

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

MUST INCREASE THE WATER PRESSURE(HOT AND COLD) OF THE WASHBOWL SINK OF THE MEN'S WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN. VENTILATION IN BOTH WASHROOMS NOT WORKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

show all 15 inspections →

MAR 19

2015

PASS 1 violation

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

MUST INCREASE THE WATER PRESSURE(HOT AND COLD) OF THE WASHBOWL SINK OF THE MEN'S WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN. VENTILATION IN BOTH WASHROOMS NOT WORKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

MAR 12

2015

FAIL 5 violations

Serious Sanitation

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #1501526 DATED 11/5/14. #38-MUST PROVIDE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER ABOVE THE BAR TAYLOR BRAND FROZEN DRINK TO ENABLE ADEQUATE WASHING AND SANITIZING. CITATION ISSUED SERIOUS 7-42-090.

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

MUST CLEAN THE FLOOR INSIDE THE FURNACE/LOCKER ROOM FOR THE EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

HOOD/CANOPY WITH ACCUMULATED DUST. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

MUST INCREASE THE WATER PRESSURE(HOT AND COLD) OF THE WASHBOWL SINK OF THE MEN'S WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN. VENTILATION IN BOTH WASHROOMS NOT WORKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

MUST STORE ICE SCOOP ON A SEPARATE CONTAINER TO PREVENT POSSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.

NOV 5

2014

PASS 3 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

ALL PREPARED FOODS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER MUST BE LABELED AND DATED. ALL BULK FOODS MUST BE LABELED.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

MUST NOT USE RAW WOOD AS PLATFORM/BASE FOR STAND MIXER IN THE KITCHEN. WOOD OBSERVED WITH ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS. MUST PROVIDE A SMOOTH CLEANABLE SURFACE

Minor Sanitation

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

MUST PROVIDE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER ABOVE THE BAR TAYLOR BRAND FROZEN DRINK MACHINE TO ENABLE ADEQUATE WASHING, RINSING AND SANITIZING.

OCT 28

2014

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 9 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Sanitation

SOURCE OF CROSS CONTAMINATION CONTROLLED I.E. CUTTING BOARDS, FOOD HANDLERS, UTENSILS, ETC

OBSERVED CROSS CONTAMINATION OF READY TO EAT ICE. A BOTTLE OF TEQUILA WAS BEING STORED INSIDE OF ICE USED FOR CONSUMPTION BEHIND THE BAR. MANAGEMENT REMOVED AND DISCARDED ALL ICE. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A).

Serious Sanitation

FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION DURING STORAGE. OBSERVED BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE DRIPPING DOWN INTO ICE FROM UPPER WATER RESERVOIR OF THE INTERIOR ICE MACHINE. SAME BLACK SUBSTANCE ON SURFACES THROUGHOUT INTERIOR ICE MACHINE. ICE DISCARDED. MACHINE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL CLEANED, SANITIZED AND CDPH CONTACTED FOR RE-INSPECTION AND TAG REMOVAL. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A).

Serious Other

* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED

NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING INITIAL INSPECTION WHILE FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGER WAS TELEPHONED AND ARRIVED FROM ANOTHER LOCATION. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

ALL PREPARED FOODS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER MUST BE LABELED AND DATED. ALL BULK FOODS MUST BE LABELED.

Minor Sanitation

CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

TO GO CONTAINERS IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE MUST BE STORED INVERTED.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

MUST NOT USE RAW WOOD AS PLATFORM/BASE FOR STAND MIXER IN THE KITCHEN. WOOD OBSERVED WITH ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS. MUST PROVIDE A SMOOTH CLEANABLE SURFACE.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

INTERIOR OF UNUSED COOLER STORED IN FRONT BAR SERVER AREA DIRTY WITH FOOD DEBRIS. MUST STORE CLEAN. BULK FOOD CONTAINERS DIRTY. TABLE TOP CAN OPENER DIRTY.MUST CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

MUST PROVIDE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER ABOVE THE BAR TAYLOR BRAND FROZEN DRINK MACHINE TO ENABLE ADEQUATE WASHING, RINSING AND SANITIZING.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.

APR 9

2014

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 7 violations 3 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER TO BE IMPROPER BETWEEN 44.0F TO 46.0F. BEEF 46.0F,PORK 44.6F, CHICKEN 44.2F, DUCK 44.8F, BEANS 44.8F,SALSA CEVICHE 44.8F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 92LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $181.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. WALK COOLER HAS AN ADEQUATE TEMPERATURE OF 38.7F. CITATION ISSUED FOR CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-005(A)

Critical Food Temperature

SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME

NOTED EMPLOYEE WASHING DISHES AT THE DISH WASHING MACHINE WITH SANITIZER READING 0PPM (LOW TEMPERATURE) AT THE REAR DISH WASHING/PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE DISH WASHER UNTIL PROPERLY SANITIZING. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY SET UP THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND CALLED REPAIR PERSON FOR MAINTENANCE. REPAIR PERSON ARRIVED AT ABOUT 3:00 PM AND BY END OF INSPECTION DISH WASHER SANITIZER WAS 100 PPM. CITATION ISSUED FOR CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-030

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED

NOTED NO COLD RUNNING WATER AT THE HAND WASH SINK OF HOT LINE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. PREMISES HAS ANOTHER HAND WASH SINK BY THE HOT LINE WITH 25 FEET THAT EMPLOYEES CAN USE TO WASH HANDS. UPON RETURN TO COMPLETE INSPECTION TODAY 4/10/2014 HAND WASH SINK NOW HAS COLD RUNNING WATER. CITATION ISSUED FOR CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-030

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

NOTED HEAVY SLIM, DIRT, FOOD DEBRIS AND MOLD AROUND THE FLOOR DRAIN AT THE DISH WASHER ROOM. ALSO NOTED DIRTY STANDING WATER, GRIME,DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDERNEATH AND ALONG WALL BASE TO SAME. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN DRY.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

NOTED DUST ACCUMULATION ON CEILING AT THE REAR DISH WASHER ROOM, MOLD ALONG WALL WITH SILICON OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND DISH WASHER AREA INCLUDING THE WALL OF SAME. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA.

Minor Employee Hygiene

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

NOTED THE FOLLOWING: SLOW DRAIN AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK AT THE REAR DISH WASHER ROOM AND LEAKAGE AT BOTTOM PIPPING OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Food Temperature

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

NOTED A NON WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE SERVICE COOLER AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAVE ACCURATE THERMOMETERS INSIDE COOLERS AND PLACED IN VIEW FOR PROPER TEMPERATURE MONITORING.

DEC 13

2013

PASS · 0 violations

DEC 10

2013

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

INADEQUATE FOOD PROTECTION. FOUND 20 LB OF COOKED BEANS STORED IN WALK-IN COOLER AT INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF 56.3F. BEANS STORED IN WALKING COOLER IN A LARGE PLASTIC CONTAINER WITH A TIGHT FITTING COVER A DAY BEFORE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE AT 40F OR LOWER. FOOD ITEM DISCARDED VALUED AT $20.

Critical Food Temperature

SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME

LOW TEMP DISH MACHINE NOT DISPENSING ANY CHEMICAL SANITIZER AT FINAL RINSE, MACHINE WAS BEING USED DURING INSPECTION, NO TEST STRIPS AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SANITIZER CONCENTRATION FOR ALL DISH MACHINES. MACHINE IS TAGGED NOT ALLOWED TO USE, MUST CONTACT THE OFFICE OF CDPH WHEN REPAIRED FOR TAG REMAOVAL.

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

FOOD DEBRIS FOUND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

LOOSE FAUCET KNOB AT BUSSING/ CHIPS STATION, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.

JUN 27

2013

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE

FACILITY NOT MAINTAINING PROPER COOLING TEMPERATURE. FOUND PREP COOLER INTERNAL TEMPRATURE AT 51.6F AT MAIN FRONT KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP AT 40.0 OR LOWER. COOLER IS TAGGED, NOT ALLOWED TO USE, MUST REQUEST TAG REMOVAL INSPECTION WHEN REPAIRED.

Critical Food Temperature

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

INADEQUATE FOOD PROTECTION, FOUND SEVERAL FOOD ITEMS STORED TEMPERATURE DANGER ZONE. 8 LBS OF RAW CHICKEN AT 51.7F, 5 LBS OF RAW FISH AT 52.6F AND 4 LBS OF RAW BEEF AT 53.5F, INSTRUCTED MGR TO STORE SUCH FOOD ITEMS AT 40F OR LOWER. FOOD ITEMS DISCARDED VALUED AT $60.

Minor Food Temperature

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

COOLING UNIT IN WALK-IN COOLER WITH DIRT BUILD-UP ON EDGES, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

MISSING THERMOMETER AT PREP COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.

MAR 18

2013

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 5 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ITEMS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. 5 LBS OF COOKED SHREDED CHICKEN AT 57.4F, 3 LB OF COOKED BEEF AT 48.7F AND COOKED BEANS AT 48.5F. ALL ITEMS WERE STORED IN WALK-IN COOLER FOR A DAY OR MORE. INSTRUCTED TO COOL DOWN HOT FOODS PREOPERLY AND MAINTAIN AT 40F OR LOWER. LISTED ITEMS DISCARDED VALUED AT $40.

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

BULK FOOD CONTAINERS NOT LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

WOODEN BOARD USED AS A SPLASH GUARD NEXT TO SPRAYER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A NON-ABSORBANT MATERIAL THATS EASY TO CLEAN.

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

INADEQUATE LIGHING INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

LEAKY PIPE UNDER 3-COMP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.

JAN 10

2013

PASS · 0 violations

Public inspection records from Chicago Department of Public Health. Records current as of 2026-07-05. EatOrBeat reports records and does not rate restaurants. Source dataset →

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