TACOS EL JEFE INC.

Chicago Health Dept

6440 W DIVERSEY AVE · ELMWOOD PARK, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (May 2026).

6 inspections on record since 2023 · Last inspected May 2026.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

MAY 2026

INSPECTION HISTORY

MAY 5

2026

PASS 2 violations

Serious Sanitation

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

4-603.15---FOUND LARGE COOKING POTS IN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA UNABLE TO SUBMERGED IN A 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A WRITTEN DETAILED WASHING, RINSING AND SANITIZING PROCEDURE FOR FOOD-CONTACT EQUIPMENT THAT IS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED IN THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK FOR PROPER WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

2-102.13---OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING AND MAINTAIN.

APR 28

2026

FAIL 7 violations

Serious Food Storage & Handling

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS (COOKED CHICKEN, COOKED PORK CARNITAS, COOKED BEANS AND SALSAS ETC.) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE CONSUMED OR DISCARDED.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO DATE MARK ALL READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.

Serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

FOUND INCOMPLETE CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS WRITTEN ON THE MENUS ON THE FRONT COUNTER.INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED "RAW" OR UNDER COOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK (*) TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT STATES THAT EATING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD-BORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. (***SEE COMMENTS).

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED PACKAGED FOOD ITEMS IN REFRIGERATOR IN CUSTOMER DINING AREA WITHOUT ANY LABELS SUCH AS SALSAS, FLANS, JELLO, CHEESECAKES. MUST PROVIDE LABEL WITH NAME OF BUSINESS, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, NAME OF FOOD, NET QUANTITY, INGREDIENTS AND ANY ALLERGENS IF APPLICABLE.

Serious Sanitation

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

FOUND LARGE COOKING POTS IN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA UNABLE TO SUBMERGED IN A 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A WRITTEN DETAILED WASHING, RINSING AND SANITIZING PROCEDURE FOR FOOD-CONTACT EQUIPMENT THAT IS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED IN THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK FOR PROPER WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE IN THE REAR STAFF UNISEX WASHROOM.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON SAID WASHROOM DOOR.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATERSTAINED CEILING TILES INSIDE THE REAR STAFF UNISEX WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING AND MAINTAIN.

FEB 5

2025

PASS 2 violations

Minor Food Storage & Handling

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS CONTAINING BROWN SUGAR AND CHILES WITH NO LABELS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.

Minor Sanitation

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED SCOOPS FOR DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS BEING STORED DIRECTLY INSIDE OF THE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL UTENSILS BETWEEN USE.

OCT 15

2024

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 7 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

MUST PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK LOCATED AT FRONT SERVING LINE.

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT MULTIPLE HAND WASHING SINKS THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT. NO PAPER TOWELS WERE FOUND AT HAND WASHING SINKS LOCATED AT STAFF TOILET ROOM, REAR PREP AND DISH WASHING AREA. MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED. EMPLOYEE PROVIDED PAPER TOWELS AT HAND SINKS DURING INSPECTION.

Serious Sanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED PINK MINERAL BUILD UP INSIDE OF ICE MACHINE IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Serious Food Temperature

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES

OBSERVED CHICKEN AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 124F AT HOT HOLDING LINE. ALSO OBSERVED PORK CARNITAS AT 129F AT HOT HOLDING LINE. TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 135F OR ABOVE. FOOD DISCARDED VOLUNTARILY BY EMPLOYEE. FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS AT A COST OF $50.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED PACKAGED FOOD ITEMS IN REFRIGERATOR IN CUSTOMER DINING AREA WITHOUT ANY LABELS SUCH AS SALSA, FLAN, JELLO. MUST PROVIDE LABEL WITH NAME OF BUSINESS, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, NAME OF FOOD, NET QUANTITY, INGREDIENTS AND ANY ALLERGENS IF APPLICABLE.

Minor Sanitation

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

OBSERVED CLEAN PLATES IN FRONT SERVING LINE AREA FACING UP. PLATES MUST BE COVERED OR INVERTED.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE.

DEC 29

2023

PASS 7 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

6-202.15: OBSERVED SMALL OPENING BETWEEN DOUBLE DOORS OF FRONT ENTRANCE. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.

Serious Employee Hygiene

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

4-101.19: OBSERVED PLUMBER'S PUTTY AROUND INTERIOR DRAIN OF HANDWASHING SINKS IN MIDDLE PREP, FRONT DISHWASHING AND REAR DISHWASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE PLUMBER'S PUTTY NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES SHALL BE SMOOTH FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

4-601.11(C): OBSERVED DUST ON TOP AND BOTTOM SURFACES OF PREP TABLE IN MIDDLE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN PREP TABLE AND MAINTAIN

Minor Pest Activity

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

5-501.115: OBSERVED LEAVES AND WOODEN PALLETS IN OUTDOOR ENCLOSURE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE LEAVES AND WOODEN PALLETS FROM ENCLOSURE AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT AREAS FOR PEST HARBORAGE.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.11: OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES IN FRONT DISHWASHING/PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL STAINED CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Pest Activity

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.16: OBSERVED MOP DRYING IN BUCKET. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL MOP DRYING RACK FOR PROPER DRAINAGE AND DRYING OF MOPS TO PREVENT PEST BREEDING.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.12: OBSERVED SPLASHES AND STAINS ON WALLS IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA AND REAR EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALLS AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED STAINED INTERIOR OF MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN MOP SINK INTERIOR.

show all 6 inspections →

DEC 28

2023

FAIL 9 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN FRONT PREP AND FRONT DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO POST HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS.

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED SMALL OPENING BETWEEN DOUBLE DOORS OF FRONT ENTRANCE. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED NO BARRIER TO PREVENT CUSTOMERS FROM ENTERING INTO FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL BARRIER TO PROTECT FOOD PREP AREA FROM CONTAMINATION BY PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005

Serious Employee Hygiene

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

OBSERVED CLEAR PLASTIC ON RIGHT SIDE OF TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN FRONT PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CLEAR PLASTIC FROM RIGHT SIDE OF TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR, NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES SHALL BE SMOOTH FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY. OBSERVED PLUMBER'S PUTTY AROUND INTERIOR DRAIN OF HANDWASHING SINKS IN MIDDLE PREP, FRONT DISHWASHING AND REAR DISHWASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE PLUMBER'S PUTTY NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES SHALL BE SMOOTH FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED DUST ON TOP AND BOTTOM SURFACES OF PREP TABLE IN MIDDLE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN PREP TABLE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Pest Activity

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

OBSERVED LEAVES AND WOODEN PALLETS IN OUTDOOR ENCLOSURE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE LEAVES AND WOODEN PALLETS FROM ENCLOSURE AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT AREAS FOR PEST HARBORAGE.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED SPLASHES AND STAINS ON WALLS IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA AND REAR EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALLS AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED STAINED INTERIOR OF MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN MOP SINK INTERIOR.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES IN FRONT DISHWASHING/PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL STAINED CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Pest Activity

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED MOP DRYING IN BUCKET. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL MOP DRYING RACK FOR PROPER DRAINAGE AND DRYING OF MOPS TO PREVENT PEST BREEDING.

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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