Chicago
73
YOUR CALL

Tacos El Paraiso

3225 N Harlem Ave, Chicago, IL 60634 · Portage Park · Restaurant · High risk
YOUR CALL
73/100

Passed most recently but 3 prior failures on record

Inspections
13
6 passed
Last Inspected
2026-03-06
Pass Rate
46%
3 failures
Score
73/100
YOUR CALL
5 consecutive passes, most recently 2026-03-06
Failed 3 inspections (2022, 2020, 2018)
Sanitation issues found across 33 inspections
Documentation & Training issues found across 5 inspections
Issues were corrected on re-inspection
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Sanitation critical 33×
📌
Other serious
📋
Documentation & Training critical
🐀
Pest Activity minor
🔧
Facility Condition minor
📦
Food Storage & Handling serious
Chemical Safety minor
🚰
Plumbing & Waste minor
2026-03-06 Pass Canvass
3
minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE OF 4-DOOR PREP COOLER IN REAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED TORN GASKET AT 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR. MUST REPAIR.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ALL WALLS OF MAIN PREP AREA, REAR PREP AREA AND REAR BY THE MOP SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

2025-03-11 Pass Canvass
3
minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED LARGE HOLE IN WALL BEHIND WATER HEATER IN KITCHEN. MUST SEAL HOLE.

minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED DUSTY FILTERS AT VENTILATION HOOD. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED ONE EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. MUST PROVIDE CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTICATE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.

2024-08-02 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
2
serious Other

FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED

OBSERVED CONDENSATION DRIPPING DIRECTLY ONTO UNCOVERED COOKED CHICKEN IN REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD FOOD. FOOD MUST BE COVERED TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED CLUTTER WITH CARD BOARD AND PARTICLES MAINLY BY MOP SINK, REAR STORAGE ROOM AND BY REAR DOOR ON TOP OF CHEST FREEZERS. MUST REMOVE ITEMS.

2023-09-19 Pass Canvass
5
minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED TORN GASKET AT 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN KITCHEN. MUST REPAIR.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS IN CORNERS, ALONG WALLS AND UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OPEN CRACK ABOVE HAND SINK IN TOILET ROOM.

minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON FILTERS AT VENTILATION HOOD. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED ONE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE WHICH WAS EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.

2022-12-20 Pass Canvass Re-Inspection

No violations found.

2022-12-13 Fail Canvass
3
serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

FOUND REMINDER DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS NOT PROPERLY WRITTEN INSIDE MENU.PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005.MUST PROVIDE.

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

FOUND INTERIOR OF COOLERS NOT CLEAN.MUST CLEAN.

minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

FOOD HANDLER AT PREMISES WITH NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE.

2021-07-28 Pass Canvass
6
minor Sanitation

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.

minor Other

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES (SPOONS,FORKS ETC.) AT FRONT COUNTER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE (HANDLES-UP).

minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE REAR 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE KITCHEN STORAGE RACKS, PREP TABLES, FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE CHEST FREEZER AND PREP COOLER, STEAM TABLE, AND DEEP FRYER.

minor Pest Activity

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE REAR UTILITY MOP SINK AREA AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE MOPS,BROOMS CLEANING EQUIPMENTS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING.

minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.

2020-09-08 Pass Complaint Re-Inspection
3
minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE.

minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BROKEN RUBBER GASKET AROUND 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN PREP/COOKING AREA.

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAINT RUSTY METAL RACKS INSIDE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN PREP/COOKING AREA.

2020-09-01 Fail Complaint
4
minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE.

minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BROKEN RUBBER GASKET AROUND 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN PREP/COOKING AREA.

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAINT RUSTY METAL RACKS INSIDE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN PREP/COOKING AREA.

minor Pest Activity

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 2365630 ISSUED ON 03-11-2020. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED #49 - INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, INTERIOR AND...

2020-03-11 Pass w/ Conditions Complaint
9
serious Food Storage & Handling

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL AND DATE READY TO EAT TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24 HOURS INSIDE COOLERS. MUST IDENTIFY PRODUCT SHELF LIFE OR "CONSUME BY" DATING (7 DAYS FROM PREPARATION DATE). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED

minor Other

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.

minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL FOOD CONTAINERS/BINS (SUGAR, SALT, FLOUR ETC) IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME.

minor Sanitation

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTH IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION.

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF PREP AND REACH-IN COOLERS, EXTERIOR SIDES OF FOOD CONTAINERS, PREP AND STORAGE SHELVES.

minor Pest Activity

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS STORED IN REAR STORAGE AND IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT PREP/COOKING AREA,DISH WASHING AREA AND IN REAR STORAGE AREA.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALL WITH DRIED FOOD SPILLAGE AROUND PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

CLEANING EQUIPMENT (BROOMS, MOPS ETC) MUST BE STORED OFF THE FLOOR.

2019-07-03 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
CRITICAL 6
critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED INCOMPLETE CLEAN UP KIT ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO HAVE A COMPLETE CLEAN UP KIT ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION--7-38=005 NO CITATION ISSUED

serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

OBSERVED CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU NOTICED NO DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER .INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PUT DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED

minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVER ON GARBAGE RECEPTACLE IN THE RESTROOM.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A COVER FOR GARBAGE RECEPTACLE. CORE VIOLATION

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN THE DINING ROOM.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR FLOOR TILES IN DINING ROOM CORE VIOLATION

minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED LIGHTS AND SHIELDS MISSING FROM THE REAR OF KITCHEN.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE SHIELDS AND BULBS CORE VIOLATION

minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED FILTERS MISSING FROM HOT LINE HOOD.INSTRUCTED MANAGENENT TO REPLACE MISSING FILTERS. CORE VIOLATION

2018-10-15 Pass w/ Conditions License Re-Inspection
CRITICAL 2
critical Documentation & Training

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

2-201.11 OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE A EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012(a) NO CITATION ISSUED

critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

2-501.11 OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP POLICY ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE A CLEAN UP POLICY

2018-09-27 Fail License
CRITICAL 9
critical Documentation & Training

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

2-201.11 OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE A EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012(a) NO CITATION ISSUED

critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

2-501.11 OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP POLICY ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE A CLEAN UP POLICY

serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

3-306.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU FOR BREAKFAST ITEMS.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PUT CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU FOR UNDERCOOKED ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED

minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

3-306.11 OBSERVED NO BARRIER LEADING INTO THE KITCHEN TO PREVENT THE CUSTOMER FROM CONTAMINATING THE FOOD.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PUT UP A BARRIER LEADING INTO THE KITCHEN. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-203.14 OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTER AT THE MOPSINK.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INSTALL A BACKFLOW DEVICE AT MOPSINK. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(c) NO CITATION ISSUED

minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

6-501.19 OBSERVED TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING .INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO GET A SELF CLOSING DEVICE FOR RESTROOM DOOR. CORE

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-201.13 OBSERVED COVING MISSING FROM WALL IN FRONT OF HAVC SYSTEM.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE COVING.

minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

4-301.14 OBSERVED ROTISSERIE OVEN NOT UNDER VENTILLATION HOOD.INSTRUCTED NANAGEMENT TO ROTISSERIE OVEN UNDER VENTILLATION HOOD OR PROPERLY VENT OVEN CORE

minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

PA100-0367 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO GET ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION. CORE

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Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health · Score calculated from inspection outcomes, violation severity & recency. · How we score
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