APR 3
2025
PASSED
0 violationsSANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
TACOS EL REY.
BEAT. 27/100
9625 S EWING AVE · SOUTH CHICAGO, CHICAGO
Last inspected April 3, 2025 · passed
Failed 4 of 9 inspections. 13 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
9
4 passed · 1 w/ conditions · 4 failed
VIOLATIONS
58
includes 13 critical
RECORDS COVER
3 YEARS
since Mar 2022
INSPECTION HISTORY
MAR 272025FAILED5 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
MAR 27
2025
FAILED
5 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
HAND WASHING SINKS NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING, OBSERVED MISSING DRAINPIPE ON HAND WASHING SINK IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD AND CONTAINERS STORED INSIDE HAND WASHING SINK IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS FROM HAND WASHING SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND WASHING SINK IN MEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SOAP AT HAND WASHING SINK FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) SEE PREVIOUS VIOLATION FOR CITATION
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT HAND WASHING SINK IN FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS FOR PROPER HAND DRYING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) SEE PREVIOUS VIOLATION FOR CITATION
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE REACH-IN COOLERS IN FIRST FLOOR AND BASEMENT PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLERS.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
FEB 12024PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
FEB 1
2024
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED FOIL USED AS LINER ON BOTTOM OF TABLE WHERE SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES ARE STORED UNDER COOLERS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL FOIL FROM BOTTOM OF TABLE AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE OR UTILITY SINK IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK NOT SECURE TO WALL IN MEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED OPENINGS ALONG CEILING IN MEN WASHROOM, PEELING PAINT ON WALLS AND UNFINISHED CEILING IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED MOP HEADS STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY HANG MOPS TO DRY TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
JAN 242024FAILED12 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 24
2024
FAILED
12 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE EATING ON TOP OF PREP COOLER IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SEPARATE AREA OUTSIDE OF PREP AREA FOR EMPLOYEE MEALS.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS IN BASEMENT REACHE-IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE OPERABLE THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLERS AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED OVER 20 MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR BEHIND METAL PLATE IN BASEMENT FURNACE ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED FOIL USED AS LINER ON BOTTOM OF TABLE WHERE SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES ARE STORED UNDER COOLERS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL FOIL FROM BOTTOM OF TABLE AND MAINTAIN.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER CONCENTRATION IN SANITIZING SOLUTIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED FAUCET NOT REACHING ALL THREE COMPARTMENTS OF THREE CONPARTMENT SINK. INSGTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL LONGER FAUCET THAT REACHES ALL THREE COMPARTMENTS TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE FOOD EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON SLICER IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK NOT SECURE TO WALL IN MEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE OR UTILITY SINK IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED MOP HEADS STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY HANG MOPS TO DRY TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED OPENINGS ALONG CEILING IN MEN WASHROOM, PEELING PAINT ON WALLS AND UNFINISHED CEILING IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
APR 132023PASS W/ CONDITIONS8 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
APR 13
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
8 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
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)
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS 5LBS. COOKED PORK 49.5F.6LBS. COOKED BEANS 51.3F.7LBS. COOKED POTATOES 74.3F.1LBS. SALSA 74.1F.INSIDE OF 2- DOOR PREP COOLER AND 1- DOOR GLASS COOLER. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER .MUST HAVE COLD FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.APPX. 19LBS. $78.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 1- DOOR GLASS REACH IN COOLER AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER AT 73.6F. WITH TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE. AIR TEMPERATURE IS NOW AT 37.6F.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNIT AT 41.0F OR BELOW.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELF OF OUTDOOR PREP TABLE IN OUT DOOR PATIO.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR GASKET ON 2- DOOR FRONT PREP COOLER .
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN CONCRETE FLOOR IN BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA,BROKEN FLOOR TILES UNDERNEATH PALLETS IN SAME AREA,HOLE IN CEILING NEAR TOILET ROOM IN BASEMENT,HOLE IN CEMENT BASE IN FURNACE ROOM.
show all 9 inspections →
FEB 242023PASSED1 violationDETAILS
FEB 24
2023
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
FEB 162023FAILED20 violations5 CRITICALDETAILS
FEB 16
2023
FAILED
20 violations5 CRITICALDETAILS
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(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 (PORK,STEAK,BEEF RIBS,BEANS,ETC)MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 11:17 A.M. MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. (COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINKS ON SITE IN 1ST FL. REAR BAR /PREP AREA AND IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA WHILE FOOD AND DRINKS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED AT THIS TIME.MUST INSTALL HAND SINKS WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER WITH SOAP AND TOWELS AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOOD SUCH AS 11LBS. PORK ON A SPIT AT 51.6F.1LB.S COOKED BEEF RIBS 47.1F.AND 1LB. COOKED PORK RIBS 58.5F ON STEAM TABLE.1LBS. COOKED ONIONS AND PEPPERS 46.2F ON LOWER SHELF OF STEAM TABLE.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE, APPX.14LBS. $39.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER TO TAKE TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 75 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR AND WOOD LEDGE AT FRONT CASHIER AREA,ON FLOOR IN BETWEEN CLUTTER IN CLOSET AND FURNACE ROOM,DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS .1- LIVE ROACH CRAWLING IN BETWEEN WOOD BEAMS UNDERNEATH REAR BAR SERVICE COUNTER AND SEVERAL DEAD ON FLOOR UNDER BASEMENT 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 2/16/23.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR IN LEFT CORNER MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
MUST INVERT MULTIUSE UTENSILS ON LOWER SHELVES OF STEAM TABLES.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS USED FOR FOOD STORAGE MUST PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON BASEMENT 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER.OBSERVED RAW WOOD AT REAR BAR AREA MUST APPLY A SEALANT.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED NO 3- COMPARTMENT SINK WITH DRAINBOARD AT REAR BAR/PREP AREA FOR MANUAL WARE WASHING OF UTENSILS. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-025)(CITATION ISSUED)
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLE,COOLERS.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE OBSERVED SEVERAL HOLE IN BASEMENT TOILET ROOM DOOR,GAP BETWEEN FLOOR AND WALL BASE IN FRONT LOBBY AREA BEHIND PLANTERS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST REMOVE,ELEVATE OR REMOVE MASSIVE CLUTTER IN BASEMENT STORAGE CLOSET AND OUTSIDE OF SAME AND IN FURNANCE ROOM.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS ON LIGHTS IN FRONT PREP AREA.MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
MUST PROVIDE VENTILATION IN BASEMENT STAFF TOILET ROOM.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
MAR 242022PASSED1 violationDETAILS
MAR 24
2022
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED TORN AND DIRTY GASKETS ON REACH IN PREP COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
MAR 172022FAILED6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MAR 17
2022
FAILED
6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AS REQUIRED.INSTRUCTED THE MANAGER TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD.PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE TO PROPERLY RESPOND TO VOMIT AND/OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
OBSERVED PREP COOLER AT 54.4F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT PREP COOLER MUST HOLD AT 41.0F OR BELOW.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. UNIT TAGGED AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL CDPH IS NOTIFIED.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR ACCURATELY RECORDING AND MONITORING FOOD TEMPERATURES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED TORN AND DIRTY GASKETS ON REACH IN PREP COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE CLUTTER 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 →