TACOS EL TIO.
3734 W GRAND AVE · HUMBOLDT PARK, CHICAGO
Failed 5 of 19 inspections. 9 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
OCT 152025PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
3-302.12: OBSERVED TWO SQUIRT BOTTLES NOT LABELED ON THE PREP COOLER IN THE FRONT PREP/SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
2-402.11: OBSERVED TWO FEMALE FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
4-903.11 (A;B;D): OBSERVED SERVING SPOONS AND FLAT EDGE SPATULAS NOT INVERTED DURING STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT AND MAINTAIN.
5-205.15: OBSERVED THE PIPES UNDER THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR DISHWASHING/ PREP AREA AND THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK WITH LEAKS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
OCT 82025FAILED5 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED NO PROBE STEM THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
OBSERVED TWO SQUIRT BOTTLES NOT LABELED ON THE PREP COOLER IN THE FRONT PREP/SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED TWO FEMALE FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED SERVING SPOONS AND FLAT EDGE SPATULAS NOT INVERTED DURING STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED THE PIPES UNDER THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR DISHWASHING/ PREP AREA AND THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK WITH LEAKS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
JAN 142025FAILED2 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED OUTSIDE DUMPSTER LID UNABLE TO CLOSE DUE TO TRASH OVERFLOWING. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (B). CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
JUN 102024PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION, AT 2:10PM, WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED/SERVED AND STORED. CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT APPROXIMATELY 2:35PM. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED STAFF MEMBER WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS (TORTILLAS AND TACO SHELLS) IN GROCERY BAGS INSIDE COOLER UNIT IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE RESTROOM WALL ABOVE THE SINK WITH SMALL WHOLE EXPOSED WITH NO COVERING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/COVER AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED NO LIGHTBULB SHIELDING IN THE EMPLOYEE RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE RESTROOM VENTILATION WITH DEBRIS/DIRTY LENT ACCUMULATION/BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
show all 19 inspections →
JUN 122023PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED ICE SCOOP LAYING ON TOP OF TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ICE SCOOP HANDLE UP ABOVE ICE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
OBSERVED TORN GASKET IN THE 2 DOOR COOLER BY THE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE COOLERS AND REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH FOOD STORED INSIDE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS
NOTED SOME USE OF MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION AT THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST ALSO BE STORED 6" AWAY FROM THE WALL
DEC 52022PASSED1 violationDETAILS
2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
NOV 282022FAILED3 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU TO IDENTIFY WHICH FOOD ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE A STAR OR ASTERISK OR OTHER MEANS TO LINK THOSE ITEMS TO THE REMINDER STATEMENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO ADD THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE BEFORE THE REMINDER STATEMENT:"THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR MAY CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS." PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
OBSERVED THE PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY FROM 11/29/21 WAS NOT POSTED IN THE PUBLIC VIEW. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN VIEW OF ALL CUSTOMERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
NOV 292021PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
NO ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHILE PREPARING TCS FOODS (STEAK, CHICKEN, PORK). ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF PORK, BEEF, EGGS, AND CHICKEN (47.3F-63.5F). INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD APPROXIMATELY 20 POUNDS OF FOOD PRODUCTS AT A COST OF $400. ALL COLD HOLDING FOODS MUST BE 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED IMPROPER AIR TEMPERATURE INSIDE PREP COOLER OF 51.2F. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT FOR MAINTENANCE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND USE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATORS IN LIEU OF PREP COOLER. COOLER HAS BEEN TAGGED FOR RE-INSPECTION. PRIORITY. 7-38-005. CITAITON ISSUED.
OBSERVED WATER SLOW DRAINING AT HANDWASHING SINK INSIDE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED 2 CORE VIOLATIONS FROM INSPECTION #2288720 ON 5/13/19 NOT CORRECTED " PREMISES HAS NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW." PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. NO CITATION ISSUED.
MAR 122020PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO KIT AND PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA. LEFT ONE PAGER AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN A KIT WITH ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES INCLUDING A SANITIZER EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS AND A WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS IN COOLERS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM LOCATED IN REAR OF FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
REPEAT CORE VIOLATION. SEE #60.
REPEAT CORE VIOLATION. SEE VIOLATION #60.
OBSERVED 2 CORE VIOLATIONS FROM INSPECTION #2288720 ON 5/13/19 NOT CORRECTED: "INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW." " PREMISES HAS NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW." PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
MAY 132019PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
**NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-010.
**PREMISES HAS NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.
NOTED THE RUBBER GASKET AROUND THE FRONT PREP COOLER DOOR IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FREEZER TO REMOVE SPILLS AND/OR DEBRIS.
NOTED OPENINGS ALONG THE WALL BASE IN THE REAR KITCHEN. MUST SEAL TO PREVENT ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.
INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.
PREMISES HAS NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.
JAN 292018FAILED5 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE FROM2:00PM TO 2:35PM WHEN FOODS I.E. TACO AND BURRITOS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION-7-38-012 CERTIFIED MANAGER CAME IN AT 2:35
PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOTED ON 6/2/2017 REPORT #2059573 NOT CORRECTED VIOLATION #38 OBSERVED LEAKY PIPE UNDERNEATH REAR EXPOSED HANDSINK.MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090
OBSERVED FRYER CABINET TO BE GREASY AT FRONT HOT LINE AREA.INSTRUCTED MANGEMENT TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FRYER CABINET.
OBSERVED OPEN WALL BEHIND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR WALL.
OBSERVED NO LIGHT SHIELDS OVER FRONT HOT LINE FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO AFFIX LIGHTSHIELDS OVER LIGHTS WITH CAPS ON EACH END.
JUN 22017PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED FOOD STORED INSIDE THE FRONT PREP COOLER AT THE IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES SUCH AS: 2LBS OF COOKED RICE AT 48.4F, 5LBS OF CHICKEN AT 45.9F, 1LBS OF COOKED PORK AT 50F AND 2LBS OF BEEF AT 47.1F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL OF 10LBS OF FOOD AT A TOTAL COST OF $275. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED #7-38-005(A).
NOTED A LEAKY PIPE UNDERNEATH THE REAR EXPOSED HAND SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
OCT 272016PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
MUST CLEAN BOTTOM COMPARTMENTS OF DEEP FRYERS,HAS GREASE BUILD-UP,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA
MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE AT PREP AREAS
OCT 252016PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
FOUND THE AIR TEMPERATURE OF THE PREP COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 57.9F,WHICH HAS POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS INSIDE COOLER,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR COOLER,CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
TOOK INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF VARIOUS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE PREP COOLER AND WAS FOUND AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 55.9F TO 58.6F,FOOD ITEMS ARE COOKED CHICKEN,57.5F,TOTAL WEIGHT 6LBS,TOTAL COST $45.00,RICE 56.3F,TOTAL WEIGHT 4LBS,TOTAL COST $20.00,GOAT 55.3F,TOTAL WEIGHT 1LB,TOTAL COST $10.00,PORK 58.6F,TOTAL WEIGHT 4LBS,TOTAL COST $40.00,EGGS 57.4F,TOTAL WEIGHT 2LBS,TOTAL COST $5.00,TOTAL WEIGHT FOR FOOD ITEMS IS 17LBS AND TOTAL COST FOR FOOD ITEMS ARE $115.00,FOOD ITEMS WERE DENATURED AND DESTROYED DURING INSPECTION,CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
MUST CLEAN BOTTOM COMPARTMENTS OF DEEP FRYERS,HAS GREASE BUILD-UP,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA
MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE AT PREP AREAS
APR 12016PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
MUST REMOVE RUST FROM THE GREASE TRAP AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK,INSTRUCTED TO REPAINT GREASE TRAP
MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE REFRIGERATOR UNIT AND 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER NEAR PREP AREA
MAR 252016FAILED3 violationsDETAILS
NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS AT THE 3 COMARTMENT SINK TO TEST THE STRENGTH OF THE SANITIZER ,WHEN SINK IS SET UP FOR WASH,RINSE AND SANITIZE,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030
MUST REMOVE RUST FROM THE GREASE TRAP AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK,INSTRUCTED TO REPAINT GREASE TRAP
MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE REFRIGERATOR UNIT AND 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER NEAR PREP AREA
JUN 22015PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
FOUND LIGHT BULB NOT SHIELDED AT FRONT REACH IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE.
FOUND NO MOP SINK WITH VACUUM BREAKER AT FAUCET. MUST PROVIDE.
FOUND CLUTTER AT REAR PATIO AREAS. MUST REMOVE.
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 →