SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

TAQUERIA EL CHARRO.

EAT. 77/100

6661 N CLARK ST · ROGERS PARK, CHICAGO

Last inspected May 9, 2025 · passed

9 of 14 inspections passed, with 5 critical violations on file.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
14
9 passed · 1 w/ conditions · 4 failed
VIOLATIONS
59
includes 5 critical
RECORDS COVER
7 YEARS
since May 2018

INSPECTION HISTORY

MAY 9
2025
PASSED
3 violations
DETAILS
MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE ON THE UTILITY SINK IN REAR UTILITY CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL TO ENSURE DEVICE CAN BE LOCATED, SERVICED, AND MAINTAINED.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF SANITARY NAPKINS IN ALL-GENDER STAFF WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.

MINORPest Activity
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED MOP IN A POSITION THAT DOES NOT ALLOW TO DRY PROPERLY AND PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. MUST STORE MOP AFTER USE IN A MOUNTED POSITION THAT ALLOWS FOR AIR-DRYING WITHOUT SOILING AND PEST HARBORAGING.

OCT 25
2024
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WATER RESERVOIR NOT CLEAN (INTERIOR TOP AND BIN). ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN UNIT.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

ALL EMPLOYEE WITHOUT CITY SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST OBTAIN FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE AND POSTED ON SITE,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE

MAY 29
2024
PASSED
8 violations
DETAILS
MINORChemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

FOOD MUST BE LABELED WITH A COMMON NAME

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

MUST NOT USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS INSIDE THE CHESTFREEZERS AND REACH-IN COOLERS. MUST USE WASHABLE CONTAINERS OR FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE PLASTIC BAGS. MUST REPLACE.

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

MUST PROVIDE A LOCKERS FOR THE CHEST FREEZERS,TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER STORED IN DINING ROOM AND ACCESSIBLE TO CUSTOMERS.DOOR MUST BE LOCKET AT ALL TIMES FOR FOOD PROTECTION OR REMOVE UNIT

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST NOT USE PAPER TOWELS AS LINER FOR SHELVING INSIDE THE REACH-IN COOLER. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE PROVIDED AT STAFF AND CUSTOMER'S WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

LIGHTS IN PREP AREA WITHOUT PROTECTIVE SHIELD, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SHIELDS OR SHATTER RESISTANT BULBS. OR PROVIDE END CAPS AT PROTECTIVE SHIELD AT PRESENT FIXTURE.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED ON SITE,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

ALL ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON SITE ARE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS CERTIFICATE IS VALID FOR THREE YEARS

APR 25
2023
PASSED
0 violations
SEP 8
2022
PASSED
4 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
SERIOUSEmployee Hygiene
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

: 5-205.15-- FAUCET/HOT AND COLD HANDLES ON THE KITCHEN/DISH HAND WASHING SINK ARE IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPLACE TO BE CLEANABLE.-----HOT HANDLE ON THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK STRIPPED. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR TO BE FUNCTIONAL.----LEAK UNDER THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK INTO A PAN. MUST REPAIR. 5-204.12-- NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE LOCATED AT THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK WHERE A HOSE IS LOCATED. MUST PROVIDE.

CRITICALPest Activity
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

5-501.115-- MUST REMOVE ALL PILED CARDBOARD BOXES AND LARGE PILE OF WOOD AND WOODEN PALLETS STORED ON THE REAR WALK-WAY TOWARD THE GARBAGE AREA TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORING.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-201.11-- -CRACKED/DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN THE KITCHEN. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

6-202.11-- MISSING LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE COOKS LINE. MUST REPLACE.

show all 14 inspections →
AUG 31
2022
FAILED
13 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
SERIOUSFacility Condition
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

NOTED SUNNY-SIDE-UP EGGS AND EGGS COOKED TO ORDER, NOT REMINDED AND DISCLOSED ON THE WALL MENU. MUST ADEQUATELY DISCLOSE AND REMIND FOR UNDERCOOKED EGGS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION WAS ISSUED.

MINOROther
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

NOTED ALL METAL STEM THERMOMETERS ON-SITE IN POOR REPAIR, EXTREMELY DIRTY, AND UNABLE TO READ. NOT CALIBRATED. MUST PROVIDE ACCURATE, FUNCTIONAL, CALIBRATED METAL STEM THERMOMETER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

MINORChemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS IE: SUGAR, RICE ETC. IT MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.

MINORSanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.

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

ALL STORED ITEMS AT THE FRONT PREP AND IN THE MOP CLOSET ROOM MUST BE STORED ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING ON FOOD CARTS, ON SHELVING INSIDE COOLERS, OR AS A BUMPER GUARD ON FOOD CARTS. ALL MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS: INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE OVEN, INTERIOR OF THE KITCHEN TALL REACH-IN COOLER, GAS STOVE TOP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE LOCATED AT THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK WHERE A HOSE IS LOCATED. MUST PROVIDE.

SERIOUSEmployee Hygiene
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

FAUCET/HOT AND COLD HANDLES ON THE KITCHEN/DISH HAND WASHING SINK ARE IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPLACE TO BE CLEANABLE.-----HOT HANDLE ON THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK STRIPPED. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR TO BE FUNCTIONAL.----LEAK UNDER THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK INTO A PAN. MUST REPAIR.

CRITICALPest Activity
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

MUST REMOVE ALL PILED CARDBOARD BOXES AND LARGE PILE OF WOOD AND WOODEN PALLETS STORED ON THE REAR WALK-WAY TOWARD THE GARBAGE AREA TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORING.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

EXCESSIVE FOOD SPLATTER ON THE WALLS AND CEILING THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN AND ON THE WOODEN SWING DOORS LEADING TO THE KITCHEN. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.----WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM AND THE REAR HALLWAY STORAGE. MUST REPLACE.----CRACKED/DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN THE KITCHEN. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

MISSING LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE COOKS LINE. MUST REPLACE.

MINORFacility Condition
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

THE PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2537730 ON 11-3-21 WAS NOT CORRECTED. #47- MUST PROVIDE A LOCK FOR TWO-DOOR REACH-IN COOLER AND CHEST FREEZERS IN THE DINING AREA EXCESS TO CUSTOMERS. THE DOOR MUST BE LOCKED AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

NOV 3
2021
PASSED
4 violations
DETAILS
MINORChemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

3-302.12 FOOD STORED INSIDE THE COOLERS MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME

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

4-501.11 MUST PROVIDE A LOCKER FOR TWO-DOOR REACH-IN COOLER AND CHEST FREEZERS IN THE DINING AREA EXCESS TO CUSTOMERS, THE DOOR MUST BE LOCKED AT ALL TIMES.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-201.11 FLOOR AT REAR HALLWAY BY THE KITCHEN NOT EASILY CLEANABLE, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR ISSUE

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-201.12 EXCESS GRIMES ON FLOOR UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND UNDER SHELVES, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

OCT 26
2021
FAILED
5 violations
DETAILS
SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED ICE/FOOD NOT PROTECTED. INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE UPPER WATER RESERVOIR, WITH BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE DRIPPING INTO THE ICE.ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE THROUGHOUT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

MINORChemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

FOOD STORED INSIDE THE COOLERS MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME

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

MUST PROVIDE A LOCKER FOR TWO-DOOR REACH-IN COOLER AND CHEST FREEZERS IN THE DINING AREA EXCESS TO CUSTOMERS, THE DOOR MUST BE LOCKED AT ALL TIMES.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

EXCESS GRIMES ON FLOOR UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND UNDER SHELVES, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FLOOR AT REAR HALLWAY BY THE KITCHEN NOT EASILY CLEANABLE, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR ISSUE

MAR 4
2020
PASSED
0 violations
FEB 26
2020
FAILED
1 violation1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

NOTED OVER 30 MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH SHELVES, INSIDE ELECTRICAL UNIT ROOM AND INSIDE HEATING ROOM WITH GREASE TRAP ALL AT THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY. INSTRUCTED TO CONSULT WITH PEST CONTROL COMPANY AND HAVE PREMISES TREATED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A).

JAN 28
2020
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE COOLERS, FREEZERS AND REFRIGERATION UNITS FOOD STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.

JAN 21
2020
FAILED
5 violations
DETAILS
SERIOUSOther
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

PREMISES SERVES EGGS,OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE STATEMENT FOR FOOD ITEMS/PRODUCTS OFFERED AND REMINDER * STATEMENT FOR THE FOOD PRODUCTS OFFERED. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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

NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE COOLERS, FREEZERS AND REFRIGERATION UNITS FOOD STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY AT THE DRY STORAGE AREAS, ROOM WITH GREASE TRAP, ROOM WITH UTILITY SINK AND THE REAR DRY STORAGE BY THE REAR EXIT DOOR. ---NOTED STAINED CEILING TILES AT THE REAR DRY STORAGE BY THE REAR EXIT DOOR AND DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND/OR REPLACE

MINORDocumentation & Training
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

NOTED THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #58 RULE #PA-100-0367 FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2261792 DATED 2/8/2019 NOT CORRECTED. NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-090

FEB 8
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
11 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-010(A) NO CITATION ISSUED

CRITICALSanitation
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT CLEAN UP POLICY IN PLACE AND KIT ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED -

SERIOUSChemical Safety
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

OBSERVED PREPARED TCS FOODS NOT PROPERLY DATE LABELED. MUST PROPERLY DATE LABELED FOODS WITH AN EXPIRATION DATE NO LONGER THAN 7 DAYS ON ALL TCS FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED. - - -

SERIOUSOther
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

PREMISES SERVES EGGS,OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE STATEMENT FOR FOOD ITEMS/PRODUCTS OFFERED AND REMINDER * STATEMENT FOR THE FOOD PRODUCTS OFFERED. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

MINORChemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

LABEL FOOD BOTTLES AND DRY FOOD INSIDE THE WHITE PLASTIC CONTAINER WITH COMMON NAME,ONCE IS REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL CONTAINERS - -

MINORFood Storage & Handling
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

MUST PROVIDE A LOCK FOR THE CHEST FREEZER AND TWO DOOR COOLER THAT ARE STORED IN PUBLIC VIEW/DINING AREA, OR RELOCATE UNITS

MINORSanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

WIPING CLOTHS ARE TO BE USED FOR A DESIGNATED PURPOSE AND STORED IN SANITIZER SOLUTION AND MAINTAIN PROPER CONCENTRATION

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

TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE TWO DOOR(RIGHT DOOR) OF REACH-IN COOLER,REPAIR/REPLACE

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

CLEAN GREASE FROM COOKING EQUIPMENT,ALSO REMOVE ALUMINUM FOIL/CARDBOARDS FROM UNITS AND SHELVES(THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN)

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE PROVIDED ON SITE,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. -

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. -

MAY 11
2018
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

OBSERVED FLOOR UNDER REAR STORAGE SHELVES CONTAINING TOMATILLOS UNCLEAN. CLEAN FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.

MINORFacility Condition
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

OBSERVED NO THERMOEMTER WITHIN 2 DOOR GLASS REFRIGERATOR RIGHT OUTSIDE KITCHEN DOOR. INSTALL AND MAINTAIN THERMOMETER.

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 →

NEARBY IN ROGERS PARK