FEB 10
2026
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
TAQUERIA EL JEFE LOCO CO..
BEAT. 43/100
4646 W CHICAGO AVE · HUMBOLDT PARK, CHICAGO
Last inspected February 10, 2026 · passed
Failed 3 of 11 inspections. 8 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
11
6 passed · 2 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
48
includes 8 critical
RECORDS COVER
6 YEARS
since Apr 2019
INSPECTION HISTORY
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
2-102.13---OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
FEB 22026FAILED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
FEB 2
2026
FAILED
5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROX.10 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE CORNER UNDER/AROUND THE FURNACE UNIT LOCATED IN THE SIDE FURNACE ROOM AND 10 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE CORNER UNDERNEATH THE REAR UTILITY MOP SINK. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM AFFECTED AREAS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE AND MAINTAIN.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILDUP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYERS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL, CLEAN, AND ORGANIZE THE REAR STORAGE ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES/UNUSED CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS/FOOD EQUIPMENT STORED IN THE REAR STORAGE ROOM MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES, AND ALL OTHER NECESSARY ITEMS MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6 INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
FEB 102025PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violationsDETAILS
FEB 10
2025
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violationsDETAILS
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE OF COOLING UNIT IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED NO LABELS ON FOOD CONDIMENT CONTAINERS/BOTTLES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF WIPING CLOTH ON THE FOOD PREPARATION TABLE IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED NO LIGHT BULB COVER/FIXTURE IN THE PUBLIC WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE POSTED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
#56 - CONTINUED NON-COMPLIANCE; CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM PREVIOUS REPORT #2596481 DATED 6/18/24, 6-501.14 OBSERVED VENT COVER MISSING IN THE BATHROOM AND DEBRIS/DIRTY LENT AT VENT. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AND CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
JUN 182024PASSED1 violationDETAILS
JUN 18
2024
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
6-501.14 OBSERVED VENT COVER MISSING IN THE BATHROOM AND DEBRIS/DIRTY LENT AT VENT. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AND CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
JUN 112024FAILED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 11
2024
FAILED
5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE
OBSERVED AN EMPLOYEE'S STYROFOAM DRINKING CUP WITH STRAW AND LIQUID CONTENTS ON THE COUNTER IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. NO PERSONAL DRINKING CUPS IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED PREPARED TCS FOOD ITEMS (COOKED CHICKEN, SOUP, COOKED BEEF) IN PREP COOLER WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATE LABELS (NOT TO EXCEED 7 DAYS) ON ALL FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN. MANAGER CORRECTED ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED VENT COVER MISSING IN THE BATHROOM AND DEBRIS/DIRTY LENT AT VENT. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AND CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 2576137 ISSUED ON 05/18/2023. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED. VIOLATION#38. NOT CORRECTED. OBSERVED THE FRONT DOOR IN POOR REPAIR AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO ADD A BETTER WEATHER STRIP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR TO PREVENT ENTRY POINT FOR INSECTS/PESTS. VIOLATION#53. NOT CORRECTED. OBSERVED WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF-CLOSING; SELF-CLOSING COMPONENT IS BROKEN/UNATTACHED. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR. ITEM #55. NOT CORRECTED. OBSERVED UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED, UNNECSSARY EQUIPMENT AND ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
show all 11 inspections →
MAY 182023PASS W/ CONDITIONS11 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 18
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
11 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED/SERVED (SUCH AS RICE, BEANS, CHICKEN). INSTRUCTED MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED/SERVED. INSTRUCTED MUST POST A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATION IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMERS AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED PREPARED TCS FOOD ITEMS (COOKED CHICKEN, SOUP, COOKED BEEF) IN PREP COOLER WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATE LABELS (NOT TO EXCEED 7 DAYS) ON ALL FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN. MANAGER CORRECTED ON SITE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED THE FRONT DOOR IN POOR REPAIR AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADD A BETTER WEATHER STRIP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR TO PREVENT ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FLOOR IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD FROM SHELVING UNITS. ALL FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF SOME OF THE REFRIGERATORS WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT, DEBRIS AND SPILLAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF-CLOSING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED THE FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT ALONG THE WALLS WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED, UNNECSSARY EQUIPMENT AND ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
JUN 242022PASSED7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 24
2022
PASSED
7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED AN OPENING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR LEADING TO OUTSIDE. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL TO HELP AVOID POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ENTERING AND HARBORING.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF ALL REFRIGERATORS WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT, DEBRIS AND SPILLAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED THE TOILET ROOM DOOR SELF CLOSING DEVICE BROKEN. INSTRUCTED THEY MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED THE FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT ALONG THE WALLS WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED UNUSED FLAT TOP, BOTTOM OF SHELVING COUNTER WITH WHEELS AND OTHER ITEMS IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ANY NON USED ITEMS AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND INSECT HARBORING.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED THE HOOD VENTILATION FILTERS AND THE HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF FOODS BEING COOKED AND PREPARED.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED THE A/C VENT COVER OVER THE CEILING FAN IN THE SEATING AREA MISSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER COVERING AND MAINTAIN.
NOV 172021PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
NOV 17
2021
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED BROKEN DOOR ON PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF-CLOSING. MUST MAKE SELF-CLOSING TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION ON OF HANDS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED HOLE IN CEILING ABOVE WATER HEATER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT PEST ACTIVITY.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN FOOD HANDLER TRAINING WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE.
APR 102020PASSED1 violationDETAILS
APR 10
2020
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT A HAIR RESTRAINT IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
APR 172019FAILED7 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
APR 17
2019
FAILED
7 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
**PREMISES HAS NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
**PREMISES HAS NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE OR SUPPLIES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED THE FRONT DOOR IN POOR REPAIR AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADD A BETTER WEATHER STRIP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR TO PREVENT ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED TO OF THE SINK STOPPERS IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A BACK FLOW DEVICE ON THE MOP SINK.
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
PREMISES HAS NO OUTSIDE DUMPSTER OR POOF OF SERVICE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-020(B).
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
PREMISES MANAGER HAS NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODE OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.
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 →