TAQUERIA EL MALECON.

Chicago Health Dept

2817 W IRVING PARK RD · NORTH CENTER, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Apr 2025).

8 inspections on record since 2021 · Last inspected Apr 2025.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

APR 2025

INSPECTION HISTORY

APR 29

2025

PASS 5 violations

Serious Sanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED INTERIOR GUARD OF ICE MACHINE WITH SOME DIRT, NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED BOXED FOOD AND BULK FOOD CONTAINERS BEING STORED ON FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED MULTIPLE CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP SCRATCHES AND STAINS ON PREP SURFACES THROUGHOUT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO RESURFACE/REPLACE CUTIING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED RUST ON STORAGE SHELVES IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE RUST AND ENSURE ALL NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES REMAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED HOLES SUROUNDING PIPING IN CEILING ABOVE HOT WATER TANK NEAR MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO SMOOTHLY SEAL ALL HOLES AND MAINTAIN.

SEP 23

2024

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE PROPER, RAISED SHELVING TO STORE FOOD CONTAINERS 6" OFF FLOOR.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

NOTED INDIVIDUAL TO-GO DISPOSABLE CONTAINERS AND BOWLS WITH NO HANDLE USED FOR SCOOPING SERVING FOOD AT THE SERVICE PREP COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TONGS, SERVING SPOONS, OR LADLE FOR SCOOPING FOOD.

Serious Employee Hygiene

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

NOTED LEAKAGE AT THE HAND WASHING SINK OF THE PREP AREA (COLD WATER TURNED OFF). ALSO NOTED LEAKAGE AT THE BOTTOM PIPING OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

NOTED THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #58 RULE #PA-100-0367 FROM INSPECTION REPORT #: 2573957 DATED 04/10/2023 NOT CORRECTED.FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE . INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

APR 17

2023

PASS 1 violation

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

FOUND INCOMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

APR 10

2023

FAIL 8 violations 1 CRITICAL

Serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

FOUND INCOMPLETE CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED "RAW" OR UNDER COOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK (*) TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT STATES THAT EATING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005

Minor Other

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS (PREP COOLER, REACH-IN COOLER, WALK-IN COOLER)

Minor Food Storage & Handling

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (RICE, BEANS, SPICES ETC)

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOFED BOTTOM OF FRONT AND REAR EXIT DOOR.

Minor Sanitation

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN REAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA. NOTED DRIED LEAVES UNDER AND BEHIND GARBAGE DUMPSTER.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REORGANIZE REAR STORAGE ROOM. USABLE ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE FRONT AND IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE . INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

JUL 18

2022

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP LINE COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED RUST ON THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST AND REPAINT OR REPLACE THE SHELVES.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT ICE MAKER.MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES AT REAR NEAR THE WALK-IN-COOLER AND PROVIDE MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS FOR LIGHT FIXTURES SAME AREA AND MAINTAIN.

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DEC 1

2021

PASS 7 violations

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED ICE SCOOPE STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE OUTSIDE OF DIRECT CONTACT WITH ICE.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN FRONT PREP AREA COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON DOOR OF COCA-COLA COOLER USED TO STORE DRINKS AND CONDIMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED STEADY LEAK FROM PIPE UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND 1 COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET REPAIRED WITH SHRINK WRAP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BOTH AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHTBULB IN CEILING OF REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

NOV 29

2021

FAIL 9 violations

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED ICE SCOOPE STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE OUTSIDE OF DIRECT CONTACT WITH ICE.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON DOOR OF COCA-COLA COOLER USED TO STORE DRINKS AND CONDIMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN FRONT PREP AREA COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED STEADY LEAK FROM PIPE UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND 1 COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET REPAIRED WITH SHRINK WRAP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BOTH AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AND GRIME ON FILTERS OF HOOD OVER HOT LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHTBULB IN CEILING OF REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Other

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED

OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2544573 DATED 11/22/2021: #25 " OBSERVED MENU CONTAINING ITEMS SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED SUCH AS EGGS AND CEVICHE WITHOUT REMINDER, DISCLOSURE, AND FOOTNOTE. INSTRUCTED TO ADD REMINDER, DISCLOSURE, AND FOOTNOTE ON ALL VERSIONS OF MENU FOR ALL ITEMS SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED." INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND COME INTO COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

NOV 22

2021

FAIL 9 violations

Serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

OBSERVED MENU CONTAINING ITEMS SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED SUCH AS EGGS AND CEVICHE WITHOUT REMINDER, DISCLOSURE, AND FOOTNOTE. INSTRUCTED TO ADD REMINDER, DISCLOSURE, AND FOOTNOTE ON ALL VERSIONS OF MENU FOR ALL ITEMS SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED ICE SCOOPE STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE OUTSIDE OF DIRECT CONTACT WITH ICE.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON DOOR OF COCA-COLA COOLER USED TO STORE DRINKS AND CONDIMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN FRONT PREP AREA COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED STEADY LEAK FROM PIPE UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND 1 COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET REPAIRED WITH SHRINK WRAP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BOTH AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AND GRIME ON FILTERS OF HOOD OVER HOT LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHTBULB IN CEILING OF REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Public inspection records from Chicago Department of Public Health. Records current as of 2026-07-05. EatOrBeat reports records and does not rate restaurants. Source dataset →

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