APR 29
2025
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
TAQUERIA EL MALECON.
YOUR CALL. 61/100
2817 W IRVING PARK RD · NORTH CENTER, CHICAGO
Last inspected April 29, 2025 · passed
4 of 8 inspections passed, 3 failed, 1 passed with conditions. 1 critical violation across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
8
4 passed · 1 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
47
includes 1 critical
RECORDS COVER
3 YEARS
since Nov 2021
INSPECTION HISTORY
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 232024PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violationsDETAILS
SEP 23
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violationsDETAILS
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.
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.
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.
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 172023PASSED1 violationDETAILS
APR 17
2023
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
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 102023FAILED8 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
APR 10
2023
FAILED
8 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
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
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS (PREP COOLER, REACH-IN COOLER, WALK-IN COOLER)
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (RICE, BEANS, SPICES ETC)
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOFED BOTTOM OF FRONT AND REAR EXIT DOOR.
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN REAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA. NOTED DRIED LEAVES UNDER AND BEHIND GARBAGE DUMPSTER.
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.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE FRONT AND IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
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 182022PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
JUL 18
2022
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
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.
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.
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.
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.
show all 8 inspections →
DEC 12021PASSED7 violationsDETAILS
DEC 1
2021
PASSED
7 violationsDETAILS
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED ICE SCOOPE STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE OUTSIDE OF DIRECT CONTACT WITH ICE.
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.
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.
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.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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.
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 292021FAILED9 violationsDETAILS
NOV 29
2021
FAILED
9 violationsDETAILS
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED ICE SCOOPE STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE OUTSIDE OF DIRECT CONTACT WITH ICE.
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.
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.
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.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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.
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.
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.
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 222021FAILED9 violationsDETAILS
NOV 22
2021
FAILED
9 violationsDETAILS
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.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED ICE SCOOPE STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE OUTSIDE OF DIRECT CONTACT WITH ICE.
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.
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.
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.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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.
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.
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.
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 →