APR 20
2026
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
TAQUERIA LA PAZ.
YOUR CALL. 69/100
5052 W ARMITAGE AVE · BELMONT CRAGIN, CHICAGO
Last inspected April 20, 2026 · passed
5 of 12 inspections passed, 3 failed, 4 passed with conditions. 6 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
12
5 passed · 4 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
52
includes 6 critical
RECORDS COVER
8 YEARS
since Jul 2017
INSPECTION HISTORY
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED DRY GOODS IN REAR WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL ITEMS ONCE REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PRODUCE COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE
MAR 52024PASS W/ CONDITIONS8 violationsDETAILS
MAR 5
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
8 violationsDETAILS
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE FRONT PREP COLD HOLDING UNIT, SUCH AS 3LBS OF RICE AT 47.2F, 3LBS OF DICE BEEF AT 47.8F AND 4LBS OF BEEF AT 47.4F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 10LBS AT $50. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW . PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
OBSERVED PREP COOLER NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE 51.2F-55.7F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER AT 41F OR BELOW. PREP COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED SUGAR OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. 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.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
CLEAN THE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR UNDERNEATH THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. CLEAN THE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE WALL BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
JAN 302023PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violationsDETAILS
JAN 30
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED NO LABEL ON BULK FOOD ITEM CONTAINERS (BEANS). MUST PROVIDE COMMON NAME TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES. MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR CURRENT EMPLOYEES.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 6/6/2022, REPORT #2556817. #58- NOTED MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
JUN 62022PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violationsDETAILS
JUN 6
2022
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violationsDETAILS
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
OBSERVED AN INCOMPLETE CONSUMER ADVISORY FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOODS - THE ADVISORY IS MISSING A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ADD A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT TO THE CURRENT ADVISORY THAT SAYS "ITEMS CAN BE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR CONTAIN UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS". PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. MANAGEMENT UPDATED MENUS AT TIME OF INSPECTION.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
FOUND THE CHEST FREEZER LOCATED NEXT TO THE WALK-IN COOLER IN DISREPAIR; THE FREEZER LID HAS HEAVY RUST BUILD UP AND DOES NOT PROPERLY CLOSE/SEAL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE LID. ALSO NOTED TORN GASKETS ON THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKETS.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
FOUND A BURNED OUT LIGHT BULB INSIDE THE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE BURNED OUT BULBS AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
NOTED MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
show all 12 inspections →
MAY 112021FAILED9 violationsDETAILS
MAY 11
2021
FAILED
9 violationsDETAILS
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
MUST PROVIDE VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED RAW WOOD PALLET UNDERNEATH 2-DOOR COOLER IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROVIDE A NON-POROUS, SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS BEING USED AS A SINK STOPPERS. MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS. MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS IN A GOOD REPAIRED.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED SLOW LEAK FROM PIPE UNDERNEATH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED GREASE AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION VENTS AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED FOODHANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 6/14/2019 REPORT#2293577. #35 OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION7-42-090.
JUN 212019PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violationsDETAILS
JUN 21
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violationsDETAILS
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED
8-404.13(B)(3) PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #38 NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2293577 ON 6/14/19: 38 - OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 50 LIVE SMALL FLIES IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS AND DINING AREA. FLIES WERE OBSERVED ON THE WALLS, STORAGE SHELVES, CEILING, EQUIPMENT, BOXES OF STOCK, MENU BOARDS AND DUCT WORK AND IN THE FLOOR DRAIN IN THE KITCHEN. PRIORITY 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
JUN 142019FAILED11 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 14
2019
FAILED
11 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BOTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED AT THE FOOD PREP AREA AT THE FRONT OF THE RESTAURANT WHERE JUICES ARE PREPARED. MANAGER STATED THAT THIS PREP AREA WAS ADDED A FEW MONTHS AGO. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MOVE THE OPERATION TO THE SERVICE STATION OR REAR PREP AREA WHERE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS ARE LOCATED OR INSTALL AN EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE PREP AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24 HOURS NOT DATE MARKED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DATE MARK ALL READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE AND DESCRIBE WHICH FOOD FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED 13 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE CEILING OF THE FOOD PREP AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
CLEAN THE PREP TABLES, GRILL, OVEN AND PREP COOLERS.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
CLEAN THE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR UNDERNEATH THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. CLEAN THE SOILED CEILING TILES OF THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. CLEAN THE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE WALL BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
CLEAN THE EXCESSIVE GREASE ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
JAN 182018PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
JAN 18
2018
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED RUSTY SHELF WITH FOOD SPILLS/DEBRIS INSIDE REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED MISSING REACH-IN COOLER DOOR HANDLE AT REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED CLUTTER ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT WITH UNNECESSARY ARTICLES. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ITEMS 6-INCH OFF THE FLOOR AND BETTER ORGANIZE ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST BREEDING.
JUL 72017PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
JUL 7
2017
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE A DRAINBOARD AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE OPENINGS AROUND PIPES LEADING INTO WALLS AND CEILINGS IN REAR PREP AREA,GAP IN LOWER WALL BASE UNDER 3- COMP SINK,EXTERIOR LOWER WALL HAS OPENINGS AT REAR OF BUILDING,MISSING WALL BASES IN REAR AND FRONT PREP AREAS.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
Inspector Comments: MUST REPLACE MISSING LIGHT AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
Inspector Comments: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ALL ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN BASEMENT AND ALL ROOMS,REAR YARD (FRYERS,MOTOR CYCLE.
JUL 62017FAILED6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JUL 6
2017
FAILED
6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
OBSERVED AIR TEMPERATURE OF PREP COOLER AT 47.6F.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNIT AT 40.0F OR BELOW
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
OBSEREVD FRONT DOOR AND BASEMENT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED.MUST RODENT PROOF DOOR TO BE TIGHT FITTING.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
MUST PROVIDE A DRAINBOARD AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE OPENINGS AROUND PIPES LEADING INTO WALLS AND CEILINGS IN REAR PREP AREA,GAP IN LOWER WALL BASE UNDER 3- COMP SINK,EXTERIOR LOWER WALL HAS OPENINGS AT REAR OF BUILDING,MISSING WALL BASES IN REAR AND FRONT PREP AREAS.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
MUST REPLACE MISSING LIGHT AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ALL ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN BASEMENT AND ALL ROOMS,REAR YARD (FRYERS,MOTORCYCLE)
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 →