AUG 13
2025
PASSED
6 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
TAQUERIA LOS FLACOS.
EAT. 86/100
3818 W LAWRENCE AVE · LINCOLN SQUARE, CHICAGO
Last inspected August 13, 2025 · passed
9 of 12 inspections passed, with 6 critical violations on file.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
12
9 passed · 2 w/ conditions · 1 failed
VIOLATIONS
41
includes 6 critical
RECORDS COVER
8 YEARS
since Sep 2016
INSPECTION HISTORY
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
MUST NOT HANG SOILED LINENS TO DRY ON THE HAND SINK SPLASH GUARD.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
NOTED A POROUS STONE PESTLE AND MORTAR BOWL AT THE CLEAN DISH STORAGE THAT IS UNABLE TO BE PROPERLY WASHED, RINSED AND SANITIZED. MUST REMOVE FROM THE PREMISES.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
MUST NOT USE CLOTH TOWELS AS A LINER FOR SHELVING AT THE BAR OR INSIDE COOLERS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
NOTED THE BASEBOARD WALL COVING UNDER THE COOKS LINE HAND WASHING SINK SEPARATING FROM THE WALL CREATING AN OPEN CRACK/CREVICE. MUST RESEAL.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
SOILED MOP HEADS MUST BE STORED HANGING OR INVERTED IN THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK.
AUG 212024PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
AUG 21
2024
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED SPICE CONTAINERS IN REAR SHELF WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL SPICE CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM(SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT BASE OF FAUCET FOR THE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
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 AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
OCT 302023PASSED1 violation1 CRITICALDETAILS
OCT 30
2023
PASSED
1 violation1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING HAND SINK IN THE DRINK AREA OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
OCT 62022PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OCT 6
2022
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT, ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
FOOD HANDLER WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CURRENT CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.
NOV 32021PASSED1 violationDETAILS
NOV 3
2021
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.
show all 12 inspections →
APR 142020FAILED6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
APR 14
2020
FAILED
6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
A SIGN OR POSTER THAT NOTIFIES FOOD EMPLOYEES TO WASH THEIR HANDS NOT PROVIDED ON EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS BY REAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.SIGNS SHALL BE PROVIDED AT ALL HANDSHAKING SINKS USED BY FOOD EMPLOYEES
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED READY TO EAT, TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (CHICKEN,BEEF, SALSA, SAUCES)NOT PROPERLY DATED , STORED LONGER THAN 24 HOURS IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER DATE MARKING WITH DISPOSITION DATE FOR RTE FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24 HOURS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
FOUND NO 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,NO CITATION ISSUED
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
MUST PROVIDE SCOOP WITH HANDLE FOR DISPENSING SAUCES IN REACH IN COOLER
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED AT ICE MACHINE . MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES OR AIR GAP BETWEEN THE WATER SUPPLY INLET AND THE UNIT SO IT MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
PREVIOUSLY CITED VIOLATION #53 A TOILET ROOM USED BY FEMALES SHALL BE PROVIDED WITH COVERED RECEPTACLES FOR SANITARY NAPKINS.FROM 11/17/2019 REPORT# 2345255 NOT CORRECTED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION:7-42-090,NO CITATION ISSUED
NOV 72019PASS W/ CONDITIONS8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
NOV 7
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
8 violations2 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 VIOLATION 7-38-010,CITATION ISSUED.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
FOUND PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS ON SITE BUT NO CLEAN-UP ITEMS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES OR KIT. (NECESSARY ITEMS AT A MINIMUM: GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER THAT KILLS NOROVIRUS).PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED.
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
FOUND NO 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,NO CITATION ISSUED. -
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAP TO REMOVE DRIED UP GREASE BUILD UP LOCATED IN BASEMENT AND TO MAINTAIN.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
A toilet room used by females shall be provided with a covered receptacle for sanitary napkins.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
FOUND MECHANICAL VENTILATION INSIDE MENS AND WOMENS WASH ROOMS.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE VENTILATION AT ALL TIMES.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
FOUND EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO RENEW FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE. (2 CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATES ONLY 1 MANAGER WITH FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE ON SITE).
JUL 272018PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JUL 27
2018
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
NO WRITTEN HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012(A) NO CITATION ISSUED
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR CLEANING WHEN AN EMPLOYEE OR A PATRON EXPERIENCES VOMITING/AND OR DIARRHEA . MUST PROVIDE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
FOUND 2 CONTAINERS OF BEEF AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER TEMPERATURE AT 48.0F, 50 POUNDS. AND ONE CONTAINER OF FISH WITH A TEMPERATURE OF 47.0F, 4 POUNDS. MANAGER DENATURED THE SAID PRODUCT WORTH $110.00, TOTAL 54 POUNDS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
WIPING CLOTH FOR WIPING THE CHOPPING BOARD,PREP TABLES AND DINING TABLES, MUST BE STORED ON A BUCKET WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
MUST REPLACE GROCERY BAG BEING USED TO STORE FROZEN FOODS WITH FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAG.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
ONE OF THE FOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEE HAS NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MUST TAKE THE TRAINING CLASSES. PROVIDED INFORMATION ON FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. PA 100-0367 NO CITATION ISSUED.
OCT 262017PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
OCT 26
2017
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
Observed large bulk dry food containers not labeled.Instructed to label said bulk dry food containers to identify foods stored and maintain.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
Observed accumulation of grease on hood/filters above the cooking equipments.Instructed to clean in detail and maintain.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
Observed missing light shields on light bulbs at newly added prep area(rear).Instructed to install light shields on light bulbs or provide shatter-proof light bulbs and maintain.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
Observed personal belongings (jackets etc.)stored on dry storage shelvings at rear prep area.Instructed to properly store personal belongings in a designated area and maintain.
JAN 32017PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JAN 3
2017
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED ICE BUILD UP AROUND THE CONDENSER INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
OBSERVED BROKEN/LOOSE FLOOR TILES IN CUSTOMER DINING AREAS.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
SEP 302016PASSED1 violationDETAILS
SEP 30
2016
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
OBSERVED ACCUMULATION OF DUST ON VENTILATION FANS IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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 →