NOV 25
2025
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
TAQUERIA LOS MOLCAJETES INC.
BEAT. 43/100
5344 W FULLERTON AVE · BELMONT CRAGIN, CHICAGO
Last inspected November 25, 2025 · passed
Failed 5 of 11 inspections. 9 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
11
5 passed · 1 w/ conditions · 5 failed
VIOLATIONS
50
includes 9 critical
RECORDS COVER
5 YEARS
since Nov 2020
INSPECTION HISTORY
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.13: OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN THE REAR FOOD PREP/ DISHWASHING AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
NOV 182025FAILED2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
NOV 18
2025
FAILED
2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE RECEPTACLE LID NOT TIGHT FITTING, DUE TO BEING FILLED WITH TRASH. INSTRUCTED ALL OUTSIDE GARBAGE RECEPTACLES MUST BE ABLE TO CLOSE AND REMAIN TIGH FTTING, PER CODE, IN ORDER TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B), CITATION ISSUED
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN THE REAR FOOD PREP/ DISHWASHING AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OCT 282024PASSED8 violationsDETAILS
OCT 28
2024
PASSED
8 violationsDETAILS
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 A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FLOOR IN PREP 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 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.
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN UTILITY AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN HOT WATER STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED, UNNECSSARY EQUIPMENT AND ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
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.
JUN 152023PASSED1 violationDETAILS
JUN 15
2023
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
4-602.11(B-E)-OBSERVED PINK SPECKS INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
JUN 82023FAILED3 violationsDETAILS
JUN 8
2023
FAILED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
OBSERVED PINK SPECKS INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 3/31/2022, REPORT #2553738. #51- FOUND NO MOP SINK ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT AT LEAST ONE SERVICE SINK (MOP SINK) OR CURBED CLEANING FACILITY EQUIPPED WITH A FLOOR DRAIN SHALL BE PROVIDED FOR THE CLEANING OF MOPS AND DISPOSAL OF MOP WATER/SIMILAR LIQUID WASTE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
SUMMARY REPORT FROM 3/31/2022, REPORT #2553738 NOT POSTED IN PUBLIC VIEW OF ESTABLISHMENT'S CUSTOMERS. INSTRUCTED TO POST RECENT SUMMARY REPORT VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
show all 11 inspections →
MAR 312022PASSED1 violationDETAILS
MAR 31
2022
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
FOUND NO MOP SINK ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT AT LEAST ONE SERVICE SINK (MOP SINK) OR CURBED CLEANING FACILITY EQUIPPED WITH A FLOOR DRAIN SHALL BE PROVIDED FOR THE CLEANING OF MOPS AND DISPOSAL OF MOP WATER/SIMILAR LIQUID WASTE.
MAR 242022FAILED5 violationsDETAILS
MAR 24
2022
FAILED
5 violationsDETAILS
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
OBSERVED AN INCORRECT AND INCOMPLETE CONSUMER ADVISORY FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOODS - FULLY COOKED MENU ITEMS, SUCH AS CHICKEN, ARE INCORRECTLY ASTERISKED, AND 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" AND REMOVE THE ASTERISKS FROM FULLY COOKED MENU ITEMS SUCH AS CHICKEN AND SOUPS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON THE SPLASH GUARD OF THE REAR PREP HAND WASHING SINK. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
FOUND NO MOP SINK ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT AT LEAST ONE SERVICE SINK (MOP SINK) OR CURBED CLEANING FACILITY EQUIPPED WITH A FLOOR DRAIN SHALL BE PROVIDED FOR THE CLEANING OF MOPS AND DISPOSAL OF MOP WATER/SIMILAR LIQUID WASTE.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
FOUND A LEAK COMING FROM THE DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THE REAR PREP HANDWASHING SINK. MUST REPAIR.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FOUND A HOLE IN THE WALL BASE UNDERNEATH THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, AND A HOLE IN THE WALL ABOVE THE GRILL IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR HOLES AND MAINTAIN.
MAR 42021PASSED1 violationDETAILS
MAR 4
2021
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF FRONT HAND WASHING SINK. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
FEB 252021FAILED8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
FEB 25
2021
FAILED
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,NO CITATION ISSUED
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED PREPARED READY TO EAT TCS FOODS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS SUCH AS FLAVORED CREAM CHEESES,RICEAND SOUPS NOT PROPERLY DATE LABELED WITH AN EXPIRATION DATE NO LONGER THAN 7 DAYS. MUST PROPERLY DATE LABEL ALL SUCH FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF FRONT HAND WASHING SINK. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE. MUST PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
ADDITIONAL WATER PREASURE NEEDED AT THE HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED. OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING PREVENTING LIS FROM CLOSING PROPERLY. ALSO OBSERVED ACCUMULATION OF GARBAGE AND TRASH ON GROUND SURROUNDING DUMPSTER.THIS IS HARBORAGE AND A FOOD SOURCE FOR RODENTS AND OTHERS PESTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B) CITATION ISSUED
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DIRT AND GREASE BUILD UP ON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHING COOKING EAQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT#2456883 ON 11/20/2020. #51 BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT ICE MAKER. MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED. #56 INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF GREASE-BUILD-UP AND TO MAINTAIN. #57 OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE SITE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES. #58 ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERT PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 NO CITATION ISSUED.
DEC 12020PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
DEC 1
2020
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
7 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,NO CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINKS (PREP AREAS AND WASH ROOMS).
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.
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.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF GREASE-BUILD-UP AND TO MAINTAIN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE SITE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
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.
NOV 202020FAILED13 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
NOV 20
2020
FAILED
13 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 VIOLATION 7-38-010,NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN REQUIRED PROCEDURE/PLAN AND APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES OR KIT. (NECESSARY ITEMS AT A MINIMUM: GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER/SPRAY THAT IS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINKS (PREP AREAS AND WASH ROOMS).
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
OBSERVED 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.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED NO LICENSED PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK AVAILABLE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ( CONTRACT/SERVICE AGREEMENT, SERVICE REPORT WITH COPY OF IDPH LICENSE NUMBER,RECORD OF LOCATIONS, CHEMICALS USED ETC.) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (C),NO CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARD ON TOP OF REAR PREP COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARD AND MAINTAIN.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF RUSTS ON EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAP BOX UNDERNEATH THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.
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.
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
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF GREASE-BUILD-UP AND TO MAINTAIN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE SITE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
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.
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 →