Chicago
51
YOUR CALL

Velvet Taco

2309 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 · Lincoln Park · Restaurant · High risk
YOUR CALL
51/100

Passed most recently but 3 prior failures on record

Inspections
8
3 passed
Last Inspected
2025-09-23
Pass Rate
38%
3 failures
Score
51/100
YOUR CALL
3 consecutive passes, most recently 2025-09-23
Failed 3 inspections (2021, 2019, 2019)
Documentation & Training issues found across 7 inspections
Pest Activity issues found across 1 inspection
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🧽
Sanitation minor 12×
📌
Other serious 11×
📋
Documentation & Training critical
🚰
Plumbing & Waste minor
🌡
Food Temperature serious
Chemical Safety minor
🧼
Employee Hygiene minor
🔧
Facility Condition minor
🐀
Pest Activity critical
2025-09-23 Pass Canvass
1
minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED CARD BOARD BOXES IN HALLWAY BY REAR DOOR. MUST REMOVE.

2024-06-10 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
4
minor Sanitation

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED HANDLES OF SCOOPS IN DRY STORAGE BINS TO BE IN CONTACT WITH CONTENTS IN REAR PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE HANDLES ARE NOT STORED IN CONTACT WITH CONTENTS.

serious Food Temperature

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED NO MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE FOR THE HIGH HEAT DISH MACHINE IN DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. MANAGER PURCHASED TEMPERATURE PLATE ...

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED FLOOR BELOW 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND IN CORNER NEXT TO SINK TO BE SOILED WITH HEAVY FOOD RESIDUE BUILD UP AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA OF FOOD RESIDUE AND FOOD DEBRIS.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSEREVED MOPS STORED IN THE UTILITY SINK IN REAR PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE MOPS SO THEY MAY DRY AND NOT SOIL FLOORS, WALLS, AND EQUIPMENT IN BETWEEN USE.

2022-02-08 Pass Canvass
1
minor Sanitation

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

MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS.PROVIDE RAISED SHELVES

2021-11-03 Fail Canvass
CRITICAL 8
critical Documentation & Training

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO ONE ON-SITE WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE. OBSERVED NO CERTIFICATE POSTED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED

critical Documentation & Training

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES ON SITE. MUST HAVE SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTHN POLICIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED

serious Other

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP

OBSERVED NO APPROVED HACCP PLAN ON-SITE FROM CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH FOR A MOP COOK, BAG, CHILL, REHEAT PROCEDURE. RECIPES AFFECTED ARE BRISKET, CHICKEN PORK SALSAS, AND SAUCES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 MODIFIED OXYGEN MACH...

minor Food Temperature

VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS

OBSERVED NO VARIANCE OBTAINED FROM THE REGULATORY AUTHORITY FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS, INCLUDING COOKING, THEN BAGGING (IN A MODIFIED OXYGEN ENVIRONMENT), THEN CHILLING AND REHEATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 REFERS TO VIOLATIO...

minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

ALL PREPACKAGED CAKE NEEDS A LABEL CONTAINING THE PRODUCT'S COMMON NAME, INGREDIENT LIST, NAME, AND ADDRESS OF THE FACILITY WHERE PACKAGED.

minor Sanitation

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS NOT STORED IN SANITIZER SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE. STORE ALL WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZER WHEN NOT IN USE.

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED LEAKING CONDITION UNDER 1 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE.

2020-09-22 Pass Canvass
6
minor Employee Hygiene

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.HAIR RESTRAINT IS REQUIRED IN PREP AREA.

minor Sanitation

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

MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS.PROVIDED RAISED SHELF

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

STORED ON FLOOR UNUSED AND USED ITEMS IN REAR HALLWAY BY THE EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND ELEVATE ITEMS NEEDED 6"OFF THE FLOOR.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

GREASE ON FLOOR UNDER DEEP FRYERS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT ,CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED EMPLOYEES BAGS, STORED AT REAR PREP AREA,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SEPARATE AREA/LOCKER FOR EMPLOYEE PERSONAL ITEMS. NO EMPLOYEE PERSONAL ITEMS MUST BE STORED IN PREP AREA

minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

ADDITIONAL FOOD HANDLER TRAINNING CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED

2019-12-06 Pass w/ Conditions License Re-Inspection
CRITICAL 5
critical Documentation & Training

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ONSITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE CITY'S HEALTH FORM OR SIMILAR DOCUMENTS USED TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.

serious Other

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP

OBSERVED SOUS VIDE MACHINE ONSITE DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN HAACP/VARIANCE FOR ALL SPECIALIZED FOOD PROCESSES PERFORMED ONSITE. (SEE COMMENTS) PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.

minor Other

VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS

SEE VIOLATION #29

minor Plumbing & Waste

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

MUST REPAIR VENTILATION IN GENDER NEUTRAL TOILET ROOMS. To keep rooms free of obnoxious odors, mechanical ventilation of sufficient capacity shall be provided as required by LAW. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN

minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT NOT MET. INFORMATION PROVIDED.

2019-12-04 Fail License Re-Inspection
CRITICAL 6
critical Documentation & Training

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ONSITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE CITY'S HEALTH FORM OR SIMILAR DOCUMENTS USED TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.

serious Other

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP

OBSERVED SOUS VIDE MACHINE ONSITE DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN HAACP/VARIANCE FOR ALL SPECIALIZED FOOD PROCESSES PERFORMED ONSITE. (SEE COMMENTS) PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.

minor Other

VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS

SEE VIOLATION #29

minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED AN INADEQUATE NUMBER OF TOILET FACILITIES ONSITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED.

minor Plumbing & Waste

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

MUST REPAIR VENTILATION IN GENDER NEUTRAL TOILET ROOMS. To keep rooms free of obnoxious odors, mechanical ventilation of sufficient capacity shall be provided as required by LAW. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN

minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT NOT MET. INFORMATION PROVIDED.

2019-11-14 Fail License
CRITICAL 9
critical Documentation & Training

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ONSITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE CITY'S HEALTH FORM OR SIMILAR DOCUMENTS USED TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.

serious Other

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP

OBSERVED SOUS VIDE MACHINE ONSITE DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN HAACP/VARIANCE FOR ALL SPECIALIZED FOOD PROCESSES PERFORMED ONSITE. (SEE COMMENTS) PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.

minor Other

VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS

SEE VIOLATION #29.

critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ONSITE DURING THE INSPECTION FOR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED THAT RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS MUST CONTRACT WITH A LICENSED PEST COMPANY FOR PEST INSPECTIONS AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) NO CITATION ISSUED.

minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED AN INADEQUATE NUMBER OF TOILET FACILITIES ONSITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST REPAIR UNFINISHED WALL IN CUSTOMER SEATING AREA, SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.

minor Plumbing & Waste

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

MUST REPAIR VENTILATION IN GENDER NEUTRAL TOILET ROOMS. To keep rooms free of obnoxious odors, mechanical ventilation of sufficient capacity shall be provided as required by LAW. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT NOT MET. INFORMATION PROVIDED.

minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENSE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE.

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Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health · Score calculated from inspection outcomes, violation severity & recency. · How we score
View official record on city data portal →
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