SEP 23
2025
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
VELVET TACO.
YOUR CALL. 51/100
2309 N LINCOLN AVE · LINCOLN PARK, CHICAGO
Last inspected September 23, 2025 · passed
3 of 8 inspections passed, 3 failed, 2 passed with conditions. 6 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
8
3 passed · 2 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
40
includes 6 critical
RECORDS COVER
5 YEARS
since Nov 2019
INSPECTION HISTORY
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED CARD BOARD BOXES IN HALLWAY BY REAR DOOR. MUST REMOVE.
JUN 102024PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violationsDETAILS
JUN 10
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violationsDETAILS
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.
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 AND PROVIDED PROOF OF PURCHASE AT TIME OF INSPECTION.
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.
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.
FEB 82022PASSED1 violationDETAILS
FEB 8
2022
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
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
NOV 32021FAILED8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
NOV 3
2021
FAILED
8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
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
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
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 MACHINE MACHINE AND FOOD WERE TAGGED. CITATION ISSUED
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 VIOLATION #29 FOR CITATION.
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.
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.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED LEAKING CONDITION UNDER 1 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE.
SEP 222020PASSED6 violationsDETAILS
SEP 22
2020
PASSED
6 violationsDETAILS
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.HAIR RESTRAINT IS REQUIRED IN PREP AREA.
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
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.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
GREASE ON FLOOR UNDER DEEP FRYERS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT ,CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
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
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
ADDITIONAL FOOD HANDLER TRAINNING CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED
show all 8 inspections →
DEC 62019PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
DEC 6
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
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.
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.
VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS
SEE VIOLATION #29
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
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT NOT MET. INFORMATION PROVIDED.
DEC 42019FAILED6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
DEC 4
2019
FAILED
6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
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.
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.
VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS
SEE VIOLATION #29
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED AN INADEQUATE NUMBER OF TOILET FACILITIES ONSITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED.
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
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT NOT MET. INFORMATION PROVIDED.
NOV 142019FAILED9 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
NOV 14
2019
FAILED
9 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
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.
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.
VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS
SEE VIOLATION #29.
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.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED AN INADEQUATE NUMBER OF TOILET FACILITIES ONSITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST REPAIR UNFINISHED WALL IN CUSTOMER SEATING AREA, SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
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.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT NOT MET. INFORMATION PROVIDED.
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.
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 →