APR 8
2026
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
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VELVET TACO.
BEAT. 35/100
910 W RANDOLPH ST FL 1 · WEST LOOP, CHICAGO
Last inspected April 8, 2026 · passed with conditions
Failed 2 of 8 inspections. 8 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
8
3 passed · 3 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
33
includes 8 critical
RECORDS COVER
4 YEARS
since Jul 2021
INSPECTION HISTORY
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AVAILABLE ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE AN EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGED HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
OBSERVED FEMALE EMPLOYEE CLEANING/RINSING KNIVES IN MOP SINK. INSTD TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE MULTI USE EQUIPMENT IN EITHER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK OR WAREWASHING UNIT ONLY. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-025. PRIORITY
COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP
VACUUM PACKAGING MACHINE ON SITE FOR VARIETY OF MEAT AND SALSAS WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL/VARIANCE FROM CDPH. MACHINE TAGGED AT THIS TIME AND INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL APPROVED BY CDPH. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY FOUNDATION
VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS
SEE 29
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
KNIVES IMPROPERLY STORED INBETWEEN PREP TABLE AND REFRIGERATION UNIT. INSTD TO STORE KNIVES PROPERLY AND MAINTAIN
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
ALL CUTTING BOARDS AT 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA HEAVILY STAINED AND DISCOLORED. INSTD TO REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN
DEC 162025PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
DEC 16
2025
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ONSITE WITH A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE TCS FOODS (RICE AT 205F) WAS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AVAILABLE ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
REPAIR THE SINK STOPPER AT THE LEFT COMPARTMENT OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK SO THAT THE BASIN CAN BE FILLED WITH WATER.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
SEAL THE CORNER OF THE WALL IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA NEXT TO THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS.
SEP 102024PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
SEP 10
2024
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED LEAKY FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, STORAGE AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS.
DEC 62023PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
DEC 6
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS ITEMS SUCH AS CHICKEN WERE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME ON CAULK AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN BASEMENT DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CAULK, CLEAN, SANITIZE, RE-CAULK, AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED HOT WATER HANDLE ON WASHBOWL SINK IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM IS STRIPPED AND HARD TO TURN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE INSIDE FRYERS AND BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME INSIDE OF BASEMENT ICE MACHINE USED TO PRODUCE ICE FOR COOLING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2561936 DATED 8/10/2022. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
AUG 102022PASSED1 violationDETAILS
AUG 10
2022
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
2-102.13--OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
show all 8 inspections →
AUG 82022FAILED5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 8
2022
FAILED
5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED (CHICKEN). MUST HAVE A CFM ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP
OBSERVED NO APPROVED HACCP PLAN ON SITE FOR COOK/CHILL PROCESS. Before performing the activity that requires a HACCP PLAN, a LICENSE applicant or LICENSE HOLDER shall submit a properly prepared HACCP PLAN to the DEPARTMENT for approval. MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF APPROVAL AND MAINTAIN ON-SITE. OBSERVED ROP BEING USED FOR CHICKEN, SALSA, SHREDDED BEEF, BUFFALO SAUCE, CHEESE AND GRAVY. FOOD HAS BEEN TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 50 LBS AT A COST OF $300.00 PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED LIVE DOG ON LEASH NEXT TO CUSTOMER INSIDE OF RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. OBSERVED CUSTOMER EATING WHILE LIVE DOG WAS SITTING NEXT TO CUSTOMER. NO LIVE ANIMALS ARE ALLOWED INSIDE RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT EXCEPT FOR SERVICE ANIMALS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-40-060. CITATION ISSUED. AFTER MANAGER SPOKE WITH CUSTOMER, HE LEFT THE ESTABLISHMENT.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
2-102.13--OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED
PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 8/1/2022, REPORT #2561548. #38-OBSERVED OVER 50 FRUIT FLIES ON WALLS IN REAR BASEMENT STAIRWELL. MUST CLEAN AND ELIMINATE EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON PREMISES. #10-OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND SINK LOCATED AT BASEMENT PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE SOAP AT ALL TIMES FOR EMPLOYEES TO PROPERLY WASH HANDS. UPON INSPECTION, THERE WAS NO SOAP AT HAND SINK IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. MANAGER LATER REPLENISHED WITH SOAP. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
AUG 12022FAILED7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 1
2022
FAILED
7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND SINK LOCATED AT BASEMENT PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE SOAP AT ALL TIMES FOR EMPLOYEES TO PROPERLY WASH HANDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED CHICKEN AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 44.1F INSIDE OF PREP COOLER. ALSO OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE INSIDE REFRIGERATOR IN BASEMENT. EGGS FOUND AT 44.6F, YOGURT FOUND AT 52.3F, SOUR CREAM FOUND AT 47.1F, AMERICAN CHEESE FOUND AT 46.4F, LIQUID EGGS FOUND AT 46.5F, PLAIN CREAM CHEESE FOUND AT 47.8F, BUTTER CONTAINING MILK FOUND AT 47.6F, BLUE CHEESE FOUND AT 43.5F, DICED TOMATOES FOUND AT 45.3F, QUESO FRESCO FOUND AT 55.2F AND COD FOUND AT 44.9F. TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 41.0F OR BELOW. FOOD HAS BEEN DISCARDED AND DENATURED. FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 150 LBS AT A COST OF $400.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP
OBSERVED HAACP PLAN ON SITE FOR COOK/CHILL PROCESS. Before performing the activity that requires a HACCP PLAN, a LICENSE applicant or LICENSE HOLDER shall submit a properly prepared HACCP PLAN to the DEPARTMENT for approval. MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF APPROVAL AND MAINTAIN ON-SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005.
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
OBSERVED IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE INSIDE OF REFRIGERATOR IN BASEMENT AT 45.7F. PROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE INSIDE OF A COLD HOLDING UNIT MUST BE AT 41.0F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED OVER 50 FRUIT FLIES ON WALLS IN REAR BASEMENT STAIRWELL. MUST CLEAN AND ELIMINATE EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.7-38-020(a). CITATION ISSUED.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
SUMMARY REPORT NOT POSTED FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION ON 7/8/2021, REPORT #2522507. MUST POST RECENT SUMMARY REPORT VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-010(b). CITATION ISSUED.
JUL 82021PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JUL 8
2021
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP
OBSERVED HAACP PLAN ON SITE FOR COOK/CHILL PROCESS. Before performing the activity that requires a HACCP PLAN, a LICENSE applicant or LICENSE HOLDER shall submit a properly prepared HACCP PLAN to the DEPARTMENT for approval. MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF APPROVAL AND MAINTAIN ON-SITE. See comments below.
VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS
REFER TO #29
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 →