Baja Express Inn Taqueria 1
Last inspected: Dec 15, 2025
100
Score
The health department has logged 13 inspections at Baja Express Inn Taqueria 1, the earliest from 2019. The newest entry in the record is dated Dec 15, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near three violations per visit.
Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded nine times.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Baja Express Inn Taqueria 1 is comfortably above that bar. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 15, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Mar 12, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CRATES USED AS SHELVING IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN REAR PREP AND COOLER AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
Jun 13, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED DOOR GASKETS ON TWO-DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR COOLER DOOR GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LIGHT INSIDE OUTSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND MAINTAIN.
56
90
Jun 20, 2023
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-307.11 OBSERVED AN OPEN CAN OF TOMATO SAUCE STORED IN THE REAR THREE DOOR REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO REFRAIN FROM STORING FOOD IN OPEN CANS AND STORE IN FOOD GRADE STORAGE CONTAINERS.
39
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: 4-904.11 OBSERVED TWO CUTTING BOARDS STORED BEHIND THE FAUCET HEAD AT THE ONE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE DISHWASHING AREA AND ONE CUTTING BOARD BEHIND THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET HEAD. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE SAID KITCHENWARE AND MAINTAIN.
44
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(B) OBSERVED SUGAR OR SALT RESIDUE ON THE SHELVING UNITS BELOW THE FOOD PREP TABLES AT THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE SAID DRY SPICE RESIDUE AND MAINTAIN.
49
86
Jun 12, 2023
Complaint
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PINK AND BLACK SUBSTANCE THROUGHOUT INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE, INCLUDING THE DOORS ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. ICE MACHINES ARE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISUSED.
16
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN OPEN CAN OF TOMATO SAUCE STORED IN THE REAR THREE DOOR REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO REFRAIN FROM STORING FOOD IN OPEN CANS AND STORE IN FOOD GRADE SOTRAGE CONTAINERS.
39
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO CUTTING BOARDS STORED BEHIND THE FAUCET HEAD AT THE ONE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE DISHWASHING AREA AND ONE CUTTING BOARD BEHIND THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET HEAD. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE SAID KITCHENWARE AND MAINTAIN.
44
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SUGAR OR SALT RESIDUE ON THE SHELVING UNITS BELOW THE FOOD PREP TABLES AT THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE SAID DRY SPICE RESIDUE AND MAINTAIN.
49
78
Dec 6, 2022
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER INSIDE REAR REACH-IN FREEZER AND REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY ORGANIZE ALL AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LIGHT INSIDE OUTSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.
56
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER FRONT HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
51
82
Feb 10, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Feb 3, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OVER 40 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN FURNACE, 20 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
38
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON REAR PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES USED AS SHELVING IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER REAR HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS INSIDE LIGHT SHIELDS AND ON FLOOR UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS, AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNNECESSARY ITEMS STORED ON PREP TABLES AND SHELVING UNITS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
64
Apr 15, 2021
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING TO REMOVE SPILLS,DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS ESP UNDER ALL TABLES.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 7 STAIN/ SOLIED CEILING TILES IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REOLACE. ALSO OBSERVED OPENINGS( HOLES) IN WALL IN REAR PREP AREA ABOVE PREP TABLES AND GAPS ALING WALLS. INSTRUCTED TO SEL/ REPAIR ALL AREAS TO PREVENT HIDING AREAS FOR INSECTS.
55
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UPPER PANEL OF ICE MACHINE HAS SLIGHT BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
39
86
Feb 28, 2020
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: PREMISES HAS NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARREAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED #7-38-005.
5
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING TO REMOVE SPILLS,DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS ESP. AROUND THE ONE EYE STOVE.
55
86
Feb 14, 2019
Reinspection
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. MUST PROVIDE CLEAN UP KIT WHICH INCLUDES NECESSARY ITEMA OUTLINED IN POLICY,DISPOSABLE MOPS GLOVES,FACE MASK,AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER TO KILL THE NOROVIRIS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
5
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO 1- COMPARTMENT PREP SINK USED FOR FOOD PREPARATION. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL
51
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: VENTILATION ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT NOT WORKING PROPERLY. MUST REPAIR
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR MANAGER. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL MANAGERS WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST HAVE ALLERGEN TRAINING
58
70
Feb 8, 2019
Reinspection
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE ON MENU FOR UNDERCOOKED FOODS( EGGS,HAMBURGERS) SERVED. INSTRUCTED THAT ANY RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS SERVED MUST HAVE A REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE ON MENU. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION
25
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION
5
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO 1- COMPARTMENT PREP SINK USED FOR FOOD PREPARATION. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL
51
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: VENTILATION ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT NOT WORKING PROPERLY. MUST REPAIR
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR MANAGER. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL MANAGERS WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST HAVE ALLERGEN TRAINING
58
64
Feb 6, 2019
License
4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION
5
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE ON MENU FOR UNDERCOOKED FOODS( EGGS,HAMBURGERS) SERVED. INSTRUCTED THAT ANY RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS SERVED MUST HAVE A REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE ON MENU. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION
25
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: EVIDENCE OF IMPROPER PEST CONTROL. OBSERVED 52 RODENT MICE DROPPING ON FLOOR IN FURNACE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/SANITIZE AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION.
38
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
48
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO 1- COMPARTMENT PREP SINK USED FOR FOOD PREPARATION. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
51
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: VENTILATION ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT NOT WORKING PROPERLY. MUST REPAIR.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR MANAGER. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL MANAGERS WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST HAVE ALLERGEN TRAINING
58
55
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Baja Express Inn Taqueria 1 last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Baja Express Inn Taqueria 1 on file is from Dec 15, 2025. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Baja Express Inn Taqueria 1?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Baja Express Inn Taqueria 1.
Has Baja Express Inn Taqueria 1's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Baja Express Inn Taqueria 1 have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Baja Express Inn Taqueria 1 means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Baja Express Inn Taqueria 1 inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Baja Express Inn Taqueria 1 is inspected around two times per year on average.
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