Bartaco

1635-1637 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: Jul 10, 2025

100

Score

Low Risk

Public records show six inspections at Bartaco stretching back to 2023. The most recent visit was on Jul 10, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.

Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near two violations per visit.

When inspectors have written things up, “allergen training as required” has been the most frequent reason, cited three times.

The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting Bartaco on the better side of that line. Overall, the inspection record reads well.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Jul 10, 2025

Reinspection

No violations found.

100

Jul 2, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.

View 4 violations

Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING SINK NOT MAINTAINED WITH NO HOT OR COLD WATER, HANDSINK IN DISH, INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE HOT & COLD WATER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE AT LEAST 100F. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

Insects, rodents, & animals not present

Inspector notes: OBSERVED PEST ACTIVITY WITH APPROX. 35 SMALL FLIES NOTED DURING INSPECTION. SMALL FLY ACTIVITY WAS NOTED NEAR THE DISH AREA, FRONT& REAR PREP, AND BAR. INSTRUCTED TO CONSULT PEST CONTROL AS ADDITIONAL SERVICES ARE NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE ACTIVITY PRIOR TO RE-INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE ICE BIN INTERIOR IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

Inspector notes: OBSERVED HANDSINK AT BAR LEAKING FROM PIPES UNDER, INSRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN

Apr 25, 2024

Reinspection

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Allergen training as required

Inspector notes: FOUND SANITATION MANAGER WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE.

Apr 18, 2024

Routine

2 major violations. 1 minor violation.

View 3 violations

Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

Inspector notes: FOUND OUTSIDE DUMPSTER AREAS NOT CLEAN.(GARBAGE SPILLAGE.PRIORITY FOUNDATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-38-020B.MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food

Inspector notes: FOUND REMINDER DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS NOT WRITTEN PROPERLY INSIDE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005.MUST PROVIDE.

Allergen training as required

Inspector notes: FOUND SANITATION MANAGER WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE.

Jul 21, 2023

Complaint

1 major violation.

View 1 violation

City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT WHILE TCS FOODS (BEANS AT 166F) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

Mar 28, 2023

License

3 minor violations.

View 3 violations

Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

Inspector notes: NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN WOMENS WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.

Allergen training as required

Inspector notes: NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFCATES.

Insects, rodents, & animals not present

Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP AT FRONT DOORS SWEEPS. MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOORS.

Show all 6 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Bartaco last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Bartaco on file is from Jul 10, 2025. The public record contains six inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Bartaco?

Across the inspection record, “allergen training as required” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Bartaco.

Has Bartaco's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Bartaco have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Bartaco 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 Bartaco inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Bartaco is inspected around three times per year on average.

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