Carmelo's Taco Place
Last inspected: Jul 1, 2025
86
Score
Inspectors have visited Carmelo's Taco Place eight times, with records going back to 2019. The latest inspection on file is from Jul 1, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around three violations lately and about six violations before that.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible”, showing up four times.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting Carmelo's Taco Place on the better side of that line. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 1, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS (SALT, MAYONAISE, BUTTER AND SOUR CREAM). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
37
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF IN-USE UTENSILS STORED DIRECTLY INSIDE FOOD ITEMS IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY BETWEEN USES.
43
Gloves used properly
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER PREPARING/HANDLING FOOD ITEMS WITHOUT WEARING GLOVES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
46
86
May 13, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS (STEAK, RICE, BEANS). INSTD TO HAVE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NO HAND DRYING PROVISIONS AT ANY EXPOSED HANDWASH SINKS IN PREP AREAS AND BAR. INSTD TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED AT SINKS BY END OF INSPECTION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C) PRIORITY FOUNDATION
10
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: PIC WITHOUT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE OR PROOF OF PENDING CERTIFICATION. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
1
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED WITH COMMON NAME. INSTD TO LABEL WITH COMMON NAME AND MAINTAIN
37
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WORN SEALANT ON BRICK WALL IN FEMALE TOILET ROOM. INSTD TO RE SEAL SO AS SURFACE TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, AND EASILY CLEANABLE
55
70
Aug 16, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 9, 2023
Routine
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THREE LIVE COCKROACHES ON SIDE OF WALK IN COOLER IN BASEMENT.ADVISED MANAGER ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: NOTED CONTINUED NON-COMPLIANCE FROM REPORT #2546173 CONDUCTED ON 1/05/2022. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED #51-MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING TOP ON BACKFLOW DEVICE AT MOP SINK. #58-NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS. MUST CORRECT CORE VIOLATIONS BY THE DATE ON THE REPORT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
82
Jan 5, 2022
Complaint
1 major violation. 11 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN BASEMENT PREP AREA.MUST INSTALL A HAND SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CERAMIC/CLAY BOWLS AND CUPS USED FOR FOOD SERVICE APPEAR NOT TO BE LEAD FREE.MUST LIMIT USE TO PREVENT LEACHING.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS USED FOR FOOD STORAGE .MUST PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS .
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINET AND GRILL TABLE.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING TOP ON BACKFLOW DEVICE AT MOP SINK.LEAKY FAUCET AT 1- COMP SINK IN BASEMENT PREP AREA.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A GARBAGE CAN WITH LID IN WOMEN TOILETROOM.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOORING IN WALK IN COOLER IN BASEMENT.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN RECORD FOR FOLLOWING PROTOCOL FOR CHECKING PROOF OF VACCINATION.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
64
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN APPX. "2-3" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR EXIT DOOR.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OVERHEAD WASTE PIPES ABOVE FOOD STORAGE SHELF AND PREP AREA IN BASEMENT.MUST WRAP / COVER PIPES OR REMOVE FOOD ITEMS TO PREVENT CROSS-CONTAMINATION.
39
52
Oct 4, 2021
Routine
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (STEAK, PORK,BEANS,ETC) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)
2
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE PINK SLIMY SUBSTANCE BUILD UP ON INSIDE INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE AND DRIPPING ONTO ICE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. MUST REMOVE BUILD UP, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
16
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK IN MAIN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE FOR FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS IN WOMENS TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
74
Jun 4, 2019
License
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO IMPLEMENT A PROCEDURE AND PROVIDE ALL SUPPLIES NECESSARY FOR HANDLING THESE EVENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
5
90
Mar 15, 2019
License
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO IMPLEMENT A PROCEDURE AND PROVIDE ALL SUPPLIES NECESSARY FOR HANDLING THESE EVENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE OR POSTERS AT THE HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO POST SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS. MAINTAIN.
10
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE HOLDERS MUST TAKE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND PROVIDE PROOF REQUIREMENT WAS MET.
58
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Carmelo's Taco Place last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Carmelo's Taco Place on file is from Jul 1, 2025. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Carmelo's Taco Place?
Across the inspection record, “adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Carmelo's Taco Place.
Has Carmelo's Taco Place's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Carmelo's Taco Place have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Carmelo's Taco Place 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 Carmelo's Taco Place inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Carmelo's Taco Place is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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