El Senor Tamal
Last inspected: Nov 21, 2025
90
Score
El Senor Tamal has been inspected 11 times since 2016. The most recent report on file is from Nov 21, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around four violations compared to roughly seven violations earlier on.
The pattern that stands out is “adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible”, which has been cited six times.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; El Senor Tamal is comfortably above that bar. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 21, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER DAMAGE TO WALL AND BASEBOARD BEHIND TOILET IN REAR EMPLOYEE RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CEILING VENT IN REAR EMPLOYEE RESTROOM COVERED IN DUST. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
90
Jul 9, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: FOUND READY TO EAT TCS FOODS IN REFRIGERATOR NOT DATE MARKED. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL READY TO EAT TCS FOODS HELD FOR 24 HOURS MUST BE PROPERLY DATE MARKED WITH THE DATE THE FOOD WILL BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
23
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED (SUCH AS CHICKEN, PORK). INSTRUCTED MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED/SERVED. INSTRUCTED MUST POST A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATION IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMERS AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA AND EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
10
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED SOME USE OF MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION AT THE KITCHEN AREA AND DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST ALSO BE STORED 6" AWAY FROM THE WALL
47
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TAMALE POTS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BEING USED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER REMOVE ALL LARGE POTS THAT ARE TOO BIG TO BE SUBMERGED INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTALL A LARGER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK THAT IS ABLE TO PROPERLY WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE THE LARGEST PIECE OF EQUIPMENT, OR PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE THAT STATES HOW THE FACILITY WILL WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE LARGE EQUIPMENT
48
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
54
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
61
May 18, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA.
10
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON TOILET ROOM DOOR.
53
90
Jun 17, 2022
Reinspection
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE LARGE PREP/STORAGE ROOM WHERE TAMALES ARE BEING PREPARED (LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE MAIN KITCHEN). INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A HANDWASHING SINK MUST BE LOCATED INSIDE THIS ROOM TO ALLOW FOR CONVENIENT USE BY EMPLOYEES WHO ARE PREPARING FOOD. MUST INSTALL A HANDWASHING SINK IN SAID AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C).
10
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TAMALE POTS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BEING USED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER REMOVE ALL LARGE POTS THAT ARE TOO BIG TO BE SUBMERGED INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTALL A LARGER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK THAT IS ABLE TO PROPERLY WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE THE LARGEST PIECE OF EQUIPMENT, OR PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE THAT STATES HOW THE FACILITY WILL WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE LARGE EQUIPMENT.
48
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE ALL BURNED OUT LIGHT BULBS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA, INSIDE THE WASHROOM LOCATED NEAR THE REAR EXIT DOOR, AND INSIDE THE SIDE PREP/STORAGE ROOM.
56
82
Jun 10, 2022
Routine
4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE LARGE PREP/STORAGE ROOM WHERE TAMALES ARE BEING PREPARED (LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE MAIN KITCHEN). INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A HANDWASHING SINK MUST BE LOCATED INSIDE THIS ROOM TO ALLOW FOR CONVENIENT USE BY EMPLOYEES WHO ARE PREPARING FOOD. MUST INSTALL A HANDWASHING SINK IN SAID AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C).
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPERTOWELS AT THE HANDWASHING SINKS LOCATED IN THE DISH/PREP AREA AND INSIDE THE UNISEX WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH A HAND DRYING PROVISION AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE CITATION.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SOAP AT THE DISH/PREP AREA HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH HANDWASHING SOAP AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 7/7/21 REPORT #2522415: VIOLATION #38 (6-202.15) OBSERVED A 1/2 GAP ALONG THE BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY. VIOLATION #56 (6-501.14) OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS INSIDE UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. VIOLATION #57 (2-102.13) FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET NO LOGS RECORDS ON SITE AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. ALSO NOTED VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT#2288930 FROM 5/16/2019: VIOLATION #58 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CORRECT PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND FOAM CUPS BEING USED TO SCOOP THE DRINKS BEING SERVED AT THE FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO USE A SCOOP WITH A HANDLE, AND THAT THE HANDLE MUST BE STORED ABOVE THE TOP OF THE FOOD.
43
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TAMALE POTS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BEING USED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER REMOVE ALL LARGE POTS THAT ARE TOO BIG TO BE SUBMERGED INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTALL A LARGER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK THAT IS ABLE TO PROPERLY WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE THE LARGEST PIECE OF EQUIPMENT, OR PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE THAT STATES HOW THE FACILITY WILL WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE LARGE EQUIPMENT.
48
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE INSIDE EACH UNISEX WASHROOM.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND THE BASE COVING PEELING OFF THE WALL INSIDE THE UNISEX WASHROOM LOCATED NEAR THE EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE ALL BURNED OUT LIGHT BULBS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA, INSIDE THE WASHROOM LOCATED NEAR THE REAR EXIT DOOR, AND INSIDE THE SIDE PREP/STORAGE ROOM.
56
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK FOOD CONTAINERS ON PREMISES WITHOUT A LABEL (FLOUR, SUGAR, SALT, ETC). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY FOOD ITEM.
37
50
Jul 7, 2021
Routine
4 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT#2288930 FROM 5/16/2019 #58 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090.
60
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT NOT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC.MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN VIEW OF ALL CUSTOMERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010 (B). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION
61
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE OR SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BOTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
5
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A 1/2 GAP ALONG THE BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF TAMALES PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FEW MISSING AND WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN REAR OF PREMISES. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS INSIDE UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET NO LOGS RECORDS ON SITE AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
57
52
May 16, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE OR SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BOTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: REMOVE THE DEAD MOUSE FROM THE GLUE TRAP IN THE CLOSET IN THE WASHROOM.
38
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: MUST STORE ALL PLASTIC UTENSILS INVERTED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BY HANDS.
45
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE UNISEX WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
53
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
67
May 12, 2017
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Previous serious violation corrected, 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2049872 5/5/17 #18 NOT CORRECTED.STILL FINDING EVIDENCE OF APPX. 25 RODENT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR AND LEDGE UNDER FURNANCE AND FRONT DOOR APPX."1-2" ALONG BOTTOM AND REAR INTERIOR ADJACENT DOOR APPX."3/4" ALONG BOTTOM.MANAGER SENT HANDY MAN TO THE STORE TO PURCHASE DOOR SWEEPS AND DROPPINGS ARE BEING REMOVED AND AREA CLEANED AT THIS TIME DURING INSPECTION.(CRITICAL 7-42-090)
14
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN CONCRETE FLOOR AT ENTRY DOOR
34
90
May 5, 2017
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED INSIDE OF 4- THERMAL COOLERS ON TABLE TOP SUCH AS 22LBS. COOKED ASSORTED VARIETY OF TAMALES RED -116.6F,PINE APPLE 117.9F,118.8F.CHEESE & JALEPENO 96.9F,141.2F,123.7F,118.6F,120.1F,STRAWBERRY 110.6F,112.7F,CIRUELA 100.6F.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 140.0F OR ABOVE.APPX.22LBS.$220.(CRITICAL 7-38-005A)
3
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF 1- LIVE ROACH CRAWLING ON FLOOR UNDER 1- DOOR REACH IN COOLER .APPX.75 OR MORE RODENT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR UNDER CHEMICAL STORAGE SHELF,ON FLOOR AND LEDGE OF HOT WATER TANK/FURNANCE ROOM AND A DEAD MOUSE ON GLUE BOARD.ALSO ,FRONT DOOR HAS A GAP APPX."1-2" ALONG BOTTOM AND REAR INTERIOR ADJACENT DOOR APPX "3/4" ALONG BOTTOM.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS & DEAD MOUSE,CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS.RODENT PROOF DOORS.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 5/5/17.(SERIOUS 7-38-020)
18
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION FROM REPORT#1975772 11/21/16 NOT CORRECTED #45-IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET FOR EMPLOYEES.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.(SERIOUS 7-42-090)
29
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST ELIMINATE GROCERY STORE BAGS USED FOR FOOD STORAGE AND PROVIDE FOOD GRADE.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN CONCRETE FLOOR AT ENTRY DOOR.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE HOLE IN LOWER WALL IN FURNANCE ROOM,LOOSE WALL PANEL NEXT TO COOKING EQUIPMENT.MUST CLEAN FILTERS AT HOOD AND DIRT FROM WALL VENT NEAR REAR DOOR.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE SHATTER PROOF BULB IN PREP AREA.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMP SINK.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE PROBE THERMOMETER FOR FOOD TEMPS.
40
64
Nov 21, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FRONT HOT HOLDING UNITS NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE. ALSO CLEAN FREEZER.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE REAR RESTROOM, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NON COMPLIANCE WITH FOOD HANDLER REQUIRMENTS AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. GIVEN COPY OF IDPH'S FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS AT THIS TIME.
45
86
Jun 7, 2016
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOOR NOT CLEAN IN THE HEATER ROOM, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE LIGHT SHIELDS NOT CLEAN REAR PREP, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
35
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Senor Tamal last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Senor Tamal on file is from Nov 21, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Senor Tamal?
Across the inspection record, “adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at El Senor Tamal.
Has El Senor Tamal's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at El Senor Tamal have averaged around four violations per visit, down from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at El Senor Tamal 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 El Senor Tamal inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Senor Tamal is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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