El Taco Express
Last inspected: Mar 3, 2026
67
Score
El Taco Express has been inspected six times since 2023. The most recent report on file is from Mar 3, 2026. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around six violations, down from roughly 11 violations earlier in the record.
Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded 10 times.
El Taco Express' latest score of 67 falls below the Chicago average of 81. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
6
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
8
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 3, 2026
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: 4-602.11 OBSERVED A GREEN SUBSTANCE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED BY THE ICE MAKER AND ON THE SIDES OF THE INTERIOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
16
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: 3-501.13 OBSERVED IMPROPER THAWING OF TCS FOODS. OBSERVED RAW BEEF THAWING AT ROOM TEMPERATURE IN A CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS THAW FROZEN PRODUCTS PROPERLY UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER (NOT EXCEEDING 70F) OR IN A REFRIGERATOR AT ALL TIMES.
35
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12 OBSERVED DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABEL WITH PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS.
37
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: 3-304.12 OBSERVED SCOOPS BEING STORED IN DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS AND PLATES USED TO SCOOP FOOD BEING STORED IN PRODUCT'S CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND STORE ALL UTENSILS PROPERLY.
43
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11 OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYERS WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE OR PROVIDE.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.13 OBSERVED COVING DETACHED IN VARIOUS AREAS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114 OBSERVED A BAG OF ONIONS BEING STORED DIRECTLY ON THE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE EVERYTHING AT LEAST 6 INCHES AND DO NOT STORE FOOD ITEMS ON THE FLOOR.
55
67
Jan 28, 2025
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLY STRIP HANGING NEAR HAND WASHING SINK IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE FLY STRIP FROM PREP AREA.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
39
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES STORED ON FLOOR UNDER FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES OFF FLOOR.
45
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKET ON PREP COOLER DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
74
Jan 30, 2024
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL STOCK SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
39
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
86
Jan 23, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTSIDE WASTE GREASE AREA NOT MAINTAINED, WASTE GREASE DUMPSTER NOT COVERED, GREASE SPILLS ON TOP OF DUMSPER AND GROUND AROUND DUMSPTERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN OUTSIDE WASTE GREASE AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B) CITATION ISSUED
54
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THREE PACKS OF GROUND BEEF IMPROPERLY THAWING IN STANDING WATER INSIDE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY THAW FOOD UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER, REFRIGERATION OR PART OF COOKING PROCESS.
35
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL STOCK SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
39
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBIRS AND SPILLS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, HOLDING UNITS, PREP TABLES, COOLERS AND FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE REFCEPTACLE IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR DRAIN COVERS MISSING IN PEP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
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
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
61
May 9, 2023
Reinspection
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 2-102.14(O) Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 2-501.11 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
5
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 4-301.14 Inspector Comments: MUST STORE COOKING EQUIPMENT COMPLETELY UNDER VENTILATION HOOD.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
74
Apr 11, 2023
License
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 15 minor violations.
View 21 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HOT HOLDING UNITS NOT OPERABLE AT THIS TIME,ELECTRICITY KEEPS KICKING OUT POWER NOT ABLE TO MAINTAIN 135.0F FOR HOT HOLDING UNITS.MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)
33
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF AN INFESTATION OF APPX. 125 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED THROUGHOUT PREMISES ON FLOOR AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER,ON FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT,UNDER AND BEHIND GREASE TRAP OF 3- COMPARTMENT SINK,ON LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE,BEHIND LARGE FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS,IN TOILET ROOM BEHIND DOOR,ON FLOOR SCATTERED IN BETWEEN ARTICLES ON FLOOR IN FURNANCE ROOM,ON BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ABOVE DISH MACHINE,ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH FOOD & CHEMICAL STORAGE SHELVES.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 4/11/23.(PRIORITY 7-38-020(A)
38
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND SINK IN TOILET ROOM MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)
10
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DATE MARKINGS ON TCS READY TO EAT FOODS STORED INSIDE OF REACH IN & PREP COOLER.MUST LABEL AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
23
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINKS IN PREP & TOILET ROOM MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
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: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR AND IN LEFT CORNER OF FRONT DOOR MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING.
38
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON OVERHEAD DISH STORAGE SHELVES.
44
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLE.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE BEHIND DISH MACHINE.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A GARBAGE CAN WITH LID IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM.
53
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON TOILET ROOM DOOR THAT LEADS TO PREP AREA.
53
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS,TRASH AND TALL WEEDS OUTSIDE OF REAR DOOR MUST REMOVE AND CLEAN AREA.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING WALL BASES IN PREP AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A HOOKING SYSTEM FOR HANGING MOPS TO DRY.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE OR ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN FURNACE ROOM.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE WATER FROM FLOOR BEHIND DISH MACHINE AND 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND KEEP DRY.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST STORE COOKING EQUIPMENT COMPLETELY UNDER VENTILATION HOOD.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
23
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Taco Express last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Taco Express on file is from Mar 3, 2026. The public record contains six inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Taco Express?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 10 times, more than any other issue at El Taco Express.
Has El Taco Express' inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at El Taco Express have averaged around six violations per visit, down from roughly 11 earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at El Taco Express means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is El Taco Express inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Taco Express is inspected around two times per year on average.
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