El Taco Feliz
Last inspected: Mar 18, 2025
95
Score
Across the available record, El Taco Feliz has 11 inspections on file, the first dated 2015. El Taco Feliz was last inspected on Mar 18, 2025. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near four violations per visit.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing five times across the record.
El Taco Feliz's latest score of 95 sits above the Chicago average of 81. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 18, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF WITH A GAP AT THE SIDE OF THE DOOR (ABOUT 1/2'). INSTRUCTED TO MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
95
May 30, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE NOT WEARING A HAIR RESRTAINT AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WEAR HAIR RETRAINTS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF FOOD AND MAINTAIN.
40
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDERNEATH ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDERNEATH ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE PERSONAL ITEMS STORED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE ORDERLY STORAGE AREA FOR EMPLOYEES CLOTHING AND OTHER POSSESSIONS AND MAINTAIN.
56
86
Apr 11, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE 3 DOOR PREP COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 52F. THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE TCS FOODS SUCH AS CHEESE AND MEATS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE COOLER BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE 3 DOOR PREP COOLER AND REFRIGERATOR. OBSERVED PORK AT 53F, COOKED RICE AT 53F, BEANS AT 52F, SOUR CREAM AT 52F, STEAK AT 54F, CHORIZO AT 69F, AND CHEESE AT 52F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL TCS FOODS COLD BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYER.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: REGLUE THE BASEBOARD ALONG THE WALL BETWEEN THE PREP COOLER AND DEEP FRYER.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE WALL BEHIND THE GRILL.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
58
Nov 7, 2022
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN DOOR HANDLE ON REFRIGERATOR LOCATED IN THE REAR PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.
47
95
Dec 8, 2021
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (TACOS,BEANS,SOUP ETC.) IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED TO CUSTOMERS.INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT WHEN PREPARING AND SERVING (TCS FOODS).PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012,CITATION ISSUED.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE.
1
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 1 DOOR (WHITE) REFRIGERATOR NEXT TO STOVE IN PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.
47
82
Mar 19, 2020
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FOUND TCS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE INSIDE THE REACH IN COOLER AND REFRIGERATOR. PORK AT 45.0F 4LBS, $11.00, AND RICE AT 44.0F 3LBS, $3.00. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN A TEMPERATURE OF 41.0F OR BELOW DURING STORAGE. MANAGER DISCARDED THE SAID PRODUCT WORTH $14.00, TOTAL 7 LBS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. COOLER TEMPERATURE AT 40.1F.
22
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: MISSING CLEANING SUPPLIES KIT FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISINFECTANT EFFECTIVE FOR NOROVIRUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS SUMMARY REPORT FROM REPORT #2303766 DATED 7/26/19 NOT POSTED ON SITE FOR THE CUSTOMER TO VIEW. INSTRUCTED TO POST SUMMARY REPORT ALL THE TIMES FOR THE CUSTOMER TO VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-010(B). PROVIDED NEW SUMMARY REPORT TO POST ON SITE.
61
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTH FOR WIPING THE PREP TABLES, CHOPPING BOARD, COOLERS, MUST BE STORED ON A BUCKET WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION IN BETWEEN USES.
41
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: FAN GUARD OF THE 3 DOOR REACH IN COOLER WITH HEAVY DUST BUILD-UP. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: CLEAN REMOVE DUST BUILD -UP ON THE CEILING VENTILATION COVER OF THE WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD MUST OBTAIN A FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
57
58
Jul 26, 2019
Routine
4 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010,NO CITATION ISSUED. -
3
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS (RICE,BEANS ETC) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE CONSUMED OR DISCARDED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DATE MARK ALL READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED. - -
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED "RAW" OR UNDER COOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK (*) TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT STATES THAT EATING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED. - - -
25
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES OR KIT. (NECESSARY ITEMS AT A MINIMUM: GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER THAT KILLS NOROVIRUS).PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED. -
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK IN WASH ROOM.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT KITCHEN SPOONS,FORKS THAT ARE STORED ON SHELF ABOVE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND TO MAINTAIN.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FOUND TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE REFRIGERATOR BEHIND FRONT COUNTER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET AND TO MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND DIRTY FLOORS IN REAR STORAGE ROOM.MUST CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN REAR STORAGE ROOM AND UNUSED EQUIPMENT (BROKEN UNUSED GRILL)TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE AND TO MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY FOR CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
58
45
Jan 31, 2018
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALUMINUM FOIL ON TOP OF GREASE BOX UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT.-------- MUST USE GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE INSIDE FREEZER. MUST USE FOOD GRADE BAGS.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO RESEAL UNSEALED FLOOR BASEBOARD AROUND DINING AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAINT WALLS ABOVE WASHROOM DOOR/BEHIND HEATER.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REORGANIZE AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER STORED IN REAR STORAGE ROOM AND IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA. USABLE ITEMS (FOOD AND NON FOOD) MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING AND TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.---------CLEANING EQUIPMENT (MOPS, BROOMS ETC) MUST BE STORED OFF THE FLOOR.
41
82
Mar 28, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012. ONE CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE WALL BUT THE SAID PERSON IS NOT ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO ENROLL IN SANITATION CLASS AND BE CERTIFIED UNDER CITY OF CHICAGO.
21
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FAN GUARD OF THE 3 DOOR REACH IN COOLER WITH DUST ACCUMULATED. MUST CLEAN, REMOVE DUST AND MAINTAIN.
33
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MALE EMPLOYEE PREPARING AND COOKING FOOD NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR HAIR RESTRAINT TO CONFINE THE HAIR.
42
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. MUST PROVIDE.
45
82
May 12, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Found several items (beef, pork, etc) without date. Instructed must properly label prepped potentially hazardous foods (held for more than 24 hrs) with name and date. Must maintain.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Found raw wood shelving in outside/rear storage room. Instructed must paint or stain wooden shelving so that it is sealed, smooth, and easily cleanable. Must maintain.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Found excessive grease build up in lower interior of fryer. Must clean, sanitize and maintain.
33
86
Nov 16, 2015
License
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE BOX FREEZER. FOODS MUST BE STORED IN FOOD GRADE BAGS OR WASHABLE CONTAINERS.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR SMALL FREEZER WITH DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR UNDER THE BOX FREEZER WITH SOME DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Taco Feliz last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Taco Feliz on file is from Mar 18, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Taco Feliz?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at El Taco Feliz.
Has El Taco Feliz's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Taco Feliz have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at El Taco Feliz 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 Taco Feliz inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Taco Feliz is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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