Picante Taqueria
Last inspected: Mar 17, 2025
74
Score
Picante Taqueria appears in inspection records 17 times, starting in 2010. Picante Taqueria was last inspected on Mar 17, 2025. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near four violations per visit across recent inspections.
When inspectors have written things up, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been the most frequent reason, cited eight times.
The city-wide average sits at 81, which Picante Taqueria's 74 doesn't quite reach. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
17
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 17, 2025
Complaint
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WATER THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RESTORE WATER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C)
50
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 10 RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE ALL AREAS AFFECTED BY PESTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) NO CITATION ISSUED.
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER POOLING ON THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. OBSERVED MASSIVE HOLE IN FLOOR LEADING TO PIPES WITH HEAVY SEWAGE SMELL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL HOLE AND REMOVE WATER FROM FLOOR.
55
74
Oct 2, 2024
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: 2-402.11 OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEES WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
95
Sep 11, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HOT WATER ON SITE. MAXIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE MEASURED AT 73 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE HOT WATER REACHES A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 100 F AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AND A MINIMUM OF 110 F AT ALL OTHER SINKS. HOT WATER RESTORED BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
50
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROOF OF AT LEAST 2 PEST CONTROL SERVICES WITHIN THE PAST YEAR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROOF OF PEST CONTROL SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C) CITATION ISSUED.
38
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOLE HANDWASHING SINK IN KITCHEN NOT IN PROPER WORKING ORDER. HANDLES DO NOT WORKING SINK MUST BE TURNED ON FROM VALVE AT BASE OF SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE HAND WASHING SINK IS FULLY ACCESSIBLE AND IN PROPER WORKING ORDER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED. REPORT #2586979 DATED DECEMBER 14 2023 INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO : #37 ENSURE ALL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WERE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD AND TO #58 COMPLETE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. OBSERVED BEAN AND RICE STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT COMMON NAME OF FOOD LISTED; OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADDRESS ALL PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
60
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR DOOR LEFT OPEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO KEEP REAR DOOR CLOSED TO AVOID PEST ENTRY.
38
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEES WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
58
Dec 14, 2023
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BEAN CONTAINERS IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH THE COMMON NAME OFFOOD ITEM.
37
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND RESIDUE IN BETWEEN GASKETS ON THE INSIDE OF PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SPILLED FOOD DEBRIS IN GREASE BUILD UP BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT, UNDER PREP TABLES, AND UNDER THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
58
82
Nov 10, 2020
Reinspection
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. SUPPLIES MUST INCLUDE ADEQUATE SANITIZER THAT ELIMINATES NOROVIRUS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES TO PROPERLY HANDLE VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL SPILLS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
58
78
Nov 3, 2020
Routine
4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. SUPPLIES MUST INCLUDE ADEQUATE SANITIZER THAT ELIMINATES NOROVIRUS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES TO HANDLE VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL SPILLS ON SITE PROPERLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON THE PREMISES. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY AND OPERATOR MUST PROVIDE AT LEAST 2 PEST INSPECTIONS A YEAR AND THE REPORTS MUST BE MAINTAINED IN THE LOGBOOK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK AND PEST INSPECTION REPORT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHLORINE CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR SANITIZER IN WARE WASHING AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE A CHLORINE CHEMICAL TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF SANITIZING SOLUTION MUST BE PROVIDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
58
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTH LAYING ON THE PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
41
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR EMPLOYEES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
57
58
Aug 10, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE TOP OF THE FRYES AND THE LOWER COMPARTMENT OF THE FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEE BATHROOM DOOR IS MISSING A DOOR KNOB. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL DOOR KNOB AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS ON PREMISES TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE THE BURNED OUT BULBS IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM AND 3 LIGHT BULBS ABOVE THE PREP AREA TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.
36
82
Oct 21, 2016
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOKED FOOD STORED INSIDE GROCERY PLASTIC BAGS,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A FOOD GRADE BAGS OR FOOD CONTAINER WITH LIDS. ALUMINUM FOIL WRAPPED ON PIPES BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND CARDBOARDS ON SHELF.NEED TO REMOVE SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DEBRIS AND GREASE ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENT,NEED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: SCRAPE GREASE FROM FLOOR BEHIND AND UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND UNDER COOLERS IN PREP AREA.CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
34
86
Jul 8, 2016
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 24, 2016
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 12-14-15,REPORT#1591665 #33-INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS. CLEAN ALL PREP SHELVE AND PREP TABLES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. #34-INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS. CLEAN ALL PREP SHELVE AND PREP TABLES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. #35-WALLS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. #38-HOOD VENTILATION IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE AND DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES #40-ALL COOLERS IN NEED OF THERMOMETERS. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN. #45-NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATES AT ALL TIMES. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-42-090 TODAY 6-24-16,OBSERVED THE SAME VIOLATIONS.
29
95
Dec 14, 2015
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS. CLEAN ALL PREP SHELVE AND PREP TABLES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: TOILET ROOM IN NEED OF CLEANING AND MAINTAINING. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: HOOD VENTILATION IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE AND DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: ALL COOLERS IN NEED OF THERMOMETERS. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
40
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATES AT ALL TIMES. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
45
70
Jan 13, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE FOLLOWING: ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, INTERIOR OF ALL REACH IN COOLER AND PREP TABLES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOORS IN REAR STORAGE AREA TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: HANDSINK SLOW DRAINING. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD.
45
82
Jun 24, 2014
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.
34
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: PROVIDE THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLERS.
40
86
Jun 10, 2014
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY AND CERTIFICATE POSTED WHEN COOKED RICE 155.6F PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
21
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED PER MUNICIPAL CODE OF CHICAGO FROM REPORT #1277629 ON 1-4-13. 38-VENTILATION NOT PROVIDED IN TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL EXHAUST FAN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
29
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: PROVIDE VENTILATION IN WASHROOM.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: PROVIDE THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLERS.
40
74
Jan 4, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floor along wallbase and behind equipment not cleaned. Insstructed to detail clean daily.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Light bulbs not shielded in prep area. Instructed to shield bulbs or install shatter proof bulbs.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation not provided in toilet room. Instructed to install exhaust fan.
38
86
May 18, 2011
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. MUST CLEAN CUTTING BOARDS AT PREP STATION
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. MUST REPAINT/CLEAN FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND ALL EQUIPMENT
34
90
Oct 22, 2010
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.FOUND NO SINK STOPPERS AT 3 COMP SINK.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.WALLS IN DRY STORAGE AREA ALONG SHELVING MUST BE SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE,HOOD/FILTERS ABOVE COOKING GRILL REQUIRES A DETAIL CLEANING.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities.LIGHT BULBS OVER FOOD PREP AREA ARE NOT SHIELDED.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors.REMOVE CLUTTER FROM BASEMENT AREAS.
41
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Picante Taqueria last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Picante Taqueria on file is from Mar 17, 2025. The public record contains 17 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Picante Taqueria?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Picante Taqueria.
Has Picante Taqueria's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Picante Taqueria have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Picante Taqueria 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 Picante Taqueria inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Picante Taqueria is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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