Taco Bell
Last inspected: Jan 27, 2026
86
Score
Going back to 2012, Taco Bell has 22 inspections in the public record. The newest entry in the record is dated Jan 27, 2026. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near four violations per visit across recent inspections.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” comes up most often, recorded 15 times in the inspection record.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Taco Bell is comfortably above that bar. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
22
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 27, 2026
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SPILLS AND DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SERVICES OF BEVERAGE MACHINES, PREP TABLES, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING GROUT ON FLOOR TILES NEAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REGROUT FLOOR TILES AS NEEDED.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS AND SPLILLS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS BEHIND BEVERAGE MACHINES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
Jan 7, 2025
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INSIDE OF CONDIMENT COUNTER AS WELL AS POP DISPENSER WITH SPILLS AND STICKY INTERIOR AND SURROUNDING SURFACES. INSTRUCTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FREE OF ACCUMULATION.
49
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXTERIOR SURFACES OF OUTSIDE GREASE RECEPTACLE WITH ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS THROUGHOUT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN RECEPTACLE.
54
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED ALL NEW CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE HOLDERS ON SITE TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW.
58
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SMPLOYEE BEVERAGE ON CONDIMENT COUNTER WITHOUT LID INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE IN ORDER TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
6
82
Jan 4, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INTERIOR SURFACES OF BEVERAGE DISPENSER LOCATED IN DINING AREA WITH EXCESSIVE POP SPILLS AND MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE BUILT UP ON EXTERIOR SURFACES OF SODA EQUIPMENT TUBING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FREE OF SCCUMULATED SOILED RESIDUES.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR DRAINS WITH TRASH AND ORGANIC MATTER INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ARE AVAILABLE ON-SITE FOR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
57
86
Feb 3, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND SINK IN FRONT PREP/DRINK AREA TO BE INACESSIBLE, FILLED WITH TRASH AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ALL DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN HAND SINK ACCESIBILITY AT ALL TIMES. PIC REMOVED ITEMS AND SANITIZED HANDSINK DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF RESIDUE ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF HOT AND COLD HOLDING EQUIPMENT, SHELVES, TABLES, AND CONTAINERS HOLDING SUGAR AND OTHER BULK ITEMS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DEBRIS (CUPS, NACHO CHIPS, NAPKINS) AND GRIME ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT FACILITY UNDER SHELVING, TABLES, AND EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
82
Jun 28, 2022
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF RUST AND STANDING WATER LOCATED AT THE SODA MACHINE AT THE DRIVE THROUGH WINDOW INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND GREASE ON SIDES COOKING EQUIPMENT AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS AND WALLS UNDER COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT ALONG THE WALLS WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS THROUGHOUT FACILITY.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF ITEMS IN REAR NEAR HOT WATER UNIT, ON SIDES, TOP AND IN FRONT OF UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN A CLEAN EASILY ACCESSED AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE LOWER WALL AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE DISH WASHING AREA BROKEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
78
Jan 5, 2021
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN DOOR SWEEP ON REAR DOOR.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD AT REAR HAND SINK NEXT TO PAPER GOODS STORAGE OR REMOVE ITEMS.
39
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON WALK IN COOLER FAN GUARD COVERS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST GROUT FLOOR NEAR MOP SINK,WALK IN COOLER AND 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND WHERE NEEDED.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FOOD DBERIS BUILD UP ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREP , DISH WASHING AREAS AND WALK IN COOLER.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD NEAR DRIVE THRU AREA.
56
70
Jan 9, 2020
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS, GREASE, CUPS, NAPKINS, AND STRAWS UNDER SHELVES, BEHIND THE BAG IN THE BOX AREA, IN HOT WATER TANK AREA, AND FRONT DRIVE THROUGH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55
95
May 31, 2019
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE GROUND THE DUMPSTER IN THE CORRAL IS DIRTY AND THE GROUND AROUND THE OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
54
95
Apr 26, 2019
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF CADINET UNDERNEATH THE POP STATION TO REMOVE SPILLS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS TO REMOVE SPILL AND/OR DEBRIS: WALK IN FREEZER, UNDERNEATH & BEHIND THE POP STATION AT THE DRIVE THRU AND IN THE DISH WASHING AREA.
55
90
Nov 8, 2018
Complaint
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE GRILL PRESSES, HOT HOLDING UNITS, COLD HOLDING UNITS, TOP OF FRYER STATION
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA AND DISHROOM.
55
82
Aug 10, 2018
Complaint
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR CLEAN-UP OF VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE AND CLEAN-UP SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: REPAIR THE FOOT PEDAL FOR THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR OF THE RESTAURANT.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: REGROUT THE FLOOR TILES IN THE DISHROOM.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA AND DISHROOM.
55
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE GRILL PRESSES, HOT HOLDING UNITS, COLD HOLDING UNITS, TOP OF FRYER STATION.
49
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING PROVIDED FOR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
64
Mar 14, 2018
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: NO INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY AND IT WAS POSTED BEHIND THE CASH REGISTERS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-010B.
28
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA: PREP TABLES, STAINLESS STEEL STORAGE SHELVES, HOT HOLDING CABINETS, DRIVE THRU FOUNTAIN POP DISPENSER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FLOORS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND WALK-IN FREEZER. MAINTAIN THE FLOOR IN THE DISHROOM DRY.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE DEBRIS ON THE WALL BEHIND THE DEEP FRYERS. SCRAPE AND REPAINT THE CHIPPED PAINT ON THE CEILING TRACK ABOVE THE TACO PREP LINE. CLEAN THE DUST ON THE CEILING TILES AND LIGHT SHIELDS. CLEAN THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR THE FOOT PEDAL ON THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK NEAR THE BACK DOOR OF THE RESTAURANT.
38
78
Feb 8, 2017
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Feb 1, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: NOTED OUTSIDE DUMPSTER AND AREA NOT MAINTAINED. DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING WITH BOXES LID UP WAY ABOVE THE RIM LINE PREVENTING PROPER CLOSURE INSIDE THE CORALE ALSO NOTED DEBRIS ON THE GROUND AROUND THE DUMPSTER. ALL LIDS MUST BE KEPT CLOSED ON DUMPSTERS AND AREA KEPT CLEAN TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE AND POSSIBLE FOOD SOURCE FOR PEST. SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-020.
19
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER AND FREEZER ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS. ALSO MUST CLEAN ALL FLOOR DRAINS.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE DUST.
38
86
Feb 17, 2016
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN GREASE AND BUILD-UP FROM THE SIDES OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE GREASE AND FOOD BUILD-UP FROM THE FLOORS UNDERNEATH ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN DIRT AND STAINS FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT WHERE PRESENT.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET AT MOP SINK.
38
82
Feb 10, 2016
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: OUTSIDE WASTE AND GREASE AREA NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED. GREASE FOUND ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE GREASE RECEPTACLE, AND OVERFLOWING TRASH WITH LID UP 10 FEET ABOVE THE RIM IN ONE OF THE DUMPSTERS INSIDE THE CORALE. ALL LIDS MUST BE KEPT CLOSED ON DUMPSTERS AND THE EXTERIOR OF THE GREASE RECEPTACLE MUST BE CLEANED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
19
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN GREASE AND BUILD-UP FROM THE SIDES OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE GREASE AND FOOD BUILD-UP FROM THE FLOORS UNDERNEATH ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN DIRT AND STAINS FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT WHERE PRESENT.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET AT MOP SINK.
38
78
Mar 16, 2015
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR EXIT DOOR FRAME AND SURROUNDING WALL SECTIONS NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST INSTALL A SMOOTH WALL COVERING IN THIS AREA.
35
95
Nov 10, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO VALID CITY CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON DUTY/SITE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVERED, SUCH STEAK,CHICKEN OR BEEF TACO'S,BURRITO AND GORDITA'S. ALSO RICE AND BEANS. A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. CITATION ISSUED #7-38-012(A).
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD AT THE FRONT EXPOSED HAND SINK BETWEEN THE SINK AND PREP TABLE.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS TO REMOVE SPILLS, DEBRIS AND LITTER: BEHIND THE POP STATION AT THE FRONT COUNTER, BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT,DISH WASHING AREA AND INSIDE THE WALK COOLER AND FREEZER.
34
86
Jan 22, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON DUTY AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED SUCH AS CHICKEN, STEAK, AND BEEF TACO. CITATION ISSUED #7-38-012.
21
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOORS ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA TO REMOVE DEBRIS. ALSO DETAIL CLEAN ALL FLOOR DRAINS.
34
90
Sep 18, 2013
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE OR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ARE PREP AND SERVED. STEAK 176.2F
21
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL THE BULK FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE PREP AREA.
30
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND CLEAN THE FLOOR DRAINS.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE VENTS IN THE DINING ROOM AND IN THE TOILET ROOMS HAS DUST BUILDUP.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: PROVIDE A THERMOMETERS IN ALL THE REACHIN COOLERS.
40
78
Jan 14, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL THE BULK FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE PREP AREA.
30
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE VENTS IN THE TOILET ROOMS.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: PROVIDE A THERMOMETER IN THE ONE DOOR COOLER.
40
86
Jul 25, 2012
License
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN VENTILATION VENTS IN BOTH TOILET ROOMS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOOR DRAINS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES & BRICKS AT EXTERIOR WALLS,AT DRIVE THRU,WALL AT REAR DOOR,HALL WAY ,WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM, LOBBY.MUST REPLACE MISSING WALL BASE NEAR SERVICE COUNTER.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LIGHT IN WALK IN COOLER.
36
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taco Bell last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taco Bell on file is from Jan 27, 2026. The public record contains 22 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taco Bell?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 15 times, more than any other issue at Taco Bell.
Has Taco Bell's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Taco Bell have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Taco Bell 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 Taco Bell inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Taco Bell is inspected around two times per year on average.
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