Taco Bros
Last inspected: Aug 13, 2025
39
Score
Going back to 2021, Taco Bros has nine inspections in the public record. The most recent report on file is from Aug 13, 2025. A high risk tier suggests the facility had a rough recent inspection, with multiple violations on record.
The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around four violations to closer to 15 violations.
“Insects, rodents, & animals not present” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing six times across the record.
Taco Bros' latest score of 39 falls below the Chicago average of 81. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.
9
Inspections
1
Critical latest
2
Major latest
12
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 13, 2025
Complaint
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS, SUCH AS 3LBS. COOKED CHICKEN-56.3F.1LBS. COOKED RICE-44.9F.3LBS. COOKED GROUND BEEF-55.2F.2LBS. RAW STEAK-51.7F.2LBS. SHRIMP-54.7F. INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER AND REACH IN COOLER. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.APPX.11LBS. $100.(COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-005)
22
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA MUST BE PROVIDED AND MAINTAINED.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
5
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING WITH BAGS OF TRASH ABOVE RIM AND LIDS WIDE OPEN.MANAGER PUSHED BAGS OF TRASH DOWN INTO DUMPSTERS AND CLOSED LIDS TO BE TIGHT FITTING.THERE IS ANOTHER UNKNOWN DUMPSTER IN ALLEY NEAR THERE TRASH CONTAINER THAT IS OVERFLOWING.(COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B)(CITATION ISSUED)
54
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: 7-38-060 Default beverage for children's meals. : OBSERVED A KIDS MENU WITH A DRINK THAT IS MORE THAN 130 CALORIES MUST BE LESS THAN 130 CALORIES.
64
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE (SHAKERS,SQUEEZE BOTTLES,ETC
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15 : OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT & REAR DOORS MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-305.11 : OBSERVED FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER MUST ELEVATE AND STORE PROPERLY TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.
39
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOTTLED DRINKS STORED INSIDE OF CLOSET IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM MUST REMOVE AND STORE IN A PROPER FOOD STORAGE AREA.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: 3-304.14 : MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE FROM SURFACES.
41
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINET,GRILL TABLE,COOLERS,WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12 : OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTERS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
56
39
Jun 18, 2025
Reinspection
11 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: 3-304.14 : MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE FROM SURFACES.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.19 : MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS .
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINET,GRILL TABLE,COOLERS,WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
51
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: : 2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: 7-38-060 Default beverage for children's meals. Inspector Comments: OBSERVED A KIDS MENU WITH A DRINK THAT IS MORE THAN 130 CALORIES.
64
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER
55
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE (SHAKERS,SQUEEZE BOTTLES,ETC.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15 : OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT & REAR DOORS MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-305.11 : OBSERVED FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER MUST ELEVATE AND STORE PROPERLY TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.
39
58
Jun 11, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 18 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS 2LBS. -GROUND BEEF-57.0F.25LBS. RAW STEAK-45.7F.2.5LBS. COOKED PORK-56.1F.5LBS. SHRIMP-60.8F.10LBS. CHICKEN-59.0F.2LBS. SHREEDED LETTUCE-46.4F.20LBS. COOKED BEANS-57.9F.INSIDE OF COOLERS.PRODUCT WERE DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. APPX.67 LBS. $325.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 4- DRAWER PREP COOLER AT 48.2F WITH TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE . A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG HAS BEEN PLACED ON UNIT. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNIT AT 41.0F OR BELOW.ONCE REPAIRED EMAIL:FOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
33
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C)(CITATION ISSUED)
38
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE MUST PROVIDE AND MAITAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED, AND SERVED, SUCH AS (BEANS, RICE, CHICKEN, ETC.) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. (PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 4:23 P.M.(COS)
2
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)(CITATION ISSUED)
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
5
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE (SHAKERS,SQUEEZE BOTTLES,ETC.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT & REAR DOORS MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER MUST ELEVATE AND STORE PROPERLY TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE FROM SURFACES.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS .
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINET,GRILL TABLE,COOLERS,WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A KIDS MENU WITH A DRINK THAT IS MORE THAN 130 CALORIES.
64
26
Aug 26, 2024
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 19, 2024
Routine
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE WASH AND RINSE UTENSILS BUT NOT SANITIZE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL DISHES AND UTENSILS ARE SANITIZED BEFORE USE AFTER CLEANING. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
16
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VARIOUS TCS FOODS HELD AT INADEQUATE TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 48-52 F, LIKE CHICKEN OBSERVED TO BE 48F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD TCS FOODS ARE HELD AT A TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. MANAGER DISCARDED 4 POUNDS TOMATOES, 10 POUNDS OF CHICKEN ($50) PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION WAS ISSUED.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 COOLERS ON THE KITCHEN SERVICE LINE, BOTH WITH AN INADEQUATE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS HAVE AN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. COOLERS TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
33
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BODILY FLUID CLEAN-UP KIT OR PROCEDURES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE BODILY FLUID CLEAN-UP KIT AND PROCEDURES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
5
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MORE THAN 30 SMALL FLIES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY, INCLUDING IN THE DRY STORAGE MOP AREA, IN TOILET ROOMS, NEAR THE BAR AREA, IN THE KITCHEN, AND IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MINIMIZE SMALL FLY ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
38
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE IN STAFF TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE.
10
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORED IN TOILET ROOM CLOSET. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL FOOD ITEMS FROM TOILET ROOM CLOSET TO AVOID ANY CONTAMINATION FORM. FOOD MAY NOT BE STORED IN TOILET ROOM.
39
47
Sep 15, 2023
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR LEADING TO DUMPSTERS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL PROPERLY TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HANDSINK IN DISREPAIR IN THE FRONT BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DRY AND SPILLED FOOD DEBRIS NOTED ON THE FOLLOWING AREAS: FLOORS UNDERNEATH DRY STORAGE RACKS AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, BEHIND AND UNDER COOKING AND FRYING EQUIPMENT, AND WALK-IN COOLER FLOORS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER HAS 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
Mar 8, 2022
License
No violations found.
100
Jan 21, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 10 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: BSERVED FACILITY FOOD HANDLERS PREPARING AND HANDLING TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS WITHOUT ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER AND CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST REMAIN POSTED ON SITE AND CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE DURING TCS FOOD PREP, COOKING, SERVING AND OPERATING HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LABEL FOR BULK SUGAR STORAGE CONTAINER STORED ON THE SHELF NEAR THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTH LAYING ON THE COUNTERS OF THE FOOD PREP AREAS. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING. OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON THE SHELF IN THE ONE DOOR COOLER IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BREAD STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE IN THE KITCHEN SOILED WITH FOOD DERBIS AND SPLASH. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
47
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR EMPLOYEES ON SITE. INSTRCUTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON FILE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.
58
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROTOCOL ON THE PROCEDURE ON VERIFYING PROOF OF VACCINATION CARDS FOR THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON FILE.
64
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO RECORDS OF VACCINATION STATUS OF EMPLOYEES ON SITE. INSTRCUTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON FILE.
64
58
Jul 2, 2021
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND MIDDLE BASIN AT REAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LEAKING FROM DRAIN PIPE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taco Bros last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taco Bros on file is from Aug 13, 2025. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taco Bros?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Taco Bros.
Has Taco Bros' inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Taco Bros have averaged around 15 violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Taco Bros means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Taco Bros inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Taco Bros is inspected around two times per year on average.
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