Taco Firme
Last inspected: Apr 15, 2026
67
Score
Going back to 2023, Taco Firme has 12 inspections in the public record. Taco Firme was last inspected on Apr 15, 2026. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
The trend has not been favorable: recent inspections average around six violations each, up from closer to two violations before.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable”, showing up seven times.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
12
Inspections
2
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 15, 2026
Complaint
2 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF (TCS FOODS) INSIDE OF THE FRONT 2-DOOR PREP LINE-COOLER.OBSERVED BEEF AT 54.8F, CHICKEN AT 54.9F, PORK AT 55.2F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 10#'S OF FOOD WORTH $150.00 .INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO MONITOR AND MAINTAIN ALL COLD (TCS FOODS) AT 41F OR COLDER AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: 4-301.11 OBSERVED THE FRONT 2-DOOR PREP LINE COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 60.0F.THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE (TCS FOODS) CHICKEN, PORK, BEEF ETC.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAID COOLER AT 41F OR COLDER AT ALL TIMES.MANAGEMENT IMMEDIATELY NOTIFIED REFRIGERATION REPAIR SERVICE.THE SAID COOLER IS TAGGED "HELD FOR INSPECTION" AT THIS TIME.INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED.(SEE COMMENTS BELOW).PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED.
33
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 6-501.19---OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT WASHROOM DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
53
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13---OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
57
67
Mar 4, 2026
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 6-501.19---OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT WASHROOM DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
53
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13---OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
57
90
Feb 19, 2026
Complaint
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Food separated and protected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INADEQUATE FOOD PROTECTION;OBSERVED AN OPEN CONTAINER OF RAW CHICKEN DIRECTLY ABOVE OF A CONTAINER OF OPEN READY-TO-EAT RED SALSA HELD INSIDE THE FRONT KITCHEN PREP LINE 2-DOOR COOLER.RED SALSA DISCARDED.REVIEWED THE PROPER STORAGE OF RAW AND READY-TO-EAT FOODS.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED.
15
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENUS. 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.(***SEE COMMENTS).
25
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROX.15 RODENT(MICE) DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE CORNER UNDER/AROUND CLUTTERED STORAGE RACKS IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM.PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NOW RECCOMENDED.MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM AFFECTED AREAS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED.
38
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN KITCHEN PREP AREA AND REAR DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR WITHOUT A LABEL. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS ON THE PREP TABLE IN THE REAR PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT WASHROOM DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE THE REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES/UNUSED DEEP FRYER AT FRONT PREP AREA DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE MOPS,BROOMS CLEANING EQUIPMENTS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS FOR LIGHT FIXTURES OVER THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS OR SHATTER-PROOF LIGHT BULBS AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
57
47
Dec 16, 2025
Complaint
1 critical violation. 3 major violations.
View 4 violations
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: 2-301.14 OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES BY FOOD HANDLER OBSERVED MALE EMPLOYEE COME BACK FROM REAR PREP AREA WITH THE SAME PLASTIC GLOVES ON AND REMOVED TORTILLAS FROM GRILL WITHOUT CHANGING GLOVES AND WASHING HANDS.MUST WASH HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION. (PRIORITY 7-38-010)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
8
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.12 OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING DEVICES AT THE HAND SINK IN THE MAIN PREP. AREA PAPER TOWELS WERE PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)
10
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: 8-304.11(A) OBSERVED NO PREVIOUS SUMMARY REPORT POSTED TO. VIEW A NEW SUMMARY REPORT WAS GIVEN TO POST AT THIS. MUST BE MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090(B)(CITATION ISSUED)
61
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.11 OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND SINK IN MAIN PREP. AREA SOAP WAS PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
10
64
Oct 1, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 23, 2025
Complaint
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 40 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON LOWER SHELF UNDERNEATH MEAT SLICER AND APPX. 200 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND,ON WALLS, CEILINGS, BOXES THROUGHOUT PREMISES.MUST REMOVE MICE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 9/23/25.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
38
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2617989 5/22/25 NOT CORRECTED-#47-4-101.19 : MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE AND ON TOPSIDES OF CUTTING BOARDS.#47- 4-501.12 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN AND SOILED CUTTING BOARDS TO BE IN GOOD REPAIR.#47-4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FRYER CABINETS,PREP TABLES, PREP & REACH IN COOLERS,GRILL TABLE.
60
86
May 22, 2025
Complaint
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE AND ON TOPSIDES OF CUTTING BOARDS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN AND SOILED CUTTING BOARDS TO BE IN GOOD REPAIR.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FRYER CABINETS,PREP TABLES, PREP & REACH IN COOLERS,GRILL TABLE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED AND BROKEN FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT PREP,DISH WASHING AND FOOD STORAGE AREAS,LOOSE WALL BASE NEAR HAND SINK IN DISH WASHING AREA,HOLE IN WALL BEHIND GLASS SLIDING DOOR REACH IN COOLER.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,BEHIND AND ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES INCLUDING BASEMENT.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN BASEMENT.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALLS IN PREP AREA.
55
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING DOOR HANDLE ON SLIDING GLASS REACH IN COOLER AT TOP OF STAIRS.
47
64
Apr 24, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 16, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 3 COMPARTMENT SINK NOT IN PROPER WORKING ORDER. WHEN WATER IN ONE COMPARTMENT DRAINS, ANOTHER COMPARTMENT FLOODS BEFORE GOING BACK DOWN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
48
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EQUIPMENT WRAPPED IN FOIL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE FOIL.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COCA-COLA COOLER WITH MISSING KICK PLATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE KICK PLATES.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD SPLATTER AND FOOD DEBRIS ON WALLS AND FLOORS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS AND WALLS.
55
78
Feb 9, 2024
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 25, 2024
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED. REPORT #2570564, DATED FEBRUARY 1, 2023, INSTRUCTED THE FACILITY TO: #36 PLACE AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COOLERS, #51 INSTALL SERVICE SINK, #53 PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE ALL GENDER TOILET ROOMS, #55 CLEAN FLOORS, AND #58 PROVIDE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING TO ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. OBSERVED VARIOUS FRONT AND REAR PREP COOLERS WITH NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS; OBSERVED NO SERVICE SINK IN FACILITY; OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE ALL GENDER TOILET ROOM; OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR AROUND EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT KITCHEN; 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
90
Feb 1, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 10 minor violations.
View 11 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS ITEMS SUCH AS BEEF AND PORK WERE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FROZEN BEEF BEING THAWED AT ROOM TEMPERATURE IN BUCKET IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO THAW FROZEN ITEMS UNDER COLD, RUNNING WATER.
35
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE PREP COOLERS IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
36
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING USED AS A LINER ON CUTTING BOARDS IN REAR PREP AREA AND SALSAS BEING STORED IN SOUR CREAM CONTAINERS IN COCA-COLA COOLER LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD AND USE ONLY REUSABLE, FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS FOR FOOD STORAGE.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SERVICE SINK ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SERVICE SINK IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL RELEVANT LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE ALL GENDER RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS UNDERNEATH COOK LINE AND INSIDE COCA-COOLER COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE MALE FOOD EMPLOYEE WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
55
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taco Firme last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taco Firme on file is from Apr 15, 2026. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taco Firme?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Taco Firme.
Has Taco Firme's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Taco Firme have averaged around six violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Taco Firme 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 Taco Firme inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Taco Firme is inspected around four times per year on average.
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