Taco Max Mexican Grill
Last inspected: Mar 5, 2025
78
Score
Across the available record, Taco Max Mexican Grill has eight inspections on file, the first dated 2019. On Mar 5, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near five violations per visit.
Across the inspection history, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded five times.
Taco Max Mexican Grill's latest score of 78 falls below the Chicago average of 81. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 5, 2025
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOXED FOOD ITEMS BEING STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTIPLE CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP SCRATCHES AND STAINS ON PREP SURFACES THROUGHOUT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO RESURFACE/REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY STORAGE SHELVES IN THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE RUST AND ENSURE ALL NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES REMAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, STORAGE AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
55
78
Sep 20, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: NOTED NO SANITIZER TEST STRIP KIT ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A TEST STRIP KIT ON SITE AT ALL TIMES TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE STRENGTH OF THE SANITIZER.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION# 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
Inspector notes: NOTED EMPLOYEES DRINKING AND PREPARING FOOD AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEES TO DRINK AND EAT AND NOT AT THE PREP AREAS.
6
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN KITCHEN EXPOSED HAND SINK AND PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD.
39
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
43
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED WET FLOORS AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN DRY.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS AND ON EDGES OF THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS AND PIPES/CONDUITS.
56
70
Jul 11, 2023
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK IN THE DINING AREA.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR IN THE BASEMENT LEADING TO BUILDING OWNER STORAGE ROOM.
38
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: (2) TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE MUST BE COVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. COVER/LID
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES/RACKS STORED IN BETWEEN COOLERS IN REAR AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE NON WORKING LIGHTBULB INSIDE PRODUCE REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA.
56
78
Aug 1, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 25, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: FOUND CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS WRITTEN IMPROPERLY 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.
25
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK FRONT SERVICE/BEVERAGE AREA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ENCRUSTED ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.MUST REMOVE DEBRIS, DETAIL CLEAN INSIDE ICE MACHINE/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE AT ALL TIMES.
16
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE SALSA PREP COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW WOOD SHELVES IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PAINT OR SEAL THE SHELVES AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILDUP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYERS.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THE FAR LEFT COMPARTMENT OF THE KITCHEN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
51
67
Sep 22, 2021
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY BETWEEN 9:05AM-9:15AM WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS CHICKEN AND BEEF WERE BEING PREPARED. CERTIFIED MANAGER ADOLFO GARCIA ARRIVED ON SITE AT 9:15AM. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN EMPLOYEE HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO KIT AND PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PROCEDURE AND KIT WITH ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES INCLUDING A SANITIZER RATED AS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE, GRIME, AND FOOD DEBRIS ON CAN OPENER AND INSIDE MICROWAVE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 EMPLOYEES WORKING 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 ONE CERTIFIED MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
70
Nov 9, 2020
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE HAND WASHING SIGNS MISSING AT HAND SINKS THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT. MUST PROVIDE.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD SPLATTERS INSIDE OF MICROWAVE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE BATHROOM DOOR IN REAR NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON DOOR TO PREVENT ANY OBNOXIOUS ODORS.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CRATES AND CARD BOARD BOXES IN REAR OF ESTABLISHMENT. MUST REMOVE AND CLEAN AREA.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MINOR GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT GREASE FROM DRIPPING ONTO FOOD.
56
78
Nov 8, 2019
License
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED ON ICE MACHINE WATER LINE. MUST PROVIDE AND MAKE VISIBLE A BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR ICE MACHINE.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 3-COMPARTMENT SINK (BEHIND FRONT COUNTER) MISSING STOPPERS (X2). MUST PROVIDE WORKING STOPPERS FOR SAID 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
51
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taco Max Mexican Grill last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taco Max Mexican Grill on file is from Mar 5, 2025. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taco Max Mexican Grill?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Taco Max Mexican Grill.
Has Taco Max Mexican Grill's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Taco Max Mexican Grill have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Taco Max Mexican Grill 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 Max Mexican Grill inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Taco Max Mexican Grill is inspected around two times per year on average.
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