Taco Moro
Last inspected: Feb 25, 2025
70
Score
Public records show five inspections at Taco Moro stretching back to 2023. Inspectors last stopped by on Feb 25, 2025. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around five violations, down from roughly 12 violations earlier in the record.
“Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” comes up most often, recorded five times in the inspection record.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Taco Moro trails the local norm. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
5
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 25, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE 1-DOOR TALL REFRIGERATOR. OBSERVED COOKED RICE WITH TEMPERATURE RANGING BETWEEN 54.9F-68.8F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 26 LBS OF FOOD VALUE OF $110. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD TCS FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
22
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING SINK STOPPERS FOR THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THREE ADEQUATE WORKING SINK STOPPERS AND MUST MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MUST BE LOCATED SO THAT CAN BE SERVICE AND MAINTAINED.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON WALLS IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA, BEHIND FOOD STORAGE SHELVING AND REAR UTILITY MOP SINK AREA. MUST REPAINT AND MANTAINED WALLS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES. OBSERVED DIRT AND GREASE BUILD UP ON FLOOR UNDER, AROUND AND BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED A FEW WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES ABOVE FOOD STORAGE SHELVING IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST REPIR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED A FEW MISSING FLOOR TILES BY 2-DOOR TALL MEAT REFRIGERATOR AND UNDER NEATH 1-DOOR TALL REFRIGERATOR. MUST REPAIR REPLACE FLOOR TILES AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEES MUST NOT STORE PERSONAL BELONGINGS IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST PROVIDE A DESIGNATED EMPLOYEES STORAGE AREA FOR PERSONAL BELONGINGS.
56
70
Aug 28, 2024
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-602.13 ----NOTED PEELING PLASTIC ON METAL PREP TABLE SHELVING BEING USED AS A PROTECTANT. MUST REMOVE ALL TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11--- OBSERVED CHIPPING/DAMAGED PLASTER AND PEELING PAINT AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR ALL TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: : 2-102.13--- NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
57
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: : 3-304.14---: ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: FOOD SCOOPS INSIDE FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE COOLER WITHOUT HANDLES. PLATES AND CUPS BEING USED. MUST PROVIDE PROPER FOOD SCOOPS WITH HANDLES THAT CANNOT BE SUBMERGED INTO THE FOOD PRODUCTS.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: : 4-101.19--- MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS GUARDS UNDER THE LEGS OF THE COOKS LINE EQUIPMENT. 4-501.11---- NOTED TORN RUBBER DOOR GASKET ON THE PREP AREA ONE DOOR COOLER. MUST REPLACE.
47
74
Aug 21, 2024
Routine
4 critical violations. 3 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 17 violations
Proper cooling time and temperature
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LARGE, DEEP COOKING POT ON THE KITCHEN PREP TABLE WITH COOKED RICE INSIDE AND TIGHTLY COVERED WITH THE LID. MANAGER STATED THE RICE WAS COOLING. RICE TEMPERATURE NOTED AT 169.3F. REVIEWED WITH MANAGER THE PROPER METHODS OF COOLING COOKED FOODS SUCH AS THE RICE AND OTHER COOKED AND COOLED FOODS NOTED IN LARGE CONTAINERS IN THE COOLERS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE SUCH AS THE MENTIONED BEEF AND COOKED BEANS. RECOMMENDED TO MANAGER OBTAINING AN ICE MACHINE/ICE FOR COOLING. DEMONSTRATED TO MANAGER HOW TO TRANSFER RICE TO SMALLER, SHALLOW PANS AND QUICK CHILLED IN THE BOX FREEZERS ON SITE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 SEE VIOLATION #22 FOR CITATION.
20
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
Inspector notes: NOTED A PORTABLE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE DINING ROOM FOR CUSTOMER USE NOT PROPERLY PLUMBED UNDER CITY PRESURE WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER THAT PROPERLY DRAINS. MUST REMOVE FROM THE PREMISES OR PROVIDE A VARIANCE APPROVAL FROM THE CITY OF CHICAGO BUILDING DEPT. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
50
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS IN THE REAR TALL REACH-IN COOLER AND TWO DOOR COOLER AT DISH AREA HELD AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES. COOKED BEEF AT 86.1F AND 44.4F TIGHTLY COVERED WITH PLASTIC WRAP AT THE DISH AREA COOLER. COOKED RICE AT 48.7F, COOKED BEANS AT 49.2F, SOUR CREAM AT 45.6F. COOKED SALSA AT 48.5F IN THE REAR COOLER. REVIEWED REQUIRED COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES AND PROPER COOLING METHODS AND COOLING PROCESS. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
22
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: NOTED A COLD HOLDING UNIT IN THE DINING ROOM WITH READY TO EAT TACO TOPPINGS SUCH AS VARIOUS SALSAS AND HOT PEPPERS WITHOUT ADEQUATE SNEEZE GUARDS, OPEN TO CUSTOMERS AND POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM THE PREMISES OR PROVIDE ADEQUATE SNEEZE GUARDS PROTECTING THE FOODS ON DISPLAY. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
39
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 9-15-23 REPORT #2581735 NOT CORRECTED. #58- NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.#55- NOTED WALLS AT THE PREP AREA SPLASHED WITH DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
60
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30 LBS PREPARED TCS FOODS SUCH AS COOKED MEATS, BEEF CONSUME', COOKED BEANS WITH EITHER NO DATES OR PREP DATES ONLY. NO EXPIRATION DATES ON PREPARED FOODS. REVIEWED ALL PREPARED TCS FOODS HELD LONGER THAN 24 HOURS MUST HAVE AN EXPIRATION DATE NO LONGER THAN 7 DAYS. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
23
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED THE PREP/DISH HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE DURING THE INSPECTION. OBSERVED KNIFE SHARPENING TOOL INSIDE THE SINK AND OBSERVED EMPLOYEE USING THE SINK TO CLEAN SOILED WIPING CLOTHES SEVERAL TIMES THROUGHOUT THE INSPECTION. REVIEWED WITH MANAGEMENT THE HAND WASHING SINK IS FOR HAND WASHING PURPOSES ONLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOOD NOT STORED IN THEIR ORIGINAL CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP NOTED IMPROPERLY STORED INSIDE THE ICE OF THE SMALL, TABLE TOP ICE MACHINE. MUST PROPERLY STORE IN A CLEAN CONTAINER. NOTED FOOD SCOOPS INSIDE FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE COOLER WITHOUT HANDLES. PLATES AND CUPS BEING USED. MUST PROVIDE PROPER FOOD SCOOPS WITH HANDLES.
43
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY INCLUDING BAGGED ONIONS MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS GUARDS UNDER THE LEGS OF THE COOKS LINE EQUIPMENT.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED TORN RUBBER DOOR GASKET ON THE PREP AREA ONE DOOR COOLER. MUST REPLACE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ALL RAW WOOD AT THE FRONT CASHIER/SERVER AREA AND RAW WOODEN SHELVING AT THE REAR PREP COOLER MUST BE PAINTED/SEALED AND NON-ABSORBENT. ALSO NOTED EXCESSIVE FOOD SPLATTER ON THE RAW WOODEN SHELVING AT THE REAR PREP COOLER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.----NOTED PEELING PLASTIC ON METAL PREP TABLE SHELVING BEING USED AS A PROTECTANT.----NOTED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER FOR SHELVING.----UNSEALED PRESSED WOOD BEING USED AS SHELVING FOR DRY FOODS.----TINFOIL AS LINER FOR WALL AT THE DISH AREA. MUST REMOVE ALL TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEES MUST NOT STORE ELECTRIC SCOOTERS IN THE REAR REFRIGERATION AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CHIPPING/DAMAGED PLASTER AND PEELING PAINT THROUGHOUT THE PREP AREAS AND AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR ALL TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----FLOOR AROUND THE GREASE TRAP WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.----WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES AT THE REAR KITCHEN. MUST REPLACE.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
57
25
Sep 15, 2023
License
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED A BROKEN HANDLE AT THE DOOR OF THE FREEZER UNIT AT THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NOTED LONG PIPE WITH SPRAYER CONNECTED TO THE UTILITY SINK WITH NO BACK FLOW CONNECTIVE DEVICE VISIBLE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE CONNECTION AND PROVIDE A BACKFLOW CONNECTIVE DEVICE FOR THE UTILITY SINK.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED WALLS AT THE PREP AREA SPLASHED WITH DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS, AND EDGES OF THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS, AND PIPES/CONDUITS.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
74
Feb 6, 2023
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taco Moro last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taco Moro on file is from Feb 25, 2025. The public record contains five inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taco Moro?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Taco Moro.
Has Taco Moro's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Taco Moro have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly 12 earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Taco Moro 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 Moro inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Taco Moro is inspected around two times per year on average.
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