Taco Palate
Last inspected: May 5, 2025
30
Score
Going back to 2023, Taco Palate has four inspections in the public record. The newest entry in the record is dated May 5, 2025. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.
The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around four violations to closer to 15 violations.
When inspectors have written things up, “allergen training as required” has been the most frequent reason, cited four times.
Taco Palate's latest score of 30 falls below the Chicago average of 81. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.
4
Inspections
3
Critical latest
3
Major latest
9
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 5, 2025
Routine
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS READY TO EAT AND COOKED FOODS, SUCH AS 5 LBS. RED & GREEN SALSAS 47.8F-52.2F.2.5LBS. SOUR CREAM-59.0F.1LB. DICED TOMATO-45.5F.1LB. SHREED LETTUCE-53.6F.2LBS. COOKED PORK-51.4F.1.5LBS. COOKED CHIROZO-47.8F.1LB. COOKED CHICKEN-45.5F.5LBS. COOKED RICE-59.7F.15LBS. RAW BEEF STEAK-52.9F INSIDE OF FRONT 2-DOOR PREP COOLER & REAR REFRIGERATOR. THE PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY EMPLOYEE MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. APPX.34LBS. $300.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION )(COS)
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 2-DOOR FRONT PREP COOLER AT 45.9F AND REAR REFRIGERATOR AT 60.9F WITH TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE. A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG HAS BEEN PLACED ON UNITS. ONCE REPAIRED, EMAIL:FOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNITS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. (PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
33
Proper hot holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS 2 LBS. COOKED STEAK AT 74.1�F ON TOPSIDE OF UNUSED GRILL. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F OR BELOW.APPX. 2LBS.$10.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
21
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(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 (STEAK,PORK,RICE,SALSA)MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)
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
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE HOLE IN FLOOR IN HOT WATER TANK/FURNANCE ROOM,BROKEN AND DAMAGED WALL BASES IN PREP AREAS.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS.
58
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SLOW DRAIN AT HAND SINK IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR SWEEP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE LARGE FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS OFF OF FLOOR IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAP AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM EXTERIOR & INTERIOR OF UNUSED GRILL,FRYER CABINET,UNUSED WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A HOOKING SYSTEM TO HANG UP WET MOPS.
55
30
Jan 26, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE WASH HANDS WITH AT HAND WASHING SINK WITHOUT USING SOAP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE EMPLOYEES WASH HANDS WITH SOAP. MANAGER INSTRUCTED EMPLOYEE TO USE SOAP. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
8
No bare hand contact with rte food or a pre-approved alternative procedure properly allowed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE TOUCH READY-TO-EAT TACOS WITH BARE HANDS TO ADJUST TACOS INSIDE TO-GO CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE EMPLOYEES DO NOT TOUCH READY-TO-EAT FOODS WITH BARE HANDS. THE MANAGER INSTRUCTED THE EMPLOYEE TO REMAKE TACOS WITH GLOVES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
9
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER IS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012
2
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS.
58
64
Feb 14, 2023
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-602.11(A; B:1-4,6,7; C; D) OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS OF RICE AND BEANS NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-202.15 OBSERVED A BUILD-UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND GRIME ON THE CAN OPENER ATTACHED TO THE REAR PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED 2 EMPLOYEES WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
82
Feb 7, 2023
Routine
4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS ITEMS SUCH AS BEEF WERE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
3
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO CONTRACT WITH A LICENSED PEST CONTROL PROVIDER, RECEIVE SERVICE, AND MAINTAIN ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL SANITIZER TESTING DEVICES ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 EMPLOYEES WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
57
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD-UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND GRIME ON THE CAN OPENER ATTACHED TO THE REAR PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS OF RICE AND BEANS NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT.
37
55
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taco Palate last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taco Palate on file is from May 5, 2025. The public record contains four inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taco Palate?
Across the inspection record, “allergen training as required” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Taco Palate.
Has Taco Palate's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Taco Palate 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 Palate 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 Palate inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Taco Palate is inspected around two times per year on average.
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