Tacos El Paraiso
Last inspected: Mar 6, 2026
86
Score
Public records show 13 inspections at Tacos El Paraiso stretching back to 2018. The latest inspection on file is from Mar 6, 2026. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near three violations per visit across recent inspections.
Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded 12 times.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting Tacos El Paraiso on the better side of that line. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 6, 2026
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET AT 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR. MUST REPAIR.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE OF 4-DOOR PREP COOLER IN REAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ALL WALLS OF MAIN PREP AREA, REAR PREP AREA AND REAR BY THE MOP SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
Mar 11, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LARGE HOLE IN WALL BEHIND WATER HEATER IN KITCHEN. MUST SEAL HOLE.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUSTY FILTERS AT VENTILATION HOOD. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. MUST PROVIDE CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTICATE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
86
Aug 2, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Food separated and protected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CONDENSATION DRIPPING DIRECTLY ONTO UNCOVERED COOKED CHICKEN IN REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD FOOD. FOOD MUST BE COVERED TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
15
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER WITH CARD BOARD AND PARTICLES MAINLY BY MOP SINK, REAR STORAGE ROOM AND BY REAR DOOR ON TOP OF CHEST FREEZERS. MUST REMOVE ITEMS.
55
82
Sep 19, 2023
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE WHICH WAS EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET AT 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN KITCHEN. MUST REPAIR.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OPEN CRACK ABOVE HAND SINK IN TOILET ROOM.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS IN CORNERS, ALONG WALLS AND UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON FILTERS AT VENTILATION HOOD. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
78
Dec 20, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Dec 13, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: FOUND REMINDER DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS NOT PROPERLY WRITTEN INSIDE MENU.PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005.MUST PROVIDE.
25
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: FOUND INTERIOR OF COOLERS NOT CLEAN.MUST CLEAN.
49
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER AT PREMISES WITH NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE.
57
82
Jul 28, 2021
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES (SPOONS,FORKS ETC.) AT FRONT COUNTER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE (HANDLES-UP).
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE REAR 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE KITCHEN STORAGE RACKS, PREP TABLES, FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE CHEST FREEZER AND PREP COOLER, STEAM TABLE, AND DEEP FRYER.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE REAR UTILITY MOP SINK AREA AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE MOPS,BROOMS CLEANING EQUIPMENTS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
56
74
Sep 8, 2020
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BROKEN RUBBER GASKET AROUND 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN PREP/COOKING AREA.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAINT RUSTY METAL RACKS INSIDE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN PREP/COOKING AREA.
49
86
Sep 1, 2020
Complaint
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 2365630 ISSUED ON 03-11-2020. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED #49 - INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF PREP AND REACH-IN COOLERS, EXTERIOR SIDES OF FOOD CONTAINERS, PREP AND STORAGE SHELVES. #55 - INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT PREP/COOKING AREA,DISH WASHING AREA AND IN REAR STORAGE AREA. #55 - INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALL WITH DRIED FOOD SPILLAGE AROUND PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. #55 - INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS STORED IN REAR STORAGE AND IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. #55 - CLEANING EQUIPMENT (BROOMS, MOPS ETC) MUST BE STORED OFF THE FLOOR.
60
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BROKEN RUBBER GASKET AROUND 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN PREP/COOKING AREA.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAINT RUSTY METAL RACKS INSIDE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN PREP/COOKING AREA.
49
78
Mar 11, 2020
Complaint
1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL AND DATE READY TO EAT TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24 HOURS INSIDE COOLERS. MUST IDENTIFY PRODUCT SHELF LIFE OR "CONSUME BY" DATING (7 DAYS FROM PREPARATION DATE). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
23
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL FOOD CONTAINERS/BINS (SUGAR, SALT, FLOUR ETC) IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTH IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION.
41
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF PREP AND REACH-IN COOLERS, EXTERIOR SIDES OF FOOD CONTAINERS, PREP AND STORAGE SHELVES.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT PREP/COOKING AREA,DISH WASHING AREA AND IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLEANING EQUIPMENT (BROOMS, MOPS ETC) MUST BE STORED OFF THE FLOOR.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS STORED IN REAR STORAGE AND IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALL WITH DRIED FOOD SPILLAGE AROUND PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
55
61
Jul 3, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU NOTICED NO DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER .INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PUT DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
25
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INCOMPLETE CLEAN UP KIT ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO HAVE A COMPLETE CLEAN UP KIT ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION--7-38=005 NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVER ON GARBAGE RECEPTACLE IN THE RESTROOM.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A COVER FOR GARBAGE RECEPTACLE. CORE VIOLATION
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN THE DINING ROOM.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR FLOOR TILES IN DINING ROOM CORE VIOLATION
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIGHTS AND SHIELDS MISSING FROM THE REAR OF KITCHEN.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE SHIELDS AND BULBS CORE VIOLATION
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FILTERS MISSING FROM HOT LINE HOOD.INSTRUCTED MANAGENENT TO REPLACE MISSING FILTERS. CORE VIOLATION
56
67
Oct 15, 2018
Reinspection
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-201.11 OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE A EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012(a) NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP POLICY ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE A CLEAN UP POLICY
5
86
Sep 27, 2018
License
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-306.11 OBSERVED NO BARRIER LEADING INTO THE KITCHEN TO PREVENT THE CUSTOMER FROM CONTAMINATING THE FOOD.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PUT UP A BARRIER LEADING INTO THE KITCHEN. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
39
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-203.14 OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTER AT THE MOPSINK.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INSTALL A BACKFLOW DEVICE AT MOPSINK. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(c) NO CITATION ISSUED
51
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: 3-306.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU FOR BREAKFAST ITEMS.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PUT CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU FOR UNDERCOOKED ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
25
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-201.11 OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE A EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012(a) NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP POLICY ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE A CLEAN UP POLICY
5
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 6-501.19 OBSERVED TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING .INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO GET A SELF CLOSING DEVICE FOR RESTROOM DOOR. CORE
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.13 OBSERVED COVING MISSING FROM WALL IN FRONT OF HAVC SYSTEM.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE COVING.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 4-301.14 OBSERVED ROTISSERIE OVEN NOT UNDER VENTILLATION HOOD.INSTRUCTED NANAGEMENT TO ROTISSERIE OVEN UNDER VENTILLATION HOOD OR PROPERLY VENT OVEN CORE
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA100-0367 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO GET ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION. CORE
58
47
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tacos El Paraiso last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Tacos El Paraiso on file is from Mar 6, 2026. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Tacos El Paraiso?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 12 times, more than any other issue at Tacos El Paraiso.
Has Tacos El Paraiso's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Tacos El Paraiso have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Tacos El Paraiso 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 Tacos El Paraiso inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Tacos El Paraiso is inspected around two times per year on average.
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