Tacos El Tio
Last inspected: Oct 15, 2025
82
Score
Across the available record, Tacos El Tio has 19 inspections on file, the first dated 2015. On Oct 15, 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.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near four violations per visit across recent inspections.
“Personal cleanliness” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing five times across the record.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, this is about average. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
19
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 15, 2025
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12: OBSERVED TWO SQUIRT BOTTLES NOT LABELED ON THE PREP COOLER IN THE FRONT PREP/SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
37
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: 2-402.11: OBSERVED TWO FEMALE FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
40
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: 4-903.11 (A;B;D): OBSERVED SERVING SPOONS AND FLAT EDGE SPATULAS NOT INVERTED DURING STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT AND MAINTAIN.
44
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15: OBSERVED THE PIPES UNDER THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR DISHWASHING/ PREP AREA AND THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK WITH LEAKS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
82
Oct 8, 2025
Complaint
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROBE STEM THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO SQUIRT BOTTLES NOT LABELED ON THE PREP COOLER IN THE FRONT PREP/SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
37
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO FEMALE FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
40
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SERVING SPOONS AND FLAT EDGE SPATULAS NOT INVERTED DURING STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT AND MAINTAIN.
44
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE PIPES UNDER THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR DISHWASHING/ PREP AREA AND THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK WITH LEAKS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
74
Jan 23, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 14, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTSIDE DUMPSTER LID UNABLE TO CLOSE DUE TO TRASH OVERFLOWING. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (B). CITATION ISSUED.
54
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
58
86
Jun 10, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION, AT 2:10PM, WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED/SERVED AND STORED. CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT APPROXIMATELY 2:35PM. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAFF MEMBER WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
40
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS (TORTILLAS AND TACO SHELLS) IN GROCERY BAGS INSIDE COOLER UNIT IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE RESTROOM WALL ABOVE THE SINK WITH SMALL WHOLE EXPOSED WITH NO COVERING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/COVER AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE RESTROOM VENTILATION WITH DEBRIS/DIRTY LENT ACCUMULATION/BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LIGHTBULB SHIELDING IN THE EMPLOYEE RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
56
70
Jun 12, 2023
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP LAYING ON TOP OF TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ICE SCOOP HANDLE UP ABOVE ICE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET IN THE 2 DOOR COOLER BY THE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE COOLERS AND REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH FOOD STORED INSIDE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED SOME USE OF MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION AT THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST ALSO BE STORED 6" AWAY FROM THE WALL
47
82
Dec 5, 2022
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
95
Nov 28, 2022
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU TO IDENTIFY WHICH FOOD ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE A STAR OR ASTERISK OR OTHER MEANS TO LINK THOSE ITEMS TO THE REMINDER STATEMENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO ADD THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE BEFORE THE REMINDER STATEMENT:"THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR MAY CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS." PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
25
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY FROM 11/29/21 WAS NOT POSTED IN THE PUBLIC VIEW. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN VIEW OF ALL CUSTOMERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
61
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
78
Nov 29, 2021
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER AIR TEMPERATURE INSIDE PREP COOLER OF 51.2F. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT FOR MAINTENANCE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND USE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATORS IN LIEU OF PREP COOLER. COOLER HAS BEEN TAGGED FOR RE-INSPECTION. PRIORITY. 7-38-005. CITAITON ISSUED.
33
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF PORK, BEEF, EGGS, AND CHICKEN (47.3F-63.5F). INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD APPROXIMATELY 20 POUNDS OF FOOD PRODUCTS AT A COST OF $400. ALL COLD HOLDING FOODS MUST BE 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHILE PREPARING TCS FOODS (STEAK, CHICKEN, PORK). ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 CORE VIOLATIONS FROM INSPECTION #2288720 ON 5/13/19 NOT CORRECTED " PREMISES HAS NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW." PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. NO CITATION ISSUED.
60
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER SLOW DRAINING AT HANDWASHING SINK INSIDE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
58
Mar 12, 2020
Routine
3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT 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
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO KIT AND PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA. LEFT ONE PAGER AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN A KIT WITH ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES INCLUDING A SANITIZER EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS AND A WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
5
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 CORE VIOLATIONS FROM INSPECTION #2288720 ON 5/13/19 NOT CORRECTED: "INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW." " PREMISES HAS NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW." PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS IN COOLERS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
36
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM LOCATED IN REAR OF FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
53
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: REPEAT CORE VIOLATION. SEE #60.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: REPEAT CORE VIOLATION. SEE VIOLATION #60.
58
61
May 13, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: **NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-010.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: **PREMISES HAS NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.
5
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED THE RUBBER GASKET AROUND THE FRONT PREP COOLER DOOR IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FREEZER TO REMOVE SPILLS AND/OR DEBRIS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED OPENINGS ALONG THE WALL BASE IN THE REAR KITCHEN. MUST SEAL TO PREVENT ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PREMISES HAS NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.
58
64
Feb 6, 2018
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 29, 2018
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE FROM2:00PM TO 2:35PM WHEN FOODS I.E. TACO AND BURRITOS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION-7-38-012 CERTIFIED MANAGER CAME IN AT 2:35
21
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOTED ON 6/2/2017 REPORT #2059573 NOT CORRECTED VIOLATION #38 OBSERVED LEAKY PIPE UNDERNEATH REAR EXPOSED HANDSINK.MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090
29
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FRYER CABINET TO BE GREASY AT FRONT HOT LINE AREA.INSTRUCTED MANGEMENT TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FRYER CABINET.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OPEN WALL BEHIND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR WALL.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LIGHT SHIELDS OVER FRONT HOT LINE FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO AFFIX LIGHTSHIELDS OVER LIGHTS WITH CAPS ON EACH END.
36
78
Jun 2, 2017
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORED INSIDE THE FRONT PREP COOLER AT THE IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES SUCH AS: 2LBS OF COOKED RICE AT 48.4F, 5LBS OF CHICKEN AT 45.9F, 1LBS OF COOKED PORK AT 50F AND 2LBS OF BEEF AT 47.1F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL OF 10LBS OF FOOD AT A TOTAL COST OF $275. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED #7-38-005(A).
3
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED A LEAKY PIPE UNDERNEATH THE REAR EXPOSED HAND SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
90
Oct 27, 2016
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN BOTTOM COMPARTMENTS OF DEEP FRYERS,HAS GREASE BUILD-UP,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA
33
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE AT PREP AREAS
43
90
Oct 25, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: FOUND THE AIR TEMPERATURE OF THE PREP COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 57.9F,WHICH HAS POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS INSIDE COOLER,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR COOLER,CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: TOOK INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF VARIOUS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE PREP COOLER AND WAS FOUND AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 55.9F TO 58.6F,FOOD ITEMS ARE COOKED CHICKEN,57.5F,TOTAL WEIGHT 6LBS,TOTAL COST $45.00,RICE 56.3F,TOTAL WEIGHT 4LBS,TOTAL COST $20.00,GOAT 55.3F,TOTAL WEIGHT 1LB,TOTAL COST $10.00,PORK 58.6F,TOTAL WEIGHT 4LBS,TOTAL COST $40.00,EGGS 57.4F,TOTAL WEIGHT 2LBS,TOTAL COST $5.00,TOTAL WEIGHT FOR FOOD ITEMS IS 17LBS AND TOTAL COST FOR FOOD ITEMS ARE $115.00,FOOD ITEMS WERE DENATURED AND DESTROYED DURING INSPECTION,CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
3
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN BOTTOM COMPARTMENTS OF DEEP FRYERS,HAS GREASE BUILD-UP,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA
33
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE AT PREP AREAS
43
82
Apr 1, 2016
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM THE GREASE TRAP AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK,INSTRUCTED TO REPAINT GREASE TRAP
32
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE REFRIGERATOR UNIT AND 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER NEAR PREP AREA
40
90
Mar 25, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Dish machines: provided with accurate thermometers, chemical test kits and suitable gauge cock
Inspector notes: NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS AT THE 3 COMARTMENT SINK TO TEST THE STRENGTH OF THE SANITIZER ,WHEN SINK IS SET UP FOR WASH,RINSE AND SANITIZE,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030
22
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM THE GREASE TRAP AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK,INSTRUCTED TO REPAINT GREASE TRAP
32
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE REFRIGERATOR UNIT AND 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER NEAR PREP AREA
40
86
Jun 2, 2015
License
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: FOUND LIGHT BULB NOT SHIELDED AT FRONT REACH IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND NO MOP SINK WITH VACUUM BREAKER AT FAUCET. MUST PROVIDE.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND CLUTTER AT REAR PATIO AREAS. MUST REMOVE.
41
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tacos El Tio last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Tacos El Tio on file is from Oct 15, 2025. The public record contains 19 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Tacos El Tio?
Across the inspection record, “personal cleanliness” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Tacos El Tio.
Has Tacos El Tio's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Tacos El Tio have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Tacos El Tio 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 Tio inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Tacos El Tio is inspected around two times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants