Tamal Gourmet

6659 W Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60638

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: Jun 13, 2025

Score

Medium Risk

Public records currently show only two inspections for Tamal Gourmet. The latest inspection on file is from Jun 13, 2025. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.

The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around two violations to closer to four violations.

Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Tamal Gourmet trails the local norm. The record is unremarkable in either direction.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Jun 13, 2025

Routine

2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.

View 4 violations

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES IN UPRIGHT COOLER: RICE 54.9F, TAMALES 55.9F, EGGS 56.8F, MILK 56.0F, CHEESE 56.2F ALL DISCARDED AND DENATURED AT THIS TIME. APPROX 15LBS $100 VALUE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY

Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

Inspector notes: UPRIGHT COOLER UNABLE TO MAINTAIN PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE, AIR TEMPERATURE OF 54.0F. COOLER TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME. INSTD NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED, ABLE TO MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW, AND REINSPECTED BY CDPH. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY

City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS (RICE, EGGS, ETC) NOR CERTIFICATE POSTED. INSTD TO HAVE ON SITE ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012 PRIORITY FOUNDATION

Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties

Inspector notes: PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE. INSTD TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON SITE

Nov 7, 2024

License

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

Inspector notes: NO PREPARATION/DUMP SINK ON SITE. INSTD TO PROVIDE SINK WITH HOT/COLD WATER UNDER CITY PLUMBING FOR A PREPARATION SINK AND DISPOSING OF BEVERAGES/LIQUIDS, ETC.

Allergen training as required

Inspector notes: MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Tamal Gourmet last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Tamal Gourmet on file is from Jun 13, 2025. The public record contains two inspections in total.

Has Tamal Gourmet's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Tamal Gourmet have averaged around four violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Tamal Gourmet means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

Nearby Restaurants

Score: 70 — Medium Risk

Edible Arrangments

6656 W Archer Ave

Score: 95 — Low Risk

Explore More

→ All locations in Chicago → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Chicago