Tamaleria Roman
Last inspected: Feb 4, 2026
90
Score
Inspectors have visited Tamaleria Roman 10 times, with records going back to 2020. On Feb 4, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around seven violations per visit versus roughly four violations earlier in the record.
When inspectors have written things up, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been the most frequent reason, cited nine times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Tamaleria Roman is doing better than most peers. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
10
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 4, 2026
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NOTED DRAINPIPE LEAKING AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.
58
90
Nov 25, 2024
Reinspection
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED (SUCH AS CHICKEN). INSTRUCTED MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED/SERVED. INSTRUCTED MUST POST A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATION IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMERS AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET IN THE 2 DOOR COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON THE WASHROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL WASHROOM DOORS MUST BE COMPLETELY ENCLOSED AND PROVIDED WITH TIGHT FITTING AND SELF CLOSING DOORS.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN UTILITY AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
64
Nov 15, 2024
Routine
4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PAPER TOWELS AT ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: NO FOOD TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE ON SITE. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED
36
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: APPROXIMATELY 40-50 RODENT DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT HOT TANK AND FURNACE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DROPPINGS, RECEIVE ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE, AND MAINTAIN PREMISES FREE OF PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED (SUCH AS CHICKEN). INSTRUCTED MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED/SERVED. INSTRUCTED MUST POST A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATION IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMERS AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET IN THE 2 DOOR COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON THE WASHROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL WASHROOM DOORS MUST BE COMPLETELY ENCLOSED AND PROVIDED WITH TIGHT FITTING AND SELF CLOSING DOORS.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN UTILITY AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
47
Aug 2, 2023
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
57
95
Jul 26, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2568823 ON 12/21/22 WERE NOT CORRECTED: 53 - OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON THE WASHROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL WASHROOM DOORS MUST BE COMPLETELY ENCLOSED AND PROVIDED WITH TIGHT FITTING AND SELF CLOSING DOORS. 55 - FOUND A HOLE IN THE CEILING ABOVE THE MOP SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED WITH THE NAME OF INGREDIENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS.
37
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FOOD DBERIS ON THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
57
74
Dec 21, 2022
License
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FOUND DEAD INSECTS INSIDE THE LIGHT SHIELD NEAR THE 2-DOOR COOLER. MUST REMOVE ALL DEAD INSECTS FROM THE LIGHT SHIELDS AND MAINTAIN.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FOUND HEAVY RUST BUILD UP ON THE FOOD STORAGE SHELF BELOW THE BULK DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS. MUST REPAINT/REFINISH TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON THE WASHROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL WASHROOM DOORS MUST BE COMPLETELY ENCLOSED AND PROVIDED WITH TIGHT FITTING AND SELF CLOSING DOORS.
53
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: FOUND NO LID ON THE WASHROOM GARBAGE CAN. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND A HOLE IN THE CEILING ABOVE THE MOP SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
78
Sep 19, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2522142 ON 6/30/21: VIOLATION #58 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. MUST CORRECT PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090.
60
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL ALL BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR) AND MAINTAIN.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: NOTED APPROXIMATELY 8 DEAD COCKROACHES ON THE FLOOR IN THE FRONT SEATING AREA AND UNDERNEATH THE 2-DOOR COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DEAD INSECTS FROM PREMISES, CLEAN AREAS, AND MAINTAIN.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE PALLET UNDERNEATH THE LARGE FLOOR MIXER MADE OF UNSEALED WOOD. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM PREMISES OR RE-FINISH SO THAT SURFACE IS SMOOTH, NON-ABSORBENT, AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: FOUND GREASE AND OLD FOOD RESIDUE BUILD UP ON THE LARGE FLOOR MIXER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED STANDING WATER ON THE FLOOR INSIDE THE BOILER CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL STANDING WATER FROM INSIDE THE CLOSET, CLEAN FLOOR, AND MAINTAIN.
55
70
Jun 30, 2021
Routine
5 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOKING TAMALES POTS THAT ARE TOO LARGE TO WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE IN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE REMOVED EQUIPMENT. MUST INSTALL LARGER SINK TO FULLY SUBMERGE OR PROVIDE AN APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025.
48
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION HAVE NOT BEEN CORRECTED FROM REPORT# #58 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090.
60
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN VIEW OF ALL CUSTOMERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-010(B).
61
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE OR SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BOTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS IN THE HAND WASHING SINK IN KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON WALLS BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND BEHIND ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS THROUGHOUT PREMISES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON VENTILATION VENT INSIDE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE
57
47
May 26, 2020
Reinspection
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE OR SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BOTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE WAS PROVIDED IN THE WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
53
78
Feb 18, 2020
License
3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE OR SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BOTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF GARBAGE, FOOD LITTER AND UNUSED ITEMS IN THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA BEHIND THE RESTAURANT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THIS AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B). NO CITATION ISSUED.
54
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: REPAINT THE RUSTED GREASE TRAP.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER AND CHEST FREEZER.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE WAS PROVIDED IN THE WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
53
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
61
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tamaleria Roman last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Tamaleria Roman on file is from Feb 4, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Tamaleria Roman?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Tamaleria Roman.
Has Tamaleria Roman's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Tamaleria Roman have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Tamaleria Roman 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 Tamaleria Roman inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Tamaleria Roman is inspected around two times per year on average.
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