Home› Chicago› Chicago› Tamales Express

Tamales Express

3802 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Mexican / Latin
Last inspected: Apr 8, 2026
78
Score
Low Risk

The health department has logged six inspections at Tamales Express, the earliest from 2022. Tamales Express was last inspected on Apr 8, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.

Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around two violations each.

The pattern that stands out is “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, which has been cited three times.

The city-wide average sits at 81, which Tamales Express' 78 doesn't quite reach. Overall, the inspection record reads well.

6
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 8, 2026
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN THERMOMETERS INSIDE UPRIGHT REFRIGERATION UNITS IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
36
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTED SHELVING RACKS INSIDE UPRIGHT COCA COLA COOLING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE TO MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GARBAGE RECEPTACLE IN WOMENS TOILETROOM WITHOUT COVERING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS IN REAR PREP AREA AROUND ALL HEAVY COOKING EQUIPMENT AND UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN FLOOR.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BURNED OUT BULBS AND MAINTAIN
56
78
Apr 16, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Apr 12, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY ON DRYING RACKS.MUST STORE INVERTED.
44
95
Apr 4, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
16
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE/FOOD BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN VENTILATION HOOD.
49
90
Oct 20, 2022
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-602.13 CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AND THE INTERIOR OF THE REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER COMBO.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 CLEAN THE WALLS OF THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
55
90
Oct 18, 2022
License
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: INADEQUATE REFRIGERATION PROVIDED ONSITE FOR THE PROPOSED MENU. PREMISES HAS A 2 DOOR COMMERCIAL BEVERAGE COOLER AND A RESIDENTIAL SIDE BY SIDE REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER COMBO UNIT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL REFRIGERATION ON THE PREMISES TO ADEQUATELY MAINTAIN ALL TCS FOODS COLD BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.
33
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AND THE INTERIOR OF THE REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER COMBO.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE WALLS OF THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
55
78

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Tamales Express last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Tamales Express on file is from Apr 8, 2026. The public record contains six inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Tamales Express?

Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Tamales Express.

Has Tamales Express' inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Tamales Express have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Tamales Express 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 Tamales Express inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Tamales Express is inspected around two times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants
El Guanaco
3802 W Diversey Ave
Score: 86 — Low Risk
Brew Brew Coffee Lounge
3832 W Diversey Ave
Score: 100 — Low Risk
Express Cafe
3658 W Diversey Ave
Score: 78 — Low Risk
Explore More
→ All locations in Chicago → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Chicago
forkgrade — Public health inspection data for food establishments across the US
About Methodology Editorial Policy Privacy Policy Contact