Taqueria El 5 De Mayo — Taqueria 5 De Mayo
Last inspected: Apr 8, 2025
90
Score
Inspectors have visited Taqueria El 5 De Mayo — Taqueria 5 De Mayo 14 times, with records going back to 2014. The newest entry in the record is dated Apr 8, 2025. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around three violations, down from roughly six violations earlier in the record.
The pattern that stands out is “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable”, which has been cited nine times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Taqueria El 5 De Mayo — Taqueria 5 De Mayo is doing better than most peers. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
14
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 8, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING FLOOR TILES IN FRONT OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP/WAREWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN FLOOR UNDERNEATH ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
55
90
Oct 18, 2024
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS WITHOUT ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING CERTIFICATES AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE ALL INDIVIDUALS THAT HOLD A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS CERTIFICATE OBTAINS ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTIPLE CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP SCRATCHES AND STAINS ON PREP SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO RESURFACE/REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE ON FLOORS AND ON WALLS BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN FLOORS AND WALLS BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BASEMENT STORAGE AREA WITH CLUTTER AND ITEMS ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ORGANIZE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA AND KEEP ITEMS ELEVATED OFF OF FLOORS AND MAINTAIN.
55
82
May 16, 2023
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE PREP COOLER INFRONT PREP/COOKING AREA.
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO LABEL SOME FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (CHILI, SALT ETC)
37
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN FRONT, REAR PREP AND IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE NON WORKING LIGHTBULBS IN REAR PREP AREA TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL LIGHTING.
56
82
Apr 20, 2022
License
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
3
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOOSE CENTER DOOR FRAME OF THE REAR 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT UTILITY MOP SINK LOCATED IN BASEMENT.MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT MIDDLE OF DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
51
74
May 14, 2021
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FROZEN CHICKEN AND TAMALES STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR COOLER IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK FACUET WHEN THE WATER IN RUNNING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
86
Jul 20, 2020
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: CUSTOMERS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREAS FOR USE OF THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: SHELVING EDGE ABOVE THE HOT HOLDING UNIT IN POOR REPAIR, CRACKING, PEELING AND REPAIRED WITH DUCT TAPE. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: TORN RUBBER DOOR GASKET ON THE REAR PREP TALL REACH-IN FREEZER. MUST REPLACE.
47
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: INADEQUATE SINK STOPPERS FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST NOT USE WADDED PLASTIC FOR STOPPERS. MUST PROVIDE PROPER SINK STOPPERS.
48
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE LOCATED ON THE BASEMENT UTILITY SERVICE SINK. MUST PROVIDE A BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE VISIBLE TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MISSING AND WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT THE FRONT AND REAR PREP. MUST REPLACE.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: CRACKED AND DAMAGED LIGHTING IN THE REAR PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
64
Sep 3, 2019
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 27, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: Previous core violation from 9/24/18 not corrected. 5-202.11 (A) OBSERVED A SLOW LEAK FROM THE DRAIN LINE UNDER THE MIDDLE COMPARTMENT OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAK AND MAINTAIN. Priority foundation violation 7-42-090, citation issued.
60
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: Observed improper date marking. Instructed refrigerated, ready-to-eat, TCS foods, prepared on site and held for more than 24 hours must be labeled with the date of creation and disposal. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005, no citation issued.
23
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: Observed cutting boards with deep grooves. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: See violation 60
51
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Observed nonfunctioning lightbulb in hood over grill. Instructed to repair and maintain functioning lights.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: Observed incomplete food handler records on premises. Instructed all employees must complete food handler training and keep their certificates on premises.
57
67
Sep 24, 2018
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(A) EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO IMPLEMENT AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY, AND MAINTAIN POLICY ON-SITE. FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING POLICY GO TO WWW.CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG/HEALTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION, 7-38-012(A) NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 FOUND NO PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO IMPLEMENT AN APPROPRIATE PROCEDURE, WITH NECESSARY SUPPLIES, AND TO MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE RIPPED GASKETS AROUND THE 2-DOOR REACH-IN REFRIGERATOR IN THE REAR PREP AND THE GASKETS AROUND THE COLD-HOLDING RERIGERATION DOORS IN THE FRONT PREPARATION AREA.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-202.11 (A) OBSERVED A SLOW LEAK FROM THE DRAIN LINE UNDER THE MIDDLE COMPARTMENT OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11 INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE STAINLESS STEEL WALL BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE KITCHEN TO REMOVE FOOD SPLATTER AND DEBRIS--MAINTAIN.
55
70
Jul 28, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CRACKED FLOOR TILES AT DISHWASH AREA. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILES AT DISHWASH AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOOSE/DAMAGED CEILING TILES ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK ALSO OBSERVED CEILING LIGHT BULB COVERS WITH DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE LOOSE/DAMAGED CEILING TILES ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND CLEAN CEILING LIGHT BULB COVERS.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BURNED OUT CEILING LIGHT BULBS ABOVE DINING ROOM. MUST REPLACE BURNED OUT CEILING LIGHT BULBS.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MOP SINK DRAIN PIPE LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
82
Nov 14, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE MISSING LIGTH SHIELDS IN THE REAR PREP ROOM. FOUND THE 2 LIGHT FIXTURES ABOVE THE REAR PREP TABLE MISSING. MUST PROVIDE.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET BASE AT THE REAR PREP ROOM HAND SINK(GREEN HAND SINK).
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY STORE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION UNTIL USED.FOUND MANY WASH CLOTHS SITTING ON TOP OF A PLASTIC TRAY AT THE FRONT SERVICE AREA.
43
86
Jan 8, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN, SANITIZE AND REPAINT RUSTY GREASE TRAP BOX LID UNDER THE 3-COMP SINK.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR WOODEN WOOD WALL PANEL AT THE SERVICE COUNTER ON THE COOKING SIDE SO AS TO BE FLAT, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. ALSO MUST REPLACE EXHAUST HOOD FILTERS AT CEILING IN THE EXHAUST HOOD CANOPY.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR SLOW DRAINING HAND WASHING SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. MUST REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET BASE AND HOT WATER FAUCET AT THE 3-COMP SINK IN THE REAR KITCHEN AREA.
38
86
Jan 9, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: ALL COOKED/PREPARED FOODS INSIDE THE REAR 2 DOOR COOLER MUST HAVE LABEL AND DATE AND MAINTAIN.
30
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST HAVE 3 SINK STOPPERS FOR THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN BASEMENT DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND STOCK ITEMS MUST BE STORED AT LEAST 6" OFF THE FLOOR/WALL FOR EASIER CLEANING.
41
86
Jul 14, 2014
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO MOP SINK ON SITE, MUST PROVIDE,
38
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taqueria El 5 De Mayo — Taqueria 5 De Mayo last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taqueria El 5 De Mayo — Taqueria 5 De Mayo on file is from Apr 8, 2025. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taqueria El 5 De Mayo — Taqueria 5 De Mayo?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Taqueria El 5 De Mayo — Taqueria 5 De Mayo.
Has Taqueria El 5 De Mayo — Taqueria 5 De Mayo's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Taqueria El 5 De Mayo — Taqueria 5 De Mayo have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Taqueria El 5 De Mayo — Taqueria 5 De Mayo 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 Taqueria El 5 De Mayo — Taqueria 5 De Mayo inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Taqueria El 5 De Mayo — Taqueria 5 De Mayo is inspected roughly once per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants