Taqueria El Costeno

2007-2009 S Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60608

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: Apr 11, 2025

Score

Low Risk

Across the available record, Taqueria El Costeno has four inspections on file, the first dated 2023. The most recent report on file is from Apr 11, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.

Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near two violations each time.

The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting Taqueria El Costeno on the better side of that line. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Apr 11, 2025

Routine

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

Inspector notes: 4-301.12 OBSERVED ONLY ONE SINK STOPPER FOR THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST TWO SINK STOPPERS AT ALL TIMES.

Personal cleanliness

Inspector notes: 2-402.11 OBSERVED THE MALE FOOD HANDLER WITH A BEARD AND WITHOUT A BEARD GUARD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Mar 18, 2024

Routine

4 minor violations.

View 4 violations

Insects, rodents, & animals not present

Inspector notes: 6-202.15 OBSERVED THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR WITH A 1/4 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE SAID DOOR TIGHT FITTING AND RODENT PROOFED.

In-use utensils: properly stored

Inspector notes: 3-304.12 OBSERVED A SCOOP STORED INSIDE OF THE ICE BIN IN BETWEEN USES. INSTRUCTED TO STORE SCOOP PROPERLY IN BETWEEN USE.

Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used

Inspector notes: 4-502.13 OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL BEING USED AS A SHELF LINER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, ALL SURFACES MUST BE EASILY CLEANABLE.

Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

Inspector notes: 5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE OR LOCATE.

Feb 9, 2023

Reinspection

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

Inspector notes: 5-204.12 OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR THE UTILITY SINK. A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MUST BE LOCATED SO IT MAY BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.

Feb 7, 2023

License

1 major violation. 2 minor violations.

View 3 violations

Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting

Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGERS TO PROVIDE A VERIFIABLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND ACTIVITIES AS THEY RELATE TO DISEASES THAT ARE TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD TO THE PIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010.

Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR THE ICE MACHINE OR UTILITY SINK. A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MUST BE LOCATED SO IT MAY BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.

Sewage & waste water properly disposed

Inspector notes: OBSERVED WASTE WATER BACK UP INTO WASH BASIN AND RINSE BASIN WHEN SANITIZER BASIN IS DRAINED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Taqueria El Costeno last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Taqueria El Costeno on file is from Apr 11, 2025. The public record contains four inspections in total.

Has Taqueria El Costeno's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Taqueria El Costeno have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Taqueria El Costeno 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 Costeno inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Taqueria El Costeno is inspected around two times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Ta Camaron Mexican Grill Inc. — Abuelo's Mexican Grill

2007-2009 S Damen Ave

Score: 67 — Medium Risk

El Pollo Regio

2007-2009 S Damen Ave

Score: 78 — Low Risk

Chepe's Tacos

2007-2009 S Damen Ave

Score: 100 — Low Risk

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