Taqueria El Jefe Loco Co.
Last inspected: Feb 10, 2026
95
Score
Taqueria El Jefe Loco Co. appears in inspection records 11 times, starting in 2019. On Feb 10, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around five violations each.
The pattern that stands out is “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, which has been cited six times.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Chicago restaurant scores 81. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 10, 2026
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.INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
57
95
Feb 2, 2026
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROX.10 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE CORNER UNDER/AROUND THE FURNACE UNIT LOCATED IN THE SIDE FURNACE ROOM AND 10 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE CORNER UNDERNEATH THE REAR UTILITY MOP SINK. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM AFFECTED AREAS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED.
38
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE AND MAINTAIN.
41
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILDUP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYERS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL, CLEAN, AND ORGANIZE THE REAR STORAGE ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES/UNUSED CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS/FOOD EQUIPMENT STORED IN THE REAR STORAGE ROOM MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES, AND ALL OTHER NECESSARY ITEMS MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6 INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
57
74
Feb 10, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: #56 - CONTINUED NON-COMPLIANCE; CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM PREVIOUS REPORT #2596481 DATED 6/18/24, 6-501.14 OBSERVED VENT COVER MISSING IN THE BATHROOM AND DEBRIS/DIRTY LENT AT VENT. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AND CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE POSTED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
58
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE OF COOLING UNIT IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LABELS ON FOOD CONDIMENT CONTAINERS/BOTTLES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF WIPING CLOTH ON THE FOOD PREPARATION TABLE IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY.
41
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LIGHT BULB COVER/FIXTURE IN THE PUBLIC WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
56
70
Jun 18, 2024
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6-501.14 OBSERVED VENT COVER MISSING IN THE BATHROOM AND DEBRIS/DIRTY LENT AT VENT. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AND CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
95
Jun 11, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 2576137 ISSUED ON 05/18/2023. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED. VIOLATION#38. NOT CORRECTED. OBSERVED THE FRONT DOOR IN POOR REPAIR AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO ADD A BETTER WEATHER STRIP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR TO PREVENT ENTRY POINT FOR INSECTS/PESTS. VIOLATION#53. NOT CORRECTED. OBSERVED WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF-CLOSING; SELF-CLOSING COMPONENT IS BROKEN/UNATTACHED. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR. ITEM #55. NOT CORRECTED. OBSERVED UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED, UNNECSSARY EQUIPMENT AND ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
60
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREPARED TCS FOOD ITEMS (COOKED CHICKEN, SOUP, COOKED BEEF) IN PREP COOLER WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATE LABELS (NOT TO EXCEED 7 DAYS) ON ALL FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN. MANAGER CORRECTED ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
23
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN EMPLOYEE'S STYROFOAM DRINKING CUP WITH STRAW AND LIQUID CONTENTS ON THE COUNTER IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. NO PERSONAL DRINKING CUPS IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
6
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VENT COVER MISSING IN THE BATHROOM AND DEBRIS/DIRTY LENT AT VENT. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AND CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
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 ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
70
May 18, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 11 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/SERVED (SUCH AS RICE, BEANS, 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
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREPARED TCS FOOD ITEMS (COOKED CHICKEN, SOUP, COOKED BEEF) IN PREP COOLER WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATE LABELS (NOT TO EXCEED 7 DAYS) ON ALL FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN. MANAGER CORRECTED ON SITE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
23
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FRONT DOOR IN POOR REPAIR AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADD A BETTER WEATHER STRIP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR TO PREVENT ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FLOOR IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD FROM SHELVING UNITS. ALL FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF SOME OF THE REFRIGERATORS WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT, DEBRIS AND SPILLAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF-CLOSING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT ALONG THE WALLS WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED, UNNECSSARY EQUIPMENT AND ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
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
52
Jun 24, 2022
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN OPENING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR LEADING TO OUTSIDE. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL TO HELP AVOID POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ENTERING AND HARBORING.
38
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF ALL REFRIGERATORS WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT, DEBRIS AND SPILLAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE TOILET ROOM DOOR SELF CLOSING DEVICE BROKEN. INSTRUCTED THEY MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT ALONG THE WALLS WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNUSED FLAT TOP, BOTTOM OF SHELVING COUNTER WITH WHEELS AND OTHER ITEMS IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ANY NON USED ITEMS AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND INSECT HARBORING.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE HOOD VENTILATION FILTERS AND THE HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF FOODS BEING COOKED AND PREPARED.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE A/C VENT COVER OVER THE CEILING FAN IN THE SEATING AREA MISSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER COVERING AND MAINTAIN.
56
70
Nov 17, 2021
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN DOOR ON PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF-CLOSING. MUST MAKE SELF-CLOSING TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION ON OF HANDS.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HOLE IN CEILING ABOVE WATER HEATER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT PEST ACTIVITY.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN FOOD HANDLER TRAINING WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE.
57
82
Apr 10, 2020
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT A HAIR RESTRAINT IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
40
95
Apr 25, 2019
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 17, 2019
License
3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: **PREMISES HAS NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: **PREMISES HAS NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE OR SUPPLIES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.
5
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: PREMISES HAS NO OUTSIDE DUMPSTER OR POOF OF SERVICE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-020(B).
54
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FRONT DOOR IN POOR REPAIR AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADD A BETTER WEATHER STRIP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR TO PREVENT ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TO OF THE SINK STOPPERS IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A BACK FLOW DEVICE ON THE MOP SINK.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PREMISES MANAGER HAS NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODE OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.
58
61
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taqueria El Jefe Loco Co. last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taqueria El Jefe Loco Co. on file is from Feb 10, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taqueria El Jefe Loco Co.?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Taqueria El Jefe Loco Co..
Has Taqueria El Jefe Loco Co.'s inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Taqueria El Jefe Loco Co. have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Taqueria El Jefe Loco Co. 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 Jefe Loco Co. inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Taqueria El Jefe Loco Co. is inspected around two times per year on average.
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