Taqueria El Malecon
Last inspected: Apr 29, 2025
78
Score
The health department has logged eight inspections at Taqueria El Malecon, the earliest from 2021. The most recent report on file is from Apr 29, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around three violations lately and about six violations before that.
“Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” comes up most often, recorded 10 times in the inspection record.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting Taqueria El Malecon on the weaker side. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 29, 2025
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HOLES SUROUNDING PIPING IN CEILING ABOVE HOT WATER TANK NEAR MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO SMOOTHLY SEAL ALL HOLES AND MAINTAIN.
55
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INTERIOR GUARD OF ICE MACHINE WITH SOME DIRT, NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
16
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOXED FOOD AND BULK FOOD CONTAINERS BEING STORED ON FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
39
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 FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO RESURFACE/REPLACE CUTIING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUST ON STORAGE SHELVES IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE RUST AND ENSURE ALL NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES REMAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
78
Sep 23, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: NOTED THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #58 RULE #PA-100-0367 FROM INSPECTION REPORT #: 2573957 DATED 04/10/2023 NOT CORRECTED.FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE . INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE PROPER, RAISED SHELVING TO STORE FOOD CONTAINERS 6" OFF FLOOR.
39
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: NOTED INDIVIDUAL TO-GO DISPOSABLE CONTAINERS AND BOWLS WITH NO HANDLE USED FOR SCOOPING SERVING FOOD AT THE SERVICE PREP COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TONGS, SERVING SPOONS, OR LADLE FOR SCOOPING FOOD.
39
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NOTED LEAKAGE AT THE HAND WASHING SINK OF THE PREP AREA (COLD WATER TURNED OFF). ALSO NOTED LEAKAGE AT THE BOTTOM PIPING OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
78
Apr 17, 2023
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND INCOMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
95
Apr 10, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: FOUND INCOMPLETE CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED "RAW" OR UNDER COOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK (*) TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT STATES THAT EATING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
25
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS (PREP COOLER, REACH-IN COOLER, WALK-IN COOLER)
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (RICE, BEANS, SPICES ETC)
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOFED BOTTOM OF FRONT AND REAR EXIT DOOR.
38
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN REAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA. NOTED DRIED LEAVES UNDER AND BEHIND GARBAGE DUMPSTER.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REORGANIZE REAR STORAGE ROOM. USABLE ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE FRONT AND IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE . INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
64
Jul 18, 2022
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP LINE COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUST ON THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST AND REPAINT OR REPLACE THE SHELVES.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT ICE MAKER.MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES AT REAR NEAR THE WALK-IN-COOLER AND PROVIDE MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS FOR LIGHT FIXTURES SAME AREA AND MAINTAIN.
55
82
Dec 1, 2021
Reinspection
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOPE STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE OUTSIDE OF DIRECT CONTACT WITH ICE.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN FRONT PREP AREA COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON DOOR OF COCA-COLA COOLER USED TO STORE DRINKS AND CONDIMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STEADY LEAK FROM PIPE UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND 1 COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET REPAIRED WITH SHRINK WRAP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BOTH AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHTBULB IN CEILING OF REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
57
70
Nov 29, 2021
Reinspection
1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Previous priority foundation violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2544573 DATED 11/22/2021: #25 " OBSERVED MENU CONTAINING ITEMS SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED SUCH AS EGGS AND CEVICHE WITHOUT REMINDER, DISCLOSURE, AND FOOTNOTE. INSTRUCTED TO ADD REMINDER, DISCLOSURE, AND FOOTNOTE ON ALL VERSIONS OF MENU FOR ALL ITEMS SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED." INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND COME INTO COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
59
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOPE STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE OUTSIDE OF DIRECT CONTACT WITH ICE.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON DOOR OF COCA-COLA COOLER USED TO STORE DRINKS AND CONDIMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN FRONT PREP AREA COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STEADY LEAK FROM PIPE UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND 1 COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET REPAIRED WITH SHRINK WRAP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BOTH AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AND GRIME ON FILTERS OF HOOD OVER HOT LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHTBULB IN CEILING OF REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
57
61
Nov 22, 2021
License
1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MENU CONTAINING ITEMS SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED SUCH AS EGGS AND CEVICHE WITHOUT REMINDER, DISCLOSURE, AND FOOTNOTE. INSTRUCTED TO ADD REMINDER, DISCLOSURE, AND FOOTNOTE ON ALL VERSIONS OF MENU FOR ALL ITEMS SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN FRONT PREP AREA COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STEADY LEAK FROM PIPE UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND 1 COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET REPAIRED WITH SHRINK WRAP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BOTH AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
51
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOPE STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE OUTSIDE OF DIRECT CONTACT WITH ICE.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON DOOR OF COCA-COLA COOLER USED TO STORE DRINKS AND CONDIMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AND GRIME ON FILTERS OF HOOD OVER HOT LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHTBULB IN CEILING OF REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
57
61
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taqueria El Malecon last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taqueria El Malecon on file is from Apr 29, 2025. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taqueria El Malecon?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited 10 times, more than any other issue at Taqueria El Malecon.
Has Taqueria El Malecon's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Taqueria El Malecon 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 Malecon 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 Malecon inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Taqueria El Malecon is inspected around two times per year on average.
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