Taqueria El Pastor
Last inspected: Jun 5, 2025
70
Score
Inspectors have visited Taqueria El Pastor 23 times, with records going back to 2010. Taqueria El Pastor was last inspected on Jun 5, 2025. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near four violations per visit across recent inspections.
The pattern that stands out is “proper cooling methods used”, which has been cited nine times.
Taqueria El Pastor's latest score of 70 falls below the Chicago average of 81. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
23
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 5, 2025
Complaint
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY, TCS, FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES FOR CHICKEN AT 49.0F, CHEESE AT 62.0F, LETTUCE AT 47.7F, TOMATOS AT 49.2F AND SOUR CREAM AT 61.4F LOCATED IN THE PREP COOLER BY THE GRILL AREA. ALL DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROX 5LBS $20 VALUE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN TCS FOODS AT 41.0F AND BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS IN CONTAINERS IN THE COOLER UNCOVERED. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE LIDS/COVERINGS.
39
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT HAIR NET/RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF WIPING CLOTHS IN THE PREP AND DISHWASH AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF FOOD ITEMS IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRAD BAGS/CONTAINERS.
47
70
Jul 1, 2024
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: THERMOMETER IN 2-DOOR COOLER IN FRONT PREP AREA IN DISREPAIR. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
36
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12: UNABLE TO LOCATE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT ICE MACHINE. INSTD TO INSTALL AND HAVE ACCESSIBLE FOR SERVICE AND MAINTAINENCE.
51
90
Jun 17, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES IN UPRIGHT 2-DOOR COOLER AND WALK IN COOLER: LARGE/DEEP TIGHTLY COVERED CONTAINERS OF GREEN SALSA AT 50.2F, RED SALSA 57.5F, AND COOKED PORK AT 50.9F. ALL PREPARED/COOKED AND DATED 6/16/24. INSTD TO MAINTAIN PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES AT 41F OR BELOW. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY VIOLATION. ALL ABOVE NOTED DISCARDED AND DENATURED AT THIS TIME. APPROX 30LBS $ 100 VALUE.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: UPRIGHT COOLER IN FRONT PREP AREA UNABLE TO MAINTAIN PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE, INTERNAL AIR TEMPERATURE OF 52.F. COOLER TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. INSTD NOT TO USE UNTIL ABLE TO MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW AND REINSPECTED BY CDPH. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY
33
Toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEE PERSONAL BELONGINGS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE PERSONAL BELONGING IN DESIGNATED AREA.
28
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: IMPROPER COOLING OF COOKED PORK AND SALSAS. INSTD TO PROPERLY COOL: (1) ARRANGE IN EQUIPMENT TO PROVIDE MAXIMUM HEAT TRANSFER THROUGH THE CONTAINER WALLS; AND (2) LOOSELY COVERED OR UNCOVERED IF PROTECTED FROM OVERHEAD CONTAMINATION DURING THE COOLING PERIOD TO FAICLITATE HEAT TRANSFER FROM THE SURFACE OF THE FOOD
33
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: MISSING THERMOMETER IN 2-DOOR COOLER IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
36
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: UNABLE TO LOCATE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT ICE MACHINE. INSTD TO INSTALL AND HAVE ACCESSIBLE FOR SERVICE AND MAINTAINENCE.
51
61
Sep 19, 2023
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12 OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
37
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 OBSERVED LOOSE DEBRIS, DIRT AND DUST BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS AND CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY OF FLOORS. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6-501.14 OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON VENTILATION FAN IN RESTROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAI
56
86
Sep 12, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY, DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER TO INFORM CONSUMERS OF THE SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS FROM CONSUMING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED MEATS, POULRTY, SEAFOOD, SHELLFISH OR EGGS. PRIORITY VOUNDATION 7-38-005
25
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (STEAK, CHICKEN, EGGS,PORK,ETC) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PEST ACTIVITY WITH APPROX. 150 SMALL FLIES NOTED DURING INSPECTION IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. ADVISED TO CONSULT PEST CONTROL AS ADDITIONAL SERVICES ARE NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE ACTIVITY PRIOR TO RE-INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON VENTILATION FAN IN RESTROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.
1
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
37
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOOSE DEBRIS, DIRT AND DUST BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS AND CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY OF FLOORS. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
58
Jan 31, 2022
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 4-501.11 Inspector Comments: MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE IN FRONT PREP AREA.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SOME TORN BOOTH SEATS IN DINING AREA.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON FAN GUARD COVERS IN WALK IN COOLER AND FRONT GLASS REACH IN COOLER.MUST DEFROST SMALL CHEST FREEZER IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-201.11 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON CEILINGS IN REAR PREP AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-201.13 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED LOWER WALL BASE IN FRONT PREP AREA.
55
82
Jan 24, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT JUICING/DRINK STATION PREP AREA.MUST INSTALL A HAND SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER,SOAP & TOWELS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)
10
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DISHES ON OVERHEAD SHELF IN FRONT PREP AREA ADJACENT TO DINING AREA.MUST REMOVE DISHES OR PROVIDE A BARRIER FOR PROTECTION FROM CUSTOMERS.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE IN FRONT PREP AREA.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SOME TORN BOOTH SEATS IN DINING AREA.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON FAN GUARD COVERS IN WALK IN COOLER AND FRONT GLASS REACH IN COOLER.MUST DEFROST SMALL CHEST FREEZER IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON CEILINGS IN REAR PREP AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED LOWER WALL BASE IN FRONT PREP AREA.
55
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR FOLLOWING PROTOCOL ON CHECKING VACCINATIONS IN A PUBLIC PLACE.
64
67
Mar 5, 2021
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: TOILET ROOM GARBAGE CAN IN NEED OF COVERING. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN BASEMENT AND GARAGE STORAGE AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
55
90
Sep 30, 2020
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION AT ALL TIMES.
41
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1 MALE EMPLOYEE NOT WEARING MASK IN FRONT PREP AREA WHERE MULTIPLE EMPLOYEES ACTIVELY WORKING AND WEARING MASKS. INSTD TO WEAR MASKS AT ALL TIMES CITATION ISSUED 7-28-060.
64
90
Aug 5, 2020
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
Inspector notes: OPEN EMPLOYEE BEVERAGE CONTAINERS IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO PROVIDE CLOSED BEVERAGES IN DESIGNATED AREAS
6
Toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEE PERSONAL BELONGINGS (CELL PHONES) IMPROPERLY STORED NEXT TO MULTI USE UTENSILS (PLATES). INSTD TO STORE IN DESIGNATED AREA.
28
90
Aug 12, 2019
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND MOPS STORED INSIDE THE MOP CLOSET INSIDE THE BUCKETS OF DIRTY WATER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE HANGING UP. MAINTAIN SAME.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND THE FLOORS IN THE REAR AND FRONT CORNERS, UNDER THE SINKS, COOLERS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH DIRT, FOOD AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND NO VERIFICATION OF FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED PIC THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
86
Apr 16, 2019
Complaint
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE CLEAN UP PROCEDURE FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED PIC THAT A VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE IS REQUIRED TO BE IN PLACE FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED PIC THAT DOCUMENTATION MUST BE PROVIDED REGARDING EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: HAND WASHING SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA HAS NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE OR POSTER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: FOUND WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (WHICH MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM)WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FOUND THE CUTTING BOARD IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO SAND OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS. MUST MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
47
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED TO TAKE THE TRAINING AND PROVIDE CURRENT CERTIFICATION. MAINTAIN SAME.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND NO VERIFICATION OF FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED PIC THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
64
Aug 8, 2018
Suspected Food Poisoning
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE CLEAN UP PROCEDURE FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED PIC THAT A VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE IS REQUIRED TO BE IN PLACE FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005; NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED PIC THAT DOCUMENTATION MUST BE PROVIDED REGARDING EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012(A); NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MEAT AND GREASE UNDERNEATH THE GRILL IN THE FRONT PREP AREA; CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND NO VERIFICATION OF FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED PIC THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
74
Apr 20, 2018
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE. OBSERVED RAW PORK STORED ON WIRE SHELF IMMEDIATELY ABOVE READY TO EAT ICEBURG LETTUCE (USED FOR CONDIMENTS/TOPPINGS ON TACOS, BURRITOS, ETC) IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTD TO STORE RAW FOOD PROPERLY. VIOLATION 7-38-005A SERIOUS.
16
Toilet rooms enclosed clean, provided with hand cleanser, sanitary hand drying devices and proper waste receptacles
Inspector notes: MALE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM LOCATED IN REAR NOT CLEAN OR MAINTAINED. UNCOVERED RECEPTACLE WITH FOUL SMELL AND FILLED TO TOP WITH FECES SOILED TOILET PAPER. INSTD TO MAINTAIN TOILET ROOM CLEAN, EMPTY RECEPTACLE AT PROPER FREQUENCY, AND DISPOSE OF SOILED TOILET PAPER PROPERLY. VIOLATION 7-38-030 SERIOUS.
27
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: COOKED FOODS NOT PROPERLY LABELED OR DATED. INSTD TO PROPERLY LABEL.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: TORN RUBBER GASKET ON INTERIOR UPRIGHT FREEZER IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. WORN, STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTD TO REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
32
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MISSING METAL STEM THERMOMETERS FOR FOOD HANDLERS. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
40
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
74
Jan 20, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FRONT 2 DOOR COOLER INTERIOR NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BLACK SUBSTANCE ON THE WALL BEHIND THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, OR RECAULK.ALSO CLEAN REAR PREP LIGHT SHIELDS.
35
90
Apr 5, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NEW CUTTING BOARDS NEEDED, WORN WITH DEEP CUTS. NEW RUBBER GASKETS NEEDED WHERE IN POOR REPAIR. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: AIR VENTS IN REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE DUST BUILD UP. HOOD VENTILATION IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD UP. ORANGE JUICE MACHINE IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR IN MOP ROOM IN NEED OF CLEANING. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS IN MOP ROOM IN NEED OF CLEANIG TO REMOVE SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
82
Jan 7, 2015
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CUTTING BOARD AT THE STEAM TABLE NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FRONT PREP AREA FLOOR NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
34
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE, GIVEN COPY OF IDPH'S FOOD HANDLER INFORMATION FOR CLASSES.
45
86
Sep 18, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: THE MEDIUM FOODS CONTAINER NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL THEM.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DEFROST AND CLEAN THE REACH IN FREEZER LOCATED IN THE REAR AREA IT HAS LARGE AMOUNT OF ICE BUILDUP.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: THE CEILING VENT IN THE WOMENS TOILET ROOM HAS DUST BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN IT.
35
86
Apr 4, 2013
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: COOKED FOODS IN COOLER NOT LABELED OR DATED. INSTD TO PROPERLY LABEL
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: CLEAN EQUIPMENT IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY
31
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: VENTS AND SURROUNDING CEILING TILES NOT CLEAN, DUST ACCUMULATION. CLEAN SAME.
35
86
Jan 11, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: COOKED FOODS IN COOLER NOT LABELED OR DATED. INSTD TO PROPERLY LABEL.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: CLEAN EQUIPMENT IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY.
31
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: VENTS AND SURROUNDING CEILING TILES NOT CLEAN, DUST ACCUMULATION. CLEAN SAME.
35
86
Feb 27, 2012
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING. WORN, DISCOLORED. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. FLOORS IN FRONT PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. Use dustless cleaning methods. WALL IN REAR PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
35
82
Mar 25, 2011
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. LARGE CAN OPENER IN REAR STORAGE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE DEBRIS AND BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN AT ALL TIMES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. FLOORS IN BASEMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE FOOD SPILLS, FLOORS AT REAR PREP IN NEED OF CLEANING IN CORNERS TO REMOVE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. Use dustless cleaning methods. WALL AT FRONT PREP AREA IN NEED OF REPAIR. MUST SEAL WALL IN FRONT AND REMOVE PAINT THAT IS BUBBLING ABOVE DRINK MACHINES. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces. Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. LIGHTS IN REAR STORAGE AREA IN NEED OF SHEILDING WITH TUBES AND END CAPS. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
36
82
Sep 3, 2010
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. FOUND PORK AND TOMATOES IN PLASTIC BAGS.INSTRUCTED TO PUT FOOD IN CONTAINERS WITH COVERS FOR FOOD PROTECTION
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. DEFROST AND CLEAN THE REACH IN FREEZER LOCATED IN THE REAR AREA IT HAS LARGE AMOUNT OF ICE BUILDUP.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. CLEAN THE FLOOR IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA AND IN THE BASEMENT ALONG THE WALLS AND IN THE CORNERS HAS DUST BUILDUP.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. SOME CEILING TILES ARE STAINED LOCATED IN THE FRONT DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE SAME
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. SOME COOLERS DON'T HAVE THERMOMETERS INSIDE THEM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SAME.
40
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taqueria El Pastor last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taqueria El Pastor on file is from Jun 5, 2025. The public record contains 23 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taqueria El Pastor?
Across the inspection record, “proper cooling methods used” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Taqueria El Pastor.
Has Taqueria El Pastor's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Taqueria El Pastor have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Taqueria El Pastor means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Taqueria El Pastor inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Taqueria El Pastor is inspected around two times per year on average.
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