Taqueria El Tapatio
Last inspected: Oct 29, 2025
100
Score
Public records show 19 inspections at Taqueria El Tapatio stretching back to 2010. Taqueria El Tapatio was last inspected on Oct 29, 2025. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around three violations each.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “insects, rodents, & animals not present”, showing up seven times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Taqueria El Tapatio is doing better than most peers. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
19
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 29, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 22, 2025
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30 SMALL FLIES ON SITE. THE SMALL FLIES WERE OBSERVED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: ON THE CEILING, ON BOX STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE, WALLS NEAR WALK-IN COOLER AND NEAR MOP SINK, AND ON SHELVES NEAR WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE SMALL FLY ACITIVITY, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED
38
90
May 14, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA BY CHIPS RENDERED INACCESSIBLE BY SERVING BASKETS CONTAINER BEING PLACED INSIDE IT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS OPEN AND ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME ITEMS OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS BEING USED AS FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS/CONTAINERS FOR FOOD STORAGE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
70
Apr 26, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE INTERIOR OF COOKING FRYER. OBSERVED GREASE SPILLS ON BOTTOM OF PREP TABLE IN REAR. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LID ON TRASH CAN IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM.
53
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
86
Jun 2, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: FOUND OLD FOOD DEBRIS AND RUST ON THE METAL STORAGE RACKS ABOVE THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND THE SPICE RACK. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REMOVE RUST AND DETAIL CLEAN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND A LEAK COMING FROM THE DRAINAGE PIPE UNDERNEATH THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK (LEFT SIDE). INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR.
51
90
May 21, 2021
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NO STOPPERS PROVIDED AT THE REAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHING COOKING EQUIMPENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS WHEN FOOD SI BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
78
Jul 22, 2019
Reinspection
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EMPLOYEES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.11 OBSERVED FROZEN MEATS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL FOOD IN FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
47
86
Jul 12, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLER AND WALK-IN COOLER. OBSERVED COOKED RICE AT 51.6F, SOUR CREAM AT 48.9F, RAW BEEF AT 45.1F, SHREDDED LETTUCE AT 54.1F, COOKED BEANS AT 44.6F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED THE FOOD AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD FOODS AT 41F AND BELOW. PRIORITY 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EMPLOYEES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24 HOURS NOT DATE MARKED IN THE PREP COOLERS AND WALK-IN COOLER SUCH AS COOKED MEATS, SALSAS AND SOUPS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DATE MARK ALL READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24 HOURS TO INDICATE THE DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE CONSUMED OR DISCARDED. MANAGEMENT DISCARDED ALL READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS THAT WERE HELD OVER 24 HOURS AND NOT DATE MARKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO A DESCRIPTION AND A REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
25
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #58 FROM REPORT #2184714 ON 7/18/18 NOT CORRECTED: 58 - OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: REMOVE THE FLY STRIPS STORED ON THE CEILING OF THE FOOD PREP AREAS.
39
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
49
52
Jul 18, 2018
Routine
5 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: PA 100-0367 NO CITATION ISSUED
58
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-012(a) NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO VOMITOUS AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT CLEAN UP POLICY AND KIT ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE PROPER DATE/DISPOSITION LABELING ON REFRIGERATED TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE, AND REMINDER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS BEING USED AS FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS/CONTAINERS FOR FOOD STORAGE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING USED AS SHELF LINER. MUST REMOVE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE TOILET ROOMS AND IN THE ADJACENT HALLWAY. MUST REPLACE.
55
52
Mar 17, 2017
Reinspection
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 1 & 2 DOOR PREP COOLERS IN FRONT PREP AREA.MUST REMOVE FOIL FROM LOWER SHELVES OF PREP AND TABLE TOP TABLES IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREA,RUST FROM LOWER SHELVES OF LOWER SHELVES OF PREP TABLES IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREA AND RUST FROM SHELVING UNITS IN 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD AT HAND SINK IN BETWEEN HAND SINK AND 3- COMP SINK IN REAR PREP & DISH WASHING AREA
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM EXTERIOR OF FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS (ONIONS,POTATOES,ETC),FRYER CABINETS,GRILL TABLE,WHEEL BASES OF FRYERS
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM VENTILATION VENTS THROUGOUT.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN MEN'S & WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM AND HALLWAY OUTSIDE OF TOILET ROOMS.MUST CLEAN GREASE FROM FILTERS AT HOOD.MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON WALLS IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST ADJUST THRESHOLD AT FRONT ENTRY DOOR.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMP SINK
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHES IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION
43
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENT NOT MET FOR NEW EMPLOYEE.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN
45
70
Mar 14, 2017
Routine
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 1- DOOR PREP COOLER AT 49.0F IN FRONT PREP AREA.A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG HAS BEEN PLACED ON UNIT.ONCE REPAIRED FAX LETTER TO (312)746-4240 WHEN READY.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNIT AT 40.0F OR BELOW.(CRITICAL 7-38-005A)
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED INSIDE OF ABOVE MENTIONED 1- DOOR PREP COOLER SUCH AS 4LBS. TRIPE 55.3F,10LBS. CHIROZO 56.2F-56.7F,1/2LB. CHICKEN 55.8F,1LB. SLICED TOMATOE 60.1F,10LBS. CHICKEN BREAST 52.4F,10LBS.CUT STEAK 46.2F,4LBS. STEAK 54.5F,10LBS. PORK 49.5F.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 40.0F OR BELOW.APPX.49.50 LBS.$180.(CRITICAL 7-38-005A)
3
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (PORK,CHICKEN,STEAK,RICE,BEANS,ETC)MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(SERIOUS 7-38-012)
21
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 1 & 2 DOOR PREP COOLERS IN FRONT PREP AREA.MUST REMOVE FOIL FROM LOWER SHELVES OF PREP AND TABLE TOP TABLES IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREA,RUST FROM LOWER SHELVES OF LOWER SHELVES OF PREP TABLES IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREA AND RUST FROM SHELVING UNITS IN 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD AT HAND SINK IN BETWEEN HAND SINK AND 3- COMP SINK IN REAR PREP & DISH WASHING AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM EXTERIOR OF FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS (ONIONS,POTATOES,ETC),FRYER CABINETS,GRILL TABLE,WHEEL BASES OF FRYERS.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM VENTILATION VENTS THROUGOUT.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN MEN'S & WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM AND HALLWAY OUTSIDE OF TOILET ROOMS.MUST CLEAN GREASE FROM FILTERS AT HOOD.MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON WALLS IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST ADJUST THRESHOLD AT FRONT ENTRY DOOR.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMP SINK.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHES IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
43
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENT NOT MET FOR NEW EMPLOYEE.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.
45
61
Nov 29, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IN FRONT PREP AREA FOIL ON PREP TABLE, AND STORAGE TABLE, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR BOX FREEZER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND CLEAN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FRONT CEILING VENTS NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN,REMOVE DUST.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE LIGHT NOT WORKING ABOVE TABLE 11, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
36
82
Jun 9, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN IN THE REAR PREP AREA SLICER, AND CHEESE GRINDER, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR KITCHEN FLOOR NOT CLEAN UNDER THE FRYER, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN RESTROOMS, AND HALLWAY TO RESTROOMS, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.ALSO CLEAN REAR CEILING VENT.
35
86
Feb 4, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND SHELVING UNITS NOT CLEAN AT REAR PREPARATION AREAS.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REACH IN COOLERS.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND MOPS AND BROOMS NOT PROPERLY STORED.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOODHANDLER AT PREMISES WITH NO FOODHANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
45
82
Aug 26, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARD WITH STAIN AND DEEP SEAMS IN FRONT PREP AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACE OF ICE MACHINE BEHIND FRONT UPPER PANEL.--------MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACE OF REACH-IN FREEZER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAINS IN FRONT AND IN REAR PREP AREA.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE WORKING DRAIN STOPPERS AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP AREA.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE HOT HOLDING DISPLAY UNIT.
40
78
Apr 24, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST DATE AND LABEL ALL COOKED AND PREPARED FOODS INSIDE COOLERS AND FREEZERS
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD AT EXPOSED HAND SINK NEXT TO 3 COMPARTMENT FRONT SERVICE AREA, RESTRICT USING CARRY OUT BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE, MUST INVEST IN FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS OR PLASTIC FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS, AND RESEAL RUSTY SHELVING INSIDE REACH-IN COOLER REAR PREP AREA
32
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: MUST STORE EMPLOYEES PERSONAL ITEMS ONE DESIGNATED AREA NICE AND NEATLY
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET AT FRONT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, AND PROVIDE 3 SINK STOPPERS FOR REAR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK
38
82
Dec 24, 2012
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Foods inside coolers not labeled or dated. Instructed to label all foods not in original containers.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Exhaust hood filters and interior of ice machine not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Hot water handle at first front exposed handsink not working. Instructed to repair or replace handle to provide running water. Ventilation fan inside women's toilet room not working. Instructed to repair fan.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: Thermometer not provided inside prep cooler. Instructed to provided thermometer conspicuous inside cooler.
40
82
Mar 2, 2011
License
No violations found.
100
Oct 4, 2010
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 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. INSTRUCTED TO FIX OR REPLACE BROKEN RUBBER GASKET AROUND REACH-IN FREEZER IN REAR PREP AREA.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE WORKING DRAIN STOPPER AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK (FRONT AND REAR).------MUST REPAIR BROKEN VENTILATION INSIDE MEN'S WASHROOM.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. NOTED SOME LITTER UNDER AND AROUND GREASE BOX IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
41
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taqueria El Tapatio last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taqueria El Tapatio on file is from Oct 29, 2025. The public record contains 19 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taqueria El Tapatio?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Taqueria El Tapatio.
Has Taqueria El Tapatio's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Taqueria El Tapatio have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Taqueria El Tapatio 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 Tapatio inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Taqueria El Tapatio is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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