Taqueria La Morena
Last inspected: May 21, 2025
74
Score
Taqueria La Morena appears in inspection records six times, starting in 2020. Taqueria La Morena was last inspected on May 21, 2025. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near six violations per visit.
The pattern that stands out is “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, which has been cited four times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Taqueria La Morena trails the local norm. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
6
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 21, 2025
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.14: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15: OBSERVED THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR AND BARRIERS AT THE ORDER/PICK UP WINDOW, NOT RODENT PROOF AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF MENTIONED ENTRY POINTS.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-307.11: OBSERVED THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA IN NEED OF A SPLASH GUARD DUE TO THE PREP TABLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SPLASH GUARD.
39
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C): OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE IN THE PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 6-501.19: OBSERVED THE TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING LOCATED IN THE DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON THE MENTIONED DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.13: OBSERVED THE FLOORS BEHIND THE PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN MENTIONED FLOORS TO ELIMINATE FEED SITES FOR PEST.
55
74
May 14, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF RAW BEEF (53.1�F) INSIDE A REFRIGERATOR.APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS AT $68 WORTH OF PRODUCT DISCARDED. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0�F OR BELOW. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATION #21.
22
Proper hot holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF COOKED BEEF (93.6�F), ON THE FOOD PREP TABLE IN THE PREP AREA. APPROXIMATELY 7 LBS OF PRODUCT WERE DISCARDED AT $37 WORTH OF PRODUCT. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD HOT TCS FOODS AT 135�F OR ABOVE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.
21
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 60 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON SITE. MICE DROPPINGS WERE FOUND ON THE FOLLOWING FLOORS: IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE CLOSET, BEHIND THE GARBAGE AND BEVERAGE UNITS IN THE DINING AREA, IN THE DISHWASHING AREA, IN THE HOT WATER TANK CLOSET, UNDER THE COLD HOLIDNG UNITS/ COOKING EQUIPMENT, NEAR THE HOST/HOSTESS COUNTER ACROSS FROM THE PREP AREA. THE FOLLOWING SURFACES HAD MICE DROPPINGS: THE LOWER SHELVES UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND ON THE CANNED GOODS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE MICE DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA IN NEED OF A SPLASH GUARD DUE TO THE PREP TABLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SPLASH GUARD.
39
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE IN THE PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING LOCATED IN THE DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON THE MENTIONED DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOORS BEHIND THE PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN MENTIONED FLOORS TO ELIMINATE FEED SITES FOR PEST.
55
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR AND BARRIERS AT THE ORDER/PICK UP WINDOW, NOT RODENT PROOF AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF MENTIONED ENTRY POINTS.
38
50
May 19, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT STORED IN PREP COOLER (AIR TEMPERATURE OF 41.0F). FOUND INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF THE FOLLOWING FOOD PRODUCTS. COOKED RICE AT 60.3F, PORK AT 49.0F INSTRUCTED ALL TCS FOODS MUST MAINTAIN COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF BELOW 41.0F AND HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF ABOVE 135.0F. OPERATOR VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOODS DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATIONI 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREPARED TCS FOOD ITEMS COOKED RICE, COOKED PORK 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
78
Jul 21, 2022
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA UNDER THE TABLES AGAINST THE WALL WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW LIGHTING IN THE FRONT STORAGE CLOSET (ORANGE DOOR) INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LIGHTING.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
86
Aug 2, 2021
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. ALL EMPLOYEES MUST READ AND SIGN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND KEEP VERIFIABLE COPIES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SALT AND GARLIC POWDER ON SHELF NEAR PREP COOLER WITHOUT LABEL. ALL BULK FOOD INGREDIENTS MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME IF NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGING.
37
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BACKFLOW DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK.
51
82
Feb 28, 2020
License
2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. SUPPLIES MUST INCLUDE ADEQUATE SANITIZER THAT ELIMINATES NOROVIRUS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES TO PROPERLY HANDLE BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT THE HAND SINK IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A HAND WASHING SIGN AT ALL HAND SINKS ON PREMISE.
10
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BARRIER BETWEEN THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND DINING AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A MINIUIM OF 60 INCHES HIGH BARRIER. OBSERVED THREE DOOR COOLER AND COFFEE STATION AT THE FRONT ENTRANCE. INSTRUCTED REMOVE.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SINK STOPPERS AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE WORKING STOPPERS AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A SERVICE/UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF DIRTY MOP WATER.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR SANITARY NAPKINS IN UNISEX AND WOMEN'S WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESS CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN THE BACK STORAGE ROOM NEAR THE CASH RESGISTER. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN ALL CLUTTER, ORGANIZE, AND MAINTAIN AREAS AT ALL TIMES.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VENTILATION HOOD NOT LONG ENOUGH TO COVER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LENGTH OF VENTILATION HOOD.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
58
52
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taqueria La Morena last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taqueria La Morena on file is from May 21, 2025. The public record contains six inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taqueria La Morena?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Taqueria La Morena.
Has Taqueria La Morena's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Taqueria La Morena have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Taqueria La Morena 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 La Morena inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Taqueria La Morena is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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