Taqueria La Placita
Last inspected: Feb 20, 2026
95
Score
Public records show 10 inspections at Taqueria La Placita stretching back to 2017. On Feb 20, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around six violations to closer to three violations per visit.
Looking across the full record, “adequate ventilation & lighting” is the recurring theme, flagged five times.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting Taqueria La Placita on the better side of that line. The record reflects steady performance over time.
10
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 20, 2026
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: Pottery plants stored in food prep area, instructed to keep away.
39
95
Sep 11, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED CARDBOARD BOXES USED TO LINE CART SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD BOXES. THE SURFACE MUST BE EASILY CLEANABLE AND SANITIZABLE.
47
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BURNED OUT LIGHT BULB ABOVE FRONT COUNTER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
56
86
Feb 14, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: NOTED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #58 NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2557080 CONDUCTED ON 6/09/2022: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. MUST PROVIDE CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION ON SITE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT COVER AT FRONT COUNTER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUSTY VENTILATION COVER IN EMPLOYEE RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
78
Jun 16, 2022
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CONCRETE FLOOR IN POOR REPAIR UNDERNEATH THE STAIRS IN THE BASEMENT; REPAIR FLOOR.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE VALID FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES.
57
90
Jun 9, 2022
Routine
3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 ISSUED.
5
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RODENT ACTIVITY ON PREMISES. FOUND 50 OR MORE MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT BEHIND THE DEEP FREEZER AND ALONG THE WALL UNDER SHELF. ALSO OBSERVED DROPPINGS IN THE WASHROOM ON THE FLOOR AT THE LEFT SIDE OF THE TOILET. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS AND HAVE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE PRIOR TO REINSPECTION NEXT WEEK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) ISSUED.
38
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON DUTY AS REQUIRED; MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 ISSUED.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE HAS NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS CERTIFICATE; MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
1
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOK WITHOUR A PROPER HAIR RESTRAINT; MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES WHILE HANDLING FOOD.
40
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO COVER FOUND ON GARBAGE CONTAINER IN WASHROOM; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVER FOR GARBAGE CONTAINER.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CONCRETE FLOOR IN POOR REPAIR UNDERNEATH THE STAIRS IN THE BASEMENT; REPAIR FLOOR.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR IN BASEMENT AREA AND WASHROOM WHERE DROPPINGS FOUND.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: ONE EMPLOYEE HAS AN EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE; MUST OBTAIN A VALID CERTIFIATE. ONE FOOD HANDLER HAS NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE; EMPLOYEE MUST OBTAIN A FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE.
57
55
May 25, 2021
Routine
4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)
1
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 (RICE,BEANS,CHICKEN,TOMATO).MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)
2
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
5
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE NOR REMINDER ON MENU OF CONSUMING RAW AND UNDER COOKED FOODS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
25
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LID ON GARBAGE CAN IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM .MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED CONCRETE FLOOR IN BASEMENT UNDER STAIRS AND AT GREASE TRAP IN BASEMENT.MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS BUILD UP ON FILTERS AT COOKING EQUIPMENT.
56
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
55
Jan 29, 2020
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. A CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED IN THE TIME FRAME SPECIFIED ON THE INSPECTION REPORT SHALL BE CLASSIFIED AS A PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090.
60
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A BARRIER/SEPARATION AT ENTRANCE LEADING TO PREP AREA AND RESTROOM TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BY PUBLIC.
39
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN UNLOCKED REFRIGERATION UNIT WITH OPENED/PREPPED FOOD ITEMS IN CUSTOMER DINING AREA. MUST PROVIDE A LOCK OR REMOVE FOOD ITEMS.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN ADEQUATE CHEMICAL SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR WASH ROOM USED BY FEMALE EMPLOYEES.
53
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR STRIPPED HOT WATER KNOB AT HAND SINK IN PREP AREA.
51
70
Apr 15, 2019
Complaint
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper hot holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CHICKEN SOUP(118.4F) AND CHOCOLATE MILK(81.6F) ON THE STOVE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 4LBS VALUED AT $15.00. TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD SHALL BE MAINTAINED AT 135F OR ABOVE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005
21
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER SHALL BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE BEING SERVED AND PREPARED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012
2
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO VOMIT OR DIARRHEA PROCEDURE OR SUPPLIES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. A RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT SHALL HAVE PROCEDURES AND SUPPLIES FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMIT OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005
5
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. A CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED IN THE TIME FRAME SPECIFIED ON THE INSPECTION REPORT SHALL BE CLASSIFIED AS A PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090
60
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVE LIGHT ABOVE PREP AREA WITH A MISSING PROTECTIVE SHIELD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: SEE VIOLATION 60
58
58
Aug 31, 2018
Routine
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(a) Observed no written employee health policy on site. Must provide printed employee health policy, with all employee signatures. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012 (a).
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 Observed no written vomit and diarhea clean up procedure on site. Must provide printed clean up procedure, and equipment for vomit and diarrheal events. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: 3-501.17 Observed TCS (time/temperature control for safety) foods do not have proper labels in prep coolers, freezer, and walk in cooler. Must label all TCS foods with common name, prep date, and discard date. Must maintain same. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005.
23
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.19 Observe aluminum foil used as a liner on several surfaces in kitchen an at front counter (cashier). Must remove. All surfaces must be non-porous, smooth and easily cleanable. Must maintain same.
47
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: 5-403.12 Observed Condensate drainage liquid leaking onto basement floor from a/c unit in basement. Must repair. All condensate drainage shall be drained from point of discharge to disposal according to LAW. Must keep floors clean and dry. Must maintain same.
52
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: Instructed all Chicago certified food managers must provide proof of allergen training.
58
64
May 24, 2017
License
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE IN PREP AND BASEMENT AREAS.
32
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: INSTALL SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR.
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTALL UTILITY SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AND BACK FLOW DEVICE.
38
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taqueria La Placita last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taqueria La Placita on file is from Feb 20, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taqueria La Placita?
Across the inspection record, “adequate ventilation & lighting” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Taqueria La Placita.
Has Taqueria La Placita's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Taqueria La Placita 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 La Placita 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 La Placita inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Taqueria La Placita is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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