Taqueria Los Portales
Last inspected: Feb 19, 2025
82
Score
Across the available record, Taqueria Los Portales has 28 inspections on file, the first dated 2010. Inspectors last stopped by on Feb 19, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near two violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been the most frequent reason, cited eight times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, this is about average. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
28
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 19, 2025
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: DRY FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME:FLOUR,SUGAR ETC.
37
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS AT UTILITY CONNECTIONS AND EQUIPMENT SURFACES BEHIND COOKING LINE AND WHEELS OF EQUIPMENT .MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: GREASE ON FLOOR AND WALL UNDER/BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.CERTIFICATE EXPIRED EVERY THREE YEARS
58
82
Mar 28, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE BINS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD STORAGE BINS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: SOME CUTTING BOARDS IN THE KITCHEN WITH DARK STAINS AND DEEP CUTS LOCATED NEAR 3 COMP SINK,MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE SAID CUTTING BOARDS.
47
90
Apr 26, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Aug 17, 2022
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
37
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE PAPER AS A LINER FOR SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE THE PUR WATER FILTER FOR DRINKING FROM THE COOKS LINE HAND WASHING SINK. SINK MUST BE USED FOR HAND WASHING PURPOSES ONLY.
51
86
Oct 19, 2021
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: PEELING PAINT ON UNUSED WINDOW WALL BY THE REAR EXIT DOOR. REPAIR ISSUE
55
95
Jan 13, 2020
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE COOLERS AND REFRIGERATION UNITS FOOD STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.
47
90
Feb 1, 2019
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 22, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WASHING HANDS AT WAREWASHING SINK BY DRAIN BOARD WITH CLEAN UTENSILS/POTS STORED ON IT .HAND WASHING MUST BE DONE ONLY AT HAND WASHING SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION:7-38-010,CITATION ISSUED
8
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF MICE DROPPINGS IN DIFFERENT LOCATION OF THE PREMISES: 30 MICE DROPPINGS INSIDE THE CABINET OF DEEP FRYER, 6 DROPPINGS AT WEST CORNER IN PREP AREA; 3 MICE DROPPINGS ON SHELF UNDER PREP TABLE,OVER 10 DROPPINGS INSIDE DRY STORAGE/EMPLOYEE LOCKER ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION:7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED.
38
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS WITH COMMON NAME ONCE IS REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL CONTAINER
37
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: GREASE ON FLOOR UNDER THE DEEP FRYER,ALSO DEBRIS UNDER THE SHELVES IN DRY STORAGE.CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: PROTECTIVE SHIELDING NOT PROVIDE AT LIGHT BULBS IN PREP AREA.ALSO PROVIDE END CAPS.
56
70
Jul 10, 2018
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: - FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: - FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A PROCEDURE/PLAN AND TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REACH IN COOLER/COLD HOLD UNIT ON COOKING LINE WITH HANDLE IN DISREPAIR. REPLACE HANDLE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OLD RESTAURNAT EQUIPMENT IN REAR OF FACILITY. REMOVE ALL OLD RESTAURNAT EQUIPEMENT AND MAINTAIN BACK PATIO AREA.
54
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING AND TO MAINTAIN.
58
70
Aug 3, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: NOTED POTS AND PANS NOT PROPERLY STORED(INVERTED) AFTER SANITIZING.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT ON HOW TO PROPERLY STORE MULTI USE UTENSILS.
31
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED WALLS BEHIND AND AROUND EXPOSED HANDSINK NEXT TO 3-COMPARTMENT SINK NEDS TO BE REFINISHED AND PAINTED.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: NOTED BURNT OUT LIGHTS OVER HOT LINE AREA ALSO NOTED DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELD AT REAR NEAR REAR DOOR.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE LIGHT SHIELD.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED CONDENSER DRAIN LINE LEAKING INTO BOWEL INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR.
38
82
Jan 11, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: PREP TABLE SHELF NEEDS CLEANING.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED OPENINGS AROUND PIPES AT TOILET.INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES. TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED NO EXPOSED HAND SINK NEXT TO THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AN EXPOSED HANDSINK. PREMISIS HAS AN EXPOSED HANDSINK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED CLUTTER(BOXES/ ECT) AT REAR DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REMOVE.
41
82
Apr 1, 2016
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNKNOWN DEBRIS INSIDE LIGHT SHEILDS IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
36
95
Mar 25, 2016
Routine
11 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREP COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE, 46.9F, HOLDING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS. UNIT TAGGED. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE UNIT SERVICED, AND DISCONTINUE USE UNTIL COOLER HOLDS A TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR BELOW. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN THE ABOVE-MENTIONED PREP COOLER. 2 LBS OF CHICKEN, 46.7F, VALUED AT $8. 2 LBS OF BEEF, 45.4F, VALUED AT $8. 1 LBS OF STEAK, 46.4F, VALUED AT $7. 1 LBS OF PORK, 46.2, VALUED AT $5. 1 LBS OF GROUND BEEF, 45.4F, VALUED AT $5. 2 LBS OF GUACAMOLE, 45.5F, VALUED AT $4, AND 1 LBS OF SLICED TOMATOES, 46.2F, VALUED AT $4. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS COLD FOOD AT 40F OR BELOW AND MAINTAIN. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
3
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 15 RODENT DROPPINGS IN AN OLD WALK-IN COOLER BEING USED AS A STORAGE CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DROPPINGS. CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREA, AND REMOVE ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR TO PREVENT FURTHER RODENT HARBORAGE. CONTACT PEST CONTROL PROVIDER FOR SERVICE AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN DOOR GASKET ON THE WALK-IN COOLER AND THE 1-DOOR FREEZER. ALSO, RUST ON STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR GASKETS, AND REMOVE RUST, SO RACKS ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON THE INTERIOR OF THE 1-DOOR FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: ONSERVED DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER THE 3-COMP SINK, AND INSIDE THE OLD COOLER BEING USED AS A STORAGE CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP ON THE HOOD AND FILTERS, ALSO DUST ON FAN GUARDS IN THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNKNOWN DEBRIS INSIDE LIGHT SHEILDS IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A WATER LEAK INSIDE THE PREP COOLER LOCATED ON THE EAST WALK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Linen: clean and soiled properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED LINEN BEING STORED IMPROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZER WATER WHILE NOT IN USE AND MAINTAIN.
39
58
May 18, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A PLASTIC CUP INSIDE THE CONTAINER OF COOKED DICED CHICKEN IN WALK-IN COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CUP AND PROVIDE ONLY UTENSILS WITH HANDLES TO MINIMIZE SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OPENING ON FLOOR BESIDE THE TOILET BOWL INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.BROKEN,UNEVEN, POROUS,AND GRIMES ON FLOOR INSIDE THE REAR STORAGE,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE FOR THE SAID FLOOR.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOOD SPILLAGE AT WEST WALL INSIDE THE REAR STORAGE ,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
35
86
Sep 26, 2014
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND SMALL HOLES AT WALLS BY FRONT HAND SINK AREAS THAT MUST BE SEALED TO PREVENT ROACH HARBORAGE.
35
95
Sep 19, 2014
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: FOUND 2 LIVE ROACHES ON WALLS BELOW FRONT COUNTER. SERIOUS VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED.
18
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOUND GRLLL/GRIIL AREAS NOT CLEAN GREASE BUILDUP.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND SMALL HOLES AT WALLS BY FRONT HAND SINK AREAS THAT MUST BE SEALED TO PREVENT ROACH HARBORAGE.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND HOOD EXHAUST NOT CLEAN. EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD UP.
38
82
May 2, 2014
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: FOUND NO LIGHT SHIELDS AT FIXTURES AT REAR OF PREMISES.
36
95
Apr 21, 2014
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: FOUND OUTSIDE DUMPTER AREAS NOT CLEAN. FOUND BROKEN DUMPSTER LID AND SURROUNDING DUMPSTER AREAS NOT CLEAN.(GARBAGE SPILLAGE SURROUNDING OUTSIDE DUMPSTER)SERIOUS VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED.
19
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY. MUST STORE INVERTED.
31
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: FOUND NO LIGHT SHIELDS AT FIXTURES AT REAR OF PREMISES.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND AREAS OUTSIDE BY STAIRWELL LEADING TO BASEMENT NOT CLEAN. OLD EQUIPMENT STORED OUTSIDE. MUST REMOVE EQUIPMENT, CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN OUTSIDE AREAS.
41
82
Feb 18, 2014
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY. MUST STORE INVERTED.
31
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: FOUND NO LIGHT SHIELDS AT FIXTURES AT REAR OF PREMISES.
36
90
Dec 31, 2013
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE FREEZER BAGS.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: UPRIGHT FREEZER, REAR, HAS BUILD UP OF GRIME . INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR UNDER SHELVING, AND COOKING EQUIPMENT HAS BUILD UP OF GRIME. MUST DETAIL CLEAN.
34
86
Jul 25, 2013
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 16, 2013
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM AUGUST 3,2012; REPORT #1234445 #30-PROVIDE LABEL OF INGREDIENTS FOR SLICED CAKES STORED INSIDE THE FRONT COOLER IN SELLING AREA. STILL TODAY OBSERVED SAME VIOLATION. LABEL MUST BE PROVIDED INCLUDED AT HOME MADE FLAN. SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-42-090
29
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: VIOLATION UPGRADED TO A SERIOUS VIOLATION #29
30
90
Aug 3, 2012
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: PROVIDE LABEL OF INGREDIENTS FOR SLICED CAKES STORED INSIDE THE FRONT COOLER IN SELLING AREA.
30
95
Jan 23, 2012
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 12, 2012
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: All dish washing machines must be of a type that complies with all requirements of the plumbing section of the Municipal Code of Chicago and Rules and Regulation of the Board of Health. THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTAINED.WATER EXTREMELY SLOWLY GOING DOWN,ALSO WASTE WATER BACKING UP ON MIDDLE AND LEFT SIDE COMPARTMENTS.INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT A PLUMBER. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-030 H000076639-15
24
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. NEED TO PROVIDE INGREDIENT LABEL FOR ALL SLICED SWEET, INCLUDING WHAT IS BROUGHT IN FROM BAKERY.
30
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. ALL SERVING AND COOKING SPOON MUST BE REMOVED FROM INSIDE FOOD ONCE IS STORED IN COOLERS.ALSO REORGANIZE INTERIOR CHEST FREEZER AND PROPERLY STORE FOOD.
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. REMOVE EXCESS ICE BUILD-UP INSIDE THE CHEST FREEZER.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: The flow of air discharged from kitchen fans shall always be through a duct to a point above the roofline. 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. THE FOLLOWING FAUCETS NEEDS UNTHREAD FAUCET(3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND MOP SINK)
38
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. PROVIDE THERMOMETER FOR INSIDE THE CHEST FREEZER.
40
74
Jul 26, 2011
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Only authorized personnel in the food-prep area
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MGR.ALLOWED CUSTOMERS USE TOILET GOING THROUGH KITCHEN PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO STOP CUSTOMERS ACCESS TO EMPLOYEE TOILET IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP/SERVING AREA.
44
95
Jul 19, 2011
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect infestation, no birds, turtles or other animals
Inspector notes: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin/insect infestations. EVIDENCE OF LIFE ANIMALS NOTED ON FACILITY AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED 3DOGS IN THE BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA WITH STACKS OF DOG FECES ON THE FLOORS.CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020 CRITICAL INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DOGS FROM PREMISES AND TAKE THEM HOME,CLEAN DOG FECES AND SANITZE FLOORS WITH SANITIZER.CDI.
13
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: A separate and distinct offense shall be deemed to have been committed for each Minor violation that is not corrected upon re-inspection by the health authority. OBSERVED NONCOMPLIANCE OF PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION OF 03-29-10 REPORT #88317 #34" floors in bsmt. storage areas not clean need detailed cleaning(corners). CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090 SERIOUS INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ABOVE FLOORS BY REINSPECTION NEXT WEEK.
29
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT(STORE OR KEEP UPSIDE DOWN) ALL CLEANED MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES THROUGHOUT ON SHELVES AND COUNTERS.
31
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 TIGHTEN UP LOOSED TOILET SEAT.
32
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. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PAINT PEELINB ON WALL IN DINING.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE LIGHT SHIELD MISSING ABOVE PREP TABLE IN KITCHEN AT FRONT SECTION,AND REPAIR OUT LIGHGTS ABOVE MOP SINK IN REAR.
36
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. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
40
Only authorized personnel in the food-prep area
Inspector notes: The traffic of unnecessary persons through the food preparation and the utensil washing areas is prohibited. OBSERVED MGR.ALLOWED CUSTOMERS USE TOILET GOING THROUGH KITCHEN PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO STOP CUSTOMERS ACCESS TO EMPLOYEE TOILET IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP/SERVING AREA.
44
67
Mar 29, 2010
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 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.non food contact surfaces of cooler shelving, storage shelving not clean need detailed cleaning(crevices).
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 under heavy equipment, cooking equipment, storage shelving/racks not clean need detailed cleaning(corners).floors in bsmt. storage areas not clean need detailed cleaning(corners).
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.walls in prep area not clean need cleaning, walls that had peeling paint/plaster by bathroom door shall be repair.
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.missing light shields in rear kitchen area shall be provided. light shields that were missing bend caps shall be provided. light shields in kitchen prep area, dining areas not clean need detailed cleaning.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: The flow of air discharged from kitchen fans shall always be through a duct to a point above the roofline. 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.exhaust canopy no clean needs detailed cleaning, exhaust vents(ventilation)in kitchen prep area not clean need cleaning, exhaust vents in collers, dining areas need cleaning.
38
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taqueria Los Portales last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taqueria Los Portales on file is from Feb 19, 2025. The public record contains 28 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taqueria Los Portales?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Taqueria Los Portales.
Has Taqueria Los Portales' inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Taqueria Los Portales have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Taqueria Los Portales 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 Los Portales inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Taqueria Los Portales is inspected around two times per year on average.
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