Taqueria Taco Bueno
Last inspected: Nov 21, 2025
100
Score
Across the available record, Taqueria Taco Bueno has 18 inspections on file, the first dated 2011. The latest inspection on file is from Nov 21, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around two violations to closer to zero violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been the most frequent reason, cited eight times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Taqueria Taco Bueno is doing better than most peers. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
18
Inspections
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Critical latest
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Major latest
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Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 21, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
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Oct 10, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
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Jun 27, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Nov 2, 2021
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR WITH A 1/4". MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.
38
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NOTED ONE CITY CERTIFIED MANAGER WITHOUT HER ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
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Dec 7, 2020
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPER LABEL BULK DRY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER IN THE BASEMENT.
37
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING AROUND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE SPILLS.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE FILTER ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE.
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Jun 4, 2019
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE EMPLOYEE WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
57
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE WOMENS TOILET ROOM STALL RECEPATACLE WITHOUT A COVER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CAN WITH COVER FOR WOMENS STALL.
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Feb 5, 2019
Complaint
5 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. MUST HAVE DISINFECTION RATED FOR NOROVIRUSES, OR PROPER CHLORING 5.25%, WITH PROPER CHLORINE TEST STRIPS 1000-5000PPM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7038-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DATE MARKING ON READY TO EAT TCS FOODS HELD IN ESTABLISHMENT FOR MOR THAN 24 HOURS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEARLY MARK WTIH THE DATE BY WHICH THE FOOD IS TO BE SOLD, DISCARDED, OR CONSUMED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE STATEMENT ON MENUS AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUT CABBAGE IN THE REACH IN COOLER STORED IN A GROCERY BAG, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER FOOD GRADE CONTAINER, OR FOOD GRADE BAGS, (ie) ZIP-LOC, OR BAGGIE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-025. NO CITATION ISSUED.
47
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SPLACHGUARD ON THE FRONT HAND SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
39
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE COFFEE MACHINE ABOVE THE COFFEE BASKET NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER/UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR GARAGE, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ITEMS NOT BEING USED.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES FOR THE CERTIFIED MANAGERS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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50
Aug 29, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE SHELVES INSIDE THE REACH IN COOLERS AND THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYERS ARE NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN TO REMOVE FOOD AND DIRT. MAINTAIN SAME.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: THE FLOORS BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA HAS FOOD AND DIRT ON THEM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: THE FILTERS ON THE VENTILATION HOOD IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA HAS DIRT/GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THERE ARE POTS TOO LARGE TO BE FULLY SUBMERGED INTO THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER INSTALL A 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LARGE ENOUGH FOR THE BIGGEST POT OR REMOVE LARGE UTENSILS. MAINTAIN SAME.
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82
Jun 30, 2016
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FRONT LIGHT SHIELDS NOT CLEAN OVER COOKING AREA, AND HOT HOLDING UNIT, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
35
95
Dec 15, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD ITEMS NOT PROTECTED AND STORED UNCOVERED IN REACH-IN COOLER. UNCOVERED RAW BEEF AND CHORIZO STORED ABOVE UNCOVERED COOKED CHICKEN, POTATOES, GUACAMOLE, AND SHREDDED CHEESE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE COOKED AND TO READY TO EAT FOOD ABOVE RAW MEAT TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A
16
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS, SIDES OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, STEAM TABLES SURFACES (GREASE BUILDUP). CLEAN GASKETS ON CHEST FREEZER IN BASEMENT.
33
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Jun 24, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE GROCERY BAGS AND PROPERLY STORE FOOD IN FOOD STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
32
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
42
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Nov 25, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: ALL PREPARED FOODS INSIDE THE 1 DOOR STAND UP COOLER IN PREP AREA MUST BE LABELED/DATED AND MAINTAIN.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES MUST BE SANDED/BLEACHED OR REPLACED,RAW WOODEN SURFACES IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE MUST BE SEALED USING A NON-TOXIC FINISH AND MAINTAIN.ALSO,PROVIDE FOOD GRADE STORING BAGS NOT GROCERY PLASTIC BAGS TO STORE FOODS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FAN COVERS INSIDE THE 1 DOOR STAND UP COOLER IN PREP AREA,INTERIOR BOTTTOM COMPARTMENT OF DEEP FRYER,SHELVINGS BEHIND FRONT COUNTER THESE AREAS ARE DIRTY,INSTRUCTED DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS WHEN WORKING AROUND OPEN FOODS AND MAINTAIN.
42
82
Apr 17, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: CLEAN EQUIPMENT IMPROPERLY STORED NEXT TO CUSTOMER SEATING AREA. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY IN DESIGNATED AREA.
31
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: PROVIDE SPLASHGUARD INBETWEEN EXPOSED HANDSINK AND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
43
86
Aug 6, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NEED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL CUTTING BOARDS. DEFROST FRONT ICECREAM FREEZER.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND DIPPED ICECREAM NEED TO PROVIDE DIPPER WELL WITH RUNNING COLD WATER CONNECTED PROPERLY TO DRAIN. NEED TO PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: NEED THERMOMETERS FOR ALL COOLERS. ALSO FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURE.
40
86
Mar 26, 2012
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: The shelve sunder the counter and steam table are dirty, and the north cutting board has deep stains. Wash, rinse,sanitize and repair the surfaces so they are smooth and sanitary. All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.
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. The wall next to the grill by the window has small holes and is greasy, clean and patch the wall so it is smooth and easy to clean.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: The north end of the ventilation duct has dirty foil stuck in a hole, remove the foil and reseal the hole so it is smooth and easy to clean.
38
86
Oct 26, 2011
Complaint
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. CLEAN THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND HOOD ABOVE HAS GREASE BUILDUP. DEFROST AND CLEAN THE REACH IN FREEZER LOCATED THE BASEMENT HAS ICE BUILDUP.
33
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. CLEAN THE LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE PREP AREA HAS DUST AND DIRT ON THEM.
36
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. CLEAN THE VENTS IN THROUGHOUT PREMISES HAS DUST BUILDUP.
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 THERMOMETERS IN THE REACHIN COOLERS.
40
82
Apr 27, 2011
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 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. SOME OF THE LARGE FOOD CONTAINERS NOT LABELED BEANS, RICE, ECT LOCATED IN THE FOOD STORAGE ROOM IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL SAME.
30
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. THE HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT HAS GREASE BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE GREASE CLEAN SAME.
31
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. THE VENTS IN THE TOILET ROOMS HAVE DUST BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SAME.
38
86
Jan 24, 2011
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 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. Wash, rinse and sanitize the ice machine door.
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. Repair the gap at the bottom of the north basement wall. Clean the corner behind the chest freezer.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: The rear 1-compartment sink has a small leak that is being repaired at the time of this inspection.
38
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taqueria Taco Bueno last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taqueria Taco Bueno on file is from Nov 21, 2025. The public record contains 18 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taqueria Taco Bueno?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Taqueria Taco Bueno.
Has Taqueria Taco Bueno's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Taqueria Taco Bueno have averaged around zero violations per visit, down from roughly two earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Taqueria Taco Bueno 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 Taco Bueno inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Taqueria Taco Bueno is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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