Taqueria Uptown
Last inspected: Feb 8, 2016
95
Score
Inspectors have visited Taqueria Uptown 10 times, with records going back to 2010. The most recent visit was on Feb 8, 2016. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit. Taqueria Uptown's record stops at Feb 8, 2016, more than two years back, so current conditions may differ.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near four violations per visit.
“Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” comes up most often, recorded seven times in the inspection record.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. The record reflects steady performance over time.
10
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 8, 2016
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: SEAL THE GAP AROUND THE PIPE INSIDE THE WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.
35
95
Jan 29, 2016
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WHILE PREPARING AND COOKING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS SUCH AS CHICKEN TOTILLA SOUP, BEEF TACOS, CHICKEN TACOS, CARNE ASADA,ETC. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE WHILE PREPARING AND COOKING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012. TWO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE WALL ,BUT THE SAID PERSONS ARE NOT ON SITE.
21
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #1537249 DATED 4/23/15. #35-OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES ABOVE THE REAR EXIT DOOR, CUSTOMER/EMPLOYEE WASHROOM CEILING, AND THE HALLWAY CEILING THAT LEADS TO THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
29
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: LABEL AND DATE ALL FOOD CONTAINERS WITH READY TO EAT POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS INSIDE THE REACH IN COOLER.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RE CAULK AROUND THE EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE FRONT AREA. (CAULK WORN OUT WITH BLACK MOLDY LIKE SUBSTANCE) AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN LIGHT SHIELD ON THE LIGHT BULB ON THE HOOD/CANOPY(WITH GREASE BUILD-UP) AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND THE REACH IN COOLER (WITH DEBRIS) IN THE PREP/COOK LINE AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WATER STAINED AND DAMAGED CEILING TILES THRU-OUT THE DINING AREAS. MUST REPLACED AND MAINTAIN. SEAL THE GAP AROUND THE PIPE INSIDE THE WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.
35
70
Apr 23, 2015
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: FOUND RAW BEEF STORED IN A BOSTON MARKET GROCERY BAG IN THE REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS TO PROPERLY STORE MEATS IN COOLERS.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE FAN VENT COVER AND FOOD STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE COLD-HOLD UNIT TO REMOVE DUST AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES ABOVE THE REAR EXIT DOOR, CUSTOMER/EMPLOYEE WASHROOM CEILING, AND THE HALLWAY CEILING THAT LEADS TO THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN.
35
86
Sep 25, 2014
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 18, 2014
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE.FOUND PASTOR MEAT SHAVED FROM ROLL AND STORED ON PREP TABLE BY THE SPIT UNIT AT TEMP OF 79F TO 87F.HOT FOOD MUST TEMPERATURE OF 140F AND ABOVE. FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED.POUNDS 8,VALUE $30. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A).
3
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: NO SANITIZER SOLUTION PROVIDED ON PREMISES.OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WASHING AND RINSING PLATES,POTS GLASSES ETC AND NOT SANITIZING. INSTRUCTED TO MANAGER FOR ONE OF THE EMPLOYEE TO PURCHASE A GALLON OF BLEACH FROM LOCAL GROCERY STORE.BLEACH PROVIDED AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK SET-UP: WASH,RINSE AND SANITIZE 100ppm. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-030
8
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OVER 30 MICE DROPPINGS WERE OBSERVED THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES: ALONG BASEBOARD WALLS,ON TOP THE CARDBOARDS ON FLOOR BY THE COOKING EQUIPMENT,UNDER THE SHELVES IN REAR AREA,ON TOP THE SHELVE WERE STAFF PERSONAL ITEMS ARE STORED AND ALONG HALLWAY.OUTER OPENING NOT PROTECTED:FOUND FRONT DOOR WIDE OPENED.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE MICE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREA MENTIONED,REMOVE CARDBOARDS FROM FLOORS AND KEEP FRONT DOOR CLOSED AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-020
18
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM4-10-14,REPORT #1107121 #32-DIRTY(FOOD DEBRIS AND OIL) ON CARD BOARDS AND ALUMINUM FOIL USED FOR SHELF LINERS INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SURFACE THAT IS SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL #33- ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS UNDER THE BASE OF CHARCOAL GRILL, ON TOP THE PIPE BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. #34-GREASE ON FLOOR UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN #38- FOUND BROKEN STOPPERS FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE STILL TODAY OBSERVED THE SAME VIOLATIONS. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-42-090
29
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLEAN KNIVES STORED ON TOP DIRTY OILED WITH DEBRIS ON CARDBOARDS,INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARD BOARDS AND PROVIDE A KNIFE RACK
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FRONT EXPOSED HAND SINK SLOWLY DRAINING,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. REAR /DISH ROOM EXPOSED HAND SINK DRAIN WATER PIPE IS LEAKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
74
Apr 10, 2014
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: NO SANITIZING SOLUTION USED AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS. OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WASHING AND RINSING PLATE, PLASTIC GLASSES,POTS ETC. MUST PROVIDE AN APPROVED SANITIZER AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK TO SANITIZE PROPERLY. PERSONALLY SET UP THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS: WASH,RINSE,SANITIZE 100PPM. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-030
8
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD(ICE) NOT PROPERLY STORED. FOUND ICE STORED INSIDE DIRTY(BLACK SUBSTANCE)CONTAINER FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.NO ICE MACHINE ON PREMISES NOR PROOF OF RECIPTS WERE ICE IS BOUGHT.ICE DISCARDED AND INSTRUCTED TO BUY ICE IN BAGS AND KEEP RECEIPTS,ALSO ICE MUST BE STORED INSIDE CLEAN SELF DRAIN CONTAINER. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-005(A)
16
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: UPON MY ARRIVAL ONLY ONE EMPLOYEE ON PREMISES WHICH HE CALLED VIA PHONE A MANAGER,HOWEVER NO PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION PROVIDED BY THE MANAGER. UNABLE TO VERIFY CERTIFIED FOOD HANDLER. THE FOOD HANDLER WHO IS CERTIFIED MUST HAVE AN IDENTIFICATION AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTOR VERIFICATION SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-012(a)
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: DIRTY(FOOD DEBRIS AND OIL) ON CARD BOARDS AND ALUMINUM FOIL USED FOR SHELF LINERS INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SURFACE THAT IS SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS UNDER THE BASE OF CHARCOAL GRILL, ON TOP THE PIPE BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: GREASE ON FLOOR UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND BROKEN STOPPERS FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
38
70
Apr 29, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE MISSING STOPPER AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE STOPPER.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP INSIDE KITCHEN REACH IN COOLERS AND ON COOLER SHELVES ALSO OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP INSIDE HORCHATA/RED DRINK MACHINE NOZZLES. MUST CLEAN EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STAINS ON WALL BEHIND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST CLEAN WALL AND MAINTAIN.
35
86
Mar 9, 2012
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 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. OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP INSIDE COOLER DOOR RAILS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL UNCLEAN RAILS.
33
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. METAL STEM THERMOMETERS NOT CALIBRATED. INSTURCTED MANAGER TO CALIBRATE AND MAINTAIN METAL STEM THERMOMETERS FOR FOOD HANDLERS.
40
90
Nov 17, 2010
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
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. PROVIDE SERVING SPOON FOR EACH FOOD CONTAINERS IN COOLERS,TO MINIMIZE HAND CONTACT WITH FOOD.
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.REPLACE OR FIX RUBBER GASKET IN REACH-IN COOLER
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. CLEAN ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS UNDER THE FLAT GRILL, WERE CLEAN DISHES ARE STORED.
33
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.MUST RE-INSTALL EXPOSED HAND SINK THAT WAS REMOVE IN REAR PREP AREA.
38
82
Nov 10, 2010
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less. All hot food shall be stored at a temperature of 140F or higher. FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE.HOME MADE PASTOR MEAT STORED INSIDE BLACK PLASTIC BAG IN REACH-IN COOLER AT TEMP OF 102.9F.NO PROOF OF TIME AND TEMPERATURE LOG PROVIDED.FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED.POUNDS 6; VALUE 20.CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A) HOOOO63674-10
3
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: Equipment and utensils should get proper exposure to the sanitizing solution during the rinse cycle. Bactericidal treatment shall consist of exposure of all dish and utensil surfaces to a rinse of clean water at a temperature of not less than 180F. NO SANITIZING SOLUTION USED AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WASHING AND RINSING MULTI USE UTENSILS(TONGS,POTS,PLATES ETC).THREE COMPARTMENT SINK WAS PROPERLY SET UP BY THE OWNER(WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE 100 PPM).MUST USE SANITIZE SOLUTION AT THRIRD COMPARTMENT SINK AT ALL TIMES.CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-030 HOOOO63674-10
8
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: All dishwashing 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.OBSERVED WATER BACKING UP FROM FLOOR DRAIN WHEN WATER IS RELEASED FROM 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT A PLUMBER.SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-030 HOOOO63675-11
24
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. PROVIDE SERVING SPOON FOR EACH FOOD CONTAINERS IN COOLERS,TO MINIMIZE HAND CONTACT WITH FOOD.
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. REPLACE OR FIX RUBBER GASKET IN REACH-IN COOLER.
32
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. PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN DISPLAY PREP SINK AND EXPOSED HAND SINK,FRONT AREA.
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. CLEAN ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS UNDER THE FLAT GRILL, WERE CLEAN DISHES ARE STORED.
33
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. MUST RE-INSTALL EXPOSED HAND SINK THAT WAS REMOVE IN REAR PREP AREA.
38
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taqueria Uptown last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taqueria Uptown on file is from Feb 8, 2016. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taqueria Uptown?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Taqueria Uptown.
Has Taqueria Uptown's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Taqueria Uptown have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Taqueria Uptown means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
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