CHICAGO, IL - Multiple violations were discovered at Taconazo El Original #1 during a health inspection on 07/29/2025.
Taconazo El Original #1 is positioned at 4124 W North Avenue Chicago Illinois in the Humboldt Park area, drawing neighborhood patrons and tourists.
The inspection report documents: "38. Insects, rodents, & animals not present - comments: observed evidence of pest activity. 47. Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used - comments: observed cutting boards in rear prep area/kitchen with de..." Health officials note that these violations need attention to maintain proper compliance.
The inspection identified violations related to sanitation, an important area of food safety.
Industry experts consistently emphasize the critical importance of proper sanitation protocols. The Food Safety Modernization Act clearly states that Proper sanitation practices prevent cross-contamination and maintain the integrity of food preparation environments.
Among the findings were infractions involving pest control, a key component of food safety protocols.
Health experts emphasize that pest activity can rapidly contaminate food preparation surfaces and stored ingredients According to FDA Pest Control Guidelines, The FDA Food Code mandates that food storage areas remain free from pest contamination at all times. This regulatory framework ensures that food service establishments meet rigorous safety standards.
The examination revealed violations related to hand washing, which need to be addressed for proper compliance.
Public health officials identify poor hand hygiene as a primary factor in foodborne illness transmission Research conducted by federal health agencies demonstrates that The CDC emphasizes that inadequate hand washing contributes to approximately 89% of foodborne illness outbreaks. The Chicago Health Department Requirements provides comprehensive guidance for preventing such violations.
The implications extend to broader community food safety standards. Health department data shows that correction of violations helps maintain community health standards.
The Chicago Department of Public Health has mandated that Taconazo El Original #1 immediately address all identified violations before resuming normal operations. A follow-up inspection has been scheduled to verify compliance.
Food service professionals should take note of important insights from these findings, highlighting the importance of ongoing compliance to health code requirements. Public education continues to be an essential element in ensuring public health protection.
| Inspection ID | 2621499 |
| DBA Name | TACONAZO EL ORIGINAL #1 |
| AKA Name | TACONAZO EL ORIGINAL #1 |
| License # | 2657927 |
| Facility Type | Restaurant |
| Risk | Risk 1 (High) |
| Address | 4124 W NORTH AVE |
| City | CHICAGO |
| State | IL |
| Zip | 60639 |
| Inspection Date | 07/29/2025 |
| Inspection Type | Complaint |
| Results | Fail |
| Violations | 38. INSECTS |
| & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments | OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 20 MOUSE DROPPINGS UNDER COOK'S LINE HAND SINK IN FRONT OF PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE |
| CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments | OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN REAR PREP AREA/KITCHEN WITH DEEP CUTS AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO RESTORE TO A SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN SURFACE BY SANDING |
| OR REPLACING AND MAINTAINING. | 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments | NOTED EQUIPMENT SURFACES WITH HEAVY GREASE DEPOSITS AND FOOD DEBRIS IN REAR KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND SANITIZE EQUIPMENT AND FLOORS UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT | 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED |
| MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments | NOTED HOLE IN WALL UNDER FRONT PREP AREA COOKS LINE HANDSINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR |
| Latitude | 41.90994655026227 |
| Longitude | -87.72995037139705 |
| Location | (41.90994655026227 |
This inspection was conducted on July 29, 2025.
Chicago Department of Public Health
The following violations were found: sanitation, pest-control, hand-washing.
Health code violations can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Common concerns include improper food temperatures (which can allow bacteria growth), inadequate handwashing facilities (which can spread germs), pest activity (which can contaminate food), and cross-contamination risks. These violations are monitored by health departments to ensure public safety and prevent foodborne illness outbreaks.
All inspection data for this report is sourced directly from the Chicago Department of Public Health . View the original data source .
Food safety standards referenced in this report are based on:
Important Note: This article is based on official inspection reports at the time of inspection. Current conditions may differ. Always check the most recent inspection results before dining. Establishments have the opportunity to correct violations and request re-inspection.
