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TACO BROS in CHICAGO, IL Failed Its Health Inspection on 08/13/25

📍 View TACO BROS Business Profile

CHICAGO, IL - TACO BROS received citations for health code violations during an inspection on 08/13/2025.

Situated at 1959 W CHICAGO AVE, the establishment is part of West Town's active food service sector. The West Town area undergoes regular health inspections as part of the city's comprehensive food safety monitoring program.

The inspection identified 5 distinct violations requiring correction. Health inspectors document such issues to ensure establishments take corrective action promptly.

The first violation involved sanitization. Inspectors documented: 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA MUST BE PROVIDED AND MAINTAINED.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED). FDA sanitation guidelines require regular cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth. For more information, see FDA sanitation standards. Inadequate sanitization allows bacteria to survive and multiply on food contact surfaces.

The second violation related to food temperatures. Inspectors documented: 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS, SUCH AS 3LBS. COOKED CHICKEN-56.3F.1LBS. COOKED RICE-44.9F.3LBS. COOKED GROUND BEEF-55.2F.2LBS. RAW STEAK-51.7F.2LBS. SHRIMP-54.7F. INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER AND REACH IN COOLER. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.APPX.11LBS. $100.(COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-005). The FDA Food Code requires cold foods to be held at 41°F or below and hot foods at 135°F or above to prevent bacterial growth in the "danger zone." For more information, see FDA guidelines on temperature control. Improper temperature control can lead to bacterial growth including Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.

The third violation involved food storage. Inspectors documented: 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: 3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE (SHAKERS,SQUEEZE BOTTLES,ETC. Allergen cross-contact during storage can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals.

The fourth violation concerned pest control. Inspectors documented: 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-202.15 : OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT & REAR DOORS MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.. The FDA Food Code requires establishments to eliminate conditions that attract and harbor pests, including proper waste management and facility maintenance. For more information, see FDA pest control standards. Cockroaches can spread E. coli and Salmonella by contaminating food and surfaces.

The fifth violation involved pest control. Inspectors documented: 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments:. The FDA Food Code requires establishments to eliminate conditions that attract and harbor pests, including proper waste management and facility maintenance. For more information, see FDA pest control standards. Pest droppings and debris can trigger allergic reactions and asthma in sensitive individuals.

Health code violations require prompt correction to maintain operating permits. The health department typically conducts re-inspections to verify that identified issues have been properly addressed.

This inspection data is provided by Chicago Department of Public Health. The establishment had violations identified during the 08/13/2025 inspection. Conditions may have changed since this inspection. For current compliance status, consult the Chicago Department of Public Health. For more information about restaurant inspection regulations in this area, visit the Chicago Food Service Sanitation Rules. Learn more about food safety at FDA.gov and CDC.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was this inspection conducted?

This inspection was conducted on August 21, 2025.

Who conducted this inspection?

Chicago Department of Public Health

What violations were found during this inspection?

The following violations were documented: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: 3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE (SHAKERS,SQUEEZE BOTTLES,ETC.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-202.15 : OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT & REAR DOORS MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: 3-305.11 : OBSERVED FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER MUST ELEVATE AND STORE PROPERLY TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.; WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: 3-304.14 : MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE FROM SURFACES.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-101.19 : MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS .; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINET,GRILL TABLE,COOLERS,WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: 5-204.12 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER; ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: 2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.; ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: : 2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.; MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS - Comments: 7-38-060 Default beverage for children's meals. Inspector Comments: OBSERVED A KIDS MENU WITH A DRINK THAT IS MORE THAN 130 CALORIES.; PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE MUST PROVIDE AND MAITAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012); CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED, AND SERVED, SUCH AS (BEANS, RICE, CHICKEN, ETC.) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. (PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 4:23 P.M.(COS); MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED); PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED); PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS 2LBS. -GROUND BEEF-57.0F.25LBS. RAW STEAK-45.7F.2.5LBS. COOKED PORK-56.1F.5LBS. SHRIMP-60.8F.10LBS. CHICKEN-59.0F.2LBS. SHREEDED LETTUCE-46.4F.20LBS. COOKED BEANS-57.9F.INSIDE OF COOLERS.PRODUCT WERE DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. APPX.67 LBS. $325.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS); PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 4- DRAWER PREP COOLER AT 48.2F WITH TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE . A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG HAS BEEN PLACED ON UNIT. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNIT AT 41.0F OR BELOW.ONCE REPAIRED EMAIL:FOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS); FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE (SHAKERS,SQUEEZE BOTTLES,ETC.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C)(CITATION ISSUED); INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT & REAR DOORS MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER MUST ELEVATE AND STORE PROPERLY TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.; WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE FROM SURFACES.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS .; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINET,GRILL TABLE,COOLERS,WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER.; ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.; ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.; MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS - Comments: OBSERVED A KIDS MENU WITH A DRINK THAT IS MORE THAN 130 CALORIES.; PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO BODILY FLUID CLEAN-UP KIT OR PROCEDURES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE BODILY FLUID CLEAN-UP KIT AND PROCEDURES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE IN STAFF TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE.; FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE WASH AND RINSE UTENSILS BUT NOT SANITIZE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL DISHES AND UTENSILS ARE SANITIZED BEFORE USE AFTER CLEANING. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.; PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED VARIOUS TCS FOODS HELD AT INADEQUATE TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 48-52 F, LIKE CHICKEN OBSERVED TO BE 48F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD TCS FOODS ARE HELD AT A TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. MANAGER DISCARDED 4 POUNDS TOMATOES, 10 POUNDS OF CHICKEN ($50) PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION WAS ISSUED.; PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED 2 COOLERS ON THE KITCHEN SERVICE LINE, BOTH WITH AN INADEQUATE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS HAVE AN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. COOLERS TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED MORE THAN 30 SMALL FLIES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY, INCLUDING IN THE DRY STORAGE MOP AREA, IN TOILET ROOMS, NEAR THE BAR AREA, IN THE KITCHEN, AND IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MINIMIZE SMALL FLY ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD STORED IN TOILET ROOM CLOSET. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL FOOD ITEMS FROM TOILET ROOM CLOSET TO AVOID ANY CONTAMINATION FORM. FOOD MAY NOT BE STORED IN TOILET ROOM.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR LEADING TO DUMPSTERS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL PROPERLY TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED HANDSINK IN DISREPAIR IN THE FRONT BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED DRY AND SPILLED FOOD DEBRIS NOTED ON THE FOLLOWING AREAS: FLOORS UNDERNEATH DRY STORAGE RACKS AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, BEHIND AND UNDER COOKING AND FRYING EQUIPMENT, AND WALK-IN COOLER FLOORS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER HAS NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE..

Why are these violations concerning?

Inadequate sanitization allows bacteria to survive and multiply on food contact surfaces. Improper temperature control can lead to bacterial growth including Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. Allergen cross-contact during storage can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals. Cockroaches can spread E. coli and Salmonella by contaminating food and surfaces.

Important Health Information

Data Sources

This inspection data is sourced directly from Chicago Department of Public Health. For the most current information, please visit the official health department website.

Federal Guidelines: Our reporting follows standards established by the FDA Food Code, CDC Food Safety Guidelines, and USDA Food Safety Standards.

📖 Food Safety Codes: Reference the specific regulations that govern this establishment: Chicago Food Code, FDA Food Code 2022

⚠️ Important Note: Restaurant conditions can change rapidly. This inspection represents a snapshot in time and may not reflect current conditions. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking recent reviews or contacting the establishment directly.

Complete Inspection History

View all health inspections, pass rates, and violation history for TACO BROS

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