PASS
Risk 1 (High)
CAFE EL TAPATIO Passes Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
September 30, 2026
Complaint
License #2432567
9
Total Violations
3
Critical
2
Major
4
Minor
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on September 30, 2026. The inspection type was "Complaint" and resulted in a Pass outcome.
This establishment is classified as Risk 1 (High), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.
The inspector documented 9 violations during this inspection, including 3 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
9
Violation #16
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: 4-602.11(B-E): **C** Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils-Frequency OBSERVED THE ICE BIN INTERIOR IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.
Food Code Requirement
All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.
Specific Requirements
Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.11
Violation #37
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: 3-601.11: **C** Standards of Identity NOTED NO LABELS FOR BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS (FLOUR AND SUGAR). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.
Why This Matters
Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.
Food Code Requirement
All food properly labeled with required information.
Specific Requirements
Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-202.18
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED IN BASMENT PREP/STORAGE TRAPPED GERMAN ROACHES IN PEST CONTROIL MONITOR TRAPS, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVED AND REPLACE MONITOR TRAPS
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #39
MAJOR
Violation Details
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: 3-307.11: **C** Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination OBSERVED DRY RICE AND DRIED BEAN BAGS SITTING ON FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
Why This Matters
Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.
Food Code Requirement
Prevent contamination during all food handling.
Specific Requirements
Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-307.11
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: -101.19: **C** Nonfood-Contact Surfaces OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
Why This Matters
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-101.11
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-101.19: **C** Nonfood-Contact Surfaces OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT AND PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
Why This Matters
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-101.11
Violation #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-602.13: NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.
Why This Matters
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Specific Requirements
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.13
Violation #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: 5-205.15: **C** System Maintained in Good Repair (In Good Repair) OBSERVED HANDSINK IN BASEMENT PREP AREA LEAKING INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MIANTAIN.
Why This Matters
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Food Code Requirement
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Specific Requirements
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.13
Violation #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: 5-205.15: **C** System Maintained in Good Repair (In Good Repair) OBSERVED HANDSINK IN BASEMENT PREP AREA LEAKING INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MIANTAIN.
Why This Matters
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Food Code Requirement
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Specific Requirements
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.13
Health Department Information
Department
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division
Food Protection Program
Report Issues
Call 311 or File Online
More Information
CDPH Food Protection