⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

EL TACONAZO RESTAURANT Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

EL TACONAZO RESTAURANT 2350 W CERMAK RD, CHICAGO 60608 Restaurant
August 11, 2010 Short Form Fire-Complaint License #1964481
11
Total Violations
4
Critical
5
Major
2
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

11
Violation #18
CRITICAL
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: FOUND 20 FRUIT FLIES AT JUICE BEVERAGE PREP AREA AROUND BANANAS, MULTI-USE CUPS, AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND 5 FRUIT FLIES IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM, 4 HOUSE FLIES AT REAR EXIT DOOR BY ONION STORAGE CONTAINERS AND FLYING IN DRY STOTAGE AREA. ALSO, OPENINGS IN SCREEN DOORS AND 1/2 INCH GAPS UNDER AND TOP OF REAR EXIT SCREEN DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, RECOMMEND PEST CONTROL TO SERVICE PREMISES, AND MAKE SAID DOORS TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT RODENT AND FLY ENTRY. SERIOUS 7-38-020 ISSUED.
Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.
Building openings must be protected against pest entry.
Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.
Violation #30
CRITICAL
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: FOUND VARIOUS COOKED AND PREPARED FOODS STORED IN ALL COOLERS WITHOUT LABELS-ALL COOKED AND PREPARED FOODS MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED AND DATED WHEN STORED IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS
Improper methods result in slow cooling that allows bacterial growth.
Approved cooling methods must be used.
Use shallow pans, ice baths, rapid chill units, ice wands; Cut large items into smaller portions; Stir frequently; Leave uncovered during cooling.
Violation #32
MAJOR
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: REMOVE ALL ALUMINUM AND CARDBOARD LINING THROUGH OUT PREP SHELVES, BOTTOM OF PREP TABLES, AND DRY FOOD STORAGE RACKS. REPLACE VENTILATION FILTERS WITH DARK BLACK STAINS AT FRONT PREP AREA. REMOVE MILK CRATES AT JUICE BEVERAGE AREA-PROVIDE RACK FOR EASY CLEANING. REPLACE LID AT HORCHATA MACHINE.
Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.
Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.
Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.
Violation #32
MAJOR
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: MUST PAINT OR REPLACE ALL RUSTY STORAGE RACKS & SHELVES THROUGHOUT. PAINT RUSTY EXTERIOR & INTERIOR DOOR OF COOKED FOOD WALK-IN COOLER. PAINT ALL WOOD SHELVES INSIDE PRODUCE WALK-IN COOLER. REPLACE RUSTY CAN OPENER AND BASE ATTACHED TO PREP TABLE. REPLACE CUTTING BOARD ON SAME PREP TABLE THAT HAS BEEN BURNED AT CORNER.
Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.
Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.
Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.
Violation #33
MAJOR
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: CLEAN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR CABINET & EXTERIOR OF DEEP FRYER, EXTERIORS OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN ALL FOOD PREP AREAS, HOODS & EXHAUST SYSTEMS ABOVE ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, INTERIORS OF ALL COOLERS & FREEZERS, ALL PREP TABLES, CUTTING BOARDS, SHELVES,STEAM TABLES, GRILLS, STOVE TOPS, OVENS AND ALL OTHER UNCLEAN SURFACES THROUGHOUT.
Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.
All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.
Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.
Violation #34
MINOR
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. DETAIL CLEAN ALL FLOORS THROUGHOUT ALONG ALL WALL BASES, IN CORNERS, UNDERNEATH AND BEHIND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT
Damaged floors harbor bacteria and create safety hazards.
Floors must be smooth, cleanable, and maintained.
Smooth, non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains; Coving at wall junctures; Kept clean; Good repair.
Violation #35
MINOR
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. SEAL ALL LOOSE AND UNATTACHED WALL COVINGS THROUGHOUT. REPAIR WALL SECTIONS BY REAR EXIT DOOR, AND IN REAR BY WASHROOM AND DRY GOODS STORAGE CONTAINERS. CLEAN, PAINT OR RPLACE ALL UNCLEAN WALLS AND WALL PANELS THROUGHOUT INCLUDING DINING AREA. REPLACE ALL STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT. CLEAN ALL LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT WHERE NEEDED. IN ORDER TO LEAVE REAR DOOR OPEN, INSIDE STORM DOOR MUST TIGHT-FITTING AT BOTTOM(RODENT-PROOF) AND AT TOP(INSECT-PROOF). CLEAN ALL DUSTY CEILING VENTS THROUGHOUT.
Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.
Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.
Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.
Violation #37
MAJOR
TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS - Comments: Toilet rooms shall be completely enclosed and shall be vented to the outside air or mechanically ventilated. REPAIR EXHAUST FAN(S) IN WASHROOM(S)
Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.
All food properly labeled with required information.
Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: HOOD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA NOT LARGE ENOUGH TO EXTEND OVER ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT -MUST EITHER REMOVE SOME OF THE EQUIPMENT OR REPLACE HOOD WITH A LARGER ONE THAT PROPERLY EXTENDS OVER ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THIS AREA
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: REPAIR LEAKS AT FAUCET NECK AND AT PIPING UNDER LARGE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: REPAIR LEAKS AT FAUCET NECK AND AT PIPING UNDER LARGE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.

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
Data sourced from Chicago Open Data Portal - Chicago Department of Public Health inspections