⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
PASS Risk 1 (High)

TAQUERIA LA ZACATECANA Passes Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

TAQUERIA LA ZACATECANA 3024 N CALIFORNIA AVE, CHICAGO 60618 Restaurant
September 30, 2025 Canvass Re-Inspection License #48878
8
Total Violations
1
Critical
1
Major
6
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

8
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA MISSING SIGNAGE NOTIFYING FOOD EMPLOYEES TO WASH HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE TO ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN THE MAIN PREP AREA TO BE DISFIGURED AND MELTED NEAR THE STOVE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE CUTTING BOARD WITH BOARD MADE OF MATERIAL THAT CAN WITHSTAND HEAT AND MAINTAIN ORIGINAL SHAPE AND FUNCTION UNDER NORMAL KITCHEN CONDITIONS AND MAINTAIN.
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CENTRAL COUNTER (ALONG MAIN PREP AREA) CONSTRUCTED OF EXPOSED, UNSEALED WOOD ON NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES. INSTRUCTED TO TREAT OR PAINT WOOD OR REPLACE WITH MATERIAL TO MAINTAIN NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACE SMOOTH AND EASILY-CLEANABLE.
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED ICE MACHINE IN THE FRONT PREP AREA STORED ON MILK CRATES DIRECTLY ON THE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MILK CRATES TO ELEVATE FIXED ICE MACHINE AT LEAST 6" ABOVE THE FLOOR TO ALLOW FOR ADEQUATE CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #54
MAJOR
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER OF UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND NONFUNCTIONAL EQUIPMENT IN THE OUTDOOR WASTE RECEPTACLE STORAGE ENCLOSURE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS UNNECESSARY TO FOOD OPERATIONS AND NONFUNCTIONAL EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN OUTDOOR WASTE ENCLOSURE FREE FROM CLUTTER.
Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.
Refuse must be properly contained and removed.
Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED PAINT PEELING ALONG CEILING SURFACE OF WALK-IN COOLER AREA, NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY-CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE OR REPLACE PAINT TO MAINTAIN PHYSICAL FACILITY SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY-CLEANABLE IN THE WALK-IN COOLER.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FLOORS BENEATH EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA TO BE HEAVILY SOILED WITH DUST AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AND OTHER PHYSICAL FACILITIES AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF DUST, DRIED FOOD DEBRIS, AND OTHER SOILS AND MAINTAIN.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FLOORS BENEATH EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA TO BE HEAVILY SOILED WITH DUST AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AND OTHER PHYSICAL FACILITIES AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF DUST, DRIED FOOD DEBRIS, AND OTHER SOILS AND MAINTAIN.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.

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