RecordWell Data

Taqueria El Charro

6661 N CLARK ST, Chicago, IL 60626 · Cook County

59cited violations
0serious tier
14inspections
46tier not stated

Establishment

Type
Restaurant (retail food serving meals) (Restaurant)
Inspected by
Chicago Department of Public Health
License / ID
2594571
Status
Risk 1 (High)
Official record
Chicago Department of Public Health inspection reports

Other public records for this business

Year by year

YearInspectionsViolationsSerious
2025130
20242100
2023100
20222170
2021290
2020470
20191110
2018120

Inspections

  1. May 9, 2025 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE ON THE UTILITY SINK IN REAR UTILITY CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL TO ENSURE DEVICE CAN BE LOCATED, SERVICED, AND MAINTAINED.

    • Severity not stated

      TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

      OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF SANITARY NAPKINS IN ALL-GENDER STAFF WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED MOP IN A POSITION THAT DOES NOT ALLOW TO DRY PROPERLY AND PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. MUST STORE MOP AFTER USE IN A MOUNTED POSITION THAT ALLOWS FOR AIR-DRYING WITHOUT SOILING AND PEST HARBORAGING.

  2. Oct 25, 2024 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

      INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WATER RESERVOIR NOT CLEAN (INTERIOR TOP AND BIN). ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN UNIT.

    • Severity not stated

      ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

      ALL EMPLOYEE WITHOUT CITY SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST OBTAIN FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE AND POSTED ON SITE,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE

  3. May 29, 2024 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

      FOOD MUST BE LABELED WITH A COMMON NAME

    • Severity not stated

      FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

      MUST PROVIDE A LOCKERS FOR THE CHEST FREEZERS,TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER STORED IN DINING ROOM AND ACCESSIBLE TO CUSTOMERS.DOOR MUST BE LOCKET AT ALL TIMES FOR FOOD PROTECTION OR REMOVE UNIT

    • Severity not stated

      FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

      MUST NOT USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS INSIDE THE CHESTFREEZERS AND REACH-IN COOLERS. MUST USE WASHABLE CONTAINERS OR FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE PLASTIC BAGS. MUST REPLACE.

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      MUST NOT USE PAPER TOWELS AS LINER FOR SHELVING INSIDE THE REACH-IN COOLER. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE

    • Severity not stated

      TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

      NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE PROVIDED AT STAFF AND CUSTOMER'S WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE

    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      LIGHTS IN PREP AREA WITHOUT PROTECTIVE SHIELD, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SHIELDS OR SHATTER RESISTANT BULBS. OR PROVIDE END CAPS AT PROTECTIVE SHIELD AT PRESENT FIXTURE.

    • Severity not stated

      ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

      NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED ON SITE,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE

    • Severity not stated

      ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

      ALL ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON SITE ARE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS CERTIFICATE IS VALID FOR THREE YEARS

  4. Apr 25, 2023 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)

    Result: Pass.

  5. Sep 8, 2022 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      : 5-205.15-- FAUCET/HOT AND COLD HANDLES ON THE KITCHEN/DISH HAND WASHING SINK ARE IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPLACE TO BE CLEANABLE.-----HOT HANDLE ON THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK STRIPPED. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR TO BE FUNCTIONAL.----LEAK UNDER THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK INTO A PAN. MUST REPAIR. 5-204.12-- NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE LOCATED AT THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK WHERE A HOSE IS LOCATED. MUST PROVIDE.

    • Severity not stated

      GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

      5-501.115-- MUST REMOVE ALL PILED CARDBOARD BOXES AND LARGE PILE OF WOOD AND WOODEN PALLETS STORED ON THE REAR WALK-WAY TOWARD THE GARBAGE AREA TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORING.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      6-201.11-- -CRACKED/DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN THE KITCHEN. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.

    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      6-202.11-- MISSING LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE COOKS LINE. MUST REPLACE.

  6. Aug 31, 2022 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

      NOTED SUNNY-SIDE-UP EGGS AND EGGS COOKED TO ORDER, NOT REMINDED AND DISCLOSED ON THE WALL MENU. MUST ADEQUATELY DISCLOSE AND REMIND FOR UNDERCOOKED EGGS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION WAS ISSUED.

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

      NOTED ALL METAL STEM THERMOMETERS ON-SITE IN POOR REPAIR, EXTREMELY DIRTY, AND UNABLE TO READ. NOT CALIBRATED. MUST PROVIDE ACCURATE, FUNCTIONAL, CALIBRATED METAL STEM THERMOMETER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

    • Severity not stated

      FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

      ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS IE: SUGAR, RICE ETC. IT MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.

    • Severity not stated

      WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

      ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.

    • Severity not stated

      SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

      ALL STORED ITEMS AT THE FRONT PREP AND IN THE MOP CLOSET ROOM MUST BE STORED ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING ON FOOD CARTS, ON SHELVING INSIDE COOLERS, OR AS A BUMPER GUARD ON FOOD CARTS. ALL MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS: INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE OVEN, INTERIOR OF THE KITCHEN TALL REACH-IN COOLER, GAS STOVE TOP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.

    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE LOCATED AT THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK WHERE A HOSE IS LOCATED. MUST PROVIDE.

    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      FAUCET/HOT AND COLD HANDLES ON THE KITCHEN/DISH HAND WASHING SINK ARE IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPLACE TO BE CLEANABLE.-----HOT HANDLE ON THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK STRIPPED. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR TO BE FUNCTIONAL.----LEAK UNDER THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK INTO A PAN. MUST REPAIR.

    • Severity not stated

      GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

      MUST REMOVE ALL PILED CARDBOARD BOXES AND LARGE PILE OF WOOD AND WOODEN PALLETS STORED ON THE REAR WALK-WAY TOWARD THE GARBAGE AREA TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORING.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      EXCESSIVE FOOD SPLATTER ON THE WALLS AND CEILING THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN AND ON THE WOODEN SWING DOORS LEADING TO THE KITCHEN. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.----WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM AND THE REAR HALLWAY STORAGE. MUST REPLACE.----CRACKED/DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN THE KITCHEN. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.

    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      MISSING LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE COOKS LINE. MUST REPLACE.

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

      THE PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2537730 ON 11-3-21 WAS NOT CORRECTED. #47- MUST PROVIDE A LOCK FOR TWO-DOOR REACH-IN COOLER AND CHEST FREEZERS IN THE DINING AREA EXCESS TO CUSTOMERS. THE DOOR MUST BE LOCKED AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

  7. Nov 3, 2021 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

      3-302.12 FOOD STORED INSIDE THE COOLERS MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME

    • Severity not stated

      FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

      4-501.11 MUST PROVIDE A LOCKER FOR TWO-DOOR REACH-IN COOLER AND CHEST FREEZERS IN THE DINING AREA EXCESS TO CUSTOMERS, THE DOOR MUST BE LOCKED AT ALL TIMES.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      6-201.11 FLOOR AT REAR HALLWAY BY THE KITCHEN NOT EASILY CLEANABLE, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR ISSUE

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      6-201.12 EXCESS GRIMES ON FLOOR UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND UNDER SHELVES, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

  8. Oct 26, 2021 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

      OBSERVED ICE/FOOD NOT PROTECTED. INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE UPPER WATER RESERVOIR, WITH BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE DRIPPING INTO THE ICE.ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE THROUGHOUT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

    • Severity not stated

      FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

      FOOD STORED INSIDE THE COOLERS MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME

    • Severity not stated

      FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

      MUST PROVIDE A LOCKER FOR TWO-DOOR REACH-IN COOLER AND CHEST FREEZERS IN THE DINING AREA EXCESS TO CUSTOMERS, THE DOOR MUST BE LOCKED AT ALL TIMES.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      EXCESS GRIMES ON FLOOR UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND UNDER SHELVES, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      FLOOR AT REAR HALLWAY BY THE KITCHEN NOT EASILY CLEANABLE, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR ISSUE

  9. Mar 4, 2020 Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)

    Result: Pass.

  10. Feb 26, 2020 Short Form Complaint · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

      NOTED OVER 30 MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH SHELVES, INSIDE ELECTRICAL UNIT ROOM AND INSIDE HEATING ROOM WITH GREASE TRAP ALL AT THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY. INSTRUCTED TO CONSULT WITH PEST CONTROL COMPANY AND HAVE PREMISES TREATED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A).

  11. Jan 28, 2020 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

      NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE COOLERS, FREEZERS AND REFRIGERATION UNITS FOOD STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.

  12. Jan 21, 2020 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

      PREMISES SERVES EGGS,OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE STATEMENT FOR FOOD ITEMS/PRODUCTS OFFERED AND REMINDER * STATEMENT FOR THE FOOD PRODUCTS OFFERED. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

    • Severity not stated

      FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

      NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE COOLERS, FREEZERS AND REFRIGERATION UNITS FOOD STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.

    • Severity not stated

      TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

      NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY AT THE DRY STORAGE AREAS, ROOM WITH GREASE TRAP, ROOM WITH UTILITY SINK AND THE REAR DRY STORAGE BY THE REAR EXIT DOOR. ---NOTED STAINED CEILING TILES AT THE REAR DRY STORAGE BY THE REAR EXIT DOOR AND DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND/OR REPLACE

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

      NOTED THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #58 RULE #PA-100-0367 FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2261792 DATED 2/8/2019 NOT CORRECTED. NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-090

  13. Feb 8, 2019 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

      OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-010(A) NO CITATION ISSUED

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

      OBSERVED NO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT CLEAN UP POLICY IN PLACE AND KIT ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED -

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

      OBSERVED PREPARED TCS FOODS NOT PROPERLY DATE LABELED. MUST PROPERLY DATE LABELED FOODS WITH AN EXPIRATION DATE NO LONGER THAN 7 DAYS ON ALL TCS FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED. - - -

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

      PREMISES SERVES EGGS,OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE STATEMENT FOR FOOD ITEMS/PRODUCTS OFFERED AND REMINDER * STATEMENT FOR THE FOOD PRODUCTS OFFERED. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

    • Severity not stated

      FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

      LABEL FOOD BOTTLES AND DRY FOOD INSIDE THE WHITE PLASTIC CONTAINER WITH COMMON NAME,ONCE IS REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL CONTAINERS - -

    • Severity not stated

      CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

      MUST PROVIDE A LOCK FOR THE CHEST FREEZER AND TWO DOOR COOLER THAT ARE STORED IN PUBLIC VIEW/DINING AREA, OR RELOCATE UNITS

    • Severity not stated

      WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

      WIPING CLOTHS ARE TO BE USED FOR A DESIGNATED PURPOSE AND STORED IN SANITIZER SOLUTION AND MAINTAIN PROPER CONCENTRATION

    • Severity not stated

      FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

      TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE TWO DOOR(RIGHT DOOR) OF REACH-IN COOLER,REPAIR/REPLACE

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      CLEAN GREASE FROM COOKING EQUIPMENT,ALSO REMOVE ALUMINUM FOIL/CARDBOARDS FROM UNITS AND SHELVES(THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN)

    • Severity not stated

      ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

      NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE PROVIDED ON SITE,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. -

    • Severity not stated

      ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

      NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. -

  14. May 11, 2018 License · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Minor

      FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

      OBSERVED FLOOR UNDER REAR STORAGE SHELVES CONTAINING TOMATILLOS UNCLEAN. CLEAN FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.

    • Not serious Minor

      REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

      OBSERVED NO THERMOEMTER WITHIN 2 DOOR GLASS REFRIGERATOR RIGHT OUTSIDE KITCHEN DOOR. INSTALL AND MAINTAIN THERMOMETER.

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health. History last read Oct 1, 2026. Violation text is the inspector's wording. “Serious” is the source's own top tier. About this data.