Taco Max Mexican Grill

Year by year

Inspections

1. Aug 28, 2026 Suspected Food Poisoning · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

     OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR EMPLOYEE UNISEX WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

   • Severity not stated

     CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

     OBSERVED A FEW FOOD ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT DRY FOOD STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

     OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN KITCHEN EXPOSED HAND SINK AND PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

     OBSERVED WIPPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES IN REAR KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.

   • Severity not stated

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

     OBSERVED RUSTY STORAGE SHELVES IN THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE RUST AND ENSURE ALL NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES REMAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

   • Severity not stated

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

     OBSERVED DAMAGED DOOR GASKETS AT THE 2-DOOR TALL VEGETABLES REFRIGERATORS IN REAR KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.

   • Severity not stated

     WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

     MUST PROVIDE WORKING STOPPERS AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISHWASHIG AREA AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

     OBSERVED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP IN THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

   • Severity not stated

     TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

     OBSERVED CUSTOMER UNISEX WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON DOOR TO PREVENT ANY OBNOXIOUS ODORS.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, STORAGE AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     OBSERVED A FEW CRACKED MISSING AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN THE REAR KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE FLOOR TILES. OBSERVED A BIG OPENING INTO CEILING IN THE BASEMENT DRY FOOD STORAGE ROOM. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN FACILITY IN A GOOD REPAIR.

2. May 20, 2026 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

     MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER.

   • Severity not stated

     PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

     ADDITIONAL WATER PRESSURE NEEDED AT THE FRONT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

     OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLES PROVIDED IN THE FRONT CUSTOMERS UNISEX WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLES AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

   • Severity not stated

     TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

     OBSERVED UNISEX EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF CLOSING DEVICE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES

3. Mar 5, 2025 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

     OBSERVED BOXED FOOD ITEMS BEING STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

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

     OBSERVED MULTIPLE CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP SCRATCHES AND STAINS ON PREP SURFACES THROUGHOUT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO RESURFACE/REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

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

     OBSERVED RUSTY STORAGE SHELVES IN THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE RUST AND ENSURE ALL NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES REMAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

   • Severity not stated

     NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

     OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, STORAGE AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS AND MAINTAIN.

4. Sep 20, 2024 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE

     NOTED EMPLOYEES DRINKING AND PREPARING FOOD AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEES TO DRINK AND EAT AND NOT AT THE PREP AREAS.

   • Severity not stated

     CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

     NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN KITCHEN EXPOSED HAND SINK AND PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD.

   • Severity not stated

     IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

     NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.

   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

     NOTED NO SANITIZER TEST STRIP KIT ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A TEST STRIP KIT ON SITE AT ALL TIMES TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE STRENGTH OF THE SANITIZER.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION# 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     NOTED WET FLOORS AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN DRY.

   • Severity not stated

     ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

     NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS AND ON EDGES OF THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS AND PIPES/CONDUITS.

5. Jul 11, 2023 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

     INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK IN THE DINING AREA.

   • Severity not stated

     INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

     INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR IN THE BASEMENT LEADING TO BUILDING OWNER STORAGE ROOM.

   • Severity not stated

     TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

     (2) TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE MUST BE COVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. COVER/LID

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES/RACKS STORED IN BETWEEN COOLERS IN REAR AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

   • Severity not stated

     ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

     INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE NON WORKING LIGHTBULB INSIDE PRODUCE REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA.

6. Aug 1, 2022 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)

   Result: Pass.

7. Jul 25, 2022 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

     OBSERVED MISSING HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK FRONT SERVICE/BEVERAGE AREA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

     OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ENCRUSTED ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.MUST REMOVE DEBRIS, DETAIL CLEAN INSIDE ICE MACHINE/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE AT ALL TIMES.

   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

     FOUND CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS WRITTEN IMPROPERLY ON THE MENUS.MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED "RAW" OR UNDER COOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK (*) TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT STATES THAT EATING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.

   • Severity not stated

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

     OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE SALSA PREP COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.

   • Severity not stated

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

     OBSERVED RAW WOOD SHELVES IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PAINT OR SEAL THE SHELVES AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

     INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILDUP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYERS.

   • Severity not stated

     PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

     OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THE FAR LEFT COMPARTMENT OF THE KITCHEN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.

8. Sep 22, 2021 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

     OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY BETWEEN 9:05AM-9:15AM WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS CHICKEN AND BEEF WERE BEING PREPARED. CERTIFIED MANAGER ADOLFO GARCIA ARRIVED ON SITE AT 9:15AM. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN EMPLOYEE HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

     OBSERVED NO KIT AND PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PROCEDURE AND KIT WITH ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES INCLUDING A SANITIZER RATED AS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE, GRIME, AND FOOD DEBRIS ON CAN OPENER AND INSIDE MICROWAVE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

   • Severity not stated

     ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

     OBSERVED 2 EMPLOYEES WORKING WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

   • Severity not stated

     ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

     OBSERVED ONE CERTIFIED MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

9. Nov 9, 2020 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

     OBSERVED EMPLOYEE HAND WASHING SIGNS MISSING AT HAND SINKS THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT. MUST PROVIDE.

   • Severity not stated

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

     OBSERVED FOOD SPLATTERS INSIDE OF MICROWAVE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

     OBSERVED EMPLOYEE BATHROOM DOOR IN REAR NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON DOOR TO PREVENT ANY OBNOXIOUS ODORS.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     OBSERVED CRATES AND CARD BOARD BOXES IN REAR OF ESTABLISHMENT. MUST REMOVE AND CLEAN AREA.

   • Severity not stated

     ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

     OBSERVED MINOR GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT GREASE FROM DRIPPING ONTO FOOD.

10. Nov 8, 2019 License · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

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

      NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.

    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED ON ICE MACHINE WATER LINE. MUST PROVIDE AND MAKE VISIBLE A BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR ICE MACHINE.

    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      3-COMPARTMENT SINK (BEHIND FRONT COUNTER) MISSING STOPPERS (X2). MUST PROVIDE WORKING STOPPERS FOR SAID 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.