RecordWell Data

Tacos El Paraiso

3225 N HARLEM AVE, Chicago, IL 60634 · Cook County

55cited violations
3serious tier
13inspections
40tier not stated

Establishment

Type
Restaurant (retail food serving meals) (Restaurant)
Inspected by
Chicago Department of Public Health
License / ID
2626551
Status
Risk 1 (High)
Official record
Chicago Department of Public Health inspection reports

Other public records for this business

Year by year

YearInspectionsViolationsSerious
2026130
2025130
2024121
2023150
2022230
2021160
20203160
2019160
20182112

Inspections

  1. Mar 6, 2026 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

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

      OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE OF 4-DOOR PREP COOLER IN REAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

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

      OBSERVED TORN GASKET AT 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR. MUST REPAIR.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ALL WALLS OF MAIN PREP AREA, REAR PREP AREA AND REAR BY THE MOP SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

  2. Mar 11, 2025 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED LARGE HOLE IN WALL BEHIND WATER HEATER IN KITCHEN. MUST SEAL HOLE.

    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      OBSERVED DUSTY FILTERS AT VENTILATION HOOD. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

      OBSERVED ONE EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. MUST PROVIDE CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTICATE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.

  3. Aug 2, 2024 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
    • Serious Priority

      FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED

      OBSERVED CONDENSATION DRIPPING DIRECTLY ONTO UNCOVERED COOKED CHICKEN IN REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD FOOD. FOOD MUST BE COVERED TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED CLUTTER WITH CARD BOARD AND PARTICLES MAINLY BY MOP SINK, REAR STORAGE ROOM AND BY REAR DOOR ON TOP OF CHEST FREEZERS. MUST REMOVE ITEMS.

  4. Sep 19, 2023 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

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

      OBSERVED TORN GASKET AT 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN KITCHEN. MUST REPAIR.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OPEN CRACK ABOVE HAND SINK IN TOILET ROOM.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS IN CORNERS, ALONG WALLS AND UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT.

    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      OBSERVED HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON FILTERS AT VENTILATION HOOD. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

      OBSERVED ONE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE WHICH WAS EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.

  5. Dec 20, 2022 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)

    Result: Pass.

  6. Dec 13, 2022 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

      FOUND REMINDER DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS NOT PROPERLY WRITTEN INSIDE MENU.PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005.MUST PROVIDE.

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      FOUND INTERIOR OF COOLERS NOT CLEAN.MUST CLEAN.

    • Severity not stated

      ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

      FOOD HANDLER AT PREMISES WITH NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE.

  7. Jul 28, 2021 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

      INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.

    • Severity not stated

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

      INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES (SPOONS,FORKS ETC.) AT FRONT COUNTER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE (HANDLES-UP).

    • Severity not stated

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

      OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE REAR 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE KITCHEN STORAGE RACKS, PREP TABLES, FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE CHEST FREEZER AND PREP COOLER, STEAM TABLE, AND DEEP FRYER.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE REAR UTILITY MOP SINK AREA AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE MOPS,BROOMS CLEANING EQUIPMENTS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING.

    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.

  8. Sep 8, 2020 Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

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

      INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE.

    • Severity not stated

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

      INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BROKEN RUBBER GASKET AROUND 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN PREP/COOKING AREA.

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAINT RUSTY METAL RACKS INSIDE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN PREP/COOKING AREA.

  9. Sep 1, 2020 Complaint · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

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

      INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE.

    • Severity not stated

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

      INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BROKEN RUBBER GASKET AROUND 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN PREP/COOKING AREA.

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAINT RUSTY METAL RACKS INSIDE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN PREP/COOKING AREA.

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

      PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 2365630 ISSUED ON 03-11-2020. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED #49 - INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF PREP AND REACH-IN COOLERS, EXTERIOR SIDES OF FOOD CONTAINERS, PREP AND STORAGE SHELVES. #55 - INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT PREP/COOKING AREA,DISH WASHING AREA AND IN REAR STORAGE AREA. #55 - INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALL WITH DRIED FOOD SPILLAGE AROUND PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. #55 - INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS STORED IN REAR STORAGE AND IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. #55 - CLEANING EQUIPMENT (BROOMS, MOPS ETC) MUST BE STORED OFF THE FLOOR.

  10. Mar 11, 2020 Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

      INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL AND DATE READY TO EAT TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24 HOURS INSIDE COOLERS. MUST IDENTIFY PRODUCT SHELF LIFE OR "CONSUME BY" DATING (7 DAYS FROM PREPARATION DATE). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED

    • Severity not stated

      THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

      INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.

    • Severity not stated

      FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

      INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL FOOD CONTAINERS/BINS (SUGAR, SALT, FLOUR ETC) IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME.

    • Severity not stated

      WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

      INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTH IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION.

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF PREP AND REACH-IN COOLERS, EXTERIOR SIDES OF FOOD CONTAINERS, PREP AND STORAGE SHELVES.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT PREP/COOKING AREA,DISH WASHING AREA AND IN REAR STORAGE AREA.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALL WITH DRIED FOOD SPILLAGE AROUND PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS STORED IN REAR STORAGE AND IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      CLEANING EQUIPMENT (BROOMS, MOPS ETC) MUST BE STORED OFF THE FLOOR.

  11. Jul 3, 2019 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

      OBSERVED INCOMPLETE CLEAN UP KIT ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO HAVE A COMPLETE CLEAN UP KIT ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION--7-38=005 NO CITATION ISSUED

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

      OBSERVED CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU NOTICED NO DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER .INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PUT DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED

    • Not serious Core

      TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

      OBSERVED NO COVER ON GARBAGE RECEPTACLE IN THE RESTROOM.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A COVER FOR GARBAGE RECEPTACLE. CORE VIOLATION

    • Not serious Core

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN THE DINING ROOM.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR FLOOR TILES IN DINING ROOM CORE VIOLATION

    • Not serious Core

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      OBSERVED LIGHTS AND SHIELDS MISSING FROM THE REAR OF KITCHEN.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE SHIELDS AND BULBS CORE VIOLATION

    • Not serious Core

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      OBSERVED FILTERS MISSING FROM HOT LINE HOOD.INSTRUCTED MANAGENENT TO REPLACE MISSING FILTERS. CORE VIOLATION

  12. Oct 15, 2018 License Re-Inspection · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

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

      2-201.11 OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE A EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012(a) NO CITATION ISSUED

    • Severity not stated

      PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

      2-501.11 OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP POLICY ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE A CLEAN UP POLICY

  13. Sep 27, 2018 License · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

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

      2-201.11 OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE A EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012(a) NO CITATION ISSUED

    • Severity not stated

      PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

      2-501.11 OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP POLICY ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE A CLEAN UP POLICY

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

      3-306.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU FOR BREAKFAST ITEMS.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PUT CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU FOR UNDERCOOKED ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED

    • Serious Priority

      CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

      3-306.11 OBSERVED NO BARRIER LEADING INTO THE KITCHEN TO PREVENT THE CUSTOMER FROM CONTAMINATING THE FOOD.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PUT UP A BARRIER LEADING INTO THE KITCHEN. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.

    • Serious Priority

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      5-203.14 OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTER AT THE MOPSINK.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INSTALL A BACKFLOW DEVICE AT MOPSINK. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(c) NO CITATION ISSUED

    • Severity not stated

      TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

      6-501.19 OBSERVED TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING .INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO GET A SELF CLOSING DEVICE FOR RESTROOM DOOR. CORE

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      6-201.13 OBSERVED COVING MISSING FROM WALL IN FRONT OF HAVC SYSTEM.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE COVING.

    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      4-301.14 OBSERVED ROTISSERIE OVEN NOT UNDER VENTILLATION HOOD.INSTRUCTED NANAGEMENT TO ROTISSERIE OVEN UNDER VENTILLATION HOOD OR PROPERLY VENT OVEN CORE

    • Severity not stated

      ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

      PA100-0367 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO GET ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION. CORE

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.