RecordWell Data

Tacos El Rey

9625 S EWING AVE, Chicago, IL 60617 · Cook County

58cited violations
2serious tier
9inspections
41tier not stated

Establishment

Type
Restaurant (retail food serving meals) (Restaurant)
Inspected by
Chicago Department of Public Health
License / ID
2813533
Status
Risk 1 (High)
Official record
Chicago Department of Public Health inspection reports

Other public records for this business

Year by year

YearInspectionsViolationsSerious
2025250
20242170
20233290
2022272

Inspections

  1. Apr 3, 2025 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)

    Result: Pass.

  2. Mar 27, 2025 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

      HAND WASHING SINKS NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING, OBSERVED MISSING DRAINPIPE ON HAND WASHING SINK IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD AND CONTAINERS STORED INSIDE HAND WASHING SINK IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS FROM HAND WASHING SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

      OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND WASHING SINK IN MEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SOAP AT HAND WASHING SINK FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) SEE PREVIOUS VIOLATION FOR CITATION

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

      OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT HAND WASHING SINK IN FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS FOR PROPER HAND DRYING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) SEE PREVIOUS VIOLATION FOR CITATION

    • Severity not stated

      THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

      OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE REACH-IN COOLERS IN FIRST FLOOR AND BASEMENT PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLERS.

    • Severity not stated

      CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

      OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.

  3. Feb 1, 2024 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

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

      OBSERVED FOIL USED AS LINER ON BOTTOM OF TABLE WHERE SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES ARE STORED UNDER COOLERS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL FOIL FROM BOTTOM OF TABLE AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK NOT SECURE TO WALL IN MEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE OR UTILITY SINK IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED OPENINGS ALONG CEILING IN MEN WASHROOM, PEELING PAINT ON WALLS AND UNFINISHED CEILING IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED MOP HEADS STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY HANG MOPS TO DRY TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.

  4. Jan 24, 2024 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE

      OBSERVED EMPLOYEE EATING ON TOP OF PREP COOLER IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SEPARATE AREA OUTSIDE OF PREP AREA FOR EMPLOYEE MEALS.

    • Severity not stated

      THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

      OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS IN BASEMENT REACHE-IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE OPERABLE THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLERS AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

      OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

      OBSERVED OVER 20 MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR BEHIND METAL PLATE IN BASEMENT FURNACE ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED

    • Severity not stated

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

      OBSERVED FOIL USED AS LINER ON BOTTOM OF TABLE WHERE SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES ARE STORED UNDER COOLERS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL FOIL FROM BOTTOM OF TABLE AND MAINTAIN.

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

      OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER CONCENTRATION IN SANITIZING SOLUTIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

      OBSERVED FAUCET NOT REACHING ALL THREE COMPARTMENTS OF THREE CONPARTMENT SINK. INSGTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL LONGER FAUCET THAT REACHES ALL THREE COMPARTMENTS TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE FOOD EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON SLICER IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK NOT SECURE TO WALL IN MEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE OR UTILITY SINK IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED OPENINGS ALONG CEILING IN MEN WASHROOM, PEELING PAINT ON WALLS AND UNFINISHED CEILING IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED MOP HEADS STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY HANG MOPS TO DRY TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.

  5. Apr 13, 2023 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

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

      OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)

    • Severity not stated Corrected on site

      PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

      OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS 5LBS. COOKED PORK 49.5F.6LBS. COOKED BEANS 51.3F.7LBS. COOKED POTATOES 74.3F.1LBS. SALSA 74.1F.INSIDE OF 2- DOOR PREP COOLER AND 1- DOOR GLASS COOLER. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER .MUST HAVE COLD FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.APPX. 19LBS. $78.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)

    • Severity not stated Corrected on site

      PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

      OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 1- DOOR GLASS REACH IN COOLER AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER AT 73.6F. WITH TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE. AIR TEMPERATURE IS NOW AT 37.6F.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNIT AT 41.0F OR BELOW.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)

    • Severity not stated

      FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

      MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.

    • Severity not stated

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

      MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.

    • Severity not stated

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

      MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR GASKET ON 2- DOOR FRONT PREP COOLER .

    • Severity not stated

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

      MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELF OF OUTDOOR PREP TABLE IN OUT DOOR PATIO.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN CONCRETE FLOOR IN BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA,BROKEN FLOOR TILES UNDERNEATH PALLETS IN SAME AREA,HOLE IN CEILING NEAR TOILET ROOM IN BASEMENT,HOLE IN CEMENT BASE IN FURNACE ROOM.

  6. Feb 24, 2023 Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

  7. Feb 16, 2023 Complaint · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

      PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)

    • Not serious Priority Foundation Corrected on site

      CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

      OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (PORK,STEAK,BEEF RIBS,BEANS,ETC)MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 11:17 A.M. MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. (COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

      OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINKS ON SITE IN 1ST FL. REAR BAR /PREP AREA AND IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA WHILE FOOD AND DRINKS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED AT THIS TIME.MUST INSTALL HAND SINKS WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER WITH SOAP AND TOWELS AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)

    • Severity not stated Corrected on site

      PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES

      OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOOD SUCH AS 11LBS. PORK ON A SPIT AT 51.6F.1LB.S COOKED BEEF RIBS 47.1F.AND 1LB. COOKED PORK RIBS 58.5F ON STEAM TABLE.1LBS. COOKED ONIONS AND PEPPERS 46.2F ON LOWER SHELF OF STEAM TABLE.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE, APPX.14LBS. $39.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

      OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER TO TAKE TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)

    • Severity not stated

      FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

      MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

      OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 75 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR AND WOOD LEDGE AT FRONT CASHIER AREA,ON FLOOR IN BETWEEN CLUTTER IN CLOSET AND FURNACE ROOM,DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS .1- LIVE ROACH CRAWLING IN BETWEEN WOOD BEAMS UNDERNEATH REAR BAR SERVICE COUNTER AND SEVERAL DEAD ON FLOOR UNDER BASEMENT 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 2/16/23.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)

    • Severity not stated

      INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

      OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR IN LEFT CORNER MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.

    • Severity not stated

      UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

      MUST INVERT MULTIUSE UTENSILS ON LOWER SHELVES OF STEAM TABLES.

    • Severity not stated

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

      OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS USED FOR FOOD STORAGE MUST PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE.

    • Severity not stated

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

      MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON BASEMENT 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER.OBSERVED RAW WOOD AT REAR BAR AREA MUST APPLY A SEALANT.

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

      OBSERVED NO 3- COMPARTMENT SINK WITH DRAINBOARD AT REAR BAR/PREP AREA FOR MANUAL WARE WASHING OF UTENSILS. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-025)(CITATION ISSUED)

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLE,COOLERS.

    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE OBSERVED SEVERAL HOLE IN BASEMENT TOILET ROOM DOOR,GAP BETWEEN FLOOR AND WALL BASE IN FRONT LOBBY AREA BEHIND PLANTERS.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      MUST REMOVE,ELEVATE OR REMOVE MASSIVE CLUTTER IN BASEMENT STORAGE CLOSET AND OUTSIDE OF SAME AND IN FURNANCE ROOM.

    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS ON LIGHTS IN FRONT PREP AREA.MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA.

    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      MUST PROVIDE VENTILATION IN BASEMENT STAFF TOILET ROOM.

    • Severity not stated

      ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

      OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

  8. Mar 24, 2022 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

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

      OBSERVED TORN AND DIRTY GASKETS ON REACH IN PREP COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

  9. Mar 17, 2022 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

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

      OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AS REQUIRED.INSTRUCTED THE MANAGER TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD.PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

      OBSERVED NO ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE TO PROPERLY RESPOND TO VOMIT AND/OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED

    • Serious Priority

      PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

      OBSERVED PREP COOLER AT 54.4F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT PREP COOLER MUST HOLD AT 41.0F OR BELOW.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. UNIT TAGGED AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL CDPH IS NOTIFIED.

    • Serious Priority

      THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

      OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR ACCURATELY RECORDING AND MONITORING FOOD TEMPERATURES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED

    • Severity not stated

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

      OBSERVED TORN AND DIRTY GASKETS ON REACH IN PREP COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE CLUTTER AND MAINTAIN.

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.