Pass

Taqueria El Taquin

Name: Taqueria El Taquin
Address: 13307-13309 S Brandon Ave, Chicago, IL, 60633, US

13307-13309 S Brandon Ave, Chicago, IL 60633

Passed · as of Jun 2, 2026

Taqueria El Taquin was last inspected on June 2, 2026 with a result of “Pass”. Inspectors found 6 violations, 1 of them critical.

Latest inspection

June 2, 2026 · Canvass

Pass

Result: Pass

1 critical5 general

CriticalHygiene & sanitation

Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

Inspector’s note: Found the rear hand washing sink's faucet in poor repair, being held together by plastic. Instructed to fix and maintain good plumbing.

Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
GeneralHygiene & sanitation

Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Found employees in the food prep areas and not wearing a hair restraint. Instructed to have all entering the food prep area to wear a hair restraint. Maintain same.

Official wording (code 40)
Personal cleanliness
GeneralFood handling

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Found wiping cloths not properly stored when not in use. Instructed to store cloths in sanitizing solution (sanitizer solution must be at the required ppm). Maintain same.

Official wording (code 41)
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
GeneralFood handling

In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Found the ice scoop on top of the ice machine in the basement area. Instructed to store in a clean bin/container when not in use or in the ice handle up. Maintain same.

Official wording (code 43)
In-use utensils: properly stored
GeneralFacility upkeep

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Found the 3-compartment sink in the rear leaking from multiple places at the base of the faucet. Instructed to fix and maintain good plumbing.

Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
GeneralFacility upkeep

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Found the ventilation filters above the cooking equipment in the rear with grease and dirt. Instructed to clean and maintain filters.

Official wording (code 56)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

Inspection history

15 inspections on record

Dec 3, 2025 Pass

Canvass · Pass
1 general Show violations
- GeneralPests
  
  Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
  
  Inspector’s note: 6-501.112 observed dead insects on the floor around the refrigeration unit in the basement storage area. Instructed to clean and sanitize.
  
  Official wording (code 38)
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
May 9, 2025 Pass

Canvass · Pass
1 critical1 general Show violations
- CriticalFood handling
  
  Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.
  
  Inspector’s note: 4-602.11 observed a slight pinkish substance on the interior of the ice machine that is located in the basement. Instructed to clean and sanitize.
  
  Official wording (code 16)
  Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
- GeneralFacility upkeep
  
  Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
  
  Inspector’s note: 5-205.15 observed a shoestring as a replace for the toilet flusher in the employee toilet room. Instructed to repair and provide a toilet flusher that is easily cleanable.
  
  Official wording (code 51)
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Apr 8, 2024 Pass

Canvass · Pass
1 general Show violations
- GeneralFacility upkeep
  
  Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
  
  Inspector’s note: Observed leaking drainpipe under hand washing sink and leaking faucet on 3-compartment sink in prep area. Instructed manager to repair and maintain.
  
  Official wording (code 51)
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Jan 13, 2023 Pass

Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

No violations
Jan 6, 2023 Fail

Canvass · Fail
2 critical11 general1 paperwork Show violations
- CriticalHygiene & sanitation
  
  Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
  
  Inspector’s note: Observed no hand washing sink in dining / prep serving area (coffee,ice,salsa and drinks)must install a hand sink with hot and cold running water ,soap & towels or remove items to an additional prep area with sink.(priority foundation 7-38-030(c)
  
  Official wording (code 10)
  Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
- CriticalFood temperature
  
  Cold food was held above a safe temperature.
  
  Inspector’s note: Observed improper temperatures of tcs foods such as 55lbs. Cooked beans ranging from 63.9f,64.4f and 75.4f in individual pans stored in walk in cooler.product was discarded by manager.must have cold holding foods at 41.0f or below.appx. 55lbs. $80. (priority 7-38-005)(citation issued)(cos)
  
  Official wording (code 22)
  Proper cold holding temperatures
- GeneralFood temperature
  
  Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.
  
  Inspector’s note: Observed no thermometers for some cooler must provide and maintain.
  
  Official wording (code 36)
  Thermometers provided & accurate
- GeneralFood handling
  
  Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.
  
  Inspector’s note: Must label food storage containers when food is not in original package.
  
  Official wording (code 37)
  Food properly labeled; original container
- GeneralPests
  
  Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
  
  Inspector’s note: Observed an infestation of appx. 500 or more mice droppings scattered in various areas such as kitchen-on lower shelves of all prep tables in between food stored products,inside a box of onions,dish lids storage shelf,inside of fryer cabinet,on grill table mixed in with grease and inside of grill utensil pan,on floor behind cooking equipment,on floor on both sides of dish storage shelf.rear hall way-behind chest freezer and behind a crate of onions.furnance room-on floor in between articles and wood ledges.bar area-on floor behind bar cooler and under sink.dining area-behind juke box,behind salsa/soda cooler,on rolling cart with stored drink cups.employees toilet room-behind a bucket .also. 1- live water bug crawling on floor in dining area and several dead in dining area and customers toilet room. Must remove droppings and water bugs. Clean and sanitize areas. Must have a pest control…
  
  Official wording (code 38)
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
- GeneralPests
  
  Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
  
  Inspector’s note: Observed a gap along bottom of adjacent door to apartment not tight fitting must make door tight fitting.
  
  Official wording (code 38)
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
- GeneralFood handling
  
  Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.
  
  Inspector’s note: Must provide a splash guard between 3- compartment sink and prep table in bar area.
  
  Official wording (code 39)
  Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
- GeneralFood handling
  
  Clean utensils, equipment, or linens weren’t stored and handled properly.
  
  Inspector’s note: Must invert multi-use utensils on dish storage shelves.
  
  Official wording (code 44)
  Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
- GeneralFacility upkeep
  
  Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
  
  Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace worn,soiled,pitted cutting boards at topside of prep cooler.
  
  Official wording (code 47)
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
- GeneralFacility upkeep
  
  Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
  
  Inspector’s note: Must clean grease and food debris build up from fryer cabinet,grill table,prep tables,coolers.must defrost ice build up from chest freezer.
  
  Official wording (code 49)
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
- GeneralFacility upkeep
  
  Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.
  
  Inspector’s note: Observed no self closing device on staff toilet room that leads into prep area must provide and maintain.
  
  Official wording (code 53)
  Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
- GeneralFacility upkeep
  
  Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
  
  Inspector’s note: Must seal broken floor tiles and wall base at last booth in dining area.must repair or replace stained ceiling tiles outside of customers toilet room.
  
  Official wording (code 55)
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
- GeneralRepeat violation
  
  A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.
  
  Inspector’s note: Previous core violation from report #2559748 6/3/22 not corrected # 58-still observed the city of chicago food service sanitation manager on duty unable to provide a allergen training certificate. Instructed to meet requirement.(priority foundation 7-342-090)(citation issued)
  
  Official wording (code 60)
  Previous core violation corrected
- PaperworkManagement & training
  
  Not all food employees had food-handler training.
  
  Inspector’s note: Observed expired and missing food handlers training for employees must provide and maintain.
  
  Official wording (code 57)
  All food employees have food handler training
Jun 23, 2022 Pass

Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass
1 critical1 general1 paperwork Show violations
- CriticalHygiene & sanitation
  
  Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
  
  Inspector’s note: 6-301.14 observed no hand washing signs in the men's toilet room and by the hand washing sink at the bar. Instructed to provide.
  
  Official wording (code 10)
  Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
- GeneralFacility upkeep
  
  Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
  
  Inspector’s note: 5-204.12 unable to locate the back flow prevention device on the ice machine located in the basement. Instructed to locate.
  
  Official wording (code 51)
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
- PaperworkManagement & training
  
  Required allergen training was missing.
  
  Inspector’s note: 2-102.13 observed the city of chicago food service sanitation manager on duty unable to provide a allergen training certificate. Instructed to meet requirement.
  
  Official wording (code 58)
  Allergen training as required
Jun 14, 2022 Fail

Canvass · Fail
4 critical2 general1 paperwork Show violations
- CriticalHygiene & sanitation
  
  Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
  
  Inspector’s note: 6-301.12 observed no hand drying provision at the hand washing sinks located in the men's and employee's toilet rooms. Instructed to provide. Manager provided paper towels during the inspection. Priority foundation. Citation issued 7-38-030(c).
  
  Official wording (code 10)
  Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
- CriticalHygiene & sanitation
  
  Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
  
  Inspector’s note: 6-301.14 observed no hand washing signs in the men's toilet room and by the hand washing sink at the bar. Instructed to provide.
  
  Official wording (code 10)
  Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
- CriticalFood temperature
  
  Cold food was held above a safe temperature.
  
  Inspector’s note: 3-501.16(a:2,&b) observed time/temperature control for safety foods (cooked rice, cooked beef) at inadequate cold holding temperatures located in both the walk in cooler and on the 2 door refrigerator; about 12 lbs of cooked beef at 57f, abour2 lbs of raw eggs at 70f in the walk in cooler, about 4 lbs of cooked shrimp at 52f, about 2 lbs of sliced tomatoes at 50f, about 10 lbs of cooked chicken at 51f, about 10 lbs of cooked pork at 54f, about 5 lbs of cooked tamales at 55f, about 6 lbs of cooked beans at 50f, about 5 lbs of pico de gallo at 53f. Instructed manager to discard and denature said tcs foods and always maintain all tcs foods at 41f or below at all times. Priority violation. Citation issued 7-38-005.
  
  Official wording (code 22)
  Proper cold holding temperatures
- CriticalFood temperature
  
  Not enough equipment, or the wrong method, to cool and hold food at safe temperatures.
  
  Inspector’s note: 4-301.11 observed a walk in cooler and a 2 door refrigerator, both with tcs foods inside, at inadequate cold holding temperatures; walk in cooler at 65f and 2 door refrigerator at 51f. Said units tagged and held for inspection and may not be used. Instructed to maintain all cold holding units at 41f or below at all times. Priority violation. Citation issued 7-38-005.
  
  Official wording (code 33)
  Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
- GeneralPests
  
  Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
  
  Inspector’s note: 6-501.111 observed evidence of pest activity on site. Observed about 20 rodent droppings located under a equipment shelf in the food prep area. Instructed to eliminate pest activity, clean and sanitize affected areas and recommended contacting pest control for a service. Priority foundation. Citation issued 7-38-020(a).
  
  Official wording (code 38)
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
- GeneralFacility upkeep
  
  Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
  
  Inspector’s note: 5-204.12 unable to locate the back flow prevention device on the ice machine located in the basement. Instructed to locate.
  
  Official wording (code 51)
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
- PaperworkManagement & training
  
  Required allergen training was missing.
  
  Inspector’s note: 2-102.13 observed the city of chicago food service sanitation manager on duty unable to provide a allergen training certificate. Instructed to meet requirement.
  
  Official wording (code 58)
  Allergen training as required
Sep 30, 2021 Conditional

Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
1 critical3 general Show violations
- CriticalHygiene & sanitation
  
  Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
  
  Inspector’s note: 5-202.12(a) observed two additional customer toilet room hand washing sinks and the bar area hand washing sink not maintaining 100f and the bar area 3 compartment sink not maintaining 110f during the inspection, all sinks were only reaching 85f. Manager adjusted hot water heater temperature during the inspection and by the end of the inspection hot water at all said hand washing sinks were maintaining 100f and at the bar 3 compartment sink maintaining 110f. Instructed to always maintain adequate hot water at all sinks at all times. No citation issued. Priority violation 7-38-030(c). - cos
  
  Official wording (code 10)
  Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
- GeneralFacility upkeep
  
  Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
  
  Inspector’s note: 4-101.17 observed a refrigeration unit on a wooden pallet behind the bar area. Instructed to remove wooden pallet.
  
  Official wording (code 47)
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
- GeneralFacility upkeep
  
  Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
  
  Inspector’s note: 5-204.12 unable to locate the back flow prevention device on the ice machine located in the basement. Instructed to locate.
  
  Official wording (code 51)
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
- GeneralFacility upkeep
  
  Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
  
  Inspector’s note: 6-501.12 observed minor accumulated dirt debris on the fan located in the walk in cooler. Instructed to clean.
  
  Official wording (code 55)
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
May 15, 2020 Conditional

Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
2 general1 paperwork Show violations
- GeneralFacility upkeep
  
  Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
  
  Inspector’s note: Noted the rubber gasket on the 2 door cooler in poor repair. Must replace and maintain.
  
  Official wording (code 47)
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
- GeneralRepeat violation
  
  A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.
  
  Inspector’s note: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION (58)ALLEGEN TRAINING NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT # DATE: Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL CITY CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST HAVE ALLERGEN TRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-49-005.
  
  Official wording (code 60)
  Previous core violation corrected
- PaperworkManagement & training
  
  Required allergen training was missing.
  
  Inspector’s note: See violation #60
  
  Official wording (code 58)
  Allergen training as required
Sep 17, 2019 Conditional

Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
2 critical2 general2 paperwork Show violations
- CriticalFood handling
  
  Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.
  
  Inspector’s note: 4-602.11(b-e) observed a slite brownish substance in the interior of the ice machine located in the basement. Instructed to clean and sanitize the interior of the ice machine and by the ice maker.
  
  Official wording (code 16)
  Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
- CriticalFood handling
  
  No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.
  
  Inspector’s note: 3-603.11 observed no consumer advisory disclosure and reminder on the menu for all items (eggs) that can be ordered undercooked or raw. Instructed to provide a consumer advisory disclosure and reminder on the menu for all items that can be ordered undercooked or raw. Priority foundation 7-38-005.
  
  Official wording (code 25)
  Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
- GeneralFacility upkeep
  
  Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
  
  Inspector’s note: 5-204.12 unable to locate the back flow prevention device on the ice machine that is located in the basement. Instructed to locate or provide a back flow prevention device.
  
  Official wording (code 51)
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
- GeneralFacility upkeep
  
  Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
  
  Inspector’s note: 6-501.12 observed accumulated dust debris in between refrigeration and freezer equipment located in the basement. Instructed to clean.
  
  Official wording (code 55)
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
- PaperworkManagement & training
  
  Not all food employees had food-handler training.
  
  Inspector’s note: 2-102.13 observed food handlers (1 male, 2 females) without food handlers . Instructed to meet requirement.
  
  Official wording (code 57)
  All food employees have food handler training
- PaperworkManagement & training
  
  Required allergen training was missing.
  
  Inspector’s note: 2-102.13 observed no allergen training certificate for the city of chicago food service sanitation manager. Instructed to meet requirement.
  
  Official wording (code 58)
  Allergen training as required
Sep 20, 2018 Conditional

Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
2 critical1 general1 paperwork Show violations
- CriticalManagement & training
  
  Staff weren’t trained on, or didn’t follow, the rules for reporting illness.
  
  Inspector’s note: 2-102.11 no employee health policy on premises as required; must provide. Instructed the pic to provide documentation of employees responsibility to report any illness transmissible through food. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012(a).
  
  Official wording (code 3)
  Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
- CriticalManagement & training
  
  No written plan or kit for cleaning up vomit or diarrhea.
  
  Inspector’s note: 2-501.11 no vomit and diarrheal clean up procedure on premises as required; must provide. Instructed the pic that a vomit and diarrheal clean up procedure must be documented and the necessary supplies on hand in the event of a vomit or diarrheal incident on premises. Prority foundation violation 7-38-005.
  
  Official wording (code 5)
  Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
- GeneralFood temperature
  
  Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.
  
  Inspector’s note: 4-204.112(b) some thermometers missing inside of refrigeration units; instructed to provide thermometers for all refrigeration units storing tcs foods.
  
  Official wording (code 36)
  Thermometers provided & accurate
- PaperworkManagement & training
  
  Required allergen training was missing.
  
  Inspector’s note: Pa 100-0367 instructed the pic that all city of chicago food service managers must obtain the required food allergen training certificate.
  
  Official wording (code 58)
  Allergen training as required
Jun 26, 2017 Pass

Canvass · Pass
3 general Show violations
- GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
  
  Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
  
  Inspector’s note: Must provide a splash guard between the exposed handsink and 3 compartment sink in kitchen area,instructed to provide
- GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
  
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  
  Inspector’s note: Must clean floors in basement area,along wall base and corners,instructed to clean and maintain area
- GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
  
  Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
  
  Inspector’s note: Must store wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution when not in use at kitchen area
Jan 25, 2016 Pass

License · Pass
2 general Show violations
- GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
  
  Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
  
  Inspector’s note: Noted leak at the 3 compartment sink on the faucet and the sprayer. Must repair and maintain.
- GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
  
  Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
  
  Inspector’s note: Must provide and maintain working thermometer inside cooler.
Dec 8, 2015 Fail

License · Fail

No violations

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How Chicago grades restaurants

Chicago doesn’t give letter grades or scores. Each inspection is Pass, Pass with Conditions, or Fail.
Pass with Conditions means serious problems were found but fixed or corrected during the inspection.
Fail means violations serious enough that the business must be re-inspected, and it may be closed until it passes.

Severity levels

Critical Can directly make someone sick: food temperatures, contamination, pests, hand-washing.
General Cleanliness, maintenance and facility problems.
Paperwork Missing signs, permits or paperwork.

More in ZIP 60633

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 5 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.