Pass

Baja Express Inn Taqueria 1, Inc.

11128 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60628

Restaurant ZIP 60628 Risk 1 (High)

Passed · as of May 11, 2026

Baja Express Inn Taqueria 1, Inc. was last inspected on May 11, 2026 with a result of “Pass”. Inspectors found 3 violations.

Latest inspection

May 11, 2026 · Canvass

Pass

Result: Pass

3 general
  • GeneralFood handling

    In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

    Inspector’s note: Found the ice scoop stored unproperly in the ice bin. Instructed to store handle up in the ice or in a clean bin/container.

    Official wording (code 43)

    In-use utensils: properly stored

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

    Inspector’s note: Found both faucets on the 3-compartment sink leaks at the base. Instructed to fix leaks and maintain good plumbing.

    Official wording (code 51)

    Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

    Inspector’s note: Found the ceiling tiles in the toilet room with water stains. Instructed to replace ceiling tiles and maintain clean tiles free of water stains.

    Official wording (code 55)

    Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

Inspection history

7 inspections on record

  1. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    No violations

  2. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    3 general Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: Observed crates used as shelving in rear prep area. Instructed manager to provide adequate shelving for storage.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed clutter in rear prep and cooler areas. Instructed manager to organize and maintain all areas.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed food debris and spills on floor in prep area. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  3. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: Observed damaged door gaskets on two-door reach-in cooler in front prep area. Instructed manager to repair cooler door gaskets and maintain.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no light inside outside walk-in cooler. Instructed manager to provide adequate lighting inside walk-in cooler and maintain.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

  4. Pass

    Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass

    3 general Show violations
    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

      Inspector’s note: 3-307.11 observed an open can of tomato sauce stored in the rear three door refrigerator. Instructed to refrain from storing food in open cans and store in food grade storage containers.

      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: 4-904.11 observed two cutting boards stored behind the faucet head at the one compartment sink in the dishwashing area and one cutting board behind the three compartment sink faucet head. Instructed to properly store said kitchenware and maintain.

      Official wording (code 44)

      Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 4-601.11(b) observed sugar or salt residue on the shelving units below the food prep tables at the rear food prep area. Instructed to remove said dry spice residue and maintain.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

  5. Fail

    Complaint · Fail

    1 critical3 general Show violations
    • CriticalFood handling

      Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

      Inspector’s note: Observed pink and black substance throughout interior of the ice machine, including the doors on the ice machine. Instructed to clean, sanitize and maintain. Ice machines are used for human consumption. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005, citation isused.

      Official wording (code 16)

      Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

      Inspector’s note: Observed an open can of tomato sauce stored in the rear three door refrigerator. Instructed to refrain from storing food in open cans and store in food grade sotrage containers.

      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: Observed two cutting boards stored behind the faucet head at the one compartment sink in the dishwashing area and one cutting board behind the three compartment sink faucet head. Instructed to properly store said kitchenware and maintain.

      Official wording (code 44)

      Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed sugar or salt residue on the shelving units below the food prep tables at the rear food prep area. Instructed to remove said dry spice residue and maintain.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

  6. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    4 general Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: Observed leaking drainpipe under front hand washing sink. Instructed manager to repair.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed clutter inside rear reach-in freezer and rear prep area. Instructed manager to properly organize all areas and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed stained ceiling tiles in washroom. Instructed manager to replace and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no light inside outside walk-in cooler. Instructed manager to provide adequate lighting and maintain.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

More in ZIP 60628

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 6 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.