Taco Firme

No violations were recorded at this inspection.

1. Apr 15, 2026 Conditional

   Short Form Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions

   2 critical1 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalFood temperature

     Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

     Inspector’s note: Observed improper cold holding temperatures of (tcs foods) inside of the front 2-door prep line-cooler.observed beef at 54.8f, chicken at 54.9f, pork at 55.2f. Management voluntarily discarded approximately 10#'s of food worth $150.00 .instructed management to monitor and maintain all cold (tcs foods) at 41f or colder at all times.priority violation 7-38-005, citation issued.

     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 the front 2-door prep line cooler with an air temperature of 60.0f.the cooler was used to store (tcs foods) chicken, pork, beef etc.instructed management to repair and maintain said cooler at 41f or colder at all times.management immediately notified refrigeration repair service.the said cooler is tagged "held for inspection" at this time.instructed not to use until repaired.(see comments below).priority violation 7-38-005,citation issued.

     Official wording (code 33)

     Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

     Inspector’s note: 6-501.19---observed no self closing device at washroom door.instructed to install a self-closing door device on washroom door and maintain.

     Official wording (code 53)

     Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Not all food employees had food-handler training.

     Inspector’s note: 2-102.13---observed a food handling employee without a food handler certificate.instructed to show proof of training for all food handling employees and maintain as required.

     Official wording (code 57)

     All food employees have food handler training

2. Mar 4, 2026 Pass

   Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass

   1 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

     Inspector’s note: 6-501.19---observed no self closing device at washroom door.instructed to install a self-closing door device on washroom door and maintain.

     Official wording (code 53)

     Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Not all food employees had food-handler training.

     Inspector’s note: 2-102.13---observed a food handling employee without a food handler certificate.instructed to show proof of training for all food handling employees and maintain as required.

     Official wording (code 57)

     All food employees have food handler training

3. Feb 19, 2026 Fail

   Complaint · Fail

   3 critical7 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed no handwashing signage at handwashing sinks in kitchen prep area and rear dishwashing 3-compartment sink area.instructed to provide and maintain.

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • CriticalFood handling

     Raw and ready-to-eat foods weren’t kept apart.

     Inspector’s note: Observed inadequate food protection;observed an open container of raw chicken directly above of a container of open ready-to-eat red salsa held inside the front kitchen prep line 2-door cooler.red salsa discarded.reviewed the proper storage of raw and ready-to-eat foods.priority violation 7-38-005,citation issued.

     Official wording (code 15)

     Food separated and protected

   • CriticalFood handling

     No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.

     Inspector’s note: Found no consumer advisory disclosure and reminder statement 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.(***see comments).

     Official wording (code 25)

     Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food

   • GeneralFood handling

     Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

     Inspector’s note: Observed bulk containers in rear without a label. Instructed to provide the common name on all bulk containers to properly identify item (salt, sugar, flour etc).

     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 evidence of pest activity on the premises. Observed approx.15 rodent(mice) droppings on the floor in the corner under/around cluttered storage racks in the rear dry storage room.pest control service is now reccomended.must clean in detail and remove all rodent droppings from affected areas.priority foundation violation 7-38-020(a), citation issued.

     Official wording (code 38)

     Insects, rodents, & animals not present

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed stained cutting boards on the prep table in the rear prep area.instructed to resurface or replace the cutting boards and maintain.

     Official wording (code 47)

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

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no self closing device at washroom door.instructed to install a self-closing door device on washroom door 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: Instructed to detail clean and organize the rear dry storage room and remove unnecessary articles/unused deep fryer at front prep area due to potential pest harborage and elevate mops,brooms cleaning equipments off the floor at least 6" inches to facilitate cleaning and maintain.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

     Inspector’s note: Observed missing light shields for light fixtures over the rear food prep area.instructed to provide light shields or shatter-proof light bulbs and maintain.

     Official wording (code 56)

     Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

     Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean the kitchen exhaust hood/filters to remove accumulation of grease build-up and maintain.

     Official wording (code 56)

     Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Not all food employees had food-handler training.

     Inspector’s note: Observed a food handling employee without a food handler certificate.instructed to show proof of training for all food handling employees and maintain as required.

     Official wording (code 57)

     All food employees have food handler training

4. Dec 16, 2025 Conditional

   Short Form Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions

   3 critical1 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

     Hands weren’t washed properly or when required.

     Inspector’s note: 2-301.14 observed poor hygienic practices by food handler observed male employee come back from rear prep area with the same plastic gloves on and removed tortillas from grill without changing gloves and washing hands.must wash hands after every possible contamination. (priority 7-38-010)(cos)(citation issued)

     Official wording (code 8)

     Hands clean & properly washed

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

     Inspector’s note: 6-301.12 observed no hand drying devices at the hand sink in the main prep. Area paper towels were provided during inspection. Must provide and maintain at all times.(priority foundation 7-38-030(c)(citation issued)(cos)(consolidated violation)

     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: 6-301.11 observed no soap at hand sink in main prep. Area soap was provided during inspection. Must provide and maintain at all times.(priority foundation 7-38-030(c)(citation issued)(cos)

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • PaperworkFood handling

     The inspection summary report wasn’t posted for the public.

     Inspector’s note: 8-304.11(a) observed no previous summary report posted to. View a new summary report was given to post at this. Must be maintained at all times.(priority foundation 7-42-090(b)(citation issued)

     Official wording (code 61)

     Summary report displayed and visible to the public

5. Oct 1, 2025 Pass

   Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass

   No violations

6. Sep 23, 2025 Fail

   Short Form Complaint · Fail

   2 general Show violations

   • GeneralPests

     Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

     Inspector’s note: Observed evidence of appx. 40 or more mice droppings on lower shelf underneath meat slicer and appx. 200 or more live small flies flying around,on walls, ceilings, boxes throughout premises.must remove mice droppings clean and sanitize areas. Recommended to have a pest control operator to service premises on or after 9/23/25.(priority foundation 7-38-020(a)(citation issued)

     Official wording (code 38)

     Insects, rodents, & animals not present

   • GeneralRepeat violation

     A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

     Inspector’s note: Previous core violations from report #2617989 5/22/25 not corrected-#47-4-101.19 : must remove cardboard from lower shelf of prep table and on topsides of cutting boards.#47- 4-501.12 : must repair or replace worn and soiled cutting boards to be in good repair.#47-4-601.11(c) : must clean grease and food debris build up fryer cabinets,prep tables, prep & reach in coolers,grill table.

     Official wording (code 60)

     Previous core violation corrected

7. May 22, 2025 Pass

   Complaint · Pass

   9 general Show violations

   • 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

   • 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 missing door handle on sliding glass reach in cooler at top of stairs.

     Official wording (code 47)

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

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Must remove cardboard from lower shelf of prep table and on topsides of cutting boards.

     Official wording (code 47)

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

   • 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 and soiled cutting boards to be in good repair.

     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 fryer cabinets,prep tables, prep & reach in coolers,grill table.

     Official wording (code 49)

     Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Must clean grease and food debris build up from walls in prep area.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace damaged and broken floor tiles throughout prep,dish washing and food storage areas,loose wall base near hand sink in dish washing area,hole in wall behind glass sliding door reach in cooler.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Must clean debris build up from floor under,around,behind and along wall bases throughout premises including basement.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Must elevate,remove and organize articles off of floor and away from walls in basement.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

8. Apr 24, 2025 Pass

   Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

   No violations

9. Apr 16, 2025 Fail

   Canvass · Fail

   4 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 equipment wrapped in foil. Instructed manager to remove foil.

     Official wording (code 47)

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

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed coca-cola cooler with missing kick plates. Instructed manager to replace kick plates.

     Official wording (code 47)

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

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

     Inspector’s note: Observed 3 compartment sink not in proper working order. When water in one compartment drains, another compartment floods before going back down. Instructed manager to service 3 compartment sink. Priority foundation violation 7-38-025 citation issued.

     Official wording (code 48)

     Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed food splatter and food debris on walls and floors throughout facility. Instructed manager to clean and maintain floors and walls.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

10. Feb 9, 2024 Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

11. Jan 25, 2024 Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    1 general Show violations

    • GeneralRepeat violation

      A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

      Inspector’s note: Observed previous core violations not corrected. Report #2570564, dated february 1, 2023, instructed the facility to: #36 place ambient air thermometers inside all coolers, #51 install service sink, #53 provide covered receptacle inside all gender toilet rooms, #55 clean floors, and #58 provide food allergen training to all certified food managers. Observed various front and rear prep coolers with no ambient air thermometers; observed no service sink in facility; observed no covered receptacle inside all gender toilet room; observed food debris on floor around equipment throughout kitchen; observed certified food manager on site with no food allergen training. Instructed manager to address all previous core violations. Priority foundation violation 7-42-090 citation issued.

      Official wording (code 60)

      Previous core violation corrected

12. Feb 1, 2023 Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical7 general3 paperwork Show violations

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no handwashing signage at exposed handwashing sink located in front prep area. Instructed to provide.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • GeneralFood temperature

      Frozen food was thawed the wrong way.

      Inspector’s note: Observed frozen beef being thawed at room temperature in bucket in front prep area. Instructed to thaw frozen items under cold, running water.

      Official wording (code 35)

      Approved thawing methods used

    • GeneralFood temperature

      Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no thermometer inside prep coolers in front and rear prep areas. Instructed to provide.

      Official wording (code 36)

      Thermometers provided & accurate

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed cardboard being used as a liner on cutting boards in rear prep area and salsas being stored in sour cream containers in coca-cola cooler located in rear prep area. Instructed to remove cardboard and use only reusable, food grade containers for food storage.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed cutting boards in front and rear prep areas covered in deep grooves and dark stains. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain smooth, cleanable cutting surfaces.

      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: Observed no service sink on premises. Instructed to install service sink in compliance with all relevant laws, rules, and regulations.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no covered trash receptacle inside all gender restroom. Instructed to provide.

      Official wording (code 53)

      Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed build up of food debris underneath cook line and inside coca-cooler cooler in rear prep area. Instructed to detail clean and maintain in good condition.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no certified manager on site while tcs items such as beef and pork were prepared. Instructed to maintain an employee holding a city of chicago foodservice manager certficate on site at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012. Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 2)

      City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Not all food employees had food-handler training.

      Inspector’s note: Observed one male food employee without food handler training. Instructed all employees must complete food handler training and maintain records thereof on site at all times.

      Official wording (code 57)

      All food employees have food handler training

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no allergen training certificates on site at time of inspection. Instructed all employees holding city of chicago foodservice manager certificates must complete allergen training and maintain records thereof on site at all times.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required