Esparza's Tacos
6610 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60629
Restaurant ZIP 60629 Risk 1 (High)
Passed · as of Aug 17, 2026
Esparza's Tacos was last inspected on August 17, 2026 with a result of “Pass”. Inspectors found 2 violations.
Latest inspection
August 17, 2026 · Canvass
Result: Pass
2 general-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
Inspector’s note: Observed cardboard on shelving in front prep area. Instructed person in charge to remove and maintain surface smooth and easily cleanable.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed build up spillage on interior of cold hold units on cook line. Instructed person in charge to clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspection history
7 inspections on record
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Pass
Complaint · Pass
4 general1 paperwork Show violations
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GeneralFood temperature
Frozen food was thawed the wrong way.
Inspector’s note: Observed food item thawing improperly sitting in stagnant water in food container in 3rd compartment of 3 compartment sink in dish wash area. Instructed to thaw properly.
Official wording (code 35)
Approved thawing methods used
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.
Inspector’s note: Observed food items stored in walk-in cooler, cold hold units/2 dr refrigerators and prep area coolers uncovered. Instructed to provide food grade lids and/or covers to prevent contamination.
Official wording (code 39)
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
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GeneralHygiene & sanitation
Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: Observed food handlers not wearing beard restraints. Instructed to wear when preparing food.
Official wording (code 40)
Personal cleanliness
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.
Inspector’s note: Observed rear hand wash sink without a waste receptacle. Instructed to provide.
Official wording (code 54)
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
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PaperworkManagement & training
Not all food employees had food-handler training.
Inspector’s note: Observed no proof of training for all food handlers. Instructed to provide certificate and post.
Official wording (code 57)
All food employees have food handler training
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
3 general Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
Inspector’s note: Cutting board at front prep area warped and with deep, dark grooves. Instd to replace cutting board and maintain
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
Inspector’s note: Foil lining on stove and storage shelves in front prep area. Instd to remove foil so as surface to be smooth, even, and easily cleanable
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.
Inspector’s note: Missing cover for receptacle in ladies/unisex toilet room. Instd to provide cover and maintain.
Official wording (code 53)
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
1 critical2 general1 paperwork Show violations
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CriticalFood handling
Toxic chemicals weren’t labeled, stored, or used safely.
Inspector’s note: Observed personal care items on a shelf above the food preparation area. Instd to store in designated area
Official wording (code 28)
Toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used
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GeneralFood handling
Clean utensils, equipment, or linens weren’t stored and handled properly.
Inspector’s note: Observed plates were not stored inverted in the food preparation area. Instructed food service manager to store plates in inverted position as to prevent contamination.
Official wording (code 44)
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: Observed grease accumulation on hood ventilation over the grill area. Must clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 56)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
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PaperworkManagement & training
Not all food employees had food-handler training.
Inspector’s note: Missing food handlers training for male food handler on site. Must obtain and provide proof of training.
Official wording (code 57)
All food employees have food handler training
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Pass
License · Pass
1 general1 paperwork Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
Inspector’s note: Observed raw wood surfaces noted on the shelving in the front cook line area. Instructed to seal raw wood so the surface is smooth and easily cleanable.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: No proof of allergen training on site for all city of chicago food managers. Instructed person in charge that all city of chicago food managers must complete allergen training and keep certificate on site.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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Not Ready
License · Not Ready
No violations
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Not Ready
License · Not Ready
No violations
More in ZIP 60629
Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 3 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.