The Tamale Lady
1932 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60608
Restaurant ZIP 60608 Risk 1 (High)
Passed · as of Jan 8, 2026
The Tamale Lady was last inspected on January 8, 2026 with a result of “Pass”. Inspectors found 7 violations, 1 of them critical, including signs of pests.
Latest inspection
January 8, 2026 · Canvass
Result: Pass
1 critical5 general1 paperwork-
CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: Handwashing signs in need of replacing. Wet/dry curled up instructed to replace and maintain
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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GeneralFood temperature
Frozen food was thawed the wrong way.
Inspector’s note: Observed a bag of frozen chilies (non tcs) thawing on counter. Instructed to thaw all tcs food items under cold running water or under refrigeration.
Official wording (code 35)
Approved thawing methods used
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.
Inspector’s note: All bulf items should be stored in a clean container with identifiying markers. Instructed to correct and maintain
Official wording (code 37)
Food properly labeled; original container
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GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: Rear exit door not rodent proofed. Instructed to correct and maintain
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Floors at basement prep area in need of cleaning to remove all standing water. Instructed to clean and maintain dry. Correct and maintain
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: Hood vent at 1st floor prep in need of cleaning to remove grease and hood at basement prep area in need of cleaning to remove dust build up. Instructed to clean and maintain
Official wording (code 56)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: Allergen certificate needed for manager on site. Instructed to obtain and maintain
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
Inspection history
4 inspections on record
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Pass
License Re-Inspection · Pass
1 paperwork Show violations
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: 2-102.13 observed no allergen training certificate was provided for the city of chicago food service sanitation manager. Instructed all city of chicago food service sanitation managers must meet requirement.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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Fail
License · Fail
3 critical1 paperwork Show violations
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CriticalFood handling
No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.
Inspector’s note: 3-603.11 observed no consumer advisory disclosure on the menu for items that can be ordered undercooked or raw, such as egg items. Instructed to provide a consumer advisory disclosure for all items ordered undercooked or raw. Priority foundation 7-38-005.
Official wording (code 25)
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
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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 walk-in cooler and a prep cooler not turned on and maintaining an adequate cold holding temperature during the inspection. Instructed to maintain 41f or below at all times. Observed a hot holding unit not turned on and maintaining an adequate hot holding temperature. Instructed to maintain 135f or above for all hot holding units. Priority violation 7-38-005.
Official wording (code 33)
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
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CriticalFood handling
Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.
Inspector’s note: 3-306.11 observed multiple pots stored outside in the backyard area of the facility. Instructed that all equipment must be stored inside of the facility. Priority violation 7-38-005.
Official wording (code 39)
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: 2-102.13 observed no allergen training certificate was provided for the city of chicago food service sanitation manager. Instructed all city of chicago food service sanitation managers must meet requirement.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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Not Ready
License · Not Ready
No violations
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Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 10 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.