Skip to content
Loading map…

EL NUEVO TACONAZO#2

5849 S KEDZIE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60629 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

EL NUEVO TACONAZO#2 has been inspected 8 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since January 31, 2022. The most recent inspection, on June 25, 2026, recorded 7 infractions.

1 of 8 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 7 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food temperature control, Cleaning and sanitizing and Protecting food from contamination.

Recent inspections have recorded fewer infractions than earlier ones, so the record is improving.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • Food temperature controlHigher risk

    Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.

    Recorded 8 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on June 25, 2026. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded 5 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on June 25, 2026. For example: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

  • Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk

    This covers how food is stored, prepared and displayed: raw meat kept away from ready-to-eat food, food covered and stored off the floor, and nothing dripping or splashing into it. Cross-contamination from raw to cooked food is a direct route for salmonella and E. coli.

    Recorded 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on May 13, 2025. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • Food source, labelling and allergensHigher risk

    Food must come from approved suppliers, stay in labelled containers and be thrown out when it is spoiled or damaged, such as dented or swollen cans. Labelling matters for allergies: an unlabelled container can hide an allergen.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on May 13, 2025. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on January 30, 2024. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

About this data

These results come from Chicago Department of Public Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

8 inspections

  1. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER IN COLD HOLD UNITS TO MEASURE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO MAINTAIN AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS IN ALL COLD HOLD EQUIPMENT.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON COLD HOLD UNIT IN FRONT OF GRILL AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CAN OPENER ATTACHED TO TABLE IN REAR PREP IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED FOIL COVERING BOTTOMS OF PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN SURFACE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED POTS ON SITE FOR MENUDO TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED INTO THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE LARGE OR INSTALL LARGER SINK WITH CLEANING PROCEDURE FOR LARGE POTS. (POTS NOT IN USE AT TIME OF INSPECTION).
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LEAK AT BOTTOM PIPE OF MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED LIGHT BULBS NOT WORKING IN HOOD SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
  2. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE DIRTY WITH BLACK SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED TO DISPOSE OF ICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY, TCS, FOOD (MILK) AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 75.7F IN DISPLAY COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED IN WALK-IN COOLER AND PREP AREAS WITH NO COVER/LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDED FOOD GRADE LIDS AND/OR COVERINGS WHEN STORING TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING IN THE DISH WASH AREA AND IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6 INCHES FROM THE FLOOR.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF MOPS IN THE REAR OF FACILITY BETWEEN THE DRY STORAGE AND DISH WASH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY BETWEEN USAGE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILE PANELS IN MEN'S PUBLIC WASHROOM AND DISH WASH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING POSTED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
  3. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  4. Canvass

    10 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT FRONT HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE TO SINK AND MAINTAIN.
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE SMALL WALK-IN COOLER, SUCH AS COOKED SHRIMP AT 48.9F, COOKED PORK AT 49.1F, COOKED BEEF 48.4F, COOKED CHICKEN 50.4F, COOKED BEANS 50.2F, AND SALSA AT 48.4F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL OF APPROXIMATELY 150 LBS AT APPROXIMATELY $1000. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED SMALL WALK-IN COOLER AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 50.2F. COOLER TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED, ABLE TO MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW, AND REINSPECTED BY CDPH. PERSON-IN-CHARGE REMOVED ALL FOOD ITEMS FROM COOLER. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 35. APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED PACKAGE OF RAW PORK THAWING AT ROOM TEMPERATURE IN REAR. INSTRUCTED TO THAW USING APPROVED METHODS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED CLEAN LINENS IN CONTACT WITH FOOD (FLOUR) IN COOK LINE REACH-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE LINENS FROM CONTACT WITH FOOD AND MAINTAIN.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED IN-USE KNIFE STORED BETWEEN WALL AND CUTTING SURFACE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE KNIFE FROM BETWEEN WALL, PLACE ON CLEAN AND SANITIZED SURFACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED EXCESSIVE RUST ON SHELVES IN LARGE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE SHELVES WITH SHELVING THAT IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED SINGLE-USE PLASTIC SHEET COVERING HOT HOLDING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND REPLACE WITH APPROVED FOOD CONTAINER COVERINGS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED SOIL AND DEBRIS ON EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED UNNECESSARY, NOT IN-USE ITEMS IN REAR FIRE EXIT NEAR KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE OR RELOCATE ITEMS AND MAINTAIN.
  5. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (EGGS, CHICKEN, PORK, ETC) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE FRONT PREP COLD HOLDING UNIT, SUCH AS 3LBS OF SHRIMP AT 51.2F, 2LBS OF RICE AT 50.5F AND 3LBS OF SLICED LETTUCE AT 53.5F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 8LBS AT $30. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES AND INSIDE COLD HOLDING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOUTION BETWEEN USES.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LEAK AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 52. SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
      • OBSERVED WASTE WATER BACKING UP FROM THE FLOOR DRAIN IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA WHEN THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IS DRAINED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SO THAT THE FLOOR DRAIN IS NOT BACKING UP WITH WASTE WATER. PLUMBER REPAIRED DRAIN DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, STORAGE AND AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON FAN IN WALK-IN COOLER, LIGHT SHIELDS IN COOKING AREA AND CEILING AND WALL VENTS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
  6. Complaint Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED SMALL BOWL USED IN LARGE CONTAINERS STORED IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION, MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED FILTERS MISSING IN VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING MAINTAINED ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN VERIFICATION AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  7. Complaint

    7 infractions

    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED COLD TCS FOOD STORED IN FRONT 2-DOOR COOLER AND BEVERAGE COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE: CUT TOMATOES 50F (2LBS, $5), SHREDDED LETTUCE 51.6F (2LBS, $5), CHEESE 49.8F (3LBS, $5), CHORIZO 49.8F (2LBS, $5), MILK 50.9F (1LB, $1), SLICED MELON 49.5F (2LBS, $5). INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COLD ITEMS AT 41F OR BELOW. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED ABOVE ITEMS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED CONSUMER ADVISORY AND DISCLOSURE MISSING FROM ALL MENUS WHERE TCS FOODS ARE AVAILABLE COOKED TO ORDER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSUMER ADVISORY AND DISCLOSURE ON ALL MENUS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED SMALL BOWL USED IN LARGE CONTAINERS STORED IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION, MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • OBSERVED UNWRAPPED MULTI-USE KNIVES/FORKS/SPOONS NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED FILTERS MISSING IN VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING MAINTAINED ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN VERIFICATION AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2547193 ON 1-31-22: 10-OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINKS IN PREP AREAS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. 47-MUST REMOVE RUST FROM (LARGE)WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS. 51- MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY COMPRESSOR LINE IN SMALL WALK IN COOLER. 55-MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM CEILING VENT IN HALLWAY NEAR TOILET ROOMS. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED AND LOOSE WALLBASES IN PREP AND DRY FOOD STORAGE AREAS,DAMAGED TILE AT SERVICE COUNTER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
  8. License

    15 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINKS IN PREP AREAS AND TOILET ROOMS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS 20LBS. COOKED BEANS DATED 1/30/22 RANGING FROM 45.1F-47.1F AND 60LBS. COOKED MENUDO DATED 1/30/22 @55.4F INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.APPX. 80LBS. $200.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST REMOVE RUST FROM (LARGE)WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS AND WORN DOOR GASKET.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLES,INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY COMPRESSOR LINE IN SMALL WALK IN COOLER.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • MUST PROVIDE A LID FOR GARBAGE CAN IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED AND LOOSE WALLBASES IN PREP AND DRY FOOD STORAGE AREAS,DAMAGED TILE AT SERVICE COUNTER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM CEILING VENT IN HALLWAY NEAR TOILET ROOMS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON WALL IN DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHTS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 64. MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
      • OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROTOCOL PROCEDURE FOR CHECKING VACCINATIONS IN A PUBLIC PLACE. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(WARNING)

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website