Skip to content
Loading map…

EL TRAGON TAQUERIA

1234 N HALSTED ST, CHICAGO, IL 60642 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

EL TRAGON TAQUERIA has been inspected 10 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since September 1, 2021. The most recent inspection, on June 2, 2026, recorded 9 infractions.

2 of 10 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 9 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Protecting food from contamination, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Cleaning and sanitizing.

Recent inspections have recorded more infractions than earlier ones, so it is worth reading the latest reports closely.

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.

  • 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 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on June 2, 2026. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 4 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on August 25, 2025. For example: NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED

  • 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 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on October 23, 2024. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 June 2, 2026. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 once on September 15, 2021. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

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.

10 inspections

  1. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 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 CONTAINERS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND PREP COOLERS LEFT UNCOVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD GRADE LIDS/COVERS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH/REPLACE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED ICE MACHINE DRAIN LINE IMPROPERLY DRAINING INTO THE HANDWASHING SINK IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY ROUTE DRAIN LINE INTO CITY PLUMBING.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED OUTSIDE DUMPSTERS WITH LIDS NOT TIGHTLY FITTED CLOSED DUE TO TRASH OVERFLOWING. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT TO ENSURE TIGHTLY FITTING LIDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED A HUGE HOLE IN THE WALL IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AND DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AND SEAL.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED BURNED OUT LIGHT BULB ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BULB.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS AND PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.
  2. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 9. NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED
      • Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods. Observed food handlers grabbing lettuce, tomatoes, bread, cheese with bare hands when assembling Tacos and other food items. Instructed manager not to handle such foods with bare hands. Priority violation 7-38-010.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • No paper towels, no hand drying provisions provided to prep area/ dish room hand wash sinks, Instructed to provide. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c)
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • Food handler not wearing hair restraints, Instructed to wear.
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • Deli cups not air dried after washing, Instructed to air dry all multi-use utensils after washing.
  3. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • CLEAN THE BOTTOM SHELVES OF THE PREP TABLES AND INTERIOR OF THE CHEST FREEZER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA.
  4. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • REMOVE THE HANGING FLY TRAPS IN THE REAR FOOD PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • CLEAN AND DEFROST THE INTERIOR OF THE CHEST FREEZER.
  5. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED BUILD-UP OF BROWN AND PINK SLIME IN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE USED TO PRODUCE ICE FOR HUMANS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, DETAIL CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN GOOD CONDITION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON 3-DOOR PREP COOLER LOCATED OPPOSITE COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED HOSE FROM ICE MACHINE DRAINS INTO EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT.
    • 61. SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
      • OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2552733 DATED 3/10/2022. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  7. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER NOT LABELED WITH COMMON NAMES OF FOOD ITEMS. MUST LABEL ALL FOOD ITEMS THAT ARE NOT INSIDE ORIGINAL PACKAGINING.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS (CUPS, CONTAINERS) STORED INSIDE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND STORE IN DIFFERENT PLACE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED PH TEST STRIPS ON SITE FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE QUATERNARY AMMONIUM STRIPS FOR QUATERNARY AMMONIUM SANITIZING SOLUTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
  8. License Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
  9. License

    9 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON THE PREMISES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON THE PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT STATES THAT EATING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • MISSING FOOD TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE(METAL STEM THERMOMETER).INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE STEM THERMOMETER TO MONITOR FOOD TEMPERATURES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED EXTREMILY SLOW DRAINING AT THE HAND WASHING SINKS LOCATED IN FOOD PREPARATION AREAS. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. MUST REPAIR SLOW LEAK AT THE HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED IN FRONT PREPARATION AREA.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW PREVENTOR DEVICE FOR THE ICE MACHINE. A BACKFLOW PREVENTOR DEVICE MUST BE LOCATED SO THAT CAN BE SERVICE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 52. SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
      • FOUND WASTE WATER BACKING UP AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT WHEN THE WATER IS RELEASED FROM MIDDLE COMPARTMENT, WATER BACKS UP INTO FIRST AND THIRD COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND WATER SLOWLY DRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING ISSUE AND TO MAINTAIN.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE UNISEX WASHROOMS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
  10. License

    0 infractions

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website