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TACOS EL JEFE INC

6440 W DIVERSEY AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60707 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

TACOS EL JEFE INC has been inspected 6 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since December 28, 2023. The most recent inspection, on May 5, 2026, recorded 2 infractions.

None of the 6 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 9 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Food source, labelling and allergens and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

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.

  • 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 May 5, 2026. For example: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

  • 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 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on April 28, 2026. For example: PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

  • 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 15, 2024. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on April 28, 2026. For example: CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

  • PestsHigher risk

    Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on December 29, 2023. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

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.

6 inspections

  1. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • 4-603.15---FOUND LARGE COOKING POTS IN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA UNABLE TO SUBMERGED IN A 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A WRITTEN DETAILED WASHING, RINSING AND SANITIZING PROCEDURE FOR FOOD-CONTACT EQUIPMENT THAT IS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED IN THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK FOR PROPER WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13---OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING AND MAINTAIN.
  2. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS (COOKED CHICKEN, COOKED PORK CARNITAS, COOKED BEANS AND SALSAS ETC.) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE CONSUMED OR DISCARDED.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO DATE MARK ALL READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • FOUND INCOMPLETE CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS WRITTEN ON THE MENUS ON THE FRONT COUNTER.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).
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED PACKAGED FOOD ITEMS IN REFRIGERATOR IN CUSTOMER DINING AREA WITHOUT ANY LABELS SUCH AS SALSAS, FLANS, JELLO, CHEESECAKES. MUST PROVIDE LABEL WITH NAME OF BUSINESS, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, NAME OF FOOD, NET QUANTITY, INGREDIENTS AND ANY ALLERGENS IF APPLICABLE.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • FOUND LARGE COOKING POTS IN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA UNABLE TO SUBMERGED IN A 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A WRITTEN DETAILED WASHING, RINSING AND SANITIZING PROCEDURE FOR FOOD-CONTACT EQUIPMENT THAT IS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED IN THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK FOR PROPER WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE IN THE REAR STAFF UNISEX WASHROOM.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON SAID WASHROOM DOOR.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATERSTAINED CEILING TILES INSIDE THE REAR STAFF UNISEX WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING AND MAINTAIN.
  3. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS CONTAINING BROWN SUGAR AND CHILES WITH NO LABELS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED SCOOPS FOR DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS BEING STORED DIRECTLY INSIDE OF THE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL UTENSILS BETWEEN USE.
  4. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT MULTIPLE HAND WASHING SINKS THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT. NO PAPER TOWELS WERE FOUND AT HAND WASHING SINKS LOCATED AT STAFF TOILET ROOM, REAR PREP AND DISH WASHING AREA. MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED. EMPLOYEE PROVIDED PAPER TOWELS AT HAND SINKS DURING INSPECTION.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • MUST PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK LOCATED AT FRONT SERVING LINE.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED PINK MINERAL BUILD UP INSIDE OF ICE MACHINE IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 21. PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED CHICKEN AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 124F AT HOT HOLDING LINE. ALSO OBSERVED PORK CARNITAS AT 129F AT HOT HOLDING LINE. TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 135F OR ABOVE. FOOD DISCARDED VOLUNTARILY BY EMPLOYEE. FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS AT A COST OF $50.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED PACKAGED FOOD ITEMS IN REFRIGERATOR IN CUSTOMER DINING AREA WITHOUT ANY LABELS SUCH AS SALSA, FLAN, JELLO. MUST PROVIDE LABEL WITH NAME OF BUSINESS, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, NAME OF FOOD, NET QUANTITY, INGREDIENTS AND ANY ALLERGENS IF APPLICABLE.
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • OBSERVED CLEAN PLATES IN FRONT SERVING LINE AREA FACING UP. PLATES MUST BE COVERED OR INVERTED.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE.
  5. License Re-Inspection

    7 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-202.15: OBSERVED SMALL OPENING BETWEEN DOUBLE DOORS OF FRONT ENTRANCE. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-101.19: OBSERVED PLUMBER'S PUTTY AROUND INTERIOR DRAIN OF HANDWASHING SINKS IN MIDDLE PREP, FRONT DISHWASHING AND REAR DISHWASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE PLUMBER'S PUTTY NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES SHALL BE SMOOTH FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-601.11(C): OBSERVED DUST ON TOP AND BOTTOM SURFACES OF PREP TABLE IN MIDDLE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN PREP TABLE AND MAINTAIN
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • 5-501.115: OBSERVED LEAVES AND WOODEN PALLETS IN OUTDOOR ENCLOSURE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE LEAVES AND WOODEN PALLETS FROM ENCLOSURE AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT AREAS FOR PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.11: OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES IN FRONT DISHWASHING/PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL STAINED CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.16: OBSERVED MOP DRYING IN BUCKET. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL MOP DRYING RACK FOR PROPER DRAINAGE AND DRYING OF MOPS TO PREVENT PEST BREEDING.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.12: OBSERVED SPLASHES AND STAINS ON WALLS IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA AND REAR EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALLS AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED STAINED INTERIOR OF MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN MOP SINK INTERIOR.
  6. License

    9 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN FRONT PREP AND FRONT DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO POST HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED SMALL OPENING BETWEEN DOUBLE DOORS OF FRONT ENTRANCE. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED NO BARRIER TO PREVENT CUSTOMERS FROM ENTERING INTO FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL BARRIER TO PROTECT FOOD PREP AREA FROM CONTAMINATION BY PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CLEAR PLASTIC ON RIGHT SIDE OF TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN FRONT PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CLEAR PLASTIC FROM RIGHT SIDE OF TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR, NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES SHALL BE SMOOTH FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY. OBSERVED PLUMBER'S PUTTY AROUND INTERIOR DRAIN OF HANDWASHING SINKS IN MIDDLE PREP, FRONT DISHWASHING AND REAR DISHWASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE PLUMBER'S PUTTY NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES SHALL BE SMOOTH FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DUST ON TOP AND BOTTOM SURFACES OF PREP TABLE IN MIDDLE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN PREP TABLE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED LEAVES AND WOODEN PALLETS IN OUTDOOR ENCLOSURE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE LEAVES AND WOODEN PALLETS FROM ENCLOSURE AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT AREAS FOR PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES IN FRONT DISHWASHING/PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL STAINED CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MOP DRYING IN BUCKET. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL MOP DRYING RACK FOR PROPER DRAINAGE AND DRYING OF MOPS TO PREVENT PEST BREEDING.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED SPLASHES AND STAINS ON WALLS IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA AND REAR EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALLS AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED STAINED INTERIOR OF MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN MOP SINK INTERIOR.

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