Skip to content
Loading map…

TACOS EL PARAISO

3225 N HARLEM AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60634 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

TACOS EL PARAISO has been inspected 14 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since September 27, 2018. The most recent inspection, on March 6, 2026, recorded 3 infractions.

2 of 14 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 3 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Protecting food from contamination 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 7 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on December 13, 2022. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 5 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on August 2, 2024. For example: FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED

  • 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 3 separate inspections, most recently on July 3, 2019. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 on March 11, 2020. For example: PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

  • 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 March 11, 2020. 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.

14 inspections

  1. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE OF 4-DOOR PREP COOLER IN REAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED TORN GASKET AT 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR. MUST REPAIR.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ALL WALLS OF MAIN PREP AREA, REAR PREP AREA AND REAR BY THE MOP SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  2. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED LARGE HOLE IN WALL BEHIND WATER HEATER IN KITCHEN. MUST SEAL HOLE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED DUSTY FILTERS AT VENTILATION HOOD. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED ONE EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. MUST PROVIDE CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTICATE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
  3. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 15. FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED
      • OBSERVED CONDENSATION DRIPPING DIRECTLY ONTO UNCOVERED COOKED CHICKEN IN REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD FOOD. FOOD MUST BE COVERED TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CLUTTER WITH CARD BOARD AND PARTICLES MAINLY BY MOP SINK, REAR STORAGE ROOM AND BY REAR DOOR ON TOP OF CHEST FREEZERS. MUST REMOVE ITEMS.
  4. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED TORN GASKET AT 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN KITCHEN. MUST REPAIR.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OPEN CRACK ABOVE HAND SINK IN TOILET ROOM.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS IN CORNERS, ALONG WALLS AND UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON FILTERS AT VENTILATION HOOD. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED ONE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE WHICH WAS EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  6. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • FOUND REMINDER DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS NOT PROPERLY WRITTEN INSIDE MENU.PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005.MUST PROVIDE.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • FOUND INTERIOR OF COOLERS NOT CLEAN.MUST CLEAN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • FOOD HANDLER AT PREMISES WITH NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE.
  7. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES (SPOONS,FORKS ETC.) AT FRONT COUNTER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE (HANDLES-UP).
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE REAR 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE KITCHEN STORAGE RACKS, PREP TABLES, FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE CHEST FREEZER AND PREP COOLER, STEAM TABLE, AND DEEP FRYER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE REAR UTILITY MOP SINK AREA AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE MOPS,BROOMS CLEANING EQUIPMENTS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
  8. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  9. Complaint Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BROKEN RUBBER GASKET AROUND 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN PREP/COOKING AREA.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAINT RUSTY METAL RACKS INSIDE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN PREP/COOKING AREA.
  10. Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BROKEN RUBBER GASKET AROUND 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN PREP/COOKING AREA.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAINT RUSTY METAL RACKS INSIDE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN PREP/COOKING AREA.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 2365630 ISSUED ON 03-11-2020. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED #49 - INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF PREP AND REACH-IN COOLERS, EXTERIOR SIDES OF FOOD CONTAINERS, PREP AND STORAGE SHELVES. #55 - INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT PREP/COOKING AREA,DISH WASHING AREA AND IN REAR STORAGE AREA. #55 - INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALL WITH DRIED FOOD SPILLAGE AROUND PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. #55 - INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS STORED IN REAR STORAGE AND IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. #55 - CLEANING EQUIPMENT (BROOMS, MOPS ETC) MUST BE STORED OFF THE FLOOR.
  11. Complaint

    9 infractions

    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL AND DATE READY TO EAT TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24 HOURS INSIDE COOLERS. MUST IDENTIFY PRODUCT SHELF LIFE OR "CONSUME BY" DATING (7 DAYS FROM PREPARATION DATE). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL FOOD CONTAINERS/BINS (SUGAR, SALT, FLOUR ETC) IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTH IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF PREP AND REACH-IN COOLERS, EXTERIOR SIDES OF FOOD CONTAINERS, PREP AND STORAGE SHELVES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT PREP/COOKING AREA,DISH WASHING AREA AND IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALL WITH DRIED FOOD SPILLAGE AROUND PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS STORED IN REAR STORAGE AND IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • CLEANING EQUIPMENT (BROOMS, MOPS ETC) MUST BE STORED OFF THE FLOOR.
  12. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED INCOMPLETE CLEAN UP KIT ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO HAVE A COMPLETE CLEAN UP KIT ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION--7-38=005 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU NOTICED NO DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER .INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PUT DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVER ON GARBAGE RECEPTACLE IN THE RESTROOM.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A COVER FOR GARBAGE RECEPTACLE. CORE VIOLATION
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN THE DINING ROOM.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR FLOOR TILES IN DINING ROOM CORE VIOLATION
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED LIGHTS AND SHIELDS MISSING FROM THE REAR OF KITCHEN.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE SHIELDS AND BULBS CORE VIOLATION
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED FILTERS MISSING FROM HOT LINE HOOD.INSTRUCTED MANAGENENT TO REPLACE MISSING FILTERS. CORE VIOLATION
  13. License Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-201.11 OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE A EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012(a) NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP POLICY ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE A CLEAN UP POLICY
  14. License

    9 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-201.11 OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE A EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012(a) NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP POLICY ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE A CLEAN UP POLICY
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • 3-306.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU FOR BREAKFAST ITEMS.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PUT CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU FOR UNDERCOOKED ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • 3-306.11 OBSERVED NO BARRIER LEADING INTO THE KITCHEN TO PREVENT THE CUSTOMER FROM CONTAMINATING THE FOOD.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PUT UP A BARRIER LEADING INTO THE KITCHEN. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-203.14 OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTER AT THE MOPSINK.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INSTALL A BACKFLOW DEVICE AT MOPSINK. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(c) NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • 6-501.19 OBSERVED TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING .INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO GET A SELF CLOSING DEVICE FOR RESTROOM DOOR. CORE
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.13 OBSERVED COVING MISSING FROM WALL IN FRONT OF HAVC SYSTEM.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE COVING.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 4-301.14 OBSERVED ROTISSERIE OVEN NOT UNDER VENTILLATION HOOD.INSTRUCTED NANAGEMENT TO ROTISSERIE OVEN UNDER VENTILLATION HOOD OR PROPERLY VENT OVEN CORE
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • PA100-0367 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO GET ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION. CORE

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website