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TAQUERIA EL MALECON

2817 W IRVING PARK RD, CHICAGO, IL 60618 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

TAQUERIA EL MALECON has been inspected 10 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since November 22, 2021. The most recent inspection, on July 21, 2026, recorded 1 infraction.

None of the 10 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 8 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Protecting food from contamination, Cleaning and sanitizing and Food temperature control.

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.

  • 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 8 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on April 29, 2025. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on July 13, 2026. For example: WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

  • 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 April 10, 2023. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • 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 once on April 10, 2023. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 once on April 10, 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.

10 inspections

  1. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED SEVERAL WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN FRONT DINING AREA AND REAR PREP AREA ABOVE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REPAIR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  2. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE. MUST PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVET CONTAMINATION.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATEDIN REAR KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED SEVERAL WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN FRONT DINING AREA AND REAR PREP AREA ABOVE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REPAIR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REORGANIZE REAR STORAGE ROOM. USABLE ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP ON FLOOR BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, UNERNETAH FOOD PREPARATION TABLES, AND UNDER AND ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLTIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# ON #47. OBSERVED RUST ON STORAGE SHELVES IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE RUST AND ENSURE ALL NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES REMAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. #39. OBSERVED BOXED FOOD AND BULK FOOD CONTAINERS BEING STORED ON FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
  3. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED INTERIOR GUARD OF ICE MACHINE WITH SOME DIRT, NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED BOXED FOOD AND BULK FOOD CONTAINERS BEING STORED ON FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED MULTIPLE CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP SCRATCHES AND STAINS ON PREP SURFACES THROUGHOUT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO RESURFACE/REPLACE CUTIING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED RUST ON STORAGE SHELVES IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE RUST AND ENSURE ALL NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES REMAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED HOLES SUROUNDING PIPING IN CEILING ABOVE HOT WATER TANK NEAR MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO SMOOTHLY SEAL ALL HOLES AND MAINTAIN.
  4. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE PROPER, RAISED SHELVING TO STORE FOOD CONTAINERS 6" OFF FLOOR.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • NOTED INDIVIDUAL TO-GO DISPOSABLE CONTAINERS AND BOWLS WITH NO HANDLE USED FOR SCOOPING SERVING FOOD AT THE SERVICE PREP COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TONGS, SERVING SPOONS, OR LADLE FOR SCOOPING FOOD.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • NOTED LEAKAGE AT THE HAND WASHING SINK OF THE PREP AREA (COLD WATER TURNED OFF). ALSO NOTED LEAKAGE AT THE BOTTOM PIPING OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • NOTED THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #58 RULE #PA-100-0367 FROM INSPECTION REPORT #: 2573957 DATED 04/10/2023 NOT CORRECTED.FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE . INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • FOUND INCOMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
  6. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • FOUND INCOMPLETE CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MANAGEMENT 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
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS (PREP COOLER, REACH-IN COOLER, WALK-IN COOLER)
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (RICE, BEANS, SPICES ETC)
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOFED BOTTOM OF FRONT AND REAR EXIT DOOR.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN REAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA. NOTED DRIED LEAVES UNDER AND BEHIND GARBAGE DUMPSTER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REORGANIZE REAR STORAGE ROOM. USABLE ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE FRONT AND IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE . INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
  7. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP LINE COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED RUST ON THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST AND REPAINT OR REPLACE THE SHELVES.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT ICE MAKER.MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES AT REAR NEAR THE WALK-IN-COOLER AND PROVIDE MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS FOR LIGHT FIXTURES SAME AREA AND MAINTAIN.
  8. License Re-Inspection

    7 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED ICE SCOOPE STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE OUTSIDE OF DIRECT CONTACT WITH ICE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN FRONT PREP AREA COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON DOOR OF COCA-COLA COOLER USED TO STORE DRINKS AND CONDIMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED STEADY LEAK FROM PIPE UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND 1 COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET REPAIRED WITH SHRINK WRAP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BOTH AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHTBULB IN CEILING OF REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
  9. License Re-Inspection

    9 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED ICE SCOOPE STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE OUTSIDE OF DIRECT CONTACT WITH ICE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON DOOR OF COCA-COLA COOLER USED TO STORE DRINKS AND CONDIMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN FRONT PREP AREA COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED STEADY LEAK FROM PIPE UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND 1 COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET REPAIRED WITH SHRINK WRAP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BOTH AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AND GRIME ON FILTERS OF HOOD OVER HOT LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHTBULB IN CEILING OF REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
    • 59. PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2544573 DATED 11/22/2021: #25 " OBSERVED MENU CONTAINING ITEMS SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED SUCH AS EGGS AND CEVICHE WITHOUT REMINDER, DISCLOSURE, AND FOOTNOTE. INSTRUCTED TO ADD REMINDER, DISCLOSURE, AND FOOTNOTE ON ALL VERSIONS OF MENU FOR ALL ITEMS SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED." INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND COME INTO COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
  10. License

    9 infractions

    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED MENU CONTAINING ITEMS SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED SUCH AS EGGS AND CEVICHE WITHOUT REMINDER, DISCLOSURE, AND FOOTNOTE. INSTRUCTED TO ADD REMINDER, DISCLOSURE, AND FOOTNOTE ON ALL VERSIONS OF MENU FOR ALL ITEMS SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED ICE SCOOPE STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE OUTSIDE OF DIRECT CONTACT WITH ICE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON DOOR OF COCA-COLA COOLER USED TO STORE DRINKS AND CONDIMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN FRONT PREP AREA COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED STEADY LEAK FROM PIPE UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND 1 COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET REPAIRED WITH SHRINK WRAP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BOTH AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AND GRIME ON FILTERS OF HOOD OVER HOT LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHTBULB IN CEILING OF REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

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