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TAQUERIA LA OAXAQUENA

3380-3382 N MILWAUKEE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60641 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

TAQUERIA LA OAXAQUENA has been inspected 8 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since February 17, 2023. The most recent inspection, on July 6, 2026, found no infractions.

3 of 8 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 0 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Protecting food from contamination, Food temperature control and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

The last 2 inspections in a row found no infractions. The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.

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 24, 2025. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on June 13, 2025. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • 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 February 24, 2023. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 June 13, 2025. For example: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

  • Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

    Floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth and clean, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate food-safety risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.

    Recorded 7 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on June 24, 2025. For example: PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    7 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE TCS ITEMS SUCH AS CHICKEN WERE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIOIRTY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED OLD SINGLE USE YOGURT AND SOUR CREAM CONTAINERS BEING USED FOR FOOD STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CEASE AND USE ONLY FOOD-GRADE, REUSABLE CONTAINERS FOR FOOD STORAGE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF ICE IN WHITE FREEZER LOCATED IN REAR STORAGE AND PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND GRIME IN INTERIOR OF MICROWAVES IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AND CARBOND ON FILTERS ABOVE BROILER AND FLAT TOP GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 59. PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING REPEAT PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2619176 DATED 6/13/2025: #36 "OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED." #48 "OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL SANITIZER TESTING DEVICES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED." INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND COME INTO COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 61. SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
      • OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2619176 DATED 6/13/2025. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
  4. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED SEVERAL COOLERS MISSING THERMOMETERS OR CONTAINING BROKEN THERMOMETERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE WORKING THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED OLD SINGLE USE YOGURT AND SOUR CREAM CONTAINERS BEING USED FOR FOOD STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CEASE AND USE ONLY FOOD-GRADE, REUSABLE CONTAINERS FOR FOOD STORAGE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF ICE IN WHITE FREEZER LOCATED IN REAR STORAGE AND PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL SANITIZER TESTING DEVICES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND GRIME IN INTERIOR OF MICROWAVES IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AND CARBOND ON FILTERS ABOVE BROILER AND FLAT TOP GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2600419 DATED 8/20/2024: #57 " OBSERVED FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRCUTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO COMPLY WITH IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS." INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND COME INTO COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 61. SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
      • OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2600419 DATED 8/20/2024. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
  5. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  6. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED INTERIOR GUARD OF ICE MACHINE WITH SOME DIRT, NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED MULTIPLE BOXED FOOD ITEMS BEING STROEED ON FLOOR IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM. INSTRCUTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED TORN/DAMAGED RUBBER GASKET ON THE SIDE OF THE DOOR OF THE 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKET AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRCUTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO COMPLY WITH IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS.
  7. License Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2-501.11 NO CLEAN UP SUPPLIES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES TO RESPOND TO A VOMIT OR DIARRHEAL EVENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER LACKS AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
  8. License

    10 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO CLEAN UP SUPPLIES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES TO RESPOND TO A VOMIT OR DIARRHEAL EVENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AN EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN THIS AREA AND SUPPLY IT WITH SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 60F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE PREP COOLER BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • MUST INSTALL A SPLASHGUARD ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED FROZEN FOOD STORED IN A PLASTIC GROCERY BAG IN THE FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • NO MOP SINK LOCATED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLES WERE PROVIDED IN BOTH WOMEN'S WASHROOMS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • THE VENTILATION FAN IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM AT 3382 N. MILWAUKEE IS NOT OPERATIONAL. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE VENTILATION FAN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER LACKS AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.

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