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TAQUERIA LA PLACITA

1856 W 35TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60609 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

TAQUERIA LA PLACITA has been inspected 11 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since May 24, 2017. The most recent inspection, on February 20, 2026, recorded 1 infraction.

1 of 11 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 1 infraction recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Protecting food from contamination and Food source, labelling and allergens.

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.

  • 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 5 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on June 9, 2022. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 3 separate inspections, most recently on February 20, 2026. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 May 25, 2021. 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 June 9, 2022. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 once on January 29, 2020. For example: WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

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.

11 inspections

  1. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • Pottery plants stored in food prep area, instructed to keep away.
  2. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • NOTED CARDBOARD BOXES USED TO LINE CART SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD BOXES. THE SURFACE MUST BE EASILY CLEANABLE AND SANITIZABLE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED BURNED OUT LIGHT BULB ABOVE FRONT COUNTER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  4. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT COVER AT FRONT COUNTER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED DUSTY VENTILATION COVER IN EMPLOYEE RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • NOTED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #58 NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2557080 CONDUCTED ON 6/09/2022: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. MUST PROVIDE CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION ON SITE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE CONCRETE FLOOR IN POOR REPAIR UNDERNEATH THE STAIRS IN THE BASEMENT; REPAIR FLOOR.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • MUST PROVIDE VALID FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES.
  6. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • THE PERSON IN CHARGE HAS NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS CERTIFICATE; MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON DUTY AS REQUIRED; MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED RODENT ACTIVITY ON PREMISES. FOUND 50 OR MORE MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT BEHIND THE DEEP FREEZER AND ALONG THE WALL UNDER SHELF. ALSO OBSERVED DROPPINGS IN THE WASHROOM ON THE FLOOR AT THE LEFT SIDE OF THE TOILET. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS AND HAVE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE PRIOR TO REINSPECTION NEXT WEEK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) ISSUED.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED COOK WITHOUR A PROPER HAIR RESTRAINT; MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES WHILE HANDLING FOOD.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • NO COVER FOUND ON GARBAGE CONTAINER IN WASHROOM; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVER FOR GARBAGE CONTAINER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR IN BASEMENT AREA AND WASHROOM WHERE DROPPINGS FOUND.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE CONCRETE FLOOR IN POOR REPAIR UNDERNEATH THE STAIRS IN THE BASEMENT; REPAIR FLOOR.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • ONE EMPLOYEE HAS AN EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE; MUST OBTAIN A VALID CERTIFIATE. ONE FOOD HANDLER HAS NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE; EMPLOYEE MUST OBTAIN A FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE.
  7. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (RICE,BEANS,CHICKEN,TOMATO).MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE NOR REMINDER ON MENU OF CONSUMING RAW AND UNDER COOKED FOODS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO LID ON GARBAGE CAN IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM .MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DAMAGED CONCRETE FLOOR IN BASEMENT UNDER STAIRS AND AT GREASE TRAP IN BASEMENT.MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED DEBRIS BUILD UP ON FILTERS AT COOKING EQUIPMENT.
  8. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED AN UNLOCKED REFRIGERATION UNIT WITH OPENED/PREPPED FOOD ITEMS IN CUSTOMER DINING AREA. MUST PROVIDE A LOCK OR REMOVE FOOD ITEMS.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • MUST PROVIDE A BARRIER/SEPARATION AT ENTRANCE LEADING TO PREP AREA AND RESTROOM TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BY PUBLIC.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN ADEQUATE CHEMICAL SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST REPAIR STRIPPED HOT WATER KNOB AT HAND SINK IN PREP AREA.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • MUST PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR WASH ROOM USED BY FEMALE EMPLOYEES.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. A CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED IN THE TIME FRAME SPECIFIED ON THE INSPECTION REPORT SHALL BE CLASSIFIED AS A PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090.
  9. Complaint

    6 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER SHALL BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE BEING SERVED AND PREPARED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO VOMIT OR DIARRHEA PROCEDURE OR SUPPLIES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. A RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT SHALL HAVE PROCEDURES AND SUPPLIES FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMIT OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005
    • 21. PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED CHICKEN SOUP(118.4F) AND CHOCOLATE MILK(81.6F) ON THE STOVE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 4LBS VALUED AT $15.00. TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD SHALL BE MAINTAINED AT 135F OR ABOVE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVE LIGHT ABOVE PREP AREA WITH A MISSING PROTECTIVE SHIELD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • SEE VIOLATION 60
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. A CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED IN THE TIME FRAME SPECIFIED ON THE INSPECTION REPORT SHALL BE CLASSIFIED AS A PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090
  10. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-102.14(a) Observed no written employee health policy on site. Must provide printed employee health policy, with all employee signatures. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012 (a).
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2-501.11 Observed no written vomit and diarhea clean up procedure on site. Must provide printed clean up procedure, and equipment for vomit and diarrheal events. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005.
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • 3-501.17 Observed TCS (time/temperature control for safety) foods do not have proper labels in prep coolers, freezer, and walk in cooler. Must label all TCS foods with common name, prep date, and discard date. Must maintain same. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-101.19 Observe aluminum foil used as a liner on several surfaces in kitchen an at front counter (cashier). Must remove. All surfaces must be non-porous, smooth and easily cleanable. Must maintain same.
    • 52. SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
      • 5-403.12 Observed Condensate drainage liquid leaking onto basement floor from a/c unit in basement. Must repair. All condensate drainage shall be drained from point of discharge to disposal according to LAW. Must keep floors clean and dry. Must maintain same.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • Instructed all Chicago certified food managers must provide proof of allergen training.
  11. License

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE IN PREP AND BASEMENT AREAS.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • INSTALL SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTALL UTILITY SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AND BACK FLOW DEVICE.

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