TAQUERIA MEXICANA
605 W LAKE ST, CHICAGO, IL 60661 · Restaurant
Inspection summary
TAQUERIA MEXICANA has been inspected 5 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since April 5, 2022. The most recent inspection, on January 12, 2026, found no infractions.
2 of 5 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: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Food source, labelling and allergens and Cleaning and sanitizing.
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 once on February 10, 2025. For example:
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
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 February 10, 2025. For example:
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
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 July 15, 2024. For example:
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
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 28, 2022. For example:
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
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 28, 2022. 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.
5 inspections
- Canvass
0 infractions
- Canvass
2 infractions
- 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
- Hand wash sink faucet in poor repair, hot water knob is hard to turn, Instructed to repair to wash hands as needed.
- 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
- No discard date on cooked food containers ( beef, chicken... ) that are held in front prep cooler for than 24hours. Instructed manager to provide discard date, Priority foundation violation 7-38-005.
- 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
- Complaint
2 infractions
- 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
- No test paper on site for 3-comp sanitizer solution, Instructed manager to obtain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005.
- 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
- Minor leak noted under 3-comp sink drain line. instructed to repair.
- 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
- License
5 infractions
- 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
- FOUND COOLERS WITHOUT THERMOMETER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
- 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
- FOUND GAP IN BETWEEN ENTRY DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A CLOSED TIGHT FITTING DOOR.
- 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
- FOUND NO COVERED GARBAGE RECEPTACLE LOCATED IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
- 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
- FOUND DUST ON VENT OVER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
- 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
- FOUND VENT IN UNISEX RESTROOM NOT OPERABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
- 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
- License
0 infractions
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