Canvass
Oct 20, 2026
Out of Business
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 20, 2026 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
El Taconzazo
5145 S Pulaski Rd
Last inspected Oct 20, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
The department’s records list this business as closed or out of business.
Out of Business
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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
Quick Answers
- When was El Taconzazo last inspected?
- The most recent inspection on record was on Oct 20, 2026. The result listed by Chicago Department of Public Health was “Out of Business”.
- Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?
- No. No violations were recorded at the most recent inspection.
- How many inspections are on record?
- 6 inspections on record, from Oct 6, 2023 to Oct 20, 2026.
- Has El Taconzazo ever been closed by the health department?
- No closure appears in the 6 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Oct 6, 2023.
The Full Inspection History
6 inspectionsCanvass
Nov 7, 2025
Pass w/ Conditions
6 recorded violations
notedCode 21Food temperature
Official Wording
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING FOOD NOT MEETING REQUIRE TEMPERATURED OF 135F DEGREES OR ABOVE IN THE DESIGNATED HOT-HOLDING UNIT: BEEF AT 74.5F, CHICKEN AT 51.4F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 5 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $25 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
In Plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperaturenotedCode 35Food temperature
Official Wording
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED FACILITY NOT MEETING THAWING REQUIREMENTS. MANAGER THAWING FROZEN BEEF IN HOT HOLDING UNIT. INFORMED MANAGER OF PROPER THAWING METHODS (MUST THAW UNDER RUNNING WATER OR IN REFRIGERATOR). MUST MEET PROPER THAWING REQUIREMENTS AND MAINTAIN.
In Plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperaturenotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED MILK CRATES USED AS STORAGE IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE PROPER STORAGE THAT IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED ACCUMULATION OF GREASE ON SIDE AND INSIDE OF FRYER DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official Wording
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED LEAK UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN MIDDLE BASIN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
In Plain English
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
More about water, plumbing, or sewage problemsnotedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED PIC WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.
In Plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 7, 2025 · Original Source
Complaint Re-Inspection
Apr 25, 2024
Pass
4 recorded violations
notedCode 36Equipment and utensils
Official Wording
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
Inspector’s Notes
4-204.112(B) OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER IN THE REAR COLD HOLD UNIT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS IN ALL COLD HOLD UNITS.
In Plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
More about equipment or utensil issuesnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s Notes
4-501.11 OBSERVED TORN GASKET IN COLD HOLD UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
4-602.13 OBSERVED BUILD UP OF SPILLAGE AND DEBRIS ON INTERIOR OF COLD HOLD UNITS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 56Facility maintenance
Official Wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s Notes
4-202.18 OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP OF FILTERS IN VENTILATION SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
In Plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
More about building upkeep issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 25, 2024 · Original Source
Complaint
Apr 18, 2024
Fail
7 recorded violations
notedCode 35Food temperature
Official Wording
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED PORK BEING THAWED AT ROOM TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE MUST UTILIZE RUNNING WATER WITH ENOUGH VOLATILITY WHEN THAWING. MUST MEET PROPER THAWING REQUIREMENTS AND MAINTAIN.
In Plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperaturenotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF SPILLAGE AND DEBRIS ON INTERIOR OF COLD HOLD UNITS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 56Facility maintenance
Official Wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP OF FILTERS IN VENTILATION SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
In Plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
More about building upkeep issuesnotedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED A PINK MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ALL ICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE MACHINE, AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 22Food temperature
Official Wording
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD (2LBS OF SHRIMP) AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 60F LOCATED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE ALL TCS FOOD AND TO MAINTAIN A COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION.7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
In Plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperaturenotedCode 36Equipment and utensils
Official Wording
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER IN REAR COLD HOLD UNIT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS IN ALL COLD HOLD UNITS.
In Plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
More about equipment or utensil issuesnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED TORN GASKET IN COLD HOLD UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 18, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Oct 16, 2023
Pass
2 recorded violations
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
UNDERNEATH AND SIDE OF FLAT TOP GRILL WITH EXCESSIVE GREAES ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s Notes
4-501.12: OBSERVED HEAVILY SOILED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP GROOVES THROUGH OUT PREMISES. INSTD TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN CUTTING BOARDS.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 16, 2023 · Original Source
Canvass
Oct 6, 2023
Fail
4 recorded violations
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED HEAVILY SOILED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP GROOVES THROUGH OUT PREMISES. INSTD TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN CUTTING BOARDS.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 38Pests
Official Wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s Notes
2 LIVE ROACHES OBSERVED ON STORAGE SHELVES IN FRONT PREP AREA AND 2 LIVE ROACHES IN STORAGE CABINETS UNDER FRONT COUNTER. INSTD TO REMOVE ALL ROACHES, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A) PRIORITY FOUNDATION
In Plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
THE FOLLOWING WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS, GREASE ACCUMULATION: UNDERNEATH AND SIDE OF FLAT TOP GRILL, INTERIOR OF MICROWAVE AND SHELF UNDERNEATH, ALL SURFACES UNDERNEATH ALL CUTTING BOARDS, ALL PREP TABLES, KNIFE RACK, CAN OPENER, INTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS INCLUDING RUBBER GASKETS, AND ALL STORAGE SHELVES. INSTD TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN. EXCESSIVE BLACK SUBSTANCE NOTED ON CAULKING AROUND FRONT HANDWASH SINK. INSTD TO CLEAN AND OR REPLACE CAULKING AND MAINTAIN.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 60Other
Official Wording
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
Inspector’s Notes
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 8/31/22 REPORT 2563006 NOT CORRECTED: 15: FOUND UNCOVERED CONTAINERS OF FOOD INSIDE 3-DOOR COOLER AND BEVERAGE COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROTECT FOODS IN A CONTAINER OR FOOD GRADE STORAGE. ADVISED TO ADD SIGN "NO SELF SERVICE" AT BEVERAGE COOLER, MAINTAIN. 37 : FOUND BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED (SPICES, RICE ETC). MUST LABEL FOODS WHEN STORED IN UNORIGINAL CONTAINERS, MAINTAIN. 43 : FOUND SMALL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER USED AS SCOOP INSIDE BULK SPICE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER UTENSIL AND STORE PROPERLY, MAINTAIN. 44: FOUND POTS AND PANS IN DISH AREA NOT INVERTED. MUST INVERT WHILE STORED. 47: FOUND TORN GASKET IN 3-DOOR REACH IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. 49 : FOUND PAPER TOWELS LINED ON PREP SHELVES, AND CARDBOARD LINED ON FLOORS IN DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TO MAKE SURFACE SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN, MAINTAIN. CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090 PRIORITY FOUNDATION
In Plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 6, 2023 · Original Source