Complaint
Oct 7, 2026
Out of Business
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 7, 2026 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
Taco Firme
2640 W Chicago Ave
Last inspected Oct 7, 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 Taco Firme last inspected?
- The most recent inspection on record was on Oct 7, 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?
- 12 inspections on record, from Jan 25, 2024 to Oct 7, 2026.
- Has Taco Firme ever been closed by the health department?
- No closure appears in the 12 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Jan 25, 2024.
The Full Inspection History
12 inspectionsShort Form Complaint
Apr 15, 2026
Pass w/ Conditions
4 recorded violations
notedCode 22Food temperature
Official Wording
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF (TCS FOODS) INSIDE OF THE FRONT 2-DOOR PREP LINE-COOLER.OBSERVED BEEF AT 54.8F, CHICKEN AT 54.9F, PORK AT 55.2F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 10#'S OF FOOD WORTH $150.00 .INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO MONITOR AND MAINTAIN ALL COLD (TCS FOODS) AT 41F OR COLDER 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 33Food temperature
Official Wording
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Inspector’s Notes
4-301.11 OBSERVED THE FRONT 2-DOOR PREP LINE COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 60.0F.THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE (TCS FOODS) CHICKEN, PORK, BEEF ETC.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAID COOLER AT 41F OR COLDER AT ALL TIMES.MANAGEMENT IMMEDIATELY NOTIFIED REFRIGERATION REPAIR SERVICE.THE SAID COOLER IS TAGGED "HELD FOR INSPECTION" AT THIS TIME.INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED.(SEE COMMENTS BELOW).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 53Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
Inspector’s Notes
6-501.19---OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT WASHROOM DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR 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 57Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Inspector’s Notes
2-102.13---OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
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, Apr 15, 2026 · Original Source
Complaint Re-Inspection
Mar 4, 2026
Pass
2 recorded violations
notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
Inspector’s Notes
6-501.19---OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT WASHROOM DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR 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 57Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Inspector’s Notes
2-102.13---OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
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, Mar 4, 2026 · Original Source
Complaint
Feb 19, 2026
Fail
10 recorded violations
notedCode 10Handwashing
Official Wording
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN KITCHEN PREP AREA AND REAR DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
In Plain English
Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.
More about handwashing problemsnotedCode 15Other
Official Wording
FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED INADEQUATE FOOD PROTECTION;OBSERVED AN OPEN CONTAINER OF RAW CHICKEN DIRECTLY ABOVE OF A CONTAINER OF OPEN READY-TO-EAT RED SALSA HELD INSIDE THE FRONT KITCHEN PREP LINE 2-DOOR COOLER.RED SALSA DISCARDED.REVIEWED THE PROPER STORAGE OF RAW AND READY-TO-EAT FOODS.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED.
In Plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingnotedCode 25Food temperature
Official Wording
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
Inspector’s Notes
FOUND NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENUS. 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.(***SEE COMMENTS).
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 37Food source and labeling
Official Wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR WITHOUT A LABEL. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
In Plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
More about food source, dating, or labeling problemsnotedCode 38Pests
Official Wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROX.15 RODENT(MICE) DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE CORNER UNDER/AROUND CLUTTERED STORAGE RACKS IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM.PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NOW RECCOMENDED.MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM AFFECTED AREAS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED.
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 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS ON THE PREP TABLE IN THE REAR PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS 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 53Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT WASHROOM DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE THE REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES/UNUSED DEEP FRYER AT FRONT PREP AREA DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE MOPS,BROOMS CLEANING EQUIPMENTS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING 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 MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS FOR LIGHT FIXTURES OVER THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS OR SHATTER-PROOF LIGHT BULBS 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 57Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
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, Feb 19, 2026 · Original Source
Short Form Complaint
Dec 16, 2025
Pass w/ Conditions
3 recorded violations
notedCode 8Handwashing
Official Wording
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED
Inspector’s Notes
2-301.14 OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES BY FOOD HANDLER OBSERVED MALE EMPLOYEE COME BACK FROM REAR PREP AREA WITH THE SAME PLASTIC GLOVES ON AND REMOVED TORTILLAS FROM GRILL WITHOUT CHANGING GLOVES AND WASHING HANDS.MUST WASH HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION. (PRIORITY 7-38-010)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
In Plain English
Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.
More about handwashing problemsnotedCode 10Handwashing
Official Wording
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s Notes
6-301.12 OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING DEVICES AT THE HAND SINK IN THE MAIN PREP. AREA PAPER TOWELS WERE PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)
In Plain English
Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.
More about handwashing problemsnotedCode 61Other
Official Wording
SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
Inspector’s Notes
8-304.11(A) OBSERVED NO PREVIOUS SUMMARY REPORT POSTED TO. VIEW A NEW SUMMARY REPORT WAS GIVEN TO POST AT THIS. MUST BE MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090(B)(CITATION ISSUED)
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, Dec 16, 2025 · Original Source
Complaint Re-Inspection
Oct 1, 2025
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 1, 2025 · Original Source
Short Form Complaint
Sep 23, 2025
Fail
2 recorded violations
notedCode 38Pests
Official Wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 40 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON LOWER SHELF UNDERNEATH MEAT SLICER AND APPX. 200 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND,ON WALLS, CEILINGS, BOXES THROUGHOUT PREMISES.MUST REMOVE MICE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 9/23/25.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
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 60Other
Official Wording
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
Inspector’s Notes
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2617989 5/22/25 NOT CORRECTED-#47-4-101.19 : MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE AND ON TOPSIDES OF CUTTING BOARDS.#47- 4-501.12 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN AND SOILED CUTTING BOARDS TO BE IN GOOD REPAIR.#47-4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FRYER CABINETS,PREP TABLES, PREP & REACH IN COOLERS,GRILL TABLE.
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, Sep 23, 2025 · Original Source
Complaint
May 22, 2025
Pass
4 recorded violations
notedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official Wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s Notes
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
In Plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
More about food source, dating, or labeling problemsnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s Notes
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING DOOR HANDLE ON SLIDING GLASS REACH IN COOLER AT TOP OF STAIRS.
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
MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FRYER CABINETS,PREP TABLES, PREP & REACH IN COOLERS,GRILL TABLE.
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 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALLS IN PREP AREA.
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, May 22, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Apr 24, 2025
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 24, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Apr 16, 2025
Fail
3 recorded violations
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED EQUIPMENT WRAPPED IN FOIL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE FOIL.
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 48Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED 3 COMPARTMENT SINK NOT IN PROPER WORKING ORDER. WHEN WATER IN ONE COMPARTMENT DRAINS, ANOTHER COMPARTMENT FLOODS BEFORE GOING BACK DOWN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED FOOD SPLATTER AND FOOD DEBRIS ON WALLS AND FLOORS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS AND WALLS.
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 16, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Feb 9, 2024
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 9, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass
Jan 25, 2024
Fail
1 recorded violation
notedCode 60Other
Official Wording
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED. REPORT #2570564, DATED FEBRUARY 1, 2023, INSTRUCTED THE FACILITY TO: #36 PLACE AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COOLERS, #51 INSTALL SERVICE SINK, #53 PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE ALL GENDER TOILET ROOMS, #55 CLEAN FLOORS, AND #58 PROVIDE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING TO ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. OBSERVED VARIOUS FRONT AND REAR PREP COOLERS WITH NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS; OBSERVED NO SERVICE SINK IN FACILITY; OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE ALL GENDER TOILET ROOM; OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR AROUND EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT KITCHEN; OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADDRESS ALL PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
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, Jan 25, 2024 · Original Source