What is Mago's Tamales & Taqueria's health inspection score?

Mago's Tamales & Taqueria has a SafeDine safety score of 77 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Mago's Tamales & Taqueria last inspected?

Mago's Tamales & Taqueria was last inspected on January 20, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Mago's Tamales & Taqueria have?

Mago's Tamales & Taqueria has 35 total violations across 7 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Mago's Tamales & Taqueria safe to eat at?

Mago's Tamales & Taqueria has a good safety record with a score of 77/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

What type of cuisine does Mago's Tamales & Taqueria serve?

Mago's Tamales & Taqueria serves Mexican cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Mago's Tamales & Taqueria

Name: Mago's Tamales & Taqueria
Address: 5714 W FULLERTON AVE, Chicago, 60639
Rating: 77

5714 W FULLERTON AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 1/20/2026

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0Good

Mexican•Chicago

Ranked #789 of 1000 in ChicagoBetter than 84% of mexican restaurants

Stable

7 inspections

Last: Jan 20, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

Avg Violations

4 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Temperature control

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Other violation

Regulatory compliance issue

Permit/documentation

Administrative or documentation issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-23

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-6 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-10 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+5 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

How scoring works: Every restaurant starts at 100 points. Points are deducted for violations found during inspections.

Recent inspections are weighted more heavily. High priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact.

Location

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5714 W FULLERTON AVE, Chicago, IL 60639

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Violation Timeline

Sep 2022

1 inspections

3 basic

Sep

Feb 2023

1 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

5 basic

Mar 2023

2 inspections

4 basic

Mar

Apr 2024

1 inspections

7 basic

Jan 2025

1 inspections

2 intermediate

7 basic

Jan

Jan 2026

1 inspections

1 intermediate

4 basic

Inspection History

7 records on file

5 Canvass1 Short Form Complaint1 Canvass Re-Inspection

Jan 26

Canvass InspectionLatestPass

1 Med4 Basic

5 total

87/100inspection score

−13 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT-FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED BROKEN STORAGE RACK IN REAR NEAR 2 DOOR FREEZER. ALSO, OBSERVED BROKEN BASE COVER ON 2-DOOR COLD HOLD UNIT NEAR THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDER ALL SHELVING UNITS, INTERIOR OF PREP DISH AREA, AROUND DISH MACHINE, PREP TABLES AND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE SPILLS, FOOD DEBRIS, DIRT BUILDUP AND/OR GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED ONE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.

Base deductions−13 pts

Jan 25

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 Med7 Basic

9 total

76/100inspection score

−24 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE FRONT PREP COLD HOLDING UNIT, SUCH AS 5LBS OF BEEF AT 45.2F-55.4F AND 3LBS OF BEEF TONGUE AT 47.4F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 8LBS AT $50. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW . PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS FOR BULK FOOD CONTAINERS/BINS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (FLOUR, SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).

Basic (7)

−14 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
OBSERVED ICE SCOOP LAYING ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ICE SCOOP HANDLE UP ABOVE ICE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN THE KITCHEN COVERED DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE A COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE INSIDE EACH WASHROOM.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−24 pts

Apr 24

Canvass InspectionPass

7 Basic

7 total

86/100inspection score

−14 pts

Basic (7)

−14 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
OBSERVED ICE SCOOP LAYING ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ICE SCOOP HANDLE UP ABOVE ICE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE COOLERS AND REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH FOOD STORED INSIDE PLASTIC AND PAPER GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
Cutting surface: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN THE KITCHEN COVERED DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED RESIDUE ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−14 pts

Mar 23

Short Form Complaint InspectionPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
2-102.13--OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR CURRENT EMPLOYEES.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13--OBSERVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ARE INCOMPLETE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.

Base deductions−4 pts

Mar 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
2-102.13--OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR CURRENT EMPLOYEES.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13--OBSERVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ARE INCOMPLETE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.

Base deductions−4 pts

Feb 23

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High1 Med5 Basic

7 total

75/100inspection score

−25 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED BLACK SLIME DRIPPING ONTO ICE IN ICE MACHINE WHICH IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED RAW STEAK AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 44.7F IN PREP COOLER. OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE. SHELLED EGGS FOUND ON COUNTER AT 72.1F AND CHORIZO FOUND AT 43.8F. TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 41.0F OR BELOW INSIDE OF A COLD HOLDING UNIT. FOOD DISCARDED VOLUNTARILY BY EMPLOYEE. FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 15 LBS AT A COST OF $40.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED SOILED AND DIRTY WIPING CLOTH STORED ON CUTTING BOARD AT PREP LINE. MUST HANG DRY WHEN NOT BEING USED.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN REAR PREP WITH DARK YELLOW STAINS AND DEEP GROOVES. MUST DETAIL CLEAN OR REPLACE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE INSIDE OF COOKING FRYER AND ON SIDES OF EQUIPMENT. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR CURRENT EMPLOYEES.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ARE INCOMPLETE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.

Base deductions−25 pts

Sep 22

Canvass InspectionPass

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
NOTED MILK CRATES BEING USED SHELVING IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM PREMISES AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS FREE OF UNNECESSARY CREVICES AND DESIGNED/CONSTRUCTED TO BE EASILY CLEANABLE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND FOOD BUILD UP ON THE PREP TABLE UNDERNEATH THE FLAT TOP GRILL, ON 3-DOOR PREP COOLER GASKETS, AND INSIDE THE UPRIGHT FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON THE VENTILATION FAN COVER INSIDE THE CUSTOMER WASHROOM, ON THE CEILING VENT ABOVE THE FRONT COUNTER, AND ON THE FAN IN THE REAR PREP AREA. MUST DUST ALL FANS/FAN COVERS AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−6 pts

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Data source: Chicago CDPH · Official government inspection records

Grading System

85 – 100
Excellent
70 – 84
Good
Below 70
Fair

About SafeDine Scores

Scores are calculated using official government inspection data. High Priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact, followed by Intermediate and Basic violations. Community reviews can adjust the score by up to 5 points when 3+ reviews are submitted.

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