What is Taqueria Morelia's health inspection score?

Taqueria Morelia 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 Taqueria Morelia last inspected?

Taqueria Morelia was last inspected on October 27, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Taqueria Morelia have?

Taqueria Morelia has 30 total violations across 6 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Taqueria Morelia safe to eat at?

Taqueria Morelia 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 Taqueria Morelia serve?

Taqueria Morelia serves Mexican cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Taqueria Morelia

Name: Taqueria Morelia
Address: 3941-3943 W LAWRENCE AVE, Chicago, 60625
Rating: 77

3941-3943 W LAWRENCE AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 10/27/2025

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0Good

Mexican•Lincoln Square

Ranked #232 of 448 in Lincoln SquareBetter than 84% of mexican restaurants

Declining

6 inspections

Last: Oct 27, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

17%

Clean Rate

Avg Violations

7 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Temperature control

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

SanitationHigh Priority

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-26

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-6 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-5 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-10 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-3 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

-5 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 74/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (77/100) which is computed during our regular data sync.

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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3941-3943 W LAWRENCE AVE, Chicago, IL 60625

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Violation Timeline

Jun 2022

1 inspections

Jun

Sep 2022

1 inspections

1 high priority

2 intermediate

5 basic

Dec 2023

2 inspections

1 intermediate

5 basic

Dec

Dec 2024

1 inspections

1 intermediate

10 basic

Oct 2025

1 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

3 basic

Oct

Inspection History

6 records on file

4 Canvass1 Canvass Re-Inspection1 Non-Inspection

Oct 25

Canvass InspectionLatestPass

1 High1 Med3 Basic

5 total

79/100inspection score

−21 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED THE ICE BIN INTERIOR IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED DEAD CRAWLING INSECTS IN REAR NEAR RESTROOM AND IN BASEMENT IN CORNERS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, DETAIL CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
OBSERVED PLATES IN PREP AREA ABOVE PREP COOLER NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT PLATES AFTER SANITIZING AND AIR DRYING.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED MOP IN A POSITION THAT DOES NOT ALLOW TO DRY PROPERLY AND PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. MUST STORE MOP AFTER USE IN A MOUNTED POSITION THAT ALLOWS FOR AIR-DRYING WITHOUT SOILING AND PEST HARBORAGING.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED BROKEN FLOOR VENT IN RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−21 pts

Dec 24

Canvass InspectionPass

1 Med10 Basic

11 total

75/100inspection score

−25 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
MUST PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER.

Basic (10)

−20 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF FOOD PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
ALL STORED ITEMS THROGHOUT THE REAR STORAGE AREAS AND BASEMENT. MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOOR.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED TORN RUBBER DOOR GASKET IN FRONT 2-DOOR TALL REFRIGERATOR. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD BOXES OR PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS IN ALL FREEZERS.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED EXCESS ICE BUILD UP INSIDE BOX CHEST FREEZER LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE ICE BUILD UP AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS A LINER FOR SHELVING IN FOOD PREP AREA AND COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED A FEW WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN REAR OF DINING AREA. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON WALL NORTH SIDE OF BASEMENT. MUST REPAINT AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON VENTILATION VENTS IN ALL WASHROOMS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−25 pts

Dec 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS.

Base deductions−2 pts

Dec 23

Canvass InspectionFail

1 Med4 Basic

5 total

87/100inspection score

−13 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED OVER 100 RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE BASEMENT OF THE FACILITY, INCLUDING UNDER STAIRS, ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEZER CHEST, AND BEHIND THE STORAGE DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE ALL AREAS AFFECTED BY PESTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN KITCHEN WITH NO SPLASH GUARD. FOOD ITEMS STORED NEAR SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL SPLASH GUARD TO PREVENT SPLASH CONTAMINATION.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED SOILAGE ON TOILET IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM AND INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN; OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP ON RACKS ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED. REPORT #2563192, DATED SEPTEMBER 2ND, 2022, INSTRUCTED THE FACILITY TO #16 CLEAN THE CALCIUM BUILD-UP INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE, #47 REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN FREEZER CHEST LID, DEFROST FREEZER IN BASEMENT, AND #55 CLEAN AND ORGANIZE SMALL STORAGE ROOM NEAR TOILET ROOM. OBSERVED CALICUM BUILD UP IN BASEMENT ICE MACHINE; OBSERVED FREEZER CHEST IN KITCHEN WITH BROKEN LID AND FREEZER CHEST IN BASEMENT WITH HEAVY FROST BUILD UP; OBSERVED STORAGE ROOM NEAR TOILET ROOM WITH CLUTTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADDRESS ALL PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED

Base deductions−13 pts

Sep 22

Canvass InspectionPass

1 High2 Med5 Basic

8 total

70/100inspection score

−30 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE WITH CALCIUM BUILD-UP IN THE BASEMENT.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISBLE AND ACCURATE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
INSTRUCTED TO LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAONERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (SALT, SUGAR, RICE ETC).

Basic (5)

−10 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST CHEST FREEZER WITH EXCESSIVE ICE BUID-UP IN THE KITCHEN AND IN THE BASEMENT.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN CHEST FREEZER LID WITH HANGING INSULATION (IN THE KITCHEN).
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE MUST BE COVERED INSIDE WOMEN'S WASHROOM (PARTY ROOM). INSTRUCTED TO PROCIDE LID/COVER.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REORGANIZE THE SMALL STORAGE ROOM NEXT TO WASHROOM TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN THE KITCHEN, SIDE PARTY ROOM AND IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.

Base deductions−30 pts

Jun 22

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

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Community Safety Reports

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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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