What is Cafe EL Tapatio's health inspection score?

Cafe EL Tapatio has a SafeDine safety score of 62 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Cafe EL Tapatio last inspected?

Cafe EL Tapatio was last inspected on May 14, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Cafe EL Tapatio have?

Cafe EL Tapatio has 44 total violations across 6 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Cafe EL Tapatio safe to eat at?

Cafe EL Tapatio has a safety score of 62/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

Official Health Record

Cafe EL Tapatio

Name: Cafe EL Tapatio
Address: 3400-3402 N ASHLAND AVE, Chicago, 60657
Rating: 62

3400-3402 N ASHLAND AVE, Chicago

Last inspected 10mo ago

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0Fair

Lakeview

Ranked #748 of 979 in Lakeview

Declining

6 inspections

Last: May 14, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

7.3

Avg Violations

11 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Temperature controlHigh Priority

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

SanitationHigh Priority

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-38

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-12 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-3 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-13 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-7 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

-28 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

3400-3402 N ASHLAND AVE, Chicago, IL 60657

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Violation Timeline

Aug 2022

1 inspections

2 high priority

4 intermediate

10 basic

Aug

Jan 2023

1 inspections

1 intermediate

5 basic

Apr 2024

1 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

3 basic

Apr

Jun 2024

2 inspections

4 basic

May 2025

1 inspections

2 high priority

1 intermediate

10 basic

May

Inspection History

6 records on file

2 Complaint1 Short Form Complaint1 Canvass Re-Inspection2 Canvass

May 25

Complaint InspectionLatestPass w/ Conditions

2 High1 Med10 Basic

13 total

55/100inspection score

−45 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS IN FOOD PREP AREAS/DISHWASHING AREA, INSIDE CUSTOMERS AND EMPLOYEE WASHROOMS. MUST PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AND MAINTAIN.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED FOOD ICE NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION DURIND STORAGE. OBSERVED ACCUMULATION OF BLACK AND PINK SUBSTANCE BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE DRIPPING INTO ICE. ICE IS BEING USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN. MACHINE WAS CLEAN AND SANITIZE DUSRING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER NEEDED IN THE UPRIGHT REFRIGERATOR WHERE RED SAUCE IS STORED. MUST PROVIDE A THERMOMETER AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (10)

−20 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED CONTAINERS OF FOOD STORED ON THE FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. MUST ELEVATE CONTAINERS 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED 1-DOOR PREP COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED IN FRONT COFFEE STATION AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER DOOR GASKETS. MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD OR TIN FLOIL AS A LINER FOR SHELVING OR COOKING EQUIPMENT ALL MUST BE SMOOTHAND CLEANABLE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST NOT USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS AS A FOOD CONTAINERS INSIDE CHEST FREEZERS. MUST USE WASHABLE CONTAINERS OR FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE PLASTIC BAGS. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE OF ICE BUILD UP INSIDE MEAT CHEST FREEZER LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE ICE AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
MUST NOT USE TINT FOIL AS A LINER FOR COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREPARATION AREA. MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN REAR OF BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE CLEAN AND ORGANIZE AREA TO PREVENT RODENT HARBOAGE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND UNDERNEATH 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS LOCATED IN FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING ABOVE ICE MACHINE AND ABOVE CHEST FREEZERS. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
EMPLOYEES MUST NOT STORE PERSONAL BELONGIND IN FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST PROVIDE A DESIGNATED EMPLOYEE AREA FOR PERSONAL BELONGINGS.

Base deductions−45 pts

Jun 24

Short Form Complaint InspectionPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-DOOR PREP REACH IN COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER DOOR GASKETS.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
NO MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN EMPLOYEES WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A WORKING MECHANICAL VENTILATION/FAN INSIDE EMPLOYEES WASHROOM.

Base deductions−4 pts

Jun 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-DOOR PREP REACH IN COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER DOOR GASKETS.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
NO MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN EMPLOYEES WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A WORKING MECHANICAL VENTILATION/FAN INSIDE EMPLOYEES WASHROOM.

Base deductions−4 pts

Apr 24

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High1 Med3 Basic

5 total

79/100inspection score

−21 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
FOUND 4-DOOR PREP COOLER (UNDER GRILL) NOT MAINTAINED, AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE AT 49.0 F. FOUND EGGS, STEAK, ETC. INSIDE COOLER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR COOLER, AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE MUST BE 41.0 F OR BELOW.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
FOUND THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES BETWEEN 48.9 F AND 50.0 F INSIDE 4-DOOR PREP REACH IN COOLER- EGGS, STEAK, CHICKEN AND CARNITAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 41.0 F OR BELOW IF HELD COLD. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. ALL OUT OF TEMPERATURE TCS FOODS VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. FOOD DISCARDED WEIGHT- 10 LBS, VALUED AT $120.00.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-DOOR PREP REACH IN COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER DOOR GASKETS.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST BUILD UP ON COOLERS CONDENSERS. MUST CLEAN COOLERS CONDENSERS AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
NO MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN EMPLOYEES WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A WORKING MECHANICAL VENTILATION/FAN INSIDE EMPLOYEES WASHROOM.

Base deductions−21 pts

Jan 23

Complaint InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 Med5 Basic

6 total

85/100inspection score

−15 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
DRY FOOD IN PLASTIC CONTAINER MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME(SUGAR,FLOUR,ETC)

Basic (5)

−10 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
CONDENSATION ON PIPES IN REAR STORAGE ABOVE REACH-IN COOLER. ENCASED SAID PIPES. REMOVE ALUMINUM FOIL.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
A BUCKET WITH SANITIZE SOLUTION AND LINEN MUST BE PROVIDED AT PREP TABLES
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
RECEPTACLE OUTSIDE NOT COVERED,LID OPENED AND WITH GARBAGE BAGS INSIDE. MUST COVER CONTAINER WITH TIGHT LID TO PREVENT INSECTS AND RODENT ACTIVITIES.AFTER MY REQUEST MANAGER CLOSED LIDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-020(B),CITATION ISSUED
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
BROKEN OR MISSING FLOOR TILE IN THE KITCHEN,REPAIR/REPLACE SAID TILES.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2

Base deductions−15 pts

Aug 22

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High4 Med10 Basic

16 total

40/100inspection score

−60 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
NOTED HANDWASHING SINK AT NORTH DISH ROOM NOT ACCESSIBLE WITH A PREP TABLE IN FRONT SAID SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION:7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
NOTED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASH SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASH SINKS AT ALL HAND WASH SINKS.

Intermediate (4)

−20 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF THE FOLLOWING TCS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE SERVICE COOLERS TO BE IMPROPER:-TOMATOES 57.2F, BEEF 46.8F, SHRIMP 49.7F, POBLANOS (GREEN PEPPERS) 49.3F, CUT VEGETABLES 49.6F, CHORIZO 113F.THE MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 10 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $58.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
23PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION−5
NOTED THE FOLLOWING PREPARED TCS FOODS THROUGHOUT THE COOKS LINE COOLERS, REFRIGERATION UNIT, AND WALK-IN COOLER NOT PROPERLY DATE LABELED. NO EXPIRATION DATES ARE NOTED. ROAST BEEF, CORNED BEEF, COOKED CHICKEN, VEGETABLES, AND RICE. THE MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 10 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $140.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. INSTRUCTED ALL PREPARED TCS FOODS HELD LONGER THAN 24 HOURS MUST BE DATE LABELED WITH AN EXPIRATION DATE NO LONGER THAN 7 DAYS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
NOTED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNIT CONSPICUOUSLY POSTED TO MONITOR THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO EQUIP ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH ACCURATE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME INCLUDING BULK FOOD CONTAINERS.

Basic (10)

−20 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
NOTED MISSING LIDS AT THE ICE BINS AT THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ICE BIN COVER.
39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
FOOD CONTAINERS ARE STORED ON THE FLOOR IN STORAGE AND WALK-IN COOLERS. MUST PROVIDE PROPER, RAISED SHELVING TO STORE FOOD CONTAINERS 6" OFF THE FLOOR.
39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
NOTED INDIVIDUAL TO-GO DISPOSABLE CONTAINERS (CUP) WITH NO HANDLE USED FOR SCOOPING SERVING FOOD AT THE SERVICE PREP COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TONGS, SERVING SPOONS, OR LADLE FOR SCOOPING FOOD.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
NOTED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION, ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
NOTED HEAVY LEAKAGE AT THE BOTTOM PIPE OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
52SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED−2
NOTED WASTEWATER BACKING UP WITH DIRT, GREASE, AND FOOD PARTICLES INTO THE COMPARTMENT SINK AND FLOOR DRAIN WHEN WATER IS FILLED INTO ONE OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS. PLUMBER ON-SITE VIOLATION CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
NOTED MULTIPLE CRACKS THROUGH OUT THE FLOOR OF THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AT THE FIRST FLOOR AND DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. NOTED STANDING WATER UNDERNEATH THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS AT THE KITCHEN AND DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN DRY FLOORS. MUST ALSO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQPUIPMENT THROUGH OUT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. NOTED HOLE WITH LEAKAGE ON CEILING AT THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS AND ON EDGES OF THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS AND PIPES/CONDUITS.

Base deductions−60 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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