What is EL Senor Tamal's health inspection score?

EL Senor Tamal has a SafeDine safety score of 85 out of 100 (Grade A). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was EL Senor Tamal last inspected?

EL Senor Tamal was last inspected on November 21, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does EL Senor Tamal have?

EL Senor Tamal has 25 total violations across 5 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is EL Senor Tamal safe to eat at?

Yes, EL Senor Tamal has an excellent safety record with a score of 85/100. This indicates strong compliance with health and safety standards.

Official Health Record

EL Senor Tamal

Name: EL Senor Tamal
Address: 4234 W NORTH AVE, Chicago, 60639
Rating: 85

4234 W NORTH AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 11/21/2025

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0Excellent

Chicago

Ranked #993 of 1000 in Chicago

Improving

5 inspections

Last: Nov 21, 2025

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

Avg Violations

5 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Sanitation

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Facility condition

Building maintenance or structural issues

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-15

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-4 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-1 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-5 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+17 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

4234 W NORTH AVE, Chicago, IL 60639

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Violation Timeline

Jun 2022

2 inspections

4 high priority

1 intermediate

8 basic

Jun

May 2023

1 inspections

1 high priority

1 basic

Jul 2024

1 inspections

2 high priority

1 intermediate

5 basic

Jul

Nov 2025

1 inspections

2 basic

Inspection History

5 records on file

4 Canvass1 Canvass Re-Inspection

Nov 25

Canvass InspectionLatestPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED WATER DAMAGE TO WALL AND BASEBOARD BEHIND TOILET IN REAR EMPLOYEE RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED CEILING VENT IN REAR EMPLOYEE RESTROOM COVERED IN DUST. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−4 pts

Jul 24

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High1 Med5 Basic

8 total1 risk factor

60/100inspection score

−35 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED (SUCH AS CHICKEN, PORK). INSTRUCTED MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED/SERVED. INSTRUCTED MUST POST A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATION IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMERS AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA AND EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

23PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION−5
FOUND READY TO EAT TCS FOODS IN REFRIGERATOR NOT DATE MARKED. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL READY TO EAT TCS FOODS HELD FOR 24 HOURS MUST BE PROPERLY DATE MARKED WITH THE DATE THE FOOD WILL BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
NOTED SOME USE OF MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION AT THE KITCHEN AREA AND DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST ALSO BE STORED 6" AWAY FROM THE WALL
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED TAMALE POTS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BEING USED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER REMOVE ALL LARGE POTS THAT ARE TOO BIG TO BE SUBMERGED INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTALL A LARGER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK THAT IS ABLE TO PROPERLY WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE THE LARGEST PIECE OF EQUIPMENT, OR PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE THAT STATES HOW THE FACILITY WILL WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE LARGE EQUIPMENT
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
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−35 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

May 23

Canvass InspectionPass

1 High1 Basic

2 total

88/100inspection score

−12 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA.

Basic (1)

−2 pts

53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON TOILET ROOM DOOR.

Base deductions−12 pts

Jun 22

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High2 Basic

3 total

86/100inspection score

−14 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE LARGE PREP/STORAGE ROOM WHERE TAMALES ARE BEING PREPARED (LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE MAIN KITCHEN). INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A HANDWASHING SINK MUST BE LOCATED INSIDE THIS ROOM TO ALLOW FOR CONVENIENT USE BY EMPLOYEES WHO ARE PREPARING FOOD. MUST INSTALL A HANDWASHING SINK IN SAID AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C).

Basic (2)

−4 pts

48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED TAMALE POTS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BEING USED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER REMOVE ALL LARGE POTS THAT ARE TOO BIG TO BE SUBMERGED INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTALL A LARGER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK THAT IS ABLE TO PROPERLY WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE THE LARGEST PIECE OF EQUIPMENT, OR PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE THAT STATES HOW THE FACILITY WILL WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE LARGE EQUIPMENT.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
MUST REPLACE ALL BURNED OUT LIGHT BULBS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA, INSIDE THE WASHROOM LOCATED NEAR THE REAR EXIT DOOR, AND INSIDE THE SIDE PREP/STORAGE ROOM.

Base deductions−14 pts

Jun 22

Canvass InspectionFail

3 High1 Med6 Basic

10 total

53/100inspection score

−47 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE LARGE PREP/STORAGE ROOM WHERE TAMALES ARE BEING PREPARED (LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE MAIN KITCHEN). INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A HANDWASHING SINK MUST BE LOCATED INSIDE THIS ROOM TO ALLOW FOR CONVENIENT USE BY EMPLOYEES WHO ARE PREPARING FOOD. MUST INSTALL A HANDWASHING SINK IN SAID AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C).
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO PAPERTOWELS AT THE HANDWASHING SINKS LOCATED IN THE DISH/PREP AREA AND INSIDE THE UNISEX WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH A HAND DRYING PROVISION AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE CITATION.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SOAP AT THE DISH/PREP AREA HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH HANDWASHING SOAP AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED BULK FOOD CONTAINERS ON PREMISES WITHOUT A LABEL (FLOUR, SUGAR, SALT, ETC). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY FOOD ITEM.

Basic (6)

−12 pts

43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
FOUND FOAM CUPS BEING USED TO SCOOP THE DRINKS BEING SERVED AT THE FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO USE A SCOOP WITH A HANDLE, AND THAT THE HANDLE MUST BE STORED ABOVE THE TOP OF THE FOOD.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED TAMALE POTS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BEING USED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER REMOVE ALL LARGE POTS THAT ARE TOO BIG TO BE SUBMERGED INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTALL A LARGER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK THAT IS ABLE TO PROPERLY WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE THE LARGEST PIECE OF EQUIPMENT, OR PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE THAT STATES HOW THE FACILITY WILL WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE LARGE EQUIPMENT.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
MUST PROVIDE A COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE INSIDE EACH UNISEX WASHROOM.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
FOUND THE BASE COVING PEELING OFF THE WALL INSIDE THE UNISEX WASHROOM LOCATED NEAR THE EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
MUST REPLACE ALL BURNED OUT LIGHT BULBS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA, INSIDE THE WASHROOM LOCATED NEAR THE REAR EXIT DOOR, AND INSIDE THE SIDE PREP/STORAGE ROOM.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 7/7/21 REPORT #2522415: VIOLATION #38 (6-202.15) OBSERVED A 1/2 GAP ALONG THE BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY. VIOLATION #56 (6-501.14) OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS INSIDE UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. VIOLATION #57 (2-102.13) FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET NO LOGS RECORDS ON SITE AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. ALSO NOTED VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT#2288930 FROM 5/16/2019: VIOLATION #58 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CORRECT PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−47 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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