What is Taqueria EL Jefe Loco Co.'s health inspection score?

Taqueria EL Jefe Loco Co. has a SafeDine safety score of 91 out of 100 (Grade A). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Taqueria EL Jefe Loco Co. last inspected?

Taqueria EL Jefe Loco Co. was last inspected on February 10, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Taqueria EL Jefe Loco Co. have?

Taqueria EL Jefe Loco Co. has 36 total violations across 7 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Taqueria EL Jefe Loco Co. safe to eat at?

Yes, Taqueria EL Jefe Loco Co. has an excellent safety record with a score of 91/100. This indicates strong compliance with health and safety standards.

What type of cuisine does Taqueria EL Jefe Loco Co. serve?

Taqueria EL Jefe Loco Co. serves Mexican cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Taqueria EL Jefe Loco Co.

Name: Taqueria EL Jefe Loco Co.
Address: 4646 W CHICAGO AVE, Chicago, 60651
Rating: 91

4646 W CHICAGO AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 2/10/2026

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0Excellent

Mexican•Chicago

Ranked #445 of 1000 in ChicagoBetter than 84% of mexican restaurants

Improving

7 inspections

Last: Feb 10, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

5.1

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

Other violationHigh Priority

Regulatory compliance issue

Facility condition

Building maintenance or structural issues

Food storage

Food not properly stored or protected

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-9

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-3 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-5 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+9 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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4646 W CHICAGO AVE, Chicago, IL 60651

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Violation Timeline

Jun 2022

1 inspections

1 intermediate

6 basic

Jun

May 2023

1 inspections

1 high priority

2 intermediate

8 basic

Jun 2024

2 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

4 basic

Jun

Feb 2025

1 inspections

2 intermediate

4 basic

Feb 2026

2 inspections

1 intermediate

5 basic

Feb

Inspection History

7 records on file

2 Canvass Re-Inspection5 Canvass

Feb 26

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
2-102.13---OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.

Base deductions−2 pts

Feb 26

Canvass InspectionFail

1 Med4 Basic

5 total

87/100inspection score

−13 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROX.10 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE CORNER UNDER/AROUND THE FURNACE UNIT LOCATED IN THE SIDE FURNACE ROOM AND 10 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE CORNER UNDERNEATH THE REAR UTILITY MOP SINK. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM AFFECTED AREAS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILDUP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYERS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL, CLEAN, AND ORGANIZE THE REAR STORAGE ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES/UNUSED CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS/FOOD EQUIPMENT STORED IN THE REAR STORAGE ROOM MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES, AND ALL OTHER NECESSARY ITEMS MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6 INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.

Base deductions−13 pts

Feb 25

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 Med4 Basic

6 total

82/100inspection score

−18 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE OF COOLING UNIT IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED NO LABELS ON FOOD CONDIMENT CONTAINERS/BOTTLES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF WIPING CLOTH ON THE FOOD PREPARATION TABLE IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED NO LIGHT BULB COVER/FIXTURE IN THE PUBLIC WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE POSTED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
#56 - CONTINUED NON-COMPLIANCE; CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM PREVIOUS REPORT #2596481 DATED 6/18/24, 6-501.14 OBSERVED VENT COVER MISSING IN THE BATHROOM AND DEBRIS/DIRTY LENT AT VENT. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AND CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−18 pts

Jun 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
6-501.14 OBSERVED VENT COVER MISSING IN THE BATHROOM AND DEBRIS/DIRTY LENT AT VENT. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AND CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−2 pts

Jun 24

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High1 Med3 Basic

5 total1 risk factor

74/100inspection score

−21 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

6PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED AN EMPLOYEE'S STYROFOAM DRINKING CUP WITH STRAW AND LIQUID CONTENTS ON THE COUNTER IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. NO PERSONAL DRINKING CUPS IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

23PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION−5
OBSERVED PREPARED TCS FOOD ITEMS (COOKED CHICKEN, SOUP, COOKED BEEF) IN PREP COOLER WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATE LABELS (NOT TO EXCEED 7 DAYS) ON ALL FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN. MANAGER CORRECTED ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED VENT COVER MISSING IN THE BATHROOM AND DEBRIS/DIRTY LENT AT VENT. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AND 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 ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 2576137 ISSUED ON 05/18/2023. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED. VIOLATION#38. NOT CORRECTED. OBSERVED THE FRONT DOOR IN POOR REPAIR AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO ADD A BETTER WEATHER STRIP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR TO PREVENT ENTRY POINT FOR INSECTS/PESTS. VIOLATION#53. NOT CORRECTED. OBSERVED WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF-CLOSING; SELF-CLOSING COMPONENT IS BROKEN/UNATTACHED. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR. ITEM #55. NOT CORRECTED. OBSERVED UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED, UNNECSSARY EQUIPMENT AND ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

Base deductions−21 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

May 23

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High2 Med8 Basic

11 total1 risk factor

59/100inspection score

−36 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 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/SERVED (SUCH AS RICE, BEANS, CHICKEN). 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.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

23PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION−5
OBSERVED PREPARED TCS FOOD ITEMS (COOKED CHICKEN, SOUP, COOKED BEEF) IN PREP COOLER WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATE LABELS (NOT TO EXCEED 7 DAYS) ON ALL FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN. MANAGER CORRECTED ON SITE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED THE FRONT DOOR IN POOR REPAIR AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADD A BETTER WEATHER STRIP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR TO PREVENT ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.

Basic (8)

−16 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FLOOR IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD FROM SHELVING UNITS. ALL FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF SOME OF THE REFRIGERATORS WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT, DEBRIS AND SPILLAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF-CLOSING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT ALONG THE WALLS WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED, UNNECSSARY EQUIPMENT AND ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
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−36 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Jun 22

Canvass InspectionPass

1 Med6 Basic

7 total

83/100inspection score

−17 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED AN OPENING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR LEADING TO OUTSIDE. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL TO HELP AVOID POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ENTERING AND HARBORING.

Basic (6)

−12 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF ALL REFRIGERATORS WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT, DEBRIS AND SPILLAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED THE TOILET ROOM DOOR SELF CLOSING DEVICE BROKEN. INSTRUCTED THEY MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT ALONG THE WALLS WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED UNUSED FLAT TOP, BOTTOM OF SHELVING COUNTER WITH WHEELS AND OTHER ITEMS IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ANY NON USED ITEMS AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND INSECT HARBORING.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED THE HOOD VENTILATION FILTERS AND THE HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF FOODS BEING COOKED AND PREPARED.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED THE A/C VENT COVER OVER THE CEILING FAN IN THE SEATING AREA MISSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER COVERING AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−17 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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