What is Taqueria LA Morena's health inspection score?

Taqueria LA Morena has a SafeDine safety score of 96 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 LA Morena last inspected?

Taqueria LA Morena was last inspected on February 18, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Taqueria LA Morena have?

Taqueria LA Morena has 26 total violations across 10 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Taqueria LA Morena safe to eat at?

Yes, Taqueria LA Morena has an excellent safety record with a score of 96/100. This indicates strong compliance with health and safety standards.

What type of cuisine does Taqueria LA Morena serve?

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

Official Health Record

Taqueria LA Morena

Name: Taqueria LA Morena
Address: 4530 W AUGUSTA BLVD, Chicago, 60651
Rating: 96

4530 W AUGUSTA BLVD, Chicago

Last Inspected: 2/18/2026

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0Excellent

Mexican•Chicago

Ranked #245 of 1000 in ChicagoBetter than 84% of mexican restaurants

Improving

10 inspections

Last: Feb 18, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

50%

Clean Rate

2.6

Avg Violations

3 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

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

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-3

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-1 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-1 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-1 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+8 pts

100

Latest

100% weight

100

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 97/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (96/100) 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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4530 W AUGUSTA BLVD, Chicago, IL 60651

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Violation Timeline

Jul 2022

2 inspections

3 basic

Jul

May 2023

1 inspections

2 intermediate

Jul 2024

1 inspections

Jul

Dec 2024

1 inspections

May 2025

2 inspections

2 high priority

5 intermediate

8 basic

May

Oct 2025

1 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

4 basic

Dec 2025

1 inspections

Dec

Feb 2026

1 inspections

Inspection History

10 records on file

4 Canvass2 Complaint1 Canvass Re-Inspection3 Non-Inspection

Feb 26

Canvass InspectionLatestCleanOut of Business

No violations

100/100inspection score

Dec 25

Complaint InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Oct 25

Complaint InspectionNo Entry

1 High1 Med4 Basic

6 total

77/100inspection score

−23 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
6-301.14: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
6-202.15: OBSERVED THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR AND BARRIERS AT THE ORDER/PICK UP WINDOW, NOT RODENT PROOF AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF MENTIONED ENTRY POINTS.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
3-307.11: OBSERVED THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA IN NEED OF A SPLASH GUARD DUE TO THE PREP TABLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SPLASH GUARD
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
4-601.11(C): OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE IN THE PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
6-501.19: OBSERVED THE TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT SELF-CLOSING, LOCATED IN THE DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON THE MENTIONED DOOR AND MAINTAIN IT.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.13: OBSERVED THE FLOORS BEHIND THE PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN MENTIONED FLOORS TO ELIMINATE FEED SITES FOR PESTS.

Base deductions−23 pts

May 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 High1 Med4 Basic

6 total

77/100inspection score

−23 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
6-301.14: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
6-202.15: OBSERVED THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR AND BARRIERS AT THE ORDER/PICK UP WINDOW, NOT RODENT PROOF AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF MENTIONED ENTRY POINTS.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
3-307.11: OBSERVED THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA IN NEED OF A SPLASH GUARD DUE TO THE PREP TABLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SPLASH GUARD.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
4-601.11(C): OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE IN THE PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
6-501.19: OBSERVED THE TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING LOCATED IN THE DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON THE MENTIONED DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.13: OBSERVED THE FLOORS BEHIND THE PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN MENTIONED FLOORS TO ELIMINATE FEED SITES FOR PEST.

Base deductions−23 pts

May 25

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High4 Med4 Basic

9 total

62/100inspection score

−38 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Intermediate (4)

−20 pts

21PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF COOKED BEEF (93.6�F), ON THE FOOD PREP TABLE IN THE PREP AREA. APPROXIMATELY 7 LBS OF PRODUCT WERE DISCARDED AT $37 WORTH OF PRODUCT. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD HOT TCS FOODS AT 135�F OR ABOVE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.
22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF RAW BEEF (53.1�F) INSIDE A REFRIGERATOR.APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS AT $68 WORTH OF PRODUCT DISCARDED. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0�F OR BELOW. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATION #21.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 60 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON SITE. MICE DROPPINGS WERE FOUND ON THE FOLLOWING FLOORS: IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE CLOSET, BEHIND THE GARBAGE AND BEVERAGE UNITS IN THE DINING AREA, IN THE DISHWASHING AREA, IN THE HOT WATER TANK CLOSET, UNDER THE COLD HOLIDNG UNITS/ COOKING EQUIPMENT, NEAR THE HOST/HOSTESS COUNTER ACROSS FROM THE PREP AREA. THE FOLLOWING SURFACES HAD MICE DROPPINGS: THE LOWER SHELVES UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND ON THE CANNED GOODS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE MICE DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR AND BARRIERS AT THE ORDER/PICK UP WINDOW, NOT RODENT PROOF AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF MENTIONED ENTRY POINTS.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA IN NEED OF A SPLASH GUARD DUE TO THE PREP TABLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SPLASH GUARD.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE IN THE PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED THE TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING LOCATED IN THE DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON THE MENTIONED DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE FLOORS BEHIND THE PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN MENTIONED FLOORS TO ELIMINATE FEED SITES FOR PEST.

Base deductions−38 pts

Dec 24

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jul 24

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

May 23

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 Med

2 total

90/100inspection score

−10 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT STORED IN PREP COOLER (AIR TEMPERATURE OF 41.0F). FOUND INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF THE FOLLOWING FOOD PRODUCTS. COOKED RICE AT 60.3F, PORK AT 49.0F INSTRUCTED ALL TCS FOODS MUST MAINTAIN COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF BELOW 41.0F AND HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF ABOVE 135.0F. OPERATOR VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOODS DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATIONI 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
23PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION−5
OBSERVED PREPARED TCS FOOD ITEMS COOKED RICE, COOKED PORK 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

Base deductions−10 pts

Jul 22

Canvass InspectionPass

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA UNDER THE TABLES AGAINST THE WALL WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED LOW LIGHTING IN THE FRONT STORAGE CLOSET (ORANGE DOOR) INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LIGHTING.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED THE HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−6 pts

Jul 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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