What is EL Taconazo Express Inc's health inspection score?

EL Taconazo Express Inc has a SafeDine safety score of 86 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 Taconazo Express Inc last inspected?

EL Taconazo Express Inc was last inspected on February 4, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does EL Taconazo Express Inc have?

EL Taconazo Express Inc has 23 total violations across 10 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is EL Taconazo Express Inc safe to eat at?

Yes, EL Taconazo Express Inc has an excellent safety record with a score of 86/100. This indicates strong compliance with health and safety standards.

What type of cuisine does EL Taconazo Express Inc serve?

EL Taconazo Express Inc serves American cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

EL Taconazo Express Inc

Name: EL Taconazo Express Inc
Address: 3129 W ARMITAGE AVE, Chicago, 60647
Rating: 86

3129 W ARMITAGE AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 2/4/2026

Own or manage this restaurant?

Claim it to unlock analytics →

0Excellent

American•Logan Square

Ranked #256 of 729 in Logan SquareBetter than 17% of american restaurants

Stable

10 inspections

Last: Feb 4, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

40%

Clean Rate

2.3

Avg Violations

2 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

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Facility condition

Building maintenance or structural issues

Permit/documentation

Administrative or documentation issue

Food labeling

Food not properly labeled or dated

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-14

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-1 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-6 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-5 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

-2 pts

Latest

100% weight

100

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

3129 W ARMITAGE AVE, Chicago, IL 60647

Open in Maps

View Menu Order Online

Violation Timeline

Oct 2022

2 inspections

1 high priority

3 basic

Oct

Jan 2023

1 inspections

2 basic

Jul 2023

2 inspections

1 high priority

2 basic

Jul

Jan 2024

1 inspections

2 basic

Feb 2025

1 inspections

Feb

May 2025

2 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

5 basic

Feb 2026

1 inspections

2 intermediate

3 basic

Feb

Inspection History

10 records on file

3 Canvass1 Canvass Re-Inspection5 Complaint1 Complaint Re-Inspection

Feb 26

Canvass InspectionLatestPass w/ Conditions

2 Med3 Basic

5 total

84/100inspection score

−16 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

23PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION−5
OBSERVED APPROXIMATLEY 60 LBS COOKED CHICKEN AS WELL AS 40 LBS COOKED STEAK STORED INSIDE WALK IN COOLER WITHOUT LABELS DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN DISCARD DATE LABELS ON TCS FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS.PIC VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED SAID FOOD ITEMS AT THIS TIME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
UNABLE TO LOCATE THERMOMETER INSDIE COLD HOLD UNIT WITH TWO DOOR ATTACHED IN FRONT OF SERVICE WINDOW. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES THROUGHOUT DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO STORE INSIDE CHLORINE SOLUTION @ AT LEAST 50PPM IN BETWEEN USES.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED UPRIGHT COOLER NEXT TO PREP TABLE AS WELL AS 2 DOOR COOLING UNIT WITH COLD HOLD ATTACHED NEAR SERVICE WINDOW WITH RIPPED GASKETS WITH BUILT UP FOOD DEBRIS. NOTED COLD HOLD UNIT EQUIPMENT LID HELD TOGETHER WITH STRING.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT IN GOOD REPAIR AS REQUIRED.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FRONT SERVICE AREA COUNTER AS WELL AS NON FOOD STORAGE/ OFFICE SPACE ATTACHED TO DINING AREA WITH EXCESSIVE CLUTTER, OLD EQUIPMENT, MISCELLANEUS ITEMS STORED ON FLOORS. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR, MUST MAINTAIN PREMISE

Base deductions−16 pts

May 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

May 25

Complaint InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High1 Med5 Basic

7 total

75/100inspection score

−25 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
NOTED IMPROPER COLD-HOLD TEMPERATURE OF 50.8F IN PREP AREA. INFORMED ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS SHALL MAINTAIN A PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F AND BELOW. REFRIGERATOR UNIT MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (CDPH). PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT IN PREP TO BE IMPROPER: BREADED CHICKEN BREAST 48.7F, PICADILLO 47.9F, ASADA STEAK CUT 48.8F, CARNITAS 48.5F, RICE 47.4F, PORK CHOP 49.4F, EGGS AT 48.7F, AND PREPARED CHICKEN TACO MEAT 50.2F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 25 LBS OF AFFECTED PRODUCTS, VALUED AT $295.00, UTILIZING A DENATURING PROCESS TO PREVENT CONSUMPTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE WALK IN COOLER, AND REACH IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD, TINFOIL, OR PLASTIC WRAP FOR LINER ON ANY SHELVING OR EQUIPMENT. ALL MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON FAN IN WALK-IN COOLER, LIGHT SHIELDS IN COOKING AREA AND CEILING AND WALL VENTS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FANS, LIGHT SHIELDS AND CEILING/WALL VENTS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED CHIPPED PAINT ON THE WALLS IN THE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE AND REPAINT CHIPPED AREAS TO ENSURE WALLS ARE SEALED, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

Base deductions−25 pts

Feb 25

Complaint InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jan 24

Canvass InspectionPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
FOUND HAND SINK NEXT TO ICE MACHINE LOOSE.MUST FASTEN PROPERLY TO WALL.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN INSIDE STORAGE AREAS AND INSIDE WALK IN COOLER.MUST CLEAN.

Base deductions−4 pts

Jul 23

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jul 23

Complaint InspectionFail

1 High2 Basic

3 total

86/100inspection score

−14 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED PINK SLIMY SUBSTANCE ON INTERIOR SHIELD OF ICE MACHINE, ICE IN MACHINE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. ICE DISCARDED. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED ON TOP EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE INVERTED ICE SCOOP IN CONTAINER ON EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. CORRECTED ON SITE.ICE SCOOP CLEAN, SANITIZED AND STORED INVERTED IN CONTAINER ON EXTERIOR TOP OF ICE MACHINE.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED NO FILTERS IN HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−14 pts

Jan 23

Canvass 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
2-DOOR PREP COOLER (ACROSS FROM HOT COOKING LINE) RIGHT SIDE DOOR RUBBER GASKET RIPPED. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE SAID DAMAGED DOOR GASKET.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON WALL BEHIND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST CLEAN WALL AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−4 pts

Oct 22

Complaint InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High3 Basic

4 total1 risk factor

79/100inspection score

−16 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

5PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTSRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES TO RESPOND TO A VOMIT OR DIARRHEAL EVENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
REMOVE HANGING FLY STRIPS FROM THE CEILING IN THE FOOD PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
CLEAN THE WALLS IN THE DISH WASHING AREA AND THE FLOORS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND WALK-IN FREEZER.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED SEVERAL EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.

Base deductions−16 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Oct 22

Complaint InspectionCleanNot Ready

No violations

100/100inspection score

Community Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

Leave a Review

Community Safety Reports

No reviewed safety reports. Help keep others safe by reporting any food safety concerns.

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.

Explore More

Restaurants in Chicago American Restaurants Best in Chicago All Illinois Restaurants