What is Lito's Taco And Empanada House's health inspection score?

Lito's Taco And Empanada House has a SafeDine safety score of 84 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Lito's Taco And Empanada House last inspected?

Lito's Taco And Empanada House was last inspected on December 2, 2024. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Lito's Taco And Empanada House have?

Lito's Taco And Empanada House has 27 total violations across 6 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Lito's Taco And Empanada House safe to eat at?

Lito's Taco And Empanada House has a good safety record with a score of 84/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

What type of cuisine does Lito's Taco And Empanada House serve?

Lito's Taco And Empanada House serves Mexican cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Lito's Taco And Empanada House

Name: Lito's Taco And Empanada House
Address: 2460 N CLARK ST, Chicago, 60614
Rating: 84

2460 N CLARK ST , Chicago

Data may be outdated — inspected 12/2/2024

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0Good

Mexican•Lincoln Park

Ranked #298 of 754 in Lincoln ParkBetter than 80% of mexican restaurants

Improving

6 inspections

Last: Dec 2, 2024

low confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

33%

Clean Rate

4.5

Avg Violations

16 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Permit/documentation

Administrative or documentation issue

Facility condition

Building maintenance or structural issues

Other violation

Regulatory compliance issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-16

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-2 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-0 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-2 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-12 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

+8 pts

100

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

2460 N CLARK ST , Chicago, IL 60614

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Violation Timeline

Aug 2023

3 inspections

5 high priority

2 intermediate

13 basic

Aug

Oct 2024

2 inspections

1 high priority

6 basic

Dec 2024

1 inspections

Dec

Inspection History

6 records on file

3 Canvass3 Canvass Re-Inspection

Dec 24

Canvass InspectionLatestCleanOut of Business

No violations

100/100inspection score

Oct 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TORN DOOR GASKET.

Base deductions−2 pts

Oct 24

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High5 Basic

6 total

80/100inspection score

−20 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TORN DOOR GASKET.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK DRAINING SLOW IN FOOD PREP AREA IN THE BASEMENT. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
ADDITIONAL WATER PRESSURE NEEDED AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA IN BASEMENT. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON VENTILATION VENT ABOVE UTILITY SINK IN REAR OF PREMISES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 2579898 ON 08/10/23. #55. WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE MEN'S WASHROOM AND ABOVE THE ONE COMPARTMENT PREP SINK MUST BE REPLACED. NOTED SEVERAL HOLES/OPENINGS IN WALLS AND SURROUNDING PIPING THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM. DIRTY FLOOR DRAIN AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. EXCESSIVE DEBRIS ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE STORAGE ROOM AND BEHIND ALL BOX FREEZERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL. #55. ALL UNUSED COOLERS AND EQUIPMENT MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−20 pts

Aug 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

4 Basic

4 total

92/100inspection score

−8 pts

Basic (4)

−8 pts

45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
4-903.11(A;C)--ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT STORAGE MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS AND ORGANIZED.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-101.19--- MUST NOT USE FOAM PADDING AS A MEANS OF REPAIR/GUARD FOR DISH STORAGE RACKS ABOVE THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. RACKS MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
: 6-201.11-- WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE MEN'S WASHROOM AND ABOVE THE ONE COMPARTMENT PREP SINK MUST BE REPLACED.----NOTED SEVERAL HOLES/OPENINGS IN WALLS AND SURROUNDING PIPING THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM.---DIRTY FLOOR DRAIN AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. EXCESSIVE DEBRIS ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE STORAGE ROOM AND BEHIND ALL BOX FREEZERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.114-- ALL UNUSED COOLERS AND EQUIPMENT MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING.

Base deductions−8 pts

Aug 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Aug 23

Canvass InspectionFail

5 High2 Med9 Basic

16 total3 risk factors

7/100inspection score

−78 pts

High Priority (5)

−50 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. NO VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE FOR ANY EMPLOYEE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
9NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED−10
OBSERVED THE COOK ON COOKS PREPPING LINE SLICING READY TO EAT TOMATOES WITH HIS BARE HANDS. REVIEWED THERE IS NO BAR HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOODS AND PROPER FOOD PROTECTION. TOMATOES DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
NOTED THE WALK-IN COOLER UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE TEMPERATURE. COOLER AT 50F WITH FOOD SUCH AS COOKED MEAT EMPANADAS AT 49.8F. COOLER TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED, MAINTAINS A TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW AND C.D.P.H. CONTACTED FOR RE-INSPECTION AND TAG REMOVAL. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
NOTED ASSORTED TCS FOODS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER HELD AT IMPROPER FOOD TEMPERATURES. COOKED CHICKEN AT 48.4F, COOKED RICE AT 49.2F, BEEF AND RICE MIX AT 48F, COOKED MEAT STUFFED EMPANADAS AT 49.8F. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
NO CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON THE PREMISES OR ANY REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION INCLUDING A CURRENT SERVICE REPORT FROM A LICENSED PEST CONTROL CO. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C) CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (9)

−18 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT STORAGE MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS AND ORGANIZED.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST NOT USE FOAM PADDING AS A MEANS OF REPAIR/GUARD FOR DISH STORAGE RACKS ABOVE THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. RACKS MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----MUST NOT USE TAPE AS A MEANS TO SECURE THE CLOSURE OF THE REAR COOLER.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
NO CHLORINE CHEMICAL TEST TRIPS ON THE PREMISES TO MONITOR SANITIZATION LEVELS AT THE CHLORINE CHEMICAL DISH MACHINE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS LINER FOR SHELVING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
NOTED A FOOD ENCRUSTED TABLE TOP CAN OPENER. MUST CLEAN AFTER EACH USE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE MEN'S WASHROOM AND ABOVE THE ONE COMPARTMENT PREP SINK MUST BE REPLACED.----NOTED SEVERAL HOLES/OPENINGS IN WALLS AND SURROUNDING PIPING THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM. LARGE HOLE IN THE WALL OF THE BASEMENT STAIRWELL.MUST SEAL ALL.----NOTED EXPANDING SPRAY FOAM USED AS A SEALANT ALONG THE BASEMENT STAIRWELL MUST BE CUT DOWN TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----BLACKENED, MOLDY WALL CAULKING AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPLACE.----DIRTY FLOOR DRAIN AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. EXCESSIVE DEBRIS ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE STORAGE ROOM AND BEHIND ALL BOX FREEZERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
ALL UNUSED COOLERS AND EQUIPMENT MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES. MUST PROVIDE.

Base deductions−78 pts

Risk factor bonus (3× +5)−15 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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