What is Taqueria EL Dorado's health inspection score?

Taqueria EL Dorado has a SafeDine safety score of 95 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 Dorado last inspected?

Taqueria EL Dorado was last inspected on February 23, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Taqueria EL Dorado have?

Taqueria EL Dorado has 23 total violations across 7 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Taqueria EL Dorado safe to eat at?

Yes, Taqueria EL Dorado has an excellent safety record with a score of 95/100. This indicates strong compliance with health and safety standards.

What type of cuisine does Taqueria EL Dorado serve?

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

Official Health Record

Taqueria EL Dorado

Name: Taqueria EL Dorado
Address: 3246 W LAWRENCE AVE, Chicago, 60625
Rating: 95

3246 W LAWRENCE AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 2/23/2026

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0Excellent

Mexican•Lincoln Square

Ranked #41 of 447 in Lincoln SquareBetter than 80% of mexican restaurants

Improving

7 inspections

Last: Feb 23, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

43%

Clean Rate

3.3

Avg Violations

2 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Temperature control

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Employee hygiene

Personal hygiene practices not followed

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-5

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-3 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-2 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+5 pts

100

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

100

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

3246 W LAWRENCE AVE, Chicago, IL 60625

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Violation Timeline

Jul 2022

1 inspections

1 intermediate

5 basic

Jul

Mar 2023

1 inspections

1 basic

Apr 2023

1 inspections

Apr

Feb 2024

1 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

9 basic

Mar 2024

1 inspections

Mar

Jun 2025

1 inspections

2 intermediate

3 basic

Feb 2026

1 inspections

Feb

Inspection History

7 records on file

4 Canvass1 Complaint Re-Inspection1 Complaint1 Canvass Re-Inspection

Feb 26

Canvass InspectionLatestCleanOut of Business

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jun 25

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 Med3 Basic

5 total

84/100inspection score

−16 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

23PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION−5
OBSERVED TCS FOOD ITEMS (FRIED PLANTAINS, REFRIED BEANS) IN THE KITCHEN AREA 1-DOOR UPRIGHT COOLER MISSING ADEQUATE DATE LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO DENATUR AND DISCARD FOOD WITHOUT DATE LABELS AND PROVIDE DATE LABELS OR MARKINGS ON ALL TCS FOOD CONTAINERS TO ENSURE PREPARED FOOD DOES NOT EXCEED 7 DAYS BEFORE DISPOSITION AND MAINTAIN. APPROXIMATELY 15 LBS OF FOOD VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $35.00 DISCARDED ON-SITE. PERSON-IN-CHARGE DENATURED AND DISCARDED FOOD WITHOUT DATE LABELS AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED TO-GO CONTAINERS OF FLAN AND JELLO MADE ON-SITE BY FACILITY STAFF MISSING APPROPRIATE FOOD LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD LABELS FOR TO-GO ITEMS INCLUDING THE NAME OF THE FOOD, THE NAME OF THE FACILITY, AND THE ADDRESS OF THE FACILITY AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS (JALAPENOS, ONIONS, CHILES) IN CONTAINERS STORED DIRECTLY ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE FOOD CONTAINERS AND MAINTAIN FOOD AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR AT ALL TIMES.
52SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED−2
OBSERVED CONDENSATE WATER LINE OF 1-DOOR UPRIGHT COOLER DISCHARGING INTO BUCKET ON THE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO RE-ROUTE OR REPLACE WATER LINE AND MAINTAIN CONDENSATE DRAINAGE THAT ROUTES DIRECTLY FROM POINT OF DISCHARGE TO DISPOSAL INTO PLUMBING AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE ON GROUND IMMEDIATELY OUTSIDE REAR FACILITY DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN OUTDOOR AREAS OF FACILITY AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF GREASE OR OTHER SOILS AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−16 pts

Mar 24

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Feb 24

Complaint InspectionFail

1 High1 Med9 Basic

11 total

67/100inspection score

−33 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HAND SINKS (PREP, WASHROOM).

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF (TCS FOODS) INSIDE OF THE KITCHEN REFRIGERATOR.OBSERVED COOKED REFRIED BEANS AT 55.9F.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MONITOR AND MAINTAIN ALL COLD (TCS) FOODS AT 41F OR COLDER AT ALL TIMES.MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROX.20 LBS OF FOOD WORTH $100.00.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (9)

−18 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED THE COOK WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CHIPPED PAINT AND RUST ON THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE KITCHEN REFRIGERATOR LOCATED DIRECTLY ACROSS THE COOKING GRILL.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CHIPPED PAINT AND RUST AND REPAINT OR REPLACE THE SHELVES AND MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED FROZEN FOODS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS INSIDE OF THE FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS AND MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED RAW WOOD SHELVES NEAR THE KITCHEN 2 DOOR PREP LINE COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO PAINT OR SEAL THE SHELVES SO THAT THEY SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE AND PREP COOLERS AND KITCHEN STORAGE RACKS.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT BASE OF FAUCET AT THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MANTAIN.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
FOUND OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING WITH TRASH AND BOXES.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.LID/COVER MUST BE KEPT CLOSED TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020,(b) CITATION ISSUED.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED OUTSIDE REAR OF THE PREMISES NOT MAINTAINED STORING UNNECESSARY ARTICLES UNUSED COOLERS,SOILED CARDBOARD BOXES PILED UP,MOP BUCKETS,EMPTY BUCKETS AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TOOLS ETC.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY MENTIONED ITEMS FROM THE PREMISES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT PREP/COOKING AREA ESPECIALLY UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENTS.

Base deductions−33 pts

Apr 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Mar 23

Canvass InspectionFail

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED WITHIN SPECIFIED TIMEFRAME. REPORT #2560962 DATED JULY 19TH 2022 INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO: REPAINT OR RESURFACE RUSTY RACKS IN COOLERS, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF COOLERS; REPAIR (2) SLOW DRAINING HAND WASHING SINKS IN PREP/ DISH AREA, AND CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS AND WALLS. OBSERVED RUSTY RACKS INSIDE VARIOUS COOLERS IN KITCHEN; OBSERVED VARIOUS COOLERS WITH FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR; OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING HAND WASHING SINKS IN DISH AREA AND IN PREP AREA; OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AMONG FLOORS AND WALLS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CORRECT ALL PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−2 pts

Jul 22

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 Med5 Basic

6 total

85/100inspection score

−15 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO REPAINT OR REPLACE RUSTY METAL RACKS INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOLERS WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SLOW DRAINING (2) HANDSINK IN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS PREP/COOKING AREA.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 2509494 ISSUED ON 05-11-2021 PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED #58 - OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.

Base deductions−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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