What is Velvet Taco's health inspection score?

Velvet Taco has a SafeDine safety score of 71 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Velvet Taco last inspected?

Velvet Taco was last inspected on May 12, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Velvet Taco have?

Velvet Taco has 32 total violations across 2 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Velvet Taco safe to eat at?

Velvet Taco has a good safety record with a score of 71/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

What type of cuisine does Velvet Taco serve?

Velvet Taco serves Mexican cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Velvet Taco

Name: Velvet Taco
Address: 910 W RANDOLPH ST FL 1, Chicago, 60607
Rating: 71

910 W RANDOLPH ST FL 1, Chicago

Last Inspected: 5/12/2026

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0Good

Mexican•West Loop

Ranked #736 of 1000 in West LoopBetter than 84% of mexican restaurants

Improving

8 inspections

Last: May 12, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

Avg Violations

This month

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

SanitationHigh Priority

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Employee hygiene

Personal hygiene practices not followed

Facility conditionHigh Priority

Building maintenance or structural issues

Other violationHigh Priority

Regulatory compliance issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-33

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-6 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-1 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+34 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 67/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (71/100) 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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910 W RANDOLPH ST FL 1, Chicago, IL 60607

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Violation Timeline

Aug 2022

3 inspections

5 high priority

3 intermediate

5 basic

Aug

Dec 2023

1 inspections

1 high priority

4 basic

Sep 2024

1 inspections

3 basic

Sep

Dec 2025

1 inspections

2 high priority

2 basic

Apr 2026

1 inspections

4 high priority

2 intermediate

Apr

May 2026

1 inspections

1 intermediate

Inspection History

8 records on file

1 Complaint5 Canvass2 Canvass Re-Inspection

May 26

Complaint InspectionLatestPass

1 Med

1 total

95/100inspection score

−5 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−5

Base deductions−5 pts

Apr 26

Canvass InspectionPass with Conditions

4 High2 Med

6 total4 risk factors

30/100inspection score

−50 pts

High Priority (4)

−40 pts

3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZEDRisk Factor−10
29COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCPRisk Factor−10
32VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODSRisk Factor−10

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−5
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−5

Base deductions−50 pts

Risk factor bonus (4× +5)−20 pts

Dec 25

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High2 Basic

4 total2 risk factors

66/100inspection score

−24 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ONSITE WITH A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE TCS FOODS (RICE AT 205F) WAS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AVAILABLE ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
REPAIR THE SINK STOPPER AT THE LEFT COMPARTMENT OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK SO THAT THE BASIN CAN BE FILLED WITH WATER.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
SEAL THE CORNER OF THE WALL IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA NEXT TO THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS.

Base deductions−24 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Sep 24

Canvass InspectionPass

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED LEAKY FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
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 AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS.

Base deductions−6 pts

Dec 23

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High4 Basic

5 total1 risk factor

77/100inspection score

−18 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS ITEMS SUCH AS CHICKEN WERE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME ON CAULK AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN BASEMENT DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CAULK, CLEAN, SANITIZE, RE-CAULK, AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED HOT WATER HANDLE ON WASHBOWL SINK IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM IS STRIPPED AND HARD TO TURN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE INSIDE FRYERS AND BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME INSIDE OF BASEMENT ICE MACHINE USED TO PRODUCE ICE FOR COOLING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
61SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC−2
OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2561936 DATED 8/10/2022. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−18 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Aug 22

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13--OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.

Base deductions−2 pts

Aug 22

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionFail

2 High1 Med2 Basic

5 total1 risk factor

66/100inspection score

−29 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED (CHICKEN). MUST HAVE A CFM ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
29COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP−10
OBSERVED NO APPROVED HACCP PLAN ON SITE FOR COOK/CHILL PROCESS. Before performing the activity that requires a HACCP PLAN, a LICENSE applicant or LICENSE HOLDER shall submit a properly prepared HACCP PLAN to the DEPARTMENT for approval. MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF APPROVAL AND MAINTAIN ON-SITE. OBSERVED ROP BEING USED FOR CHICKEN, SALSA, SHREDDED BEEF, BUFFALO SAUCE, CHEESE AND GRAVY. FOOD HAS BEEN TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 50 LBS AT A COST OF $300.00 PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED LIVE DOG ON LEASH NEXT TO CUSTOMER INSIDE OF RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. OBSERVED CUSTOMER EATING WHILE LIVE DOG WAS SITTING NEXT TO CUSTOMER. NO LIVE ANIMALS ARE ALLOWED INSIDE RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT EXCEPT FOR SERVICE ANIMALS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-40-060. CITATION ISSUED. AFTER MANAGER SPOKE WITH CUSTOMER, HE LEFT THE ESTABLISHMENT.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13--OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
59PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 8/1/2022, REPORT #2561548. #38-OBSERVED OVER 50 FRUIT FLIES ON WALLS IN REAR BASEMENT STAIRWELL. MUST CLEAN AND ELIMINATE EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON PREMISES. #10-OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND SINK LOCATED AT BASEMENT PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE SOAP AT ALL TIMES FOR EMPLOYEES TO PROPERLY WASH HANDS. UPON INSPECTION, THERE WAS NO SOAP AT HAND SINK IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. MANAGER LATER REPLENISHED WITH SOAP. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−29 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Aug 22

Canvass InspectionFail

3 High2 Med2 Basic

7 total

56/100inspection score

−44 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND SINK LOCATED AT BASEMENT PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE SOAP AT ALL TIMES FOR EMPLOYEES TO PROPERLY WASH HANDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
29COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP−10
OBSERVED HAACP PLAN ON SITE FOR COOK/CHILL PROCESS. Before performing the activity that requires a HACCP PLAN, a LICENSE applicant or LICENSE HOLDER shall submit a properly prepared HACCP PLAN to the DEPARTMENT for approval. MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF APPROVAL AND MAINTAIN ON-SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005.
33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE INSIDE OF REFRIGERATOR IN BASEMENT AT 45.7F. PROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE INSIDE OF A COLD HOLDING UNIT MUST BE AT 41.0F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED CHICKEN AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 44.1F INSIDE OF PREP COOLER. ALSO OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE INSIDE REFRIGERATOR IN BASEMENT. EGGS FOUND AT 44.6F, YOGURT FOUND AT 52.3F, SOUR CREAM FOUND AT 47.1F, AMERICAN CHEESE FOUND AT 46.4F, LIQUID EGGS FOUND AT 46.5F, PLAIN CREAM CHEESE FOUND AT 47.8F, BUTTER CONTAINING MILK FOUND AT 47.6F, BLUE CHEESE FOUND AT 43.5F, DICED TOMATOES FOUND AT 45.3F, QUESO FRESCO FOUND AT 55.2F AND COD FOUND AT 44.9F. TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 41.0F OR BELOW. FOOD HAS BEEN DISCARDED AND DENATURED. FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 150 LBS AT A COST OF $400.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED OVER 50 FRUIT FLIES ON WALLS IN REAR BASEMENT STAIRWELL. MUST CLEAN AND ELIMINATE EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.7-38-020(a). CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
61SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC−2
SUMMARY REPORT NOT POSTED FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION ON 7/8/2021, REPORT #2522507. MUST POST RECENT SUMMARY REPORT VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-010(b). CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−44 pts

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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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