What is Taco Bros's health inspection score?

Taco Bros has a SafeDine safety score of 24 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Taco Bros last inspected?

Taco Bros was last inspected on August 13, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Taco Bros have?

Taco Bros has 55 total violations across 6 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Taco Bros safe to eat at?

Taco Bros has a safety score of 24/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

Official Health Record

Taco Bros

Name: Taco Bros
Address: 1959 W CHICAGO AVE, Chicago, 60622
Rating: 24

1959 W CHICAGO AVE, Chicago

Last inspected 9mo ago

Own or manage this restaurant?

Claim it to unlock analytics →

0Poor

Wicker Park

Ranked #477 of 585 in Wicker Park

Stable

6 inspections

Last: Aug 13, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

17%

Clean Rate

9.2

Avg Violations

10 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

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Employee illnessHigh Priority

Sick employee handling food — illness transmission risk

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Pest issuesHigh Priority

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-80

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-2 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-14 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-20 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-7 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

-1 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 20/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (24/100) 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

Open location in Google Maps →

1959 W CHICAGO AVE, Chicago, IL 60622

Open in Maps

View Menu Order Online

Violation Timeline

Sep 2023

1 inspections

1 intermediate

3 basic

Sep

Aug 2024

2 inspections

4 high priority

2 intermediate

1 basic

Jun 2025

2 inspections

5 high priority

6 intermediate

18 basic

Jun

Aug 2025

1 inspections

1 high priority

3 intermediate

11 basic

Inspection History

6 records on file

1 Complaint2 Canvass Re-Inspection3 Canvass

Aug 25

Complaint InspectionLatestPass w/ Conditions

1 High3 Med11 Basic

15 total1 risk factor

48/100inspection score

−47 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

5PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTSRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA MUST BE PROVIDED AND MAINTAINED.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS, SUCH AS 3LBS. COOKED CHICKEN-56.3F.1LBS. COOKED RICE-44.9F.3LBS. COOKED GROUND BEEF-55.2F.2LBS. RAW STEAK-51.7F.2LBS. SHRIMP-54.7F. INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER AND REACH IN COOLER. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.APPX.11LBS. $100.(COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-005)
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE (SHAKERS,SQUEEZE BOTTLES,ETC
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
6-202.15 : OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT & REAR DOORS MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.

Basic (11)

−22 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
3-305.11 : OBSERVED FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER MUST ELEVATE AND STORE PROPERLY TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.
39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED BOTTLED DRINKS STORED INSIDE OF CLOSET IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM MUST REMOVE AND STORE IN A PROPER FOOD STORAGE AREA.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
3-304.14 : MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE FROM SURFACES.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINET,GRILL TABLE,COOLERS,WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
5-204.12 : OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING WITH BAGS OF TRASH ABOVE RIM AND LIDS WIDE OPEN.MANAGER PUSHED BAGS OF TRASH DOWN INTO DUMPSTERS AND CLOSED LIDS TO BE TIGHT FITTING.THERE IS ANOTHER UNKNOWN DUMPSTER IN ALLEY NEAR THERE TRASH CONTAINER THAT IS OVERFLOWING.(COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B)(CITATION ISSUED)
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTERS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
64MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS−2
7-38-060 Default beverage for children's meals. : OBSERVED A KIDS MENU WITH A DRINK THAT IS MORE THAN 130 CALORIES MUST BE LESS THAN 130 CALORIES.

Base deductions−47 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Jun 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

2 Med9 Basic

11 total

72/100inspection score

−28 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE (SHAKERS,SQUEEZE BOTTLES,ETC.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
6-202.15 : OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT & REAR DOORS MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.

Basic (9)

−18 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
3-305.11 : OBSERVED FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER MUST ELEVATE AND STORE PROPERLY TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
3-304.14 : MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE FROM SURFACES.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-101.19 : MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS .
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINET,GRILL TABLE,COOLERS,WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
5-204.12 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
: 2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
64MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS−2
7-38-060 Default beverage for children's meals. Inspector Comments: OBSERVED A KIDS MENU WITH A DRINK THAT IS MORE THAN 130 CALORIES.

Base deductions−28 pts

Jun 25

Canvass InspectionFail

5 High4 Med9 Basic

18 total4 risk factors

0/100inspection score

−88 pts

High Priority (5)

−50 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE MUST PROVIDE AND MAITAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED, AND SERVED, SUCH AS (BEANS, RICE, CHICKEN, ETC.) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. (PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 4:23 P.M.(COS)
3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)
5PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTSRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 4- DRAWER PREP COOLER AT 48.2F WITH TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE . A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG HAS BEEN PLACED ON UNIT. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNIT AT 41.0F OR BELOW.ONCE REPAIRED EMAIL:FOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)

Intermediate (4)

−20 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS 2LBS. -GROUND BEEF-57.0F.25LBS. RAW STEAK-45.7F.2.5LBS. COOKED PORK-56.1F.5LBS. SHRIMP-60.8F.10LBS. CHICKEN-59.0F.2LBS. SHREEDED LETTUCE-46.4F.20LBS. COOKED BEANS-57.9F.INSIDE OF COOLERS.PRODUCT WERE DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. APPX.67 LBS. $325.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE (SHAKERS,SQUEEZE BOTTLES,ETC.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C)(CITATION ISSUED)
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT & REAR DOORS MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.

Basic (9)

−18 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER MUST ELEVATE AND STORE PROPERLY TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE FROM SURFACES.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS .
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINET,GRILL TABLE,COOLERS,WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
64MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS−2
OBSERVED A KIDS MENU WITH A DRINK THAT IS MORE THAN 130 CALORIES.

Base deductions−88 pts

Risk factor bonus (4× +5)−20 pts

Aug 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Aug 24

Canvass InspectionFail

4 High2 Med1 Basic

7 total1 risk factor

43/100inspection score

−52 pts

High Priority (4)

−40 pts

5PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTSRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO BODILY FLUID CLEAN-UP KIT OR PROCEDURES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE BODILY FLUID CLEAN-UP KIT AND PROCEDURES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE IN STAFF TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE WASH AND RINSE UTENSILS BUT NOT SANITIZE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL DISHES AND UTENSILS ARE SANITIZED BEFORE USE AFTER CLEANING. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED 2 COOLERS ON THE KITCHEN SERVICE LINE, BOTH WITH AN INADEQUATE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS HAVE AN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. COOLERS TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED VARIOUS TCS FOODS HELD AT INADEQUATE TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 48-52 F, LIKE CHICKEN OBSERVED TO BE 48F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD TCS FOODS ARE HELD AT A TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. MANAGER DISCARDED 4 POUNDS TOMATOES, 10 POUNDS OF CHICKEN ($50) PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION WAS ISSUED.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED MORE THAN 30 SMALL FLIES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY, INCLUDING IN THE DRY STORAGE MOP AREA, IN TOILET ROOMS, NEAR THE BAR AREA, IN THE KITCHEN, AND IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MINIMIZE SMALL FLY ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (1)

−2 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD STORED IN TOILET ROOM CLOSET. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL FOOD ITEMS FROM TOILET ROOM CLOSET TO AVOID ANY CONTAMINATION FORM. FOOD MAY NOT BE STORED IN TOILET ROOM.

Base deductions−52 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Sep 23

Canvass InspectionPass

1 Med3 Basic

4 total

89/100inspection score

−11 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR LEADING TO DUMPSTERS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL PROPERLY TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED HANDSINK IN DISREPAIR IN THE FRONT BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DRY AND SPILLED FOOD DEBRIS NOTED ON THE FOLLOWING AREAS: FLOORS UNDERNEATH DRY STORAGE RACKS AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, BEHIND AND UNDER COOKING AND FRYING EQUIPMENT, AND WALK-IN COOLER FLOORS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER HAS NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.

Base deductions−11 pts

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 Unknown Restaurants Best in Chicago All Illinois Restaurants