What is Tacos EL Rey's health inspection score?

Tacos EL Rey has a SafeDine safety score of 80 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Tacos EL Rey last inspected?

Tacos EL Rey was last inspected on April 3, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Tacos EL Rey have?

Tacos EL Rey has 51 total violations across 7 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Tacos EL Rey safe to eat at?

Tacos EL Rey has a good safety record with a score of 80/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

What type of cuisine does Tacos EL Rey serve?

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

Official Health Record

Tacos EL Rey

Name: Tacos EL Rey
Address: 9625 S EWING AVE, Chicago, 60617
Rating: 80

9625 S EWING AVE, Chicago

Last inspected 12mo ago

▲Improving

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0Good

Mexican•Chicago

Ranked #282 of 1000 in ChicagoBetter than 80% of mexican restaurants

Improving

7 inspections

Last: Apr 3, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

14%

Clean Rate

7.3

Avg Violations

12 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

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Sanitation

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-20

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-9 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-2 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-2 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-7 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

+16 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

9625 S EWING AVE, Chicago, IL 60617

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Violation Timeline

Feb 2023

2 inspections

3 high priority

5 intermediate

13 basic

Feb

Apr 2023

1 inspections

2 high priority

2 intermediate

4 basic

Jan 2024

1 inspections

1 high priority

3 intermediate

8 basic

Jan

Feb 2024

1 inspections

5 basic

Mar 2025

1 inspections

3 high priority

1 intermediate

1 basic

Mar

Apr 2025

1 inspections

Inspection History

7 records on file

2 Canvass Re-Inspection3 Canvass1 Complaint Re-Inspection1 Complaint

Apr 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionLatestCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Mar 25

Canvass InspectionFail

3 High1 Med1 Basic

5 total

63/100inspection score

−37 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
HAND WASHING SINKS NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING, OBSERVED MISSING DRAINPIPE ON HAND WASHING SINK IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD AND CONTAINERS STORED INSIDE HAND WASHING SINK IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS FROM HAND WASHING SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND WASHING SINK IN MEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SOAP AT HAND WASHING SINK FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) SEE PREVIOUS VIOLATION FOR CITATION
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT HAND WASHING SINK IN FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS FOR PROPER HAND DRYING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) SEE PREVIOUS VIOLATION FOR CITATION

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE REACH-IN COOLERS IN FIRST FLOOR AND BASEMENT PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLERS.

Basic (1)

−2 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.

Base deductions−37 pts

Feb 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

5 Basic

5 total

90/100inspection score

−10 pts

Basic (5)

−10 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED FOIL USED AS LINER ON BOTTOM OF TABLE WHERE SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES ARE STORED UNDER COOLERS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL FOIL FROM BOTTOM OF TABLE AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE OR UTILITY SINK IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK NOT SECURE TO WALL IN MEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED OPENINGS ALONG CEILING IN MEN WASHROOM, PEELING PAINT ON WALLS AND UNFINISHED CEILING IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED MOP HEADS STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY HANG MOPS TO DRY TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.

Base deductions−10 pts

Jan 24

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High3 Med8 Basic

12 total1 risk factor

54/100inspection score

−41 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

6PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE EATING ON TOP OF PREP COOLER IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SEPARATE AREA OUTSIDE OF PREP AREA FOR EMPLOYEE MEALS.

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS IN BASEMENT REACHE-IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE OPERABLE THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLERS AND MAINTAIN.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED OVER 20 MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR BEHIND METAL PLATE IN BASEMENT FURNACE ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED

Basic (8)

−16 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED FOIL USED AS LINER ON BOTTOM OF TABLE WHERE SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES ARE STORED UNDER COOLERS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL FOIL FROM BOTTOM OF TABLE AND MAINTAIN.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED FAUCET NOT REACHING ALL THREE COMPARTMENTS OF THREE CONPARTMENT SINK. INSGTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL LONGER FAUCET THAT REACHES ALL THREE COMPARTMENTS TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE FOOD EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER CONCENTRATION IN SANITIZING SOLUTIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON SLICER IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE OR UTILITY SINK IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK NOT SECURE TO WALL IN MEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED OPENINGS ALONG CEILING IN MEN WASHROOM, PEELING PAINT ON WALLS AND UNFINISHED CEILING IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED MOP HEADS STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY HANG MOPS TO DRY TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.

Base deductions−41 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Apr 23

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High2 Med4 Basic

8 total1 risk factor

57/100inspection score

−38 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

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)
33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 1- DOOR GLASS REACH IN COOLER AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER AT 73.6F. WITH TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE. AIR TEMPERATURE IS NOW AT 37.6F.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNIT AT 41.0F OR BELOW.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS 5LBS. COOKED PORK 49.5F.6LBS. COOKED BEANS 51.3F.7LBS. COOKED POTATOES 74.3F.1LBS. SALSA 74.1F.INSIDE OF 2- DOOR PREP COOLER AND 1- DOOR GLASS COOLER. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER .MUST HAVE COLD FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.APPX. 19LBS. $78.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR GASKET ON 2- DOOR FRONT PREP COOLER .
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELF OF OUTDOOR PREP TABLE IN OUT DOOR PATIO.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN CONCRETE FLOOR IN BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA,BROKEN FLOOR TILES UNDERNEATH PALLETS IN SAME AREA,HOLE IN CEILING NEAR TOILET ROOM IN BASEMENT,HOLE IN CEMENT BASE IN FURNACE ROOM.

Base deductions−38 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Feb 23

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−2 pts

Feb 23

Complaint InspectionFail

3 High5 Med12 Basic

20 total2 risk factors

11/100inspection score

−79 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(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 (PORK,STEAK,BEEF RIBS,BEANS,ETC)MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 11:17 A.M. MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. (COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINKS ON SITE IN 1ST FL. REAR BAR /PREP AREA AND IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA WHILE FOOD AND DRINKS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED AT THIS TIME.MUST INSTALL HAND SINKS WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER WITH SOAP AND TOWELS AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)

Intermediate (5)

−25 pts

21PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOOD SUCH AS 11LBS. PORK ON A SPIT AT 51.6F.1LB.S COOKED BEEF RIBS 47.1F.AND 1LB. COOKED PORK RIBS 58.5F ON STEAM TABLE.1LBS. COOKED ONIONS AND PEPPERS 46.2F ON LOWER SHELF OF STEAM TABLE.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE, APPX.14LBS. $39.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER TO TAKE TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 75 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR AND WOOD LEDGE AT FRONT CASHIER AREA,ON FLOOR IN BETWEEN CLUTTER IN CLOSET AND FURNACE ROOM,DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS .1- LIVE ROACH CRAWLING IN BETWEEN WOOD BEAMS UNDERNEATH REAR BAR SERVICE COUNTER AND SEVERAL DEAD ON FLOOR UNDER BASEMENT 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 2/16/23.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR IN LEFT CORNER MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.

Basic (12)

−24 pts

44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
MUST INVERT MULTIUSE UTENSILS ON LOWER SHELVES OF STEAM TABLES.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS USED FOR FOOD STORAGE MUST PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON BASEMENT 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER.OBSERVED RAW WOOD AT REAR BAR AREA MUST APPLY A SEALANT.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED NO 3- COMPARTMENT SINK WITH DRAINBOARD AT REAR BAR/PREP AREA FOR MANUAL WARE WASHING OF UTENSILS. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-025)(CITATION ISSUED)
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLE,COOLERS.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE OBSERVED SEVERAL HOLE IN BASEMENT TOILET ROOM DOOR,GAP BETWEEN FLOOR AND WALL BASE IN FRONT LOBBY AREA BEHIND PLANTERS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST REMOVE,ELEVATE OR REMOVE MASSIVE CLUTTER IN BASEMENT STORAGE CLOSET AND OUTSIDE OF SAME AND IN FURNANCE ROOM.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS ON LIGHTS IN FRONT PREP AREA.MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
MUST PROVIDE VENTILATION IN BASEMENT STAFF TOILET ROOM.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−79 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 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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