What is Penelope's Vegan Taqueria's health inspection score?

Penelope's Vegan Taqueria has a SafeDine safety score of 87 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Penelope's Vegan Taqueria last inspected?

Penelope's Vegan Taqueria was last inspected on July 15, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Penelope's Vegan Taqueria have?

Penelope's Vegan Taqueria has 22 total violations across 7 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Penelope's Vegan Taqueria safe to eat at?

Yes, Penelope's Vegan Taqueria has an excellent safety record with a score of 87/100. This indicates strong compliance with health and safety standards.

What type of cuisine does Penelope's Vegan Taqueria serve?

Penelope's Vegan Taqueria serves Mexican cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Penelope's Vegan Taqueria

Name: Penelope's Vegan Taqueria
Address: 230 W CHICAGO AVE, Chicago, 60654
Rating: 87

230 W CHICAGO AVE, Chicago

Last inspected 10mo ago

▲Improving

Own or manage this restaurant?

Claim it to unlock analytics →

0Excellent

Mexican•River North

Ranked #138 of 551 in River NorthBetter than 84% of mexican restaurants

Improving

7 inspections

Last: Jul 15, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

14%

Clean Rate

3.1

Avg Violations

11 months ago

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

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Facility condition

Building maintenance or structural issues

Food labeling

Food not properly labeled or dated

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-17

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-1 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-4 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-3 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-7 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

+15 pts

100

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 83/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (87/100) 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 →

230 W CHICAGO AVE, Chicago, IL 60654

Open in Maps

View Menu Order Online

Violation Timeline

Aug 2022

2 inspections

5 basic

Aug

Dec 2023

1 inspections

2 high priority

4 basic

Sep 2024

1 inspections

1 basic

Sep

May 2025

1 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

3 basic

Jul 2025

2 inspections

2 intermediate

3 basic

Jul

Inspection History

7 records on file

1 Complaint Re-Inspection1 Short Form Complaint4 Canvass1 Canvass Re-Inspection

Jul 25

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionLatestCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jul 25

Short Form Complaint InspectionFail

2 Med3 Basic

5 total

84/100inspection score

−16 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
3-302.12---OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES.APPROXIMATELY 25 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS OBSERVED ON THE WALLS AND CEILING TILES AND EQUIPMENTS IN THE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA AND THE DRY STORAGE ROOM.ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A),CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
4-602.13--INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILD-UP ON PIPES BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENTS AND THE DEEP FRYER,INTERIOR OF COOLERS WITH SPILLED FOOD DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
6-501.19--OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON THE UNISEX WASHROOM DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON SAID WASHROOM DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
6-501.14--INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF DUSTS ON CEILING VENTILATION COVER IN THE UNISEX WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−16 pts

May 25

Canvass InspectionPass

1 High1 Med3 Basic

5 total

79/100inspection score

−21 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ENCRUSTED ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.MUST REMOVE DEBRIS, DETAIL CLEAN INSIDE ICE MACHINE/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE AT ALL TIMES.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).

Basic (3)

−6 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILD-UP ON PIPES BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENTS AND THE DEEP FRYER,INTERIOR OF COOLERS WITH SPILLED FOOD DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON THE UNISEX WASHROOM DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON SAID WASHROOM DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF DUSTS ON CEILING VENTILATION COVER IN THE UNISEX WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−21 pts

Sep 24

Canvass InspectionPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DIRT BUILD UP AND DEBRIS UNDER AND AROUND THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA AS WELL AS THE EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−2 pts

Dec 23

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High4 Basic

6 total1 risk factor

67/100inspection score

−28 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
THE PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A CITY CERTIFICATION OR DOCUMENTATION OF PENDING CITY CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS BEANS AND RICE COOKED AND SERVED ON-SITE. NO OTHER ORIGINAL AND VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE WAS POSTED NOR PROVIDED ON-SITE FOR THE PRESENT MANAGER ON DUTY. NO VALID DOCCUMENTATION ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A LEAST ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN TCS FOOD IS COOKED AND SERVED ON SITE. MANAGER ARRIVED AT APPROXIMATELY 12:05 PM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED PINK DEBRIS ON DRIP PLATE OF INTERIOR ICE MACHINE. FACILITY MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
UTENSILS STORED IN STAGNANT CUP OF WATER ABOVE 2DOOR REACH IN BEVERAGE COOLER. STORE IN-USE UTENSILS: 1) IN THE FOOD WITH THE HANDLE UP AND OUT OF THE FOOD ITEM; 2) STORED ON A CLEAN AND SANITIZED SIRFACE; 3) IN RUNNING WATER; 4) IN CONTAINER OF HOT WATER MAINTAINED AT OR ABOVE 135F.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
EQUIPMENT USED IN THE FACILITY IS TOO LARGE TO FIT AND FULLY IMMERSE WITHIN THE COMPARTMENTS OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. FACILITY MUST INSTALL A LARGER 3COMPARTMENT SINKTHAT WILL ALLOW ALL EQUIPMENT TO BE IMMERSED, USE SMALLER EQUIPMENT THAT CAN FIT IN THE EXISTING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK OR USE AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF MANUAL WAREWASHING APPROVED BY THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED LEAK UNDER MOP SINK LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. FACILITY MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
UNNECESSARY ITEMS / NONFUNCTIONAL EQUIPMENT FOUND IN BASEMENT. THE PREMISES SHALL BE FREE OF ITEMS UNNECESSARY TO THE OPERATION OR MAINTENANCE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT. THIS INCLUDES EQUIPMENT THAT IS NONFUNCTIONAL OR NO LONGER USED.

Base deductions−28 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Aug 22

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED NO FAUCET CONNECTED TO MOP SINK LOCATED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL FAUCET WITH REQUIRED BACKFLOW PREVENTER AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTER CONNECTED TO ICE MACHINE IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL RELEVANT LAWS, RULES, AND REGUALATIONS.

Base deductions−4 pts

Aug 22

Canvass InspectionPass

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED CATERING EQUIPMENT STORED IN REAR DIRECTLY ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF GROUND TO ALLOW FOR PROPER CLEANING.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED NO FAUCET CONNECTED TO MOP SINK LOCATED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL FAUCET WITH REQUIRED BACKFLOW PREVENTER AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTER CONNECTED TO ICE MACHINE IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL RELEVANT LAWS, RULES, AND REGUALATIONS.

Base deductions−6 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 Mexican Restaurants Best in Chicago All Illinois Restaurants