What is EL Taco Express's health inspection score?

EL Taco Express has a SafeDine safety score of 77 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was EL Taco Express last inspected?

EL Taco Express was last inspected on March 3, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does EL Taco Express have?

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

Is EL Taco Express safe to eat at?

EL Taco Express has a good safety record with a score of 77/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

What type of cuisine does EL Taco Express serve?

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

Official Health Record

EL Taco Express

Name: EL Taco Express
Address: 8548 S STONY ISLAND AVE, Chicago, 60617
Rating: 77

8548 S STONY ISLAND AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 3/3/2026

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0Good

Mexican•Chicago

Ranked #960 of 1000 in ChicagoBetter than 84% of mexican restaurants

Declining

7 inspections

Last: Mar 3, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

14%

Clean Rate

7.3

Avg Violations

3 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Employee illnessHigh Priority

Sick employee handling food — illness transmission risk

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Employee hygiene

Personal hygiene practices not followed

SanitationHigh Priority

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-25

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-6 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-8 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-10 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

-13 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 75/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (77/100) 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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8548 S STONY ISLAND AVE, Chicago, IL 60617

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Violation Timeline

Jan 2023

1 inspections

Jan

Apr 2023

1 inspections

5 high priority

4 intermediate

12 basic

May 2023

1 inspections

2 high priority

2 basic

May

Jan 2024

2 inspections

1 intermediate

11 basic

Jan 2025

1 inspections

1 intermediate

5 basic

Jan

Mar 2026

1 inspections

1 high priority

2 intermediate

5 basic

Inspection History

7 records on file

3 Canvass1 Canvass Re-Inspection1 License Re-Inspection2 License

Mar 26

Canvass InspectionLatestPass

1 High2 Med5 Basic

8 total

70/100inspection score

−30 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
4-602.11 OBSERVED A GREEN SUBSTANCE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED BY THE ICE MAKER AND ON THE SIDES OF THE INTERIOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

35APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED−5
3-501.13 OBSERVED IMPROPER THAWING OF TCS FOODS. OBSERVED RAW BEEF THAWING AT ROOM TEMPERATURE IN A CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS THAW FROZEN PRODUCTS PROPERLY UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER (NOT EXCEEDING 70F) OR IN A REFRIGERATOR AT ALL TIMES.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
3-302.12 OBSERVED DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABEL WITH PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
3-304.12 OBSERVED SCOOPS BEING STORED IN DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS AND PLATES USED TO SCOOP FOOD BEING STORED IN PRODUCT'S CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND STORE ALL UTENSILS PROPERLY.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
4-601.11 OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYERS WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE OR PROVIDE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.13 OBSERVED COVING DETACHED IN VARIOUS AREAS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.114 OBSERVED A BAG OF ONIONS BEING STORED DIRECTLY ON THE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE EVERYTHING AT LEAST 6 INCHES AND DO NOT STORE FOOD ITEMS ON THE FLOOR.

Base deductions−30 pts

Jan 25

Canvass InspectionPass

1 Med5 Basic

6 total

85/100inspection score

−15 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED FLY STRIP HANGING NEAR HAND WASHING SINK IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE FLY STRIP FROM PREP AREA.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES STORED ON FLOOR UNDER FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES OFF FLOOR.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKET ON PREP COOLER DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED CLUTTER IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

Base deductions−15 pts

Jan 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL STOCK SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.

Base deductions−6 pts

Jan 24

Canvass InspectionFail

1 Med8 Basic

9 total

79/100inspection score

−21 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

35APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED−5
OBSERVED THREE PACKS OF GROUND BEEF IMPROPERLY THAWING IN STANDING WATER INSIDE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY THAW FOOD UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER, REFRIGERATION OR PART OF COOKING PROCESS.

Basic (8)

−16 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL STOCK SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FOOD DEBIRS AND SPILLS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, HOLDING UNITS, PREP TABLES, COOLERS AND FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE REFCEPTACLE IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
OBSERVED OUTSIDE WASTE GREASE AREA NOT MAINTAINED, WASTE GREASE DUMPSTER NOT COVERED, GREASE SPILLS ON TOP OF DUMSPER AND GROUND AROUND DUMSPTERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN OUTSIDE WASTE GREASE AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B) CITATION ISSUED
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FLOOR DRAIN COVERS MISSING IN PEP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.

Base deductions−21 pts

May 23

License Re-Inspection InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High2 Basic

4 total2 risk factors

66/100inspection score

−24 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
Violation Codes: 2-102.14(O) Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)
5PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTSRisk Factor−10
Violation Codes: 2-501.11 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)

Basic (2)

−4 pts

56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
Violation Codes: 4-301.14 Inspector Comments: MUST STORE COOKING EQUIPMENT COMPLETELY UNDER VENTILATION HOOD.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−24 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Apr 23

License InspectionFail

5 High4 Med12 Basic

21 total2 risk factors

0/100inspection score

−94 pts

High Priority (5)

−50 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)
5PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTSRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND SINK IN TOILET ROOM MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINKS IN PREP & TOILET ROOM MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED HOT HOLDING UNITS NOT OPERABLE AT THIS TIME,ELECTRICITY KEEPS KICKING OUT POWER NOT ABLE TO MAINTAIN 135.0F FOR HOT HOLDING UNITS.MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)

Intermediate (4)

−20 pts

23PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION−5
OBSERVED NO DATE MARKINGS ON TCS READY TO EAT FOODS STORED INSIDE OF REACH IN & PREP COOLER.MUST LABEL AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
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 AN INFESTATION OF APPX. 125 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED THROUGHOUT PREMISES ON FLOOR AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER,ON FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT,UNDER AND BEHIND GREASE TRAP OF 3- COMPARTMENT SINK,ON LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE,BEHIND LARGE FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS,IN TOILET ROOM BEHIND DOOR,ON FLOOR SCATTERED IN BETWEEN ARTICLES ON FLOOR IN FURNANCE ROOM,ON BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ABOVE DISH MACHINE,ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH FOOD & CHEMICAL STORAGE SHELVES.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 4/11/23.(PRIORITY 7-38-020(A)
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR AND IN LEFT CORNER OF FRONT DOOR MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING.

Basic (12)

−24 pts

44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON OVERHEAD DISH STORAGE SHELVES.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLE.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE BEHIND DISH MACHINE.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
MUST PROVIDE A GARBAGE CAN WITH LID IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
MUST PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON TOILET ROOM DOOR THAT LEADS TO PREP AREA.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
OBSERVED DEBRIS,TRASH AND TALL WEEDS OUTSIDE OF REAR DOOR MUST REMOVE AND CLEAN AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING WALL BASES IN PREP AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST PROVIDE A HOOKING SYSTEM FOR HANGING MOPS TO DRY.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE OR ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN FURNACE ROOM.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST REMOVE WATER FROM FLOOR BEHIND DISH MACHINE AND 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND KEEP DRY.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
MUST STORE COOKING EQUIPMENT COMPLETELY UNDER VENTILATION HOOD.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−94 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Jan 23

License InspectionCleanNot Ready

No violations

100/100inspection score

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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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