What is The Tamale Lady's health inspection score?

The Tamale Lady has a SafeDine safety score of 74 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was The Tamale Lady last inspected?

The Tamale Lady was last inspected on April 11, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does The Tamale Lady have?

The Tamale Lady has 39 total violations across 7 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is The Tamale Lady safe to eat at?

The Tamale Lady has a good safety record with a score of 74/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

Official Health Record

The Tamale Lady

Name: The Tamale Lady
Address: 2021 W CERMAK RD, Chicago, 60608
Rating: 74

2021 W CERMAK RD, Chicago

Last inspected 11mo ago

▲Improving

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0Good

Pilsen

Ranked #256 of 405 in Pilsen

Improving

7 inspections

Last: Apr 11, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

29%

Clean Rate

5.6

Avg Violations

12 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Employee illnessHigh Priority

Sick employee handling food — illness transmission risk

Temperature control

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Sanitation

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-26

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-4 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-3 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-5 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-7 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

+39 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

2021 W CERMAK RD, Chicago, IL 60608

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Violation Timeline

Mar 2023

4 inspections

3 high priority

15 basic

Mar

Apr 2024

1 inspections

5 high priority

3 intermediate

7 basic

May 2024

1 inspections

1 intermediate

5 basic

May

Apr 2025

1 inspections

Inspection History

7 records on file

2 Canvass1 Canvass Re-Inspection2 License Re-Inspection2 License

Apr 25

Canvass InspectionLatestCleanOut of Business

No violations

100/100inspection score

May 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Med5 Basic

6 total

85/100inspection score

−15 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
3-302.12 OBSERVED CONTAINERS OF TAMALES INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER AND BAGS OF TAMALES INSIDE OF THE FREEZERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
4-603.15 OBSERVED CLEAN-IN-PLACE EQUIPMENT AND POTS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED IN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS TO BE PROPERLY WASHED, RINSED, AND SANITIZED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON THE WASHING, RINSING, AND SANITIZING OF CLEAN IN-PLACE EQUIPMENT AND LARGE POTS OR REMOVE CLEAN IN-PLACE EQUIPMENT AND LARGE POTS OR PROVIDE A LARGER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVERED RECEPTACLE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.11 OBSERVED CONCRETE AND UNEVEN FLOORS IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA AND THE 1ST FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA FLOOR SURFACES SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBANT.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING PROVIDED FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS.

Base deductions−15 pts

Apr 24

Canvass InspectionFail

5 High3 Med7 Basic

15 total2 risk factors

11/100inspection score

−79 pts

High Priority (5)

−50 pts

3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010.
5PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTSRisk Factor−10
2-501.11 OBSERVED NO ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
6-301.11 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING CLEANSER AT THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING CLEANSER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATIONS ABOVE 7-38-030(C).
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
5-203.11 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AND SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
6-301.12 OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION INSIDE THE BASEMENT TOILET ROOM AND THE 1ST FLOOR REAR PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A HAND DRYING PROVISION SUCH AS PAPERTOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED UNDER VIOLATION ABOVE 7-38-030(C)

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

20PROPER COOLING TIME AND TEMPERATURE−5
3-501.14 OBSERVED FACILITY INADEQUATE COOLING TCS FOODS; OBSERVED ABOUT 30 LBS OF COOKED CHICKEN BEING COOLED AT ROOM TEMPERATURE, SCATTERED ON PREP TABLES IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. TEMPERATURES OF COOKED CHICKEN RANGED FROM 85F-95F DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID TCS FOODS AND ALWAYS USE PROPER COOLING METHODS, SUCH AS AN ICE BATH, TO COOL ALL TCS FOODS AT ALL TIMES ADEQUATELY. EMPLOYEE DISCARDED SAID TCS FOODS DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
3-302.12 OBSERVED CONTAINERS OF TAMALES INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER AND BAGS OF TAMALES INSIDE OF THE FREEZERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
6-501.111 OBSERVED NO UP-TO-DATE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH A SERVICE REPORT ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(C).

Basic (7)

−14 pts

48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
4-603.15 OBSERVED CLEAN-IN-PLACE EQUIPMENT AND POTS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED IN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS TO BE PROPERLY WASHED, RINSED, AND SANITIZED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON THE WASHING, RINSING, AND SANITIZING OF CLEAN IN-PLACE EQUIPMENT AND LARGE POTS OR REMOVE CLEAN IN-PLACE EQUIPMENT AND LARGE POTS OR PROVIDE A LARGER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
50HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE−2
5-103.11(B) OBSERVED INADEQUATE HOT WATER AT ALL SINKS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION, HOT WATER RANGED FROM 71.6F-77.7F AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND TOILET ROOM AS WELL AS AT BOTH 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT HOT WATER AT ALL TIMES (110F AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS AND 100F AT THE HAND WASHING SINKS). THE PLUMBER ARRIVED DURING THE INSPECTION, AND BY THE END OF THE INSPECTION, ALL SINKS WERE MAINTAINING ADEQUATE HOT WATER TEMPERATURES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUE 7-38-030(C).
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
5-205.15 OBSERVED THE 1ST FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK MISSING THE P-TRAP AND EXCESSIVE WATER FALLING INTO A BUCKET WHEN THE HAND WASHING SINK IS TURNED ON. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVERED RECEPTACLE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.11 OBSERVED CONCRETE AND UNEVEN FLOORS IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA AND THE 1ST FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA FLOOR SURFACES SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBANT.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING PROVIDED FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS.

Base deductions−79 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Mar 23

License Re-Inspection InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High3 Basic

4 total1 risk factor

79/100inspection score

−16 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
2-102.14(O) FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGERS TO PROVIDE A VERIFIABLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND ACTIVITIES TO DISEASES THAT ARE TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD TO THE PIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
4-603.15 FOUND MACHINE LOCATED IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA UNABLE TO BE CLEANED IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE SAID MACHINE ADEQUATELY.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
2-102.13 FOUND NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13 FOUND NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT INSPECTION TIME. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS

Base deductions−16 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Mar 23

License Re-Inspection InspectionFail

1 High4 Basic

5 total1 risk factor

77/100inspection score

−18 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
2-102.14(O) FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGERS TO PROVIDE A VERIFIABLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND ACTIVITIES TO DISEASES THAT ARE TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD TO THE PIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
3-306.11 FOUND NO BARRIER/ SNEEZE GUARD AT THE FOOD PREP TABLE LOCATED IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE BARRIER TO PREVENT CUSTOMER CONTAMINATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
4-603.15 FOUND MACHINE LOCATED IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA UNABLE TO BE CLEANED IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE SAID MACHINE ADEQUATELY.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
2-102.13 FOUND NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13 FOUND NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS

Base deductions−18 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Mar 23

License InspectionFail

1 High8 Basic

9 total1 risk factor

69/100inspection score

−26 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGERS TO PROVIDE A VERIFIABLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND ACTIVITIES TO DISEASES THAT ARE TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD TO THE PIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (8)

−16 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
FOUND NO BARRIER FROM CUSTOMERS AT THE FOOD PREP TABLE LOCATED IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE BARRIER TO PREVENT CUSTOMER CONTAMINATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 70-38-005
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
FOUND MACHINE LOCATED IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA UNABLE TO BE CLEANED IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE SAID MACHINE ADEQUATELY.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
FOUND CEILING TOWELS IN FRONT OF FOOD PREP AREA BROKEN.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
FOUND THE VENTILATION HOOD FAN MISSING A PANEL. ALSO NOTED NO FILTERS WERE INSTALLED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. EXHAUST VENTILATION HOOD SYSTEMS IN FOOD PREPARATION AND WAREWASHING AREAS, INCLUDING COMPONENTS SUCH AS HOODS, FANS, GUARDS, AND DUCTING, SHALL BE DESIGNED TO PREVENT GREASE OR CONDENSATION FROM DRAINING OR DRIPPING ONTO FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, AND SINGLE-SERVICE AND SINGLE-USE ARTICLES
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
FOUND LIGHT BULBS IN REAR PREP AND FRONT SERVICE ARE WITHOUT SHIELDS. INSTRUCT MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
FOUND VENT LOCATED IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM BROKEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
FOUND NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
FOUND NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS

Base deductions−26 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Mar 23

License InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

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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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