What is Tacos EL Jefe Inc's health inspection score?

Tacos EL Jefe Inc has a SafeDine safety score of 79 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 Jefe Inc last inspected?

Tacos EL Jefe Inc was last inspected on May 5, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Tacos EL Jefe Inc have?

Tacos EL Jefe Inc has 34 total violations across 2 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Tacos EL Jefe Inc safe to eat at?

Tacos EL Jefe Inc has a good safety record with a score of 79/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

What type of cuisine does Tacos EL Jefe Inc serve?

Tacos EL Jefe Inc serves American cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Tacos EL Jefe Inc

Name: Tacos EL Jefe Inc
Address: 6440 W DIVERSEY AVE, Chicago, 60707
Rating: 79

6440 W DIVERSEY AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 5/5/2026

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0Good

American•Chicago

Ranked #960 of 1000 in ChicagoBetter than 22% of american restaurants

Improving

6 inspections

Last: May 5, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

5.7

Avg Violations

1 month ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Temperature control

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

SanitationHigh Priority

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-20

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-18 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-0 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+7 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 80/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (79/100) 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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6440 W DIVERSEY AVE, Chicago, IL 60707

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Violation Timeline

Dec 2023

2 inspections

1 high priority

2 intermediate

13 basic

Dec

Oct 2024

1 inspections

3 high priority

2 intermediate

2 basic

Feb 2025

1 inspections

1 intermediate

1 basic

Feb

Apr 2026

1 inspections

7 intermediate

May 2026

1 inspections

2 intermediate

May

Inspection History

6 records on file

1 Canvass Re-Inspection3 Canvass1 License Re-Inspection1 License

May 26

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

2 Med

2 total

90/100inspection score

−10 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−5
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−5

Base deductions−10 pts

Apr 26

Canvass InspectionFail

7 Med

7 total

65/100inspection score

−35 pts

Intermediate (7)

−35 pts

23PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION−5
25CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD−5
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−5
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−5
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−5
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−5

Base deductions−35 pts

Feb 25

Canvass InspectionPass

1 Med1 Basic

2 total

93/100inspection score

−7 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS CONTAINING BROWN SUGAR AND CHILES WITH NO LABELS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.

Basic (1)

−2 pts

43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
OBSERVED SCOOPS FOR DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS BEING STORED DIRECTLY INSIDE OF THE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL UTENSILS BETWEEN USE.

Base deductions−7 pts

Oct 24

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

3 High2 Med2 Basic

7 total

56/100inspection score

−44 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT MULTIPLE HAND WASHING SINKS THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT. NO PAPER TOWELS WERE FOUND AT HAND WASHING SINKS LOCATED AT STAFF TOILET ROOM, REAR PREP AND DISH WASHING AREA. MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED. EMPLOYEE PROVIDED PAPER TOWELS AT HAND SINKS DURING INSPECTION.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
MUST PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK LOCATED AT FRONT SERVING LINE.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED PINK MINERAL BUILD UP INSIDE OF ICE MACHINE IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

21PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED CHICKEN AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 124F AT HOT HOLDING LINE. ALSO OBSERVED PORK CARNITAS AT 129F AT HOT HOLDING LINE. TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 135F OR ABOVE. FOOD DISCARDED VOLUNTARILY BY EMPLOYEE. FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS AT A COST OF $50.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED PACKAGED FOOD ITEMS IN REFRIGERATOR IN CUSTOMER DINING AREA WITHOUT ANY LABELS SUCH AS SALSA, FLAN, JELLO. MUST PROVIDE LABEL WITH NAME OF BUSINESS, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, NAME OF FOOD, NET QUANTITY, INGREDIENTS AND ANY ALLERGENS IF APPLICABLE.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
OBSERVED CLEAN PLATES IN FRONT SERVING LINE AREA FACING UP. PLATES MUST BE COVERED OR INVERTED.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE.

Base deductions−44 pts

Dec 23

License Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Med6 Basic

7 total

83/100inspection score

−17 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
6-202.15: OBSERVED SMALL OPENING BETWEEN DOUBLE DOORS OF FRONT ENTRANCE. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.

Basic (6)

−12 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-101.19: OBSERVED PLUMBER'S PUTTY AROUND INTERIOR DRAIN OF HANDWASHING SINKS IN MIDDLE PREP, FRONT DISHWASHING AND REAR DISHWASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE PLUMBER'S PUTTY NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES SHALL BE SMOOTH FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
4-601.11(C): OBSERVED DUST ON TOP AND BOTTOM SURFACES OF PREP TABLE IN MIDDLE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN PREP TABLE AND MAINTAIN
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
5-501.115: OBSERVED LEAVES AND WOODEN PALLETS IN OUTDOOR ENCLOSURE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE LEAVES AND WOODEN PALLETS FROM ENCLOSURE AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT AREAS FOR PEST HARBORAGE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.11: OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES IN FRONT DISHWASHING/PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL STAINED CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.16: OBSERVED MOP DRYING IN BUCKET. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL MOP DRYING RACK FOR PROPER DRAINAGE AND DRYING OF MOPS TO PREVENT PEST BREEDING.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.12: OBSERVED SPLASHES AND STAINS ON WALLS IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA AND REAR EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALLS AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED STAINED INTERIOR OF MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN MOP SINK INTERIOR.

Base deductions−17 pts

Dec 23

License InspectionFail

1 High1 Med7 Basic

9 total

71/100inspection score

−29 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN FRONT PREP AND FRONT DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO POST HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED SMALL OPENING BETWEEN DOUBLE DOORS OF FRONT ENTRANCE. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.

Basic (7)

−14 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED NO BARRIER TO PREVENT CUSTOMERS FROM ENTERING INTO FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL BARRIER TO PROTECT FOOD PREP AREA FROM CONTAMINATION BY PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CLEAR PLASTIC ON RIGHT SIDE OF TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN FRONT PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CLEAR PLASTIC FROM RIGHT SIDE OF TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR, NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES SHALL BE SMOOTH FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY. OBSERVED PLUMBER'S PUTTY AROUND INTERIOR DRAIN OF HANDWASHING SINKS IN MIDDLE PREP, FRONT DISHWASHING AND REAR DISHWASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE PLUMBER'S PUTTY NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES SHALL BE SMOOTH FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DUST ON TOP AND BOTTOM SURFACES OF PREP TABLE IN MIDDLE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN PREP TABLE AND MAINTAIN.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
OBSERVED LEAVES AND WOODEN PALLETS IN OUTDOOR ENCLOSURE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE LEAVES AND WOODEN PALLETS FROM ENCLOSURE AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT AREAS FOR PEST HARBORAGE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED SPLASHES AND STAINS ON WALLS IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA AND REAR EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALLS AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED STAINED INTERIOR OF MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN MOP SINK INTERIOR.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES IN FRONT DISHWASHING/PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL STAINED CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED MOP DRYING IN BUCKET. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL MOP DRYING RACK FOR PROPER DRAINAGE AND DRYING OF MOPS TO PREVENT PEST BREEDING.

Base deductions−29 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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