What is Taqueria LA Mexicana's health inspection score?

Taqueria LA Mexicana has a SafeDine safety score of 75 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Taqueria LA Mexicana last inspected?

Taqueria LA Mexicana was last inspected on May 6, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Taqueria LA Mexicana have?

Taqueria LA Mexicana has 26 total violations across 8 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Taqueria LA Mexicana safe to eat at?

Taqueria LA Mexicana has a good safety record with a score of 75/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

Official Health Record

Taqueria LA Mexicana

Name: Taqueria LA Mexicana
Address: 815 W 35TH ST, Chicago, 60609
Rating: 75

815 W 35TH ST, Chicago

Last inspected 11mo ago

▲Improving

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0Good

Chicago

Ranked #960 of 1000 in Chicago

Improving

8 inspections

Last: May 6, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

38%

Clean Rate

3.3

Avg Violations

11 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Employee illnessHigh Priority

Sick employee handling food — illness transmission risk

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

SanitationHigh Priority

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Pest issuesHigh Priority

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Facility condition

Building maintenance or structural issues

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-25

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-4 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-1 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-6 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-7 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

+25 pts

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

815 W 35TH ST, Chicago, IL 60609

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Violation Timeline

Jun 2022

1 inspections

1 high priority

2 intermediate

3 basic

Jun

Aug 2022

1 inspections

Dec 2022

2 inspections

Dec

Jan 2023

1 inspections

2 high priority

2 basic

Jan 2024

1 inspections

4 high priority

1 intermediate

5 basic

Jan

Feb 2024

1 inspections

1 high priority

2 basic

May 2025

1 inspections

3 basic

May

Inspection History

8 records on file

3 Canvass2 Canvass Re-Inspection3 Complaint

May 25

Canvass InspectionLatestPass

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLE IMPROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO STORE INSIDE SANITIZING SOLUTION IN BETWEEN USES.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED BUILD UP DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF 2 DOOR COOLING UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE AND DRIED FOOD BUILDUP UNDERNEATH FRYERS AND GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.

Base deductions−6 pts

Feb 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 High2 Basic

3 total

86/100inspection score

−14 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
4-602.11(B-E) OBSERVED ICE SCOOPER BEING STORED ON TOP OF THE MAT BEHIND THE BAR WITH THE FOOD CONTACT SURFACE EXPOSED. INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO STORE ICE SCOOP BETWEEN USES PROPERLY.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.11 OBSERVED WATER-STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE WOMEN TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE STAINED CEILING TILES.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH THE COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.

Base deductions−14 pts

Jan 24

Canvass InspectionFail

4 High1 Med5 Basic

10 total2 risk factors

35/100inspection score

−55 pts

High Priority (4)

−40 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD HANDLERS PREPARING AND HANDLING�TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS (TACOS, CHICKEN, BEEF) WITHOUT ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER AND CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE OF CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST REMAIN POSTED ON SITE AND CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE DURING TCS FOOD PREP, COOKING, SERVING, AND OPERATING HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
5PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTSRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. SUPPLIES MUST INCLUDE ADEQUATE SANITIZER THAT ELIMINATES NOROVIRUS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE CLEAN-UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES TO HANDLE BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE PROPERLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HAND SIGNAGE AT THE HAND SINK IN THE FRONT AND REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED ICE SCOOPER BEING STORED ON TOP OF THE MAT BEHIND THE BAR WITH THE FOOD CONTACT SURFACE EXPOSED. INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO STORE ICE SCOOP BETWEEN USES PROPERLY.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED GRAB & GO PACKAGED CHEESECAKE SLICES IN THE DISPLAY COOLER ON THE FRONT COUNTER, NOT PROPERLY LABELED AND WITH MISSING ALLERGEN INFORMATION ON THE LABELS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL PACKAGED FOOD ITEMS WITH IDENTITY, NET WEIGHT, INGREDIENTS, LIST MAJOR ALLERGENS, BUSINESS NAME AND ADDRESS WHERE MADE AND PACKAGED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD. MUST MAINTAIN
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS AND IN-USE COOKING EQUIPMENT/UTENSILS (POTS, PANS, ETC.) TOO LARGE FOR 3-COMPARTMENT WAREWASHING SINK. THE INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE OF SINK COMPARTMENTS SHALL BE LARGE ENOUGH TO ACCOMMODATE THE IMMERSION OF THE LARGEST EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS. IF SAID EQUIPMENT OR UTENSILS ARE TOO LARGE FOR THE WAREWASHING SINK, A WAREWASHING MACHINE OR ALTERNATIVE EQUIPMENT MUST BE PROVIDED, OR A WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON HOW DISHES WILL BE CLEANED ON THE SPOT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED MOP IN A POSITION THAT DOES NOT ALLOW TO DRY PROPERLY AND PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE LOCATED IN THE ULITITY SINK. MUST STORE MOP AFTER USE IN A MOUNTED POSITION THAT ALLOWS FOR AIR-DRYING WITHOUT SOILING AND PEST HARBORAGING.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED WATER-STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE WOMEN TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE STAINED CEILING TILES.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.

Base deductions−55 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Jan 23

Complaint InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High2 Basic

4 total2 risk factors

66/100inspection score

−24 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
PERSON IN CHARGE HAS NO CITY SANITATION CERTIFICATE AS REQUIRED.
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY/SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH CHICKEN AND BEEF. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT A VALID CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-012.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHES ON PREP STATIONS. INTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHES IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. ALSO CLEAN THE INSIDE OF THE LIGHT SHIELD IN THE SAME AREAS.

Base deductions−24 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Dec 22

Complaint InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Dec 22

Complaint InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Aug 22

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jun 22

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High2 Med3 Basic

6 total

74/100inspection score

−26 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
NO HANDSINK IN COOKING AREA AS REQUIRED. MUST INSTALL A HAND SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER IN MAIN PREP KITCHEN AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

25CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD−5
NO DISCLOSURE STATEMENT ON PRINTED MENU AS REQUIRED. MUST PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT OR FOOTNOTE IDENTIFYING ALL FOOD ITEMS OFFERED UNDERCOOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. (SEE EXAMPLE FORM GIVEN TODAY DURING INSPECTION)
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED TWO DEAD MICE ON BASEMENT FLOOR; MUST REMOVE. ONE OBSERVED BY THE SUB PUMP AND THE OTHER IN THE REAR STORAGE ROOM OF THE BASEMENT.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE BOTTOM OF THE FRYER ON THE LEFT SIDE TO REMOVE GREASE AND TOP AREA OF STOVE TO REMOVE SPLATTER.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
INSTRUCTED THAT FOOD HANDLERS THAT ARE NOT CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM MARCH 17, 2021 AS REQUIRED; MUST CORRECT. #37 MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE. #39 MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN HAND SINK NEXT TO THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. #53 MUST PROVIDE A GARBAGE CAN WITH A LID IN WOMENS TOILET ROOM. #58 OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS; MUST PROVIDE VALID CERTIFICATES AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 ISSUED.

Base deductions−26 pts

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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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