What is Taqueria EL Asadero #1's health inspection score?

Taqueria EL Asadero #1 has a SafeDine safety score of 67 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Taqueria EL Asadero #1 last inspected?

Taqueria EL Asadero #1 was last inspected on January 20, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Taqueria EL Asadero #1 have?

Taqueria EL Asadero #1 has 42 total violations across 7 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Taqueria EL Asadero #1 safe to eat at?

Taqueria EL Asadero #1 has a safety score of 67/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

What type of cuisine does Taqueria EL Asadero #1 serve?

Taqueria EL Asadero #1 serves Mexican cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Taqueria EL Asadero #1

Name: Taqueria EL Asadero #1
Address: 2213 W MONTROSE AVE, Chicago, 60618
Rating: 67

2213 W MONTROSE AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 1/20/2026

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0Fair

Mexican•North Center

Ranked #416 of 559 in North CenterBetter than 84% of mexican restaurants

Improving

7 inspections

Last: Jan 20, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

Avg Violations

4 months 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

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Sanitation

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Facility conditionHigh Priority

Building maintenance or structural issues

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-33

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-9 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-3 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-9 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+8 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

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2213 W MONTROSE AVE, Chicago, IL 60618

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Violation Timeline

Apr 2022

1 inspections

1 intermediate

7 basic

Apr

May 2022

1 inspections

1 basic

Apr 2023

1 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

5 basic

Apr

Jul 2024

1 inspections

2 high priority

4 basic

Feb 2025

1 inspections

5 basic

Feb

Jan 2026

2 inspections

3 high priority

2 intermediate

10 basic

Inspection History

7 records on file

1 Canvass Re-Inspection4 Canvass1 Complaint Re-Inspection1 Complaint

Jan 26

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

1 High3 Basic

4 total

84/100inspection score

−16 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINK IN THE MENS WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE A HAND WASHING SIGN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED RAW UNFINISHED WOOD WALLS ON BASEMENT AND RAW WOOD FOOD STORAGE SHELVING IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA AND BASEMENT. SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACES.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINK IN A GOOD REPAIR AT ALL TIMES.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED A FEW WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES ON THE BASEMENT. MUST REPAIR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN CEILING. OBSERVED A FEW BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.

Base deductions−16 pts

Jan 26

Canvass InspectionFail

2 High2 Med7 Basic

11 total1 risk factor

51/100inspection score

−44 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ONN PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINK IN THE MENS WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE A HAND WASHING SIGN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

25CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD−5
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTARUCTED TO DISCLOSE AND DESCRIBE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDER RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT PROPERLY LABEL. MUST PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.

Basic (7)

−14 pts

43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
OBSERVED SCOOPS INSIDE SUGAR AND SALTH FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER. MUST REMOCE SCOOPS AND PROPERLY STORE IN A CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED PRODUCE AND MEATS STORES IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE TWO DOOR FREEZER AND COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED RAW UNFINISHED WOOD WALLS ON BASEMENT AND RAW WOOD FOOD STORAGE SHELVING IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA AND BASEMENT. SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACES.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINK IN A GOOD REPAIR AT ALL TIMES.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED. OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING PREVENTING LID FROM CLOSING PROPERLY. ALSO OBSERVED GARBAGE AND TRUSH ON GROUND SURROUNDING DUMPSTER. THIS IS A FOOD SOURCE AND HARBORAGE FOR RODENTS AND OTHER PEST. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED A FEW WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES ON THE BASEMENT. MUST REPAIR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN CEILING. OBSERVED A FEW BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2612753 ON 02/25/2025. #47 .OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON DOORS OF TWO TWO REFRIGERATOR IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. #55. OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT BUILDUP ON FLOOR, ALONG WALLS, AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS, ALONG WALLS, AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE REAR PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN #56. OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO COMPLY WITH IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−44 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Feb 25

Canvass InspectionPass

5 Basic

5 total

90/100inspection score

−10 pts

Basic (5)

−10 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON DOORS OF TWO TWO REFRIGERATOR IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED MULTIPLE CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP SCRATCHES AND STAINS ON PREP SURFACES IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO RESURFACE/REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT BUILDUP ON FLOOR, ALONG WALLS, AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS, ALONG WALLS, AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE REAR PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO COMPLY WITH IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED MULTIPLE CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO RENEW EXPIRED ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING CERTIFICATES AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−10 pts

Jul 24

Canvass InspectionFail

2 High4 Basic

6 total2 risk factors

62/100inspection score

−28 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

6PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USERisk Factor−10
NOTED EMPLOYEES DRINKING AND PREPARING FOOD AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEES TO DRINK AND EAT AND NOT AT THE PREP AREAS.
8HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHEDRisk Factor−10
NOTED EMPLOYEE WHILE WEARING GLOVES WASHED HANDS AT THE PREP SINK WITH GLOVES ON, WIPED THEM WITH PAPER TOWELS AND WENT BACK TO THE PREP TABLE TO CONTINUE PREPARING FOOD; WITHOUT CHANGING GLOVES.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT EMPLOYEES MUST WASH HANDS AT ALL TIMES AND CHANGE GLOVES AFTER EACH TASK OR MOVING FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER. PRIORITY VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE DOOR OF 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT AT THE KITCHEN PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
NOTED A LARGE BOWLS UNABLE TO FIT INSIDE THE DISH WASHING MACHINE FOR PROPER WASHING, RINSING AND SANITIZING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR PROPER WASHING AND SANITIZING OF EQUIPMENT OR REMOVE EQUIPMENT.(LARGE POTS AND PANS)
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
NOTED OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER AND SURROUNDING NOT MAINTAINED WITH THICK GREASE ON THE GROUND AROUND THE GREASE CONTAINER AND ON TOP OF CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN GREASE CONTAINER AND ITS SURROUNDING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(B).CITATION ISSUED.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS AND ON EDGES OF THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS AND PIPES/CONDUITS.

Base deductions−28 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Apr 23

Canvass InspectionPass

1 High1 Med5 Basic

7 total

75/100inspection score

−25 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
INSTRUCTED TO FIX LOOSE FAUCET AT HANDSINK INFRONT PREP/COOKING AREA.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE AND ACCURATE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE INSIDE REACH-IN COOLERS IN REAR PREP/COOKING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN RUBBER GASKET AROUND 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN THE KITCHEN (NEXT TO THE DOOR LEADING TO THE DINING AREA).
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SLOW DRAINING HANDSINK IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
FOUND INCOMPLETE APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

Base deductions−25 pts

May 22

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-501.11--OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF TWO (2) 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLERS AT REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−2 pts

Apr 22

Complaint InspectionFail

1 Med7 Basic

8 total

81/100inspection score

−19 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30 RODENT MICE DROPPINGS ALONG THE SIDE INTERIOR STORAGE SHELFS BEHIND THE FRONT COUNTER SERVICE/PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT MICE DROPPINGS AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS, ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (7)

−14 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF TWO (2) 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLERS AT REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIORS OF STORAGE SHELFS AT FRONT SERVICE/PREP AREA AND INTERIOR OF MICROWAVE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES ALONG THE WALL NEAR THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE STOCK ITEMS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH GREASE AND EXCESSIVE DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT PREP/COOKING AREA ESPECIALLY UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENTS.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−19 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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