What is Taqueria LA Zacatecana's health inspection score?

Taqueria LA Zacatecana has a SafeDine safety score of 64 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 LA Zacatecana last inspected?

Taqueria LA Zacatecana was last inspected on September 30, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Taqueria LA Zacatecana have?

Taqueria LA Zacatecana has 45 total violations across 7 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Taqueria LA Zacatecana safe to eat at?

Taqueria LA Zacatecana has a safety score of 64/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

Official Health Record

Taqueria LA Zacatecana

Name: Taqueria LA Zacatecana
Address: 3024 N CALIFORNIA AVE, Chicago, 60618
Rating: 64

3024 N CALIFORNIA AVE, Chicago

Last inspected 7mo ago

▼Declining

Own or manage this restaurant?

Claim it to unlock analytics →

0Fair

North Center

Ranked #429 of 559 in North Center

Declining

7 inspections

Last: Sep 30, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

6.4

Avg Violations

8 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

Facility condition

Building maintenance or structural issues

13x

Permit/documentation

Administrative or documentation issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-36

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-9 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-0 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-14 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-3 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

-9 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

Open location in Google Maps →

3024 N CALIFORNIA AVE, Chicago, IL 60618

Open in Maps

View Menu Order Online

Violation Timeline

Aug 2022

2 inspections

1 high priority

10 basic

Aug

Jul 2023

1 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

4 basic

Nov 2024

2 inspections

11 basic

Nov

Sep 2025

2 inspections

2 high priority

15 basic

Inspection History

7 records on file

3 Canvass Re-Inspection4 Canvass

Sep 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

1 High7 Basic

8 total

76/100inspection score

−24 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA MISSING SIGNAGE NOTIFYING FOOD EMPLOYEES TO WASH HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE TO ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Basic (7)

−14 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN THE MAIN PREP AREA TO BE DISFIGURED AND MELTED NEAR THE STOVE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE CUTTING BOARD WITH BOARD MADE OF MATERIAL THAT CAN WITHSTAND HEAT AND MAINTAIN ORIGINAL SHAPE AND FUNCTION UNDER NORMAL KITCHEN CONDITIONS AND MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CENTRAL COUNTER (ALONG MAIN PREP AREA) CONSTRUCTED OF EXPOSED, UNSEALED WOOD ON NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES. INSTRUCTED TO TREAT OR PAINT WOOD OR REPLACE WITH MATERIAL TO MAINTAIN NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACE SMOOTH AND EASILY-CLEANABLE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED ICE MACHINE IN THE FRONT PREP AREA STORED ON MILK CRATES DIRECTLY ON THE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MILK CRATES TO ELEVATE FIXED ICE MACHINE AT LEAST 6" ABOVE THE FLOOR TO ALLOW FOR ADEQUATE CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER OF UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND NONFUNCTIONAL EQUIPMENT IN THE OUTDOOR WASTE RECEPTACLE STORAGE ENCLOSURE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS UNNECESSARY TO FOOD OPERATIONS AND NONFUNCTIONAL EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN OUTDOOR WASTE ENCLOSURE FREE FROM CLUTTER.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED PAINT PEELING ALONG CEILING SURFACE OF WALK-IN COOLER AREA, NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY-CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE OR REPLACE PAINT TO MAINTAIN PHYSICAL FACILITY SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY-CLEANABLE IN THE WALK-IN COOLER.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FLOORS BENEATH EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA TO BE HEAVILY SOILED WITH DUST AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AND OTHER PHYSICAL FACILITIES AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF DUST, DRIED FOOD DEBRIS, AND OTHER SOILS AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED LIGHT FIXTURE IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA TO BE IN POOR REPAIR, LIGHTING OF INSUFFICIENT INTENSITY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE REAR STORAGE AREA LIGHT FIXTURE TO MAINTAIN LIGHTING OF ADEQUATE INTENSITY FOR THIS AREA.

Base deductions−24 pts

Sep 25

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High8 Basic

9 total

74/100inspection score

−26 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA MISSING SIGNAGE NOTIFYING FOOD EMPLOYEES TO WASH HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE TO ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Basic (8)

−16 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN THE MAIN PREP AREA TO BE DISFIGURED AND MELTED NEAR THE STOVE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE CUTTING BOARD WITH BOARD MADE OF MATERIAL THAT CAN WITHSTAND HEAT AND MAINTAIN ORIGINAL SHAPE AND FUNCTION UNDER NORMAL KITCHEN CONDITIONS AND MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CENTRAL COUNTER (ALONG MAIN PREP AREA) CONSTRUCTED OF EXPOSED, UNSEALED WOOD ON NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES. INSTRUCTED TO TREAT OR PAINT WOOD OR REPLACE WITH MATERIAL TO MAINTAIN NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACE SMOOTH AND EASILY-CLEANABLE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED ICE MACHINE IN THE FRONT PREP AREA STORED ON MILK CRATES DIRECTLY ON THE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MILK CRATES TO ELEVATE FIXED ICE MACHINE AT LEAST 6" ABOVE THE FLOOR TO ALLOW FOR ADEQUATE CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER OF UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND NONFUNCTIONAL EQUIPMENT IN THE OUTDOOR WASTE RECEPTACLE STORAGE ENCLOSURE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS UNNECESSARY TO FOOD OPERATIONS AND NONFUNCTIONAL EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN OUTDOOR WASTE ENCLOSURE FREE FROM CLUTTER.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED PAINT PEELING ALONG CEILING SURFACE OF WALK-IN COOLER AREA, NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY-CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE OR REPLACE PAINT TO MAINTAIN PHYSICAL FACILITY SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY-CLEANABLE IN THE WALK-IN COOLER.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FLOORS BENEATH EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA TO BE HEAVILY SOILED WITH DUST AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AND OTHER PHYSICAL FACILITIES AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF DUST, DRIED FOOD DEBRIS, AND OTHER SOILS AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED LIGHT FIXTURE IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA TO BE IN POOR REPAIR, LIGHTING OF INSUFFICIENT INTENSITY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE REAR STORAGE AREA LIGHT FIXTURE TO MAINTAIN LIGHTING OF ADEQUATE INTENSITY FOR THIS AREA.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING CORE VIOLATIONS FROM PREVIOUS CANVASS INSPECTION (INSPECTION NO. 2607938) ON 11/22/2024 NOT CORRECTED AT TIME OF CURRENT INSPECTION: #51 5-204.12 OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTER CONNECTED TO ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL RELEVANT LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS. #53 5-501.17 OBSERVED BROKEN LID ON GARBAGE CAN IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN ALL CORE VIOLATIONS BY THE CORRECT BY LISTED ON INSPECTION REPORTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−26 pts

Nov 24

Canvass Re-Inspection 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 CUTTING BOARDS IN FRONT PREP AREA COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTER CONNECTED TO ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL RELEVANT LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED BROKEN LID ON GARBAGE CAN IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF GRIME ON FILTERS IN HOOD OVER GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED 1 OF 2 CERTIFIED MANAGERS WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−10 pts

Nov 24

Canvass InspectionFail

6 Basic

6 total

88/100inspection score

−12 pts

Basic (6)

−12 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN FRONT PREP AREA COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTER CONNECTED TO ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL RELEVANT LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED BROKEN LID ON GARBAGE CAN IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF GRIME ON FILTERS IN HOOD OVER GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED 1 OF 2 CERTIFIED MANAGERS WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING REPEAT CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2578579 DATED 7/13/2023: #55 " INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE AND IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA." INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND COME INTO COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−12 pts

Jul 23

Canvass InspectionPass

1 High1 Med4 Basic

6 total

77/100inspection score

−23 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK IN FRONT PREP/COOKING AREA.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS INCLUDING INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER

Basic (4)

−8 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN METAL STORAGE RACKS WITH MOLDLIKE BUILD-UP IN REAR WALK-IN COOLER.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE AND IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE PEELING PAINT ON CEILING INSIDE REAR WALK-IN COOLER.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE NON WORKING LIGHTBULB IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.

Base deductions−23 pts

Aug 22

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
3-307.11 OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD IN BETWEEN HAND SINK AND UTILITY MOP SINK AT FRONT PREP AREA.MUST INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD AND MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-501.11 OBSERVED RUST ON THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST AND REPAINT OR REPLACE THE SHELVES.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.

Base deductions−6 pts

Aug 22

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High7 Basic

8 total

76/100inspection score

−24 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINKS IN WASHROOMS.

Basic (7)

−14 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD IN BETWEEN HAND SINK AND UTILITY MOP SINK AT FRONT PREP AREA.MUST INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD AND MAINTAIN.
40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED RUST ON THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST AND REPAINT OR REPLACE THE SHELVES.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED GAP OPENINGS ON WALL WHERE FLOOR MEETS UNDERNEATH THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AT FRONT PREP AREA.MUST SEAL MENTIONED OPENINGS AND REMOVE PEELING PAINT ON CEILING IN WALK-IN-COOLER AND MAINTAIN TO SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2528736 DATED:08/30/2021 #48--OBSERVED NO SINK STOPPERS AVAILABLE AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. #51--OBSERVED LOW WATER PRESSURE AT REAR EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN. #51--OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE CONNECTED TO MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL RELEVANT LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS. #55--OBSERVED 2 BROKEN COOLERS STORED IN YARD BEHIND BUILDING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM PREMISES. #55--OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT ON WALLS AND FLOORS IN REAR DISH AREA AND FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT NOTED VIOLATIONS AND MAINTAIN BY 8/24/2022. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090,CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−24 pts

Community Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

Leave a Review

Community Safety Reports

No reviewed safety reports. Help keep others safe by reporting any food safety concerns.

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.

Explore More

Restaurants in Chicago Unknown Restaurants Best in Chicago All Illinois Restaurants