Chicago · Official inspection records

Taqueria El Primo

3500 W MONTROSE AVE · Chicago, IL 60618

Restaurant

Chicago Department of Public Health reports Out of Business for Taqueria El Primo on .

Checked · Source updated

Most recent visit in the dataset

Latest inspection

Inspection date
Reported outcome
Out of Business
Inspection type
Canvass
Recorded citations
0
Source risk category
Risk 1 (High)
Inspection ID
1473472

Location recorded for this inspection · Taqueria El Primo · 3500 W MONTROSE AVE

This visit predates Chicago’s July 1, 2018 inspection procedure change.

The source lists no violation citations for this inspection.

Official inspection record

Inspection history

Chicago publishes inspection reports dating back to 2010. The city changed its procedures on July 1, 2018.

Short Form ComplaintPass
Inspection date
Reported outcome
Pass
Inspection type
Short Form Complaint
Recorded citations
6
Source risk category
Risk 1 (High)
Inspection ID
1353476

Location recorded for this inspection · Taqueria El Primo · 3500 W MONTROSE AVE

This visit predates Chicago’s July 1, 2018 inspection procedure change.

Recorded violations

  • 30

    FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: POTATO CHIPS PACKAGED FOR SALE WITH NO LABEL. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABEL, NAME OF THE PRODUCT, COMPANY'S NAME, ADDRESS, ZIP CODE, INGREDIENTS, FLAVORINGS AND ADDITIVES.

  • 31

    CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES - Comments: ALL CLEAN MULTI USE UTENSILS POTS,PANS MUST BE STORED UPSIDE /DOWN INVERTED .

  • 32

    FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD AROUND THE EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE FRONT SERVING AREA. RUSTED LID OF THE CHEST FREEZER BY THE DISH WASHING AREA. MUST REMOVE RUST OR REPLACE. MUST DEFROST CHEST FREEZER IN THE SAME LOCATION(WITH HEAVY ICE BUILD-UP).

  • 34

    FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL THE FLOOR THRU-OUT THE KITCHEN,DISH WASHING AREA,ALONG THE WALL BASE ALL CORNER,BEHIND AND UNDER ALL COOKING EQUIPMENTS. AND FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT,UNDER THE DINING TABLES IN THE DINING AREA. MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVER IN THE FLOOR DRAIN IN THE BASEMENT. MUST PROVIDE.

  • 35

    WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL THE WALLS BEHIND THE GYROS SPIT, WALLS IN THE STORAGE AREA IN THE REAR CLOSE TO THE WALK IN COOLER, AND WALLS IN THE PREP AREA BEHIND THE DEEP FRYER AND MAINTAIN.

  • 43

    FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED - Comments: ICE SCOOP STORED ON TOP OF THE ICE MAKER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ICE SCOOP IN A SEPARATE CONTAINER TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.

CanvassPass with Conditions
Inspection date
Reported outcome
Pass with Conditions
Inspection type
Canvass
Recorded citations
6
Source risk category
Risk 1 (High)
Inspection ID
1188628

Location recorded for this inspection · Taqueria El Primo · 3500 W MONTROSE AVE

The source labels this outcome “Pass w/ Conditions”.

This visit predates Chicago’s July 1, 2018 inspection procedure change.

Recorded violations

  • 3

    POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE - Comments: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS NOT MEETING PROPER TEMPERATURE INSIDE THE PREP COOLER . RAW CHICKEN AT 45.6F, PORK AT 46.5F, AND CHORIZO AT 45.9F, INSIDE THE PREP COOLER. PREP COOLER TEMPERATURE AT 38.9F. GYROS AT 48.7F ON THE GYROS SPIT. MANAGER DISCARDED THE SAID MANAGER WORTH $50.00,TOTAL 10 LBS. CITATION ISSUED CRITICAL, 7-38-005A

  • 30

    FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: POTATO CHIP PACKAGED FOR SALE WITH NO LABEL. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABEL, NAME OF THE PRODUCT,COMPANY'S NAME.ADDRESS, ZIP CODE,INGREDIENTS, FLAVORING, AND ADDITIVES.

  • 32

    FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD AROUND THE EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE FRONT SERVING AREA. RUSTED LID/COVER OF THE CHEST FREEZER BY THE DISH WASHING AREA. MUST REMOVE RUST OR REPLACE. MUST DEFROST CHEST FREEZER IN THE SAME LOCATION,WITH HEAVY ICE BUILD -UP.

  • 34

    FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL THE FLOOR THRU-OUT THE KITCHEN,DISH WASHING AREA , BASEMENT AND UNDER THE DINING TABLES IN THE DINING AREA. MISSING DRAIN FLOOR COVER IN THE FLOOR DRAIN IN THE BASEMENT. MUST PROVIDE.

  • 35

    WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL THE WALLS BEHND THE GYROS SPIT AND MAINTAIN.

  • 43

    FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED - Comments: ICE SCOOP STORED ON TOP OF THE ICE MAKER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ICE SCOOP ON A SEPARATE CONTAINER TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.

Canvass Re-InspectionPass
Inspection date
Reported outcome
Pass
Inspection type
Canvass Re-Inspection
Recorded citations
6
Source risk category
Risk 1 (High)
Inspection ID
1098607

Location recorded for this inspection · Taqueria El Primo · 3500 W MONTROSE AVE

This visit predates Chicago’s July 1, 2018 inspection procedure change.

Recorded violations

  • 31

    CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES - Comments: INSTRUCTED, CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED ON STORAGE SHELVES AT REAR DISH WASHING AREA.

  • 32

    FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BROKEN GASKETS ON PREP REACH IN COOLER DOORS AT FRONT PREP AREA AND ON FREEZER DOOR AT REAR DISH WASHING AREA. ALSO INSTRUCTED TO SEAL WOOD SHELVING UNIT.

  • 33

    FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/SANITIZE; COOLERS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, STORAGE SHELVES, BOTTOM PANELS OF PREP TABLES, FREEZER, STORAGE CABINETS, MICROWAVE OVEN, AND MOP SINK.

  • 34

    FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: MUST CLEAN FLOORS, UNDER, BEHIND EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS THRU-OUT PREP AREAS, DISH WASHING AREA, STORAGE AREA AND BASEMENT.

  • 41

    PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AT 1ST FLOOR STORAGE AREA AND BASEMENT, CLEAN AND ORGANIZE. ARTICLES MUST BE STORED OFF FLOORS, AWAY FROM WALLS.

  • 43

    FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED - Comments: INSTRUCTED, CLEANING TOWELS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED.

CanvassPass with Conditions
Inspection date
Reported outcome
Pass with Conditions
Inspection type
Canvass
Recorded citations
13
Source risk category
Risk 1 (High)
Inspection ID
1098521

Location recorded for this inspection · Taqueria El Primo · 3500 W MONTROSE AVE

The source labels this outcome “Pass w/ Conditions”.

This visit predates Chicago’s July 1, 2018 inspection procedure change.

Recorded violations

  • 2

    FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: FACITLITY NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE. OBSERVED TWO DOORS PREP REACH IN COOLER AT 50.7F, INADEQUATE FOOD PROTECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR COOLER AND KEEP AT 40F OR BELOW. HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON UNIT, WHEN REPAIRED MUST FAX LETTER REQUESTING TAG REMOVAL. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED, 7-38-005(A).

  • 3

    POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE - Comments: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES; THE FOLLOWING FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE ABOVE COOLER; 8LBS COOKED PORK AT 68F, 5LBS CUT TOMATOES AT 70.01, 6LBS CHEESE 52.8F, 3LBS HAM AT 50.7. INADEQUATE FOOD PROTECTION. INSTRUCTED COLD POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MUST BE AT 40F OR BELOW. FOOD DISCARDED, V=$200. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED, 7-38-005(A).

  • 8

    SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME - Comments: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE, WASHING, RINSING, MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SETTING THEM TO DRY WITHOUT USING A SANITIZING METHOD. INSTRUCTED/DEMOSTRATED PROPER SET-UP OF 3PART SINK FOR PROPER SANITATION WITH 100PPM CHLORINE. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED, 7-38-030.

  • 31

    CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES - Comments: INSTRUCTED, CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED ON STORAGE SHELVES AT REAR DISH WASHING AREA.

  • 32

    FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BROKEN GASKETS ON PREP REACH IN COOLER DOORS AT FRONT PREP AREA AND ON FREEZER DOOR AT REAR DISH WASHING AREA. ALSO INSTRUCTED TO SEAL WOOD SHELVING UNIT.

  • 33

    FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/SANITIZE; COOLERS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, STORAGE SHELVES, BOTTOM PANELS OF PREP TABLES, FREEZER, STORAGE CABINETS, MICROWAVE OVEN, AND MOP SINK.

  • 34

    FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: MUST CLEAN FLOORS, UNDER, BEHIND EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS THRU-OUT PREP AREAS, DISH WASHING AREA, STORAGE AREA AND BASEMENT.

  • 35

    WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAINT WALLS THRU-OUT DISH WASHING AREA AND STORAGE ROOM, REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING PANELS AT REAR DISH WASHING AREA AND DINING AREA, REPAIR WALL UNDER 3PART SINK, SEAL OPENINGS AT SAME AREA.

  • 36

    LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: MUST REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE FRONT PREP AREA.

  • 41

    PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AT 1ST FLOOR STORAGE AREA AND BASEMENT, CLEAN AND ORGANIZE. ARTICLES MUST BE STORED OFF FLOORS, AWAY FROM WALLS.

  • 42

    APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN - Comments: INSTRUCTED, FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.

  • 43

    FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED - Comments: INSTRUCTED, CLEANING TOWELS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED.

  • 44

    ONLY AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL IN THE FOOD-PREP AREA - Comments: INSTRUCTED ONLY AUTHORIZED EMPLOYEES CAN BE IN THE FOOD-PREP AREAS.

License Re-InspectionPass
Inspection date
Reported outcome
Pass
Inspection type
License Re-Inspection
Recorded citations
0
Source risk category
Risk 1 (High)
Inspection ID
579476

Location recorded for this inspection · Taqueria El Primo · 3500 W MONTROSE AVE

This visit predates Chicago’s July 1, 2018 inspection procedure change.

The source lists no violation citations for this inspection.

LicenseFail
Inspection date
Reported outcome
Fail
Inspection type
License
Recorded citations
7
Source risk category
Risk 1 (High)
Inspection ID
424208

Location recorded for this inspection · Taqueria El Primo · 3500 W MONTROSE AVE

This visit predates Chicago’s July 1, 2018 inspection procedure change.

Recorded violations

  • 18

    NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: Front (outermost) and rear doors not insect/rodent proof. Must seal openings to outside to prevent pest entry.

  • 33

    FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: Accumulated grease and food debris on fryer and cooking equipment, interior of ice machine, cabinets. Must clean and maintain same.

  • 34

    FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: Missing coving in women's washroom, coving in men's washroom in poor repair. Cracked and broken floor tiles in cooking area. Must repair and maintain same.

  • 35

    WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: Water stained and damaged ceiling tiles in some areas. Dust accumulated on ceiling vents, must clean. Repair ceiling in basement by storage area. Accumulated grease in ventilation hoods, must clean. Walls by basement mop sink with peeling paint, must re-finish to be smooth and easily cleanable. cracked and broken wall tiles in kitchen areas. Must repair and maintain same.

  • 36

    LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: Missing lightshields above rear produce storage. Must install lightshields ot shatter-resistant bulbs.

  • 40

    REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS - Comments: Some coolers/freezers missing conspicuously placed thermometers. Must provide thermometers by the door in all units. Must provide metal stem thermometer (0F-220F).

  • 70

    NO SMOKING REGULATIONS - Comments: Additional "no smoking" sign needed at front entrance.

Local context · Chicago

How results compare in ZIP 60618

496 of 616 establishments with a Pass, Pass with Conditions or Fail outcome since July 1, 2018 have a Pass outcome.

This calculation uses published records from the same jurisdiction. Pending, unavailable and other non-comparable results are excluded.

Checked · Source updated See the ZIP directory →

Same inspection jurisdiction

Nearby establishments

Select up to three other establishments to compare with this record.
  • TAQUERIA EL PRIMO3500 W MONTROSE AVE · Chicago, IL 60618Restaurant · Chicago · Under 0.1 mi away
    Out of BusinessInspected
  • ALFREDO MEJIA3500 W MONTROSE AVE LOT · Chicago, IL 60618Mobile Food Dispenser · Chicago · Under 0.1 mi away
    Out of BusinessInspected
  • TACONTENTO3500 W MONTROSE AVE · Chicago, IL 60618Restaurant · Chicago · Under 0.1 mi away
    Out of BusinessInspected
  • TAQUERIA EL AGUILA REAL 23500 W MONTROSE AVE · Chicago, IL 60618Restaurant · Chicago · Under 0.1 mi away
    Out of BusinessInspected
  • Paisanos Pizza & Wings3500 W MONTROSE AVE · Chicago, IL 60618Restaurant · Chicago · Under 0.1 mi away
    PassInspected
  • Paisanos Pizza & Wings3500 W MONTROSE AVE · Chicago, IL 60618Restaurant · Chicago · Under 0.1 mi away
    PassInspected

Official source and data freshness

Chicago Department of Public Health via the City of Chicago Data Portal. Reference license 2079945.

Food Inspections

Checked · Source updated

The source is a history of inspections. A reported result or business status describes the visit and may have changed since.

Check Health Inspection is an independent service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government health department. Inspection information comes from public government records and may change as new inspections or corrections are published.

Report a record discrepancy →