Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Carmelo's Taco Place

Name: Carmelo's Taco Place
Address: 2746 W 59th St, Chicago, IL

2746 W 59th St

Last inspected Aug 6, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Pass

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when Carmelo's Taco Place has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

Own this restaurant? Add an inspection badge to your website · Inspection prep checklist

More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

3 inspections

Canvass

Aug 6, 2026

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DOOR TO REAR EXTERIOR WITH SPACE AT BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR TO BE TIGHT FITTING.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED COOKED FOOD ITEMS STORED IN WALK IN COOLER UNCOVERED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO COVER FOOD TO PROTECT FROM POTENTIAL CONTAMINATION FROM PREMISES.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BLACK MASKING TAPE USED TO REPAIR CHEST FREEZER IN PREP AREA(UPSTAIRS). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROPERLY REPAIR OR REPLACE.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED RUST ON SHELVING IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN AREA SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 6, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Jul 1, 2025

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS (SALT, MAYONAISE, BUTTER AND SOUR CREAM). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems

notedCode 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF IN-USE UTENSILS STORED DIRECTLY INSIDE FOOD ITEMS IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY BETWEEN USES.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues

notedCode 46Other

Official wording

GLOVES USED PROPERLY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER PREPARING/HANDLING FOOD ITEMS WITHOUT WEARING GLOVES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 1, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

May 13, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

5 recorded violations

notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

PIC WITHOUT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE OR PROOF OF PENDING CERTIFICATION. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS (STEAK, RICE, BEANS). INSTD TO HAVE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

NO HAND DRYING PROVISIONS AT ANY EXPOSED HANDWASH SINKS IN PREP AREAS AND BAR. INSTD TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED AT SINKS BY END OF INSPECTION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C) PRIORITY FOUNDATION

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED WITH COMMON NAME. INSTD TO LABEL WITH COMMON NAME AND MAINTAIN

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

WORN SEALANT ON BRICK WALL IN FEMALE TOILET ROOM. INSTD TO RE SEAL SO AS SURFACE TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, AND EASILY CLEANABLE

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 13, 2024 · Original Source