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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Tamales Express

3802 W Diversey Ave

Last inspected Apr 8, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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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

Apr 8, 2026

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BROKEN THERMOMETERS INSIDE UPRIGHT REFRIGERATION UNITS IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED RUSTED SHELVING RACKS INSIDE UPRIGHT COCA COLA COOLING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE TO MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.

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 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED GARBAGE RECEPTACLE IN WOMENS TOILETROOM WITHOUT COVERING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FLOORS IN REAR PREP AREA AROUND ALL HEAVY COOKING EQUIPMENT AND UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN FLOOR.

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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BURNED OUT BULBS AND MAINTAIN

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 8, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Apr 16, 2025

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 16, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Apr 12, 2024

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Inspector’s notes

FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY ON DRYING RACKS.MUST STORE INVERTED.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 12, 2024 · Original Source

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