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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Tapicozza

1002 W Lake St

Last inspected May 20, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

4 inspections

Canvass

May 20, 2026

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

KNIFE IMPROPERLY STORED INBETWEEN PREP TABLE AND PREP COOLER. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY IN KNIFE RACK.

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

RAW WOOD SHELVING AT FRONT COUNTER. INSTD TO SEAL SAME 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 20, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Mar 12, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

8 recorded violations

notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.

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

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (TACOS, PIZZA, CALZONES, ETC) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

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 9Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER TOUCH READY TO EAT FOOD (TACOS) WITH BARE HAND. FOOD EMPLOYEES' MAY NOT CONTACT EXPOSED, READY-TO-EAT FOOD WITH THEIR BARE HANDS AND SHALL USE SUITABLE UTENSILS SUCH AS DELI TISSUE, SPATULAS, TONGS, SINGLE-USE GLOVES, OR DISPENSING EQUIPMENT. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS IN THE HAND-SINK IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT PAPER TOWELS MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED PAPER TOWELS FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

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.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.

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 LOOSE DEBRIS, DIRT AND DUST BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS AND CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY OF FLOORS. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT.

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 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2588705 ON 1/29/24 WERE NOT CORRECTED: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATION TO COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

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, Mar 12, 2025 · Original Source

License Re-Inspection

Jan 29, 2024

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATION TO COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 29, 2024 · Original Source

License

Dec 21, 2023

Fail

11 recorded violations

notedCode 3Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.

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

OBSERVED NO SOAP AT WASHBOWL SINKS AND 1 OF 2 EXPOSED SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SOAP AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.

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.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CHLORINE TEST STRIPS ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. SEE COMMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

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 NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLES INSIDE BOTH UNISEX SINGLE-OCCUPANT TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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 HEAVY BUILD-UP OF DIRT, DUST, GRIME, AND GREASE IN THE REAR PREP AND DISH AREA ON EQUIPMENT, SINKS, FLOORS, AND WALLS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

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 62Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

COMPLIANCE WITH CLEAN INDOOR AIR ORDINANCE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 1 EMPLOYEE SMOKING A CIGARETTE IN DINING ROOM AT BEGINNING OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN A SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT IN COMPLIANCE WITH CLEAN INDOOR AIR ORDINANCE. VIOLATION 7-32-015. NO CITATION ISSUED.

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 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED.

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 5Other

Official wording

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE AND KIT ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA. LEFT ONE PAGER AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PROCEDURE AND KIT CONTAINING ALL NECESSARY ITEMS, INCLUDING A SANITIZER RATED AS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 33Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO WORKING MECHANICAL REFRIGERATION ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL COOLERS MUST BE INSTALLED, TURNED ON, AND MAINTAINED PROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATION TO COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 21, 2023 · Original Source

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