Canvass Re-Inspection
Mar 12, 2026
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 12, 2026 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
Taqueria Uptown
1144 W Bryn Mawr Ave
Last inspected Mar 12, 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
7 inspectionsCanvass
Mar 4, 2026
Fail
4 recorded violations
notedCode 25Food temperature
Official wording
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR ALL RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOOD ITEMS (OVER EASY EGGS). MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE OR DESCRIBE ALL FOODS WHICH CAN BE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO THE REMINDER STATEMENT WITH AN ASTERISK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
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 temperaturenotedCode 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY IN THE FRONT AND REAR FOOD PREP AREAS AND BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS. OBSERVED APPROX. 100 MOUSE DROPPINGS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: SHELVES BENEATH THE FRONT COUNTER, ON THE FLOOR SURROUNDING THE 1-DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN THE CORNER OF THE DINING ROOM, HVAC CLOSET ON THE FLOOR SURROUNDING THE FURNACE, IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA PLATFORM NEXT TO THE STAIRCASE AND IN THE CORNER OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM, ON THE SHELVES OF THE PREP TABLES, INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER AND ON THE BOTTOM SHELF OF THE STEAM TABLE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
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 insectsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
CLEAN THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA: PREP TABLES, PREP COOLERS, SIDE OF THE GRILL, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYER, AND THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.
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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE FOOD PREP AREA AROUND THE GREASE TRAP AND BEHIND AND UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE WALL BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 4, 2026 · Original Source
Complaint Re-Inspection
May 2, 2025
Pass
3 recorded violations
notedCode 43Equipment and utensils
Official wording
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
Inspector’s notes
3-304.12 NOTED IMPROPER FOOD SCOOPS FOR HOT, COLD AND DRY BULK FOODS. SCOOPS WITHOUT HANDLES AND BEING STORED INSIDE THE FOODS. MUST PROVIDE PROPER FOOD SCOOPS WITH HANDLES INVERTED FROM THE FOODS.
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 issuesnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
4-602.13 SHELVING UNDER THE COOKS LINE FLAT GRILL AND STEAM TABLE WITH DIRT AND ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN 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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
6-101.11 NOTED OPEN HOLE IN THE WALL INSIDE THE FRONT PREP HAND SINK CABINET. MUST SEAL. ALSO NOTED OPEN CRACKS/CREVICES IN THE BASEBOARD AND WALLS INSIDE THE WASHROOM. MUST SEAL.
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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 2, 2025 · Original Source
Complaint
Apr 25, 2025
Fail
7 recorded violations
notedCode 10Handwashing
Official wording
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s notes
OBERVED THE KITCHEN HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE. NOTED A CASE OF FRESH CILANTRO BEING STORED ON TOP AND INSIDE OF THE HAND SINK. COOK REMOVED. REVIEWED THAT HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. 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 problemsnotedCode 15Other
Official wording
FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED RAW ANIMAL ORIGIN EGGS BEING STORED ON RACK SHELVING DIRECTLY ABOVE UNCOVERED COOKED BEEF AND UNCOVERED READY TO EAT CHOPPED CILANTRO INSIDE THE COOKS LINE COOLER. COOK REMOVED. REVIEWED PROPER FOOD PROTECTION DURING STORAGE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingnotedCode 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 75 TO 100 MICE DROPPINGS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: THROUGHOUT THE FRONT PREP COUNTER ON SHELVING, INSIDE THE HAND SINK CABINET, BEHIND ALL FRONT COOLERS AND ICE MACHINE. THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT DRY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING AND STAIRS LEADING TO BASEMENT. IN THE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS, SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMEND HAVING THE PEST CONTROL CO. SERVICE FOR MICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
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 insectsnotedCode 43Equipment and utensils
Official wording
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
Inspector’s notes
NOTED IMPROPER FOOD SCOOPS FOR HOT, COLD AND DRY BULK FOODS. SCOOPS WITHOUT HANDLES AND BEING STORED INSIDE THE FOODS. MUST PROVIDE PROPER FOOD SCOOPS WITH HANDLES INVERTED FROM THE FOODS.
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 issuesnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
SHELVING UNDER THE COOKS LINE FLAT GRILL AND STEAM TABLE WITH DIRT AND ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN 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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
NOTED OPEN HOLE IN THE WALL INSIDE THE FRONT PREP HAND SINK CABINET. MUST SEAL. ALSO NOTED OPEN CRACKS/CREVICES IN THE BASEBOARD AND WALLS INSIDE THE WASHROOM. MUST SEAL.
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 problemsnotedCode 60Other
Official wording
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
Inspector’s notes
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 1-7-25 REPORT #2610159 NOT CORRECTED. #37-: ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH PRODUCT COMMON NAMES IE: RICE.#41-: ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 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 findingOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 25, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Jan 7, 2025
Pass
7 recorded violations
notedCode 36Equipment and utensils
Official wording
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
Inspector’s notes
MISSING INTERNAL THERMOMETER INSIDE THE SMALL BLACK COOLER BEHIND THE FRONT PREP COUNTER.
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 issuesnotedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s notes
ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH PRODUCT COMMON NAMES IE: BEANS AND RICE.
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 problemsnotedCode 39Contamination
Official wording
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector’s notes
NOTED A FOOD COOLER LOCATED IN THE DINING ROOM WITH CUSTOMER ACCESS. MUST PROTECT FROM THE PUBLIC. REMOVE FROM THE DINING ROOM OR PROVIDE A LOCK FOR THE COOLER.
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 contaminationnotedCode 40Employee health and hygiene
Official wording
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
Inspector’s notes
FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS WHEN PREPARING FOODS.
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 issuesnotedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
Inspector’s notes
ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
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 problemsnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
FRONT PREP WOODEN CABINET OF THE HAND WASHING SINK BROKEN. FALLING FROM THE SINK AND WALL. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR OR REMOVE.
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 problemsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
METAL RACK SHELVING INSIDE THE SMALL BLACK COOLER BEHIND THE FRONT PREP COUNTER WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN 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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 7, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Jan 29, 2024
Pass
3 recorded violations
notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Inspector’s notes
2-102.13-- NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
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 issuesnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
4-101.11(B, C, D, E)--- BROKEN/MISSING DOOR HANDLE ON THE KITCHEN TALL TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER. MUST 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 problemsnotedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
2-102.13--- NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL.
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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 29, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass
Jan 22, 2024
Fail
9 recorded violations
notedCode 5Other
Official wording
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
Inspector’s notes
NO WRITTEN CLEANING PROCEDURE FOR A VOMIT/DIARRHEA EVENT OR ANY REQUIRED EQUIPMENT OR KIT ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingnotedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
Inspector’s notes
COOKS LINE WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
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 problemsnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
BROKEN/MISSING DOOR HANDLE ON THE KITCHEN TALL TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER. MUST 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 problemsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
SHELVING UNDER THE FLAT TOP GRILL WITH GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN 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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
EXCESSIVE GREASE ON THE CORNER WALL ON THE COOKS LINE. MUST CLEAN/REMOVE 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 problemsnotedCode 25Food temperature
Official wording
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
Inspector’s notes
MENU DOES NOT DISCLOSE AND INFORM CONSUMERS THE SPECIFIC MENU ITEMS THAT ARE RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. FOODS SUCH AS OVER EASY EGGS, STEAK ON THE PRINTED MENU. MUST DISCLOSE AND REMIND CUSTOMERS OF SUCH FOOD ON BOTH THE PRINTED AND VIRTUAL MENUS. PROVIDE A CONSUMER ADVISORY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 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 temperaturenotedCode 40Employee health and hygiene
Official wording
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
Inspector’s notes
COOK NOTED WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST HAVE EFFECTIVE HAT/HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES.
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 issuesnotedCode 57Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Inspector’s notes
NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
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 issuesnotedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL.
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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 22, 2024 · Original Source