Taqueria San Jose #1: health inspection history

Aug 10, 2026 Canvass Re-Inspection

• 36.THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATEInspector comment: 4-204.112(B): OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE THE THREE-DOOR COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
• 39.CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAYInspector comment: 3-307.11: OBSERVED PLASTIC, GROCERY BAGS BEING USED TO COVER THE FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE HOT HOLDING UNIT NEAR THE FLAT-TOP GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE PROPER UTENSILS TO COVER FOOD ITEMS.
• 40.PERSONAL CLEANLINESSInspector comment: 2-402.11: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT A HAIR RESTRAINT AND ANOTHER WITHOUT A BEARD GUARD. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN, WHILE IN FOOD PREP AREA.
• 49.NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANInspector comment: 4-601.11(B): OBSERVED SLIGHT PINK RESIDUE INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE STORED AT THE FRONT PREP/ SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO WASH, SANTIIZE, AND MAINTAIN.

Aug 6, 2026 Canvass

• 22.PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURESInspector comment: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE COLD HOLDING UNITS. FOUND IINSIDE THE SMALL PREP COOLER IN THE REAR: DICED TOMATOES (50.8F), BEEF SAUSAGE (48.9F), BEEF TONGUE (52.F), SHRIMP (50.2F), HOT DOGS (51.1F). FOUND ISDE THE THREE DOOR COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA: COOKED BEEF (52.1F) AND BEEF TRIPE (51.2F). APPROXIMATELY 22LBS AT $187 WORTH OF PRODUCT DISCARDED. MUST HAVE COLD…
• 33.PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROLInspector comment: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF SMALL FOOD PREP COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA AT 52.0F. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS MUST REACH AND MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. UNIT WAS TAGGED THE INITAL DAY OF INSPECTION. PLEASE SEE COMMENT SECTION FOR TAG REMOVAL. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.
• 36.THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATEInspector comment: OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE THE THREE-DOOR COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
• 39.CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAYInspector comment: OBSERVED PLASTIC, GROCERY BAGS BEING USED TO COVER THE FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE HOT HOLDING UNIT NEAR THE FLAT-TOP GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE PROPER UTENSILS TO COVER FOOD ITEMS.
• 40.PERSONAL CLEANLINESSInspector comment: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT A HAIR RESTRAINT AND ANOTHER WITHOUT A BEARD GUARD. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN, WHILE IN FOOD PREP AREA.
• 49.NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANInspector comment: OBSERVED SLIGHT PINK RESIDUE INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE STORED AT THE FRONT PREP/ SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO WASH, SANTIIZE, AND MAINTAIN.

Sep 26, 2025 Complaint

• 2.CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATEInspector comment: UPON ARRIVAL, NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. INSTRUCTED A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE DURING THE WALK THROUGH OF THE FACIITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED
• 21.PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURESInspector comment: OBSERVED IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF STEAK. FOUND COOKED STEAK NOT IN A HOT HOLDING UNIT AT 71.8F IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH NO TIME/TEMPERATURE LOG BOOK PROVIDED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTING A HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 135F OR ABOVE FOR TCS FOODS. APPROXIMATELY 13LBS AT $51 WORTH OR PRODUCT DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
• 22.PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURESInspector comment: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS. FOUND BIG CONTAINERS OF REFRIED BEANS (51.7F) AND SHREDDED CHEESE (55.8F). INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN A COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES FOR TCS FOODS. APPROXIMATELY 21LBS AT $87 WORTH OF PRODUCT DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATION #21.
• 37.FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINERInspector comment: OBSERVED A SPRAY BOTTLE WITH OIL IN THE REAR PREP AREA AND GLASS CONTAINERS AND SQUIRT BOTTLES AT THE FRONT SERVICE COUNTER/ PREP AREA NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL WITH COMMON FOOD NAME.
• 38.INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENTInspector comment: OBSERVED A SMALL OPENING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OPENING AND MAINTAIN.
• 39.CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAYInspector comment: OBSERVED THE ICE SCOOP IMPROPERLY STORED ON THE PREP TABLE AT THE FRONT SERVICE/FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE IN A FOOD GRADE BIN.
• 41.WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STOREDInspector comment: OBSERVED IMPROPER USE OF YELLOW WIPING CLOTH. OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WIPE HANDS ON WIPING CLOTH THROUGHOUT DISHWAHSING PROCCESS AND PLACE WIPING CLOTH ON TABLE BEHIND WAREWAHSING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PUT MENTIONED WIPING CLOTH IN THE DIRTY PILE AND TO NEVER WIPE HANDS ON WIPING CLOTH AND REUSE TO WIPE SURFACES.
• 55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: OBSERVED SLIGHT FOOD CRUMBS IN THE CREVICES ALONG THE WALLS IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

May 30, 2025 Canvass

• 1.PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESInspector comment: PERSON IN CHARGE (PIC) HAS NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER'S (CFM) CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID CFM CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES. VIOLATION WRITTEN ON VIOLATION #2
• 2.CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATEInspector comment: NO CHICAGO CFM ON SITE WHILE PREPARING/SERVING TCS FOODS (I.E. BEEF, CHICKEN, BEANS, ETC.) INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CFM ON SITE WHEN PREPARING/SERVING TCS FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
• 41.WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STOREDInspector comment: WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM OF SANITIZING AGENT USED) WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME.
• 47.FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USEDInspector comment: CAN OPENER IN FOOD PREP AREA WITH A THICK BUILD UP OF FOOD AND DIRT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CAN OPENER.
• 47.FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USEDInspector comment: WORN/DAMAGED RUBBER GASKETS ON 2-DOOR COOLER BY THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE GASKETS AND MAINTAIN GOOD REPAIR. -RUSTY STORAGE RACKS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA BY THE 3-COMP. SINK AND PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST FROM STORAGE RACK OR REPLACE TO MAINTAIN A RUST FREE, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
• 49.NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANInspector comment: THE INTERIOR OF OF THE REACH IN COOLERS BY THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE LOWER SURFACES AND RUBBER GASKETS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE COOLERS.
• 55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: THE FLOORS UNDER THE COOKING/COOLING EQUIPMENT AND IN THE CORNERS IN THE PREP/BASEMENT AREA WITH DIRT, GREASE/FOOD AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS AND MAINTAIN.
• 55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN STAIN FREE CEILING TILES.

Mar 19, 2024 Canvass Re-Inspection

No violations listed in this record.

Mar 15, 2024 Canvass Re-Inspection

• 46.GLOVES USED PROPERLYInspector comment: 3-304.15(B-D) OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT USING FOOD-GRADE DISPOSABLE GLOVES TO HANDLE READY-TO-EAT FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO TRAIN ALL FOOD HANDLERS ON PROPER GLOVE USE.
• 55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: 6-501.12 OBSERVED FLOORS WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS LOCATED UNDER THE FLATTOP GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
• 59.PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTEDInspector comment: 8-404.13(B:3) OBSERVED PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2590705 DATED 3/8/24; 25-3-603.11: **PF** (A) If an animal FOOD such as beef, EGGS, FISH, lamb, milk, pork, POULTRY, or shellfish is served or sold raw, undercooked, or without otherwise being processed to eliminate pathogens, either in READY-TO-EAT form or as an ingredient in another…

Mar 8, 2024 Canvass

• 9.NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWEDInspector comment: 3-301.11(B) OBSERVED A MALE FOOD HANDLER PLATING READY-TO-EAT FOOD (TOMATOES, CHEESE) WITH HIS BARE HANDS. INSTRUCTED NEVER TO ALLOW BARE-HAND CONTACT WITH ANY READY-TO-EAT FOODS. INSTEAD, THE FOOD HANDLERS MUST USE FOOD-GRADE DISPOSABLE GLOVES. SPOONS OR TONGS TO HANDLE ALL READY-TO-EAT FOODS. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010.
• 16.FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZEDInspector comment: 4-601.11(A) OBSERVED A BLACK SUBSTANCE DRIPPING ONTO THE ICE LOCATED ON THE ICE MAKER PART IN THE ICE MACHINE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD ICE AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE ENTIRE ICE MACHINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
• 25.CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOODInspector comment: 3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW (EGGS). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE PHYSICAL AND BOARD MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
• 36.THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATEInspector comment: 4-302.12 OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE PROPERLY TO TAKE FOOD TEMPERATURES OF COLD AND HOT FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
• 46.GLOVES USED PROPERLYInspector comment: 3-304.15(B-D) OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT USING FOOD-GRADE DISPOSABLE GLOVES TO HANDLE READY-TO-EAT FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO TRAIN ALL FOOD HANDLERS ON PROPER GLOVE USE.
• 55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: 6-501.12 OBSERVED FLOORS WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS LOCATED UNDER THE FLATTOP GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

Mar 23, 2023 Canvass

• 22.PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURESInspector comment: FOUND IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF COOKED BEANS, COOKED CHICKEN, COOKED RICE, AND SHRIMP AT TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 51F - 46F LOCATED IN REACH IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD AND DENATURE 40 LBS OF FOOD AT $300 AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MAINTAIN A MINIMUM COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Oct 4, 2021 Canvass

• 41.WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STOREDInspector comment: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS BEING USED AND THEN PLACED ON COUNTER. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL WIPING CLOTHS NEED TO BE IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE TO HELP PREVENT POSSIBLE CROSS CONTAMINATION OF SURFACES BEING USED ON.
• 45.SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USEDInspector comment: OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS BEING USED TO STORE BREAD INSIDE THE THREE DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS FOR ANY FOODS.
• 47.FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USEDInspector comment: OBSERVED THE MICROWAVE IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF SPILLAGE AND FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
• 49.NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANInspector comment: OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF THE REFRIGERATION UNITS IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND FOOD STAINS ON THE DOOR, INSIDE THE DOOR AND ON THE FLOOR OF THE UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
• 51.PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICESInspector comment: UNABLE TO LOCATE BACK FLOW DEVICE FOR ICE MACHINE IN FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE AND PROVIDE SOME FORM OF PROOF THAT IT IS THERE VIA PICTURE OR SHOWING BY PULLING UNIT OUT.
• 55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN THE FRONT SERVICE AREA UNDER COUNTER UNITS AND EQUIPMENT WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS. ALSO OBSERVED THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS, FOOD STAINS AND SPLATTERS, AS WELL AS DIRT AND GREASE BUILD UP ON THE WALLS AND FLOORS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.