RestaurantLicence 2758268

Taqueria Los Molcajetes INC

5344 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago 60639

Latest verdictPassSep 17, 2026 · 27 days ago

Inspections12since Nov 20, 2020

Fail rate41.7%5 of 12 verdictscitywide 22.4% · above average

City risk ratingHigh riskWhat this kind of business could do if it went wrong — not a grade it earned.

Read the pairs, not the count. A failure is normally followed within days by a re-inspection, and that re-inspection is a second row here. On the timeline below they sit almost on top of each other — one bad day, two marks.

The whole record

Pass50%
Conditional8%
Fail42%

12 inspections from 2020 to 2026 · hover a mark

202120222023202420252026

PassSep 17, 2026CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 37
  Food properly labeled; original container
  Observed food stored in containers in all the coolers, walk in cooler and dry storage without proper labeling of name. Instructed to person in charge to provide a label reflecting the food item's name when food has been remove from its original packaging.
2. 40
  Personal cleanliness
  Observed food handlers prepping food without hair restraints. Instructed person in charge that all food handlers must wear a hair restraint.
3. 44
  Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
  Observed plates, pots, and pans throughout premises not inverted. Instructed to invert plates, bowls, pots, and pans after sanitizing and air drying.
4. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Observed the interior of the reach in coolers and freezers in need of cleaning. Instructed to detail clean.
5. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed mop in a position that does not allow to dry properly and prevent pest harborage. Must store mop after use in a mounted position that allows for air-drying without soiling and pest harboraging.
6. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed grease buildup, food debris, and dirt on floor under cooking equipment, along walls and in all corners in prep, dish washing, storage and basement areas. Instructed manager to clean floors under all equipment, along walls and in all corners in all areas. Observed dust buildup on fan in walk-in cooler, light shields in cooking area and ceiling and wall vents in prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to clean and maintain all fans, light shields and ceiling/wall vents.
PassNov 25, 2025Canvass Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
1. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  6-501.13: observed the floors in the rear food prep/ dishwashing area in need of cleaning. Instructed to clean and maintain.
FailNov 18, 2025CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 54
  Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
  Observed outside garbage receptacle lid not tight fitting, due to being filled with trash. Instructed all outside garbage receptacles must be able to close and remain tigh ftting, per code, in order to prevent rodent harborage. Priority foundation 7-38-020(b), citation issued
2. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed the floors in the rear food prep/ dishwashing area in need of cleaning. Instructed to clean and maintain.
PassOct 28, 2024CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 41
  Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
  Observed soiled wiping cloths stored on prep tables. Instructed manager to store in sanitizing solution between uses.
2. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed a torn door gasket inside of the 2 door prep cooler. Management instructed to replace the torn door gasket
3. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed cardboard used as liner on floor in prep area. Instructed manager to remove all cardboard from shelving units. All food and non-food contact surfaces must be smooth and easily cleanable.
4. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Observed accumulated grease and food debris on interior and exterior surfaces of cooking equipment, prep tables, coolers, freezers, shelving units. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.
5. 54
  Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
  Observed debris around dumpster. Instructed to clean and maintain
6. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed debris on floors along walls and corners in utility and storage areas. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.
7. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed unused equipment and unnecessary articles in hot water storage area. Instructed manager to remove all unused, unnecssary equipment and articles to prevent pest harborage.
8. 58
  Allergen training as required
  Allergen training is required for all employees that have a city of Chicago food sanitation certificate. Instructed to complete training and keep certificate on site.
PassJun 15, 2023Canvass Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
1. 16
  Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
  4-602.11(b-e)-observed pink specks interior of ice machine. Must detail clean and maintain.
FailJun 8, 2023CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 16
  Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
  Observed pink specks interior of ice machine. Must detail clean and maintain.
2. 60
  Previous core violation corrected
  Previous core violation not corrected from 3/31/2022, report #2553738. #51- found no mop sink on site. Instructed management that at least one service sink (mop sink) or curbed cleaning facility equipped with a floor drain shall be provided for the cleaning of mops and disposal of mop water/similar liquid waste. Priority foundation violation. 7-42-090. Citation issued.
3. 61
  Summary report displayed and visible to the public
  Summary report from 3/31/2022, report #2553738 not posted in public view of establishment's customers. Instructed to post recent summary report visible to the public at all times. Priority foundation violation. 7-42-010(b). Citation issued.
PassMar 31, 2022Canvass Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
1. 51
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
  Found no mop sink on site. Instructed management that at least one service sink (mop sink) or curbed cleaning facility equipped with a floor drain shall be provided for the cleaning of mops and disposal of mop water/similar liquid waste.
FailMar 24, 2022CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 25
  Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
  Observed an incorrect and incomplete consumer advisory for raw/undercooked foods - fully cooked menu items, such as chicken, are incorrectly asterisked, and the advisory is missing a disclosure statement. Instructed management to add a disclosure statement to the current advisory that says "items can be served raw or undercooked or contain undercooked ingredients" and remove the asterisks from fully cooked menu items such as chicken and soups. Priority foundation 7-38-005.
2. 41
  Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
  Observed wiping cloths stored on the splash guard of the rear prep hand washing sink. Must properly store wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution when not in use.
3. 51
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
  Found no mop sink on site. Instructed management that at least one service sink (mop sink) or curbed cleaning facility equipped with a floor drain shall be provided for the cleaning of mops and disposal of mop water/similar liquid waste.
4. 51
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
  Found a leak coming from the drain pipe underneath the rear prep handwashing sink. Must repair.
5. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Found a hole in the wall base underneath the three compartment sink, and a hole in the wall above the grill in the kitchen. Instructed management to repair holes and maintain.
PassMar 4, 2021Canvass Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
1. 41
  Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
  Observed wiping cloths stored on top of front hand washing sink. Must properly store wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution when not in use.
FailFeb 25, 2021CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 3
  Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
  Observed no written employee health policy on the premises. Management instructed to provide a signed employee health policy for each employee. Priority foundation violation 7-38-010,no citation issued
2. 23
  Proper date marking and disposition
  Observed prepared ready to eat tcs foods not in the original containers such as flavored cream cheeses,riceand soups not properly date labeled with an expiration date no longer than 7 days. Must properly date label all such foods. Priority foundation violation.7-38-005 no citation issued
3. 41
  Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
  Observed wiping cloths stored on top of front hand washing sink. Must properly store wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution when not in use.
4. 43
  In-use utensils: properly stored
  Observed ice scoops stored on top of ice machine. Must properly store ice scoops in a clean container to prevent contamination.
5. 51
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
  Additional water preasure needed at the hand washing sink in rear food preparation area. Must repair and maintain.
6. 54
  Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
  Outside garbage area not maintained. Observed outside garbage dumpster overflowing preventing lis from closing properly. Also observed accumulation of garbage and trash on ground surrounding dumpster.this is harborage and a food source for rodents and others pests. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(b) citation issued
7. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed dirt and grease build up on floor under around and behing cooking eaquipment. Must clean and maintain.
8. 60
  Previous core violation corrected
  Previous core violations not corrected from report#2456883 on 11/20/2020. #51 backflow prevention device not located at ice maker. Must install so backflow prevention device may be located to be serviced and maintained. #56 instructed to detail clean kitchen exhaust hood filters to remove accumulations of grease-build-up and to maintain. #57 observed no food handler certificates provided on the site. Must show proof of training for all food handling employees. #58 allergen training is required for all employees that have a city of Chicago food sanitation cert priority foundation violation 7-42-090 no citation issued.
ConditionalDec 1, 2020License Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
1. 3
  Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
  Observed no written employee health policy on the premises. Management instructed to provide a signed employee health policy for each employee. Priority foundation violation 7-38-010,no citation issued.
2. 10
  Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
  Instructed to provide handwashing signage at all handsinks (prep areas and wash rooms).
3. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed a torn door gasket inside of the 2 door prep cooler. Management instructed to replace the torn door gasket.
4. 51
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
  Backflow prevention device not located at ice maker. Must install so backflow prevention device may be located to be serviced and maintained.
5. 56
  Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
  Instructed to detail clean kitchen exhaust hood filters to remove accumulations of grease-build-up and to maintain.
6. 57
  All food employees have food handler training
  Observed no food handler certificates provided on the site. Must show proof of training for all food handling employees.
7. 58
  Allergen training as required
  Allergen training is required for all employees that have a city of Chicago food sanitation certificate. Instructed to complete training and keep certificate on site.
FailNov 20, 2020LicenseRisk 1 (High)
1. 3
  Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
  Observed no written employee health policy on the premises. Management instructed to provide a signed employee health policy for each employee. Priority foundation violation 7-38-010,no citation issued.
2. 5
  Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
  Observed no procedure/plan for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events. Instructed to provide and maintain required procedure/plan and appropriate supplies or kit. (necessary items at a minimum: gloves, face masks, disposable mops and appropriate sanitizer/spray that is effective against norovirus). Priority foundation violation 7-38-005,no citation issued.
3. 10
  Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
  Instructed to provide handwashing signage at all handsinks (prep areas and wash rooms).
4. 25
  Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
  Observed no consumer advisory disclosure and reminder statement on the menu. Management instructed to disclose which foods can be ordered "raw" or under cooked and link those foods with an asterisk (*) to a reminder statement that states that eating raw or under cooked foods can increase your risk of food borne illness. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005,no citation issued.
5. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  Observed no licensed pest control log book available on site. Instructed to provide a pest control log book with all required documents ( contract/service agreement, service report with copy of idph license number,record of locations, chemicals used etc.) priority foundation violation 7-38-020 (c),no citation issued.
6. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed a torn door gasket inside of the 2 door prep cooler. Management instructed to replace the torn door gasket.
7. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed stained cutting board on top of rear prep cooler.instructed to resurface or replace the cutting board and maintain.
8. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Instructed to remove accumulations of rusts on exterior of grease trap box underneath the 3-compartment sink area.
9. 51
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
  Backflow prevention device not located at ice maker. Must install so backflow prevention device may be located to be serviced and maintained.
10. 53
  Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
  A toilet room used by females shall be provided with a covered receptacle for sanitary napkins.
11. 56
  Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
  Instructed to detail clean kitchen exhaust hood filters to remove accumulations of grease-build-up and to maintain.
12. 57
  All food employees have food handler training
  Observed no food handler certificates provided on the site. Must show proof of training for all food handling employees.
13. +1 more

Fails sit above the line, passes below. Every inspection the city has published for this licence.

On the street

Apple Maps street-level imagery. Click to look around the block.

What it gets cited for

558×
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
516×
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
475×
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
414×
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
493×
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
543×
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
583×
Allergen training as required
33×
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting

Counted across every inspection on record here. A code that keeps coming back is the more telling signal.

Source

Published by the Chicago Department of Public Health as Food Inspections, updated weekly. This page shows every row the city holds under licence 2758268 — a business that changed hands may carry history from its predecessor.