SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

EL REY DE LA COSTA.

BEAT. 20/100

3548 W LAWRENCE AVE · LINCOLN SQUARE, CHICAGO

Last inspected July 13, 2022 · passed

Failed 4 of 8 inspections. 14 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
8
2 passed · 2 w/ conditions · 4 failed
VIOLATIONS
48
includes 14 critical
RECORDS COVER
3 YEARS
since Feb 2019

INSPECTION HISTORY

JUL 13
2022
PASSED
0 violations
JUL 6
2022
FAILED
10 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED

MINOROther
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

INSTRUCTED TO LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (FLOUR, SPICES, SALT ETC)

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

FOUND OVER 30 RODENT (MICE) DROPPINGS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN THE BASEMENT, 15 DROPPINGS IN ELECTRICAL CLOSET, 2O DROPPINGS UNDER BEER PALLETS IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMEND TO CONTACT LICENSED PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (A) CITATION ISSUED

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS, PREP SHELVES AND STORAGE SHELVES IN REAR PREP/COOKING AREA.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR HOT FAUCET HANDLE (WATER CONTINOUSLY RUNNING) AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP/COOKING AREA.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER STORED IN REAR PREP/COOKING AREA AND IN BASEMENT STORAGE CLOSETS (ELECTRICAL, SODA SYRUP, BOILER ROOM).

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR PREP/COOKING AREA AND THROUGHOUT BASEMENT.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE . INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

NOV 1
2021
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

3-304.14 OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF THE PREP TABLES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WET WIPING CLOTHS IN A CONTAINER OF SANITIZER WHEN NOT IN USE.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

4-602.13 CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF ALL FREEZERS AND PREP COOLERS, THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYER AND EXTERIOR OF THE GRILL.

MINORPest Activity
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.114 MUST ELIMINATE CLUTTER FROM AROUND THE WALLS IN THE KITCHEN AREA TO ELIMINATE PEST HARBORAGE CONDITIONS.

CRITICALPest Activity
PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED

8-404.13(B)(3) PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2537259 ON 10/25/21: 38 - OBSERVED APPROIMATELY 40 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE BAR COOLERS AND SINKS AND 30 MOUSE DROPPINGS IN THE CORNER OF THE FOOD PREP AREA UNDERNEATH THE WIRE STORAGE SHELF. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

OCT 25
2021
FAILED
6 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. PREMISES COOKS AND SERVES SEAFOOD AND RICE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

SERIOUSOther
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE PROVIDED FOR ALL RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS ON THE MENU. MUST DESCRIBE AND DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED (IE. RAW SHRIMP) OR ADD A STATEMENT BEFORE THE REMINDER STATEMENT WHICH STATES "THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED." PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED APPROIMATELY 40 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE BAR COOLERS AND SINKS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

MINORSanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF THE PREP TABLES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WET WIPING CLOTHS IN A CONTAINER OF SANITIZER WHEN NOT IN USE.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF ALL FREEZERS AND PREP COOLERS, THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYER AND EXTERIOR OF THE GRILL.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED CHIPPED PAINT ON THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA ESPECIALLY ABOVE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST SCRAPE AND REPAINT THE WALLS.

JAN 31
2020
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

MUST PROVIDE TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE WITH COVER FOR SANITARY NAPKINS IN ALL UNISEX AND LADY'S BATHROOMS BATHROOM

show all 8 inspections →
JAN 24
2020
FAILED
5 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP ON BAR AND BASEMENT WASHROOM HAND WASHING SINK.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HAND SOAP ON ALL HAND WASHING SINKS . PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(c) CITATION ISSUED

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION ON BAR AND BASEMENT WASHROOM HAND WASHING SINKS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(c) COMBINED WITH PREVIOUS VIOLATION

MINOREmployee Hygiene
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

OBSERVED THAT EMPLOYEE WORE BRACELETS AND RINGS ON HANDS WHILE WORKING WITH FOOD.MUST REMOVE ALL JEWELRY EXCEPT PLAIN WEDDING BAND FROM HANDS WHILE WORKING WITH EXPOSED FOOD

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

MUST PROVIDE TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE WITH COVER FOR SANITARY NAPKINS IN ALL UNISEX AND LADY'S BATHROOMS BATHROOM

SERIOUSPest Activity
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUSLY CITED CORE VIOLATION FROM 03/05/2019 REPORT #2268882 OBSERVED NOT TO BE CORRECTED AS FOLLOWS: VIOLATION # 10 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE FOR THE HAND SINKS.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND TO MAINTAIN. VIOLATION # 50 BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT UTILITY MOP SINK LOCATED IN BASEMENT AND ICE MAKER LOCATED AT FRONT BAR. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SO THAT IT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED. VIOLATION # 55 FOUND CLUTTER AND UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND KEPT ITEMS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED AND ELEVATED TO 6" INCHES OFF THE FLOOR/WALL FOR EASIER CLEANING PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED

MAR 5
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
7 violations3 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010.NO CITATION ISSUED - -

CRITICALSanitation
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE AND CLEAN-UP KIT ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SAID PROCEDURE ALONG WITH REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR CLEAN-UP. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE FOR THE HAND SINKS.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND TO MAINTAIN.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT UTILITY MOP SINK LOCATED IN BASEMENT AND ICE MAKER LOCATED AT FRONT BAR. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SO THAT IT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED. -

MINORPest Activity
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FOUND CLUTTER AND UNUSED EQUIPMENTS IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND KEPT ITEMS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED AND ELEVATED TO 6" INCHES OFF THE FLOOR/WALL FOR EASIER CLEANING.

MINOROther
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

FOOD HANDLER(S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

MINOROther
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

FEB 25
2019
FAILED
15 violations4 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010.NO CITATION ISSUED - -

CRITICALSanitation
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE AND CLEAN-UP KIT ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SAID PROCEDURE ALONG WITH REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR CLEAN-UP. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE FOR THE HAND SINKS.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND TO MAINTAIN.

SERIOUSFood Storage & Handling
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS (SHRIMPS,CEVICHES) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE CONSUMED OR DISCARDED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DATE MARK ALL READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AND MAINTAIN ON SITE ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(C),NO CITATION ISSUED.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

MUST INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE HAND SINK IN THE BAR AREA.

MINORSanitation
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

ICE SCOOPS MAY BE STORED HANDLES UP IN A CLEAN CONTAINER OUTSIDE THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED AT FRONT BAR AREA AND TO MAINTAIN.

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

CUTTING BOARDS WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS IN KITCHEN. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS.

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

OBSERVED TORN GASKETS AT 3 DOOR FOOD PREP COOLER IN KITCHEN.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT UTILITY MOP SINK LOCATED IN BASEMENT AND ICE MAKER LOCATED AT FRONT BAR. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SO THAT IT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED. -

MINORPest Activity
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FOUND CLUTTER AND UNUSED EQUIPMENTS IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND KEPT ITEMS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED AND ELEVATED TO 6" INCHES OFF THE FLOOR/WALL FOR EASIER CLEANING.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED EXPOSED BRICK WALL AT FRONT BAR AREA.INSTRUCTED TO SEAL WALL USING A NON-TOXIC FINISH AND MAINTAIN TO SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

NO MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN BASEMENT EMPLOYEE WASHROOM.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE VENTILATION IN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM AND TO MAINTAIN.

MINOROther
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

FOOD HANDLER(S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

MINOROther
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health. We'd love to link you straight to this restaurant's record — turns out Chicago considers that a luxury. The full dataset is what's on offer →

NEARBY IN LINCOLN SQUARE