SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

LA CASA DE TOLA.

BEAT. 32/100

3207 N ELSTON AVE · NORTH CENTER, CHICAGO

Last inspected April 28, 2025 · passed

Failed 2 of 5 inspections. 9 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
5
1 passed · 2 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
47
includes 9 critical
RECORDS COVER
2 YEARS
since Feb 2023

INSPECTION HISTORY

APR 28
2025
PASSED
4 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

6-301.13 OBSERVED HANDSOAP DISPENSER ATTACHED TO WALL DIRECTLY ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR WAREWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE HANDSOAP DISPENSER AND ENSURE EMPLOYEES ARE ONLY WASHING THEIR HANDS AT SINKS DESIGNATED FOR HANDWASHING.

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

3-305.11 OBSERVED BOXED FOOD ITEMS BEING STORED ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH STORAGE RACKS IN WALK-IN FREEZER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-205.15 OBSERVED SMALL LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEAHT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR WAREWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

6-305.11 OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE PERSONAL BELONGINGS (JACKETS, PURSES, ETC.) BEING STORED ON PREP SURFACES THROUGHOUT REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THR PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE ORDERLY STORAGE AREA FOR EMPLOYEES CLOTHING AND OTHER POSSESSIONS AND MAINTAIN.

APR 14
2025
FAILED
8 violations3 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, BEEF, EGGS, ETC.) ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK ADJACENT TO THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR WAREWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON TO ENSURE ALL HANDSINKS ARE SUPPLIED WITH PAPER TOWELS AND MAINTAIN. FOOD HANDLER REPLENISHED PAPER TOWELS AT HANDSINK DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED HANDSOAP DISPENSER ATTACHED TO WALL DIRECTLY ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR WAREWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE HANDSOAP DISPENSER AND ENSURE EMPLOYEES ARE ONLY WASHING THEIR HANDS AT SINKS DESIGNATED FOR HANDWASHING.

MINORFood Temperature
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR MEASURING THE INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF HOT AND COLD FOODS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR MEASURING HOT AND COLD FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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

OBSERVED BOXED FOOD ITEMS BEING STORED ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH STORAGE RACKS IN WALK-IN FREEZER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED SMALL LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEAHT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR WAREWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE PERSONAL BELONGINGS (JACKETS, PURSES, ETC.) BEING STORED ON PREP SURFACES THROUGHOUT REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THR PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE ORDERLY STORAGE AREA FOR EMPLOYEES CLOTHING AND OTHER POSSESSIONS AND MAINTAIN.

MINOROther
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 10/4/2024 INSPECTION, REPORT #2604076 NOT CORRECTED: #53-NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS. #58-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. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

OCT 4
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
7 violations
DETAILS
SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

NOTED EMPLOYEE WASHING DISHES AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WITHOUT SETTING IT UP TO WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE AS REQUIRED BY THE CODE. NO SANITIZER WAS USED TO SET UP THE SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ALWAYS SET UP THE SINK WHEN WASHING EQUIPMENT. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY HAD EMPLOYEE SET UP THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE USING THE CHLORINE. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.

MINORFood Temperature
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

NOTED FROZEN VEGETABLE INSIDE CONTAINER AT THE PREP TABLE THAWING. DISCUSSED WITH MANAGEMENT THE DIFFERENT METHODS OF DEFROSTING FOOD:- EITHER UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER OR INSIDE THE REFRIGERATION UNIT. PRODUCT TEMPERATURE WAS ADEQUATE AT THE TIME.

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

FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP, STORAGE AND WALK-IN COOLER/FREEZERS. MUST PROVIDE PROPER, RAISED SHELVING TO STORE FOOD CONTAINERS 6" OFF FLOOR.

MINORSanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

NOTED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.

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

NOTED ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER ON THE FLOOR AND SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE CONDENSATION UNITS.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS

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 27
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
12 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

2-102.14(O) 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

MINORFood Storage & Handling
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

3-302.12 INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (FLOUR, SALT, SUGAR ETC).

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

4-202.16 OBSERVED BOXES STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER RAISED SHELVINGS 6" OFF THE FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE

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

4-101.17 INSTRUCTED TO SEAL/PAINT RAW WOOD SHELF UNDERNEATH HOT HOLDING UNITS IN FRONT PREP AREA.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-205.15 OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-205.15 INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKY DRAINPIPE UNDERNEATH FIRST COMPARTMENT (FAR LEFT) OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND LEAKY DRAINPIPE UNDERNEATH HANDSINK NEXT TO THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

5-501.17 INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TOILET RECEPTACLE WITH COVER INSIDE WASHROOM.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

6-501.19 INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR NON WORKING SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT WASHROOM DOOR.

MINORSanitation
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

5-501.115 REAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES (WOOD) AND CLUTTER.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-201.16 INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLES ON WALL AROUND REAR PREP AND DISHWASHING AREA.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-201.11 INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS UNDER AND AROUND HOT WATER TANK INSIDE THE MOP CLOSET.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-201.16 INSTRUCTED TO SEAL WALL OPENING AROUND MOPSINK IN REAR CLOSET.

FEB 24
2023
FAILED
16 violations4 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

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL HANDSINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER EQUIPPED WITH HAND SOAP AND HAND DRYING DEVICE ADJACENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO REAR MAIN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C)

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND DRYING DEVICE OR PAPER TOWEL AT ALL HANDSINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK IN FRONT PREP AREA AND INSIDE WASHROOM.

MINORFood Temperature
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR TAKING HOT AND COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF FOOD PRODUCETS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005

MINORFood Storage & Handling
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

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

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

OBSERVED BOXES STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER RAISED SHELVINGS 6" OFF THE FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE.

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

INSTRUCTED TO SEAL/PAINT RAW WOOD SHELF UNDERNEATH HOT HOLDING UNITS IN FRONT PREP AREA.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKY DRAINPIPE UNDERNEATH FIRST COMPARTMENT (FAR LEFT) OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TOILET RECEPTACLE WITH COVER INSIDE WASHROOM.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR NON WORKING SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT WASHROOM DOOR.

MINORSanitation
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

REAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES (WOOD) AND CLUTTER.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO SEAL WALL OPENING AROUND MOPSINK IN REAR CLOSET.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS UNDER AND AROUND HOT WATER TANK INSIDE THE MOP CLOSET.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLES ON WALL AROUND REAR PREP AND SIHWASHING AREA.

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 →

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