NOV 14
2017
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
LA COCINA.
BEAT. 19/100
2518 W 26TH ST · PILSEN, CHICAGO
Last inspected November 14, 2017 · passed with conditions
Failed 4 of 11 inspections. 8 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
11
4 passed · 3 w/ conditions · 4 failed
VIOLATIONS
56
includes 8 critical
RECORDS COVER
5 YEARS
since Dec 2011
INSPECTION HISTORY
FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
FACILITIES DO NOT MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE. OBSERVED THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 48.1F. THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS SUCH AS MEAT AND CHEESE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE COOLER BELOW 40F. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. OBSERVED HAM AT 48.9F, SOUR CREAM AT 45F, RICE AT 47.7F, EGGS AT 48.2F, STEAK AT 50F, BACON AT 48.9F, CHEESE AT 47.1F, AND HOT DOGS AT 48.2F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 50# OF FOOD WORTH $350. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
FOUND FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN: SINKS, INTERIOR OF COOLERS, AND TABLES. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL MENTIONED.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT KITCHEN AREAS. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL KITCHEN AREAS.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
OBSERVED A LIGHT SHIELD MISSING FROM THE REAR PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE.
OCT 302017FAILED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OCT 30
2017
FAILED
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
OBSERVED 30 MICE DROPPINGS BEHIND REACH IN COOLER AT FRONT PREPARATION AREAS. SERIOUS VIOLATION. 7-38-020. MUST CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS FROM BEHIND COOLER AND NOTIFY PEST CONTROL OPERATOR.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
FOUND FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN: SINKS, INTERIOR OF COOLERS, AND TABLES. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL MENTIONED.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT KITCHEN AREAS. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL KITCHEN AREAS.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
FOUND 1 OF 2 EXPOSED HAND SINKS NOT WORKING AT PREMISES. OUT OF ORDER HAND SINK IS BEHIND FRONT COUNTER AREAS. WORKING HAND SINK IS ACCESSIBLE TO PREPARATION/DISHWAHING AREAS. MUST REPAIR EXPOSED HAND SINK OUT OF ORDER.
JUL 52016PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
JUL 5
2016
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (BEEF, RICE) OUT THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING PRODUCT NAME AND DATE. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS. OBSERVED PEANUTS, AND LATIN PASTRIES FOR SALE AT THE FRONT CUSTOMER SERVICE COUNTER WITHOUT PRODUCT NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
OBSERVED DISHWARE NOT INVERTED AND BEING STORED ON THE SHELVES BEHIND THE CUSTOMER COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP DARK GROOVES IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND DUST DEBRIS ON THE VENTS LOCATED ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED MISSING WALL TILE UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND BY THE REAR DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
JUN 272016FAILED11 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 27
2016
FAILED
11 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
OBSERVED 15 RODENT DROPPINGS LOCATED IN THE CORNER SHELF OF THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREA AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. OBSERVED NO UP TO DATE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
DISH MACHINES: PROVIDED WITH ACCURATE THERMOMETERS, CHEMICAL TEST KITS AND SUITABLE GAUGE COCK
OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE TO PROPERLY TEST THE SANITIZER COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.
PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
OBSERVED PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #1560033 38-38 REPAIR VENTILATION FAN IN CUSTOMER WASHROOM. INSTALL BACK FLOW DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK. REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR ALL, PROVIDE BACKFLOW DEVICE AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (BEEF, RICE) OUT THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING PRODUCT NAME AND DATE. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS. OBSERVED PEANUTS, AND LATIN PASTRIES FOR SALE AT THE FRONT CUSTOMER SERVICE COUNTER WITHOUT PRODUCT NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
OBSERVED DISHWARE NOT INVERTED AND BEING STORED ON THE SHELVES BEHIND THE CUSTOMER COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP DARK GROOVES IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
OBSERVED BLOOD SPILL INSIDE OF THE FREEZER LOCATED IN THE REAR AND FOOD DEBRIS IN THE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR ALSO LOCATED IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
OBSERVED FLOORS THRU OUT WITH ACCUMULATED DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS AND MAINTAIN.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND DUST DEBRIS ON THE VENTS LOCATED ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED MISSING WALL TILE UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND BY THE REAR DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED MOP HEADS BEING STORED DOWNWARD. INSTRUCTED TO STORE MOP HEADS UPRIGHT AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT NOT MET. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT AND MAINTAIN.
JUL 92015PASSED7 violationsDETAILS
JUL 9
2015
PASSED
7 violationsDETAILS
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
INVERT CLEAN MULTI-USE SPOONS IN CONTAINER NEAR CASH REGISTER.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
CLEAN INTERIOR OF SINKS, DRAWER UNDER UNUSED GRILL(STANDING WATER), REACH-IN COOLERS, FREEZERS, AND SHELVES UNDER FRONT COUNTER.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
REPAIR VENTILATION FAN IN CUSTOMER WASHROOM. INSTALL BACK FLOW DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK. REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
PROVIDE ACCURATE THERMOMETER IN REACH-IN COOLER BEHIND FRONT COUNTER.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. ORGANIZE REACH-IN COOLER BEHIND FRONT COUNTER.
APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
STORE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
show all 11 inspections →
MAY 272014PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violationsDETAILS
MAY 27
2014
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violationsDETAILS
* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERIFICATE POSTED.
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
MUST PROVIDE FREEZER GRADE BAGS.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
MUST REPAIR HOLES AND SEAL GAPS IN BOTH TOILET ROOMS.
TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
MUST PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON WOMEN TOILET ROOM DOOR.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
MUST REPAIR THREE COMPARTMENT FAUCET LEAK.
MAY 192014PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 19
2014
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
OUTER REAR DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF(HALF INCH GAP FROM BOTTOM OF DOOR TO THRESHOLD . MUST RODENT PROOF REAR OUTER DOORS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED(PORK AND CHICKEN). SERIOUS CITATION 7-38-012.
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
MUST PROVIDE FREEZER GRADE BAGS.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
MUST REPAIR HOLES AND SEAL GAPS IN BOTH TOILET ROOM CEILING.
TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
MUST PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON WOMEN TOILET ROOM DOOR.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
MUST REPAIR THREE COMPARTMENT FAUCET LEAK.
AUG 62013PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
AUG 6
2013
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
NEED DRAIN BOARD, PROVIDE TOILET SEAT.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
NEED TO CLEAN DUSTY CEILING VENTS IN BOTH RESTROOMS.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
NEED TO REPAIR FRONT HAND SINK DRAIN.
JUL 302013FAILED6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JUL 30
2013
FAILED
6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
OBSERVED 20 MICE DROPPINGS IN FRONT AREA UNDER BOX FREEZER STORAGE SHELF IN CORNER NEED TO CLEAN/SANITIZE EFFECTIVE AREA. FILL ALL HOLES AND HAVE PEST CONTROL RETURN FOR SERVICE.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
NEED DRAIN BOARD AT REAR 3 COMP. SINK.NEED TO PROVIDE TOILET SEAT FOR 1ST. RESTROOM.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
DEFROST BOX FREEZER FRONT, AND REAR UPRIGHT FREEZER. CLEAN INTERIOR OF 2 DOOR COOLER. CLEAN STORAGE CABINETS UNDER GRILL.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
NEED TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL EFFECTIVE AREAS.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
NEED TO CLEAN ALL DUSTY CEILING VENTS. ALSO IN BOTH RESTROOMS.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
FRONT HANDSINK NEEDS REPAIR DRAIN RUNNING SLOW.
DEC 162011FAILED5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
DEC 16
2011
FAILED
5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
ONE REFRIGERATION UNIT NOT HOLDING AT PROPER TEMP (54.3). MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE. UNIT MUST BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN FOODS AT 40F OR BELOW.
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
FIRST FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED; MUST RODENT PROOF DOOR. OBTAIN A VALID COPY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS LICENSE FROM THE PEST CONTROL COMPANY FOR LOG BOOK.
DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED
ONE STOPPER OF THREE COMP SINK NOT WORKING PROPERLY TO HOLD WATER; REPAIR OR PROVIDE DRAIN STOPPERS TO PROPERLY SET UP SINK WHEN WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZING.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
TWO HOLES OBSERVED IN WALL. ONE IN KITCHEN BEHIND FREEZER AND ONE IN DINING AREA BY DEEP FREEZER. BOTH STUFFED WITH STEEL WOOL. RECOMMENDED SEALING WITH CEMENT. CLEAN VENTS IN HOODED AREA ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
EXPOSED HANDSINK IN REAR IS SLOW DRAINING AND LEAKING AT PIPE UNDERNEATH; REPAIR SINK.
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 →