LA COCINA.
209 W LAKE ST · LOOP, CHICAGO
Failed 6 of 14 inspections. 19 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
NOV 132025PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
FOUND NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL SPILL KIT WITH SANITIZER.PRIORITY FOUNDATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005.MUST PROVIDE.
FOUND NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT 2 HAND SINKS(BAR/PREPARATION) AT PREMISES.MUST PROVIDE.
FOUND MISSING FAN SHIELD INSIDE WALK IN COOLER.MUST PROVIDE.
FOUND BURNT LIGHT FIXTURE INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER.MUST PROVIDE.
FOUND SANITATION MANAGER WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING.MUST PROVIDE.
SEP 302024PASSED3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
Fly trap installed above clean glasses rack, instructed to keep away.
Ice scoop placed on top of ice cubes at bar area, instructed to keep off ice cubes.
Ice bin at bar missing cover, customers seating across. instructed to install.
AUG 162023PASSED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HAND SINK BEHIND THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
4-501.13 OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS IN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE NOT CLEAN LOCATED ON THE SHELF IN THE KITCHEN NEAR THE PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
6-201.11 OBSERVED MISSING CEILINGS TILE PANELS IN THE REAR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE MISSING CEILING TILE PANEL AND MAINTAIN.
2-102.13 OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
AUG 82023FAILED9 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HAND SINK BEHIND THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED A WHITE PANEL INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE THAT TOUCHED ICE FILLED WITH A BLACK MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO WASH, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD. MUST MAINTAIN
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS IN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE NOT CLEAN LOCATED ON THE SHELF IN THE KITCHEN NEAR THE PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT, UNUSED GRILL AND BOTTOM OF THE PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
OBSERVED MISSING CEILINGS TILE PANEL IN THE REAR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE MISSING CEILING TILE PANEL AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON FAN IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL CEILING/WALL VENTS.
OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
OBSERVED CONTINUED NON-COMPLIANCE FROM REPORT #2568364 CONDUCTED ON 12/12/22. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED: (#58) 2-102.13: FOUND CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITHOUT PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS. MUST CORRECT CORE VIOLATIONS BY THE DATE ON THE REPORT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
DEC 122022PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
FOUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA DETACHED FROM WALL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RE ATTACH.
FOUND HOOD SYSTEM ABOVE FILTERS GRIDDLE ENCRUSTED WITH GREASE, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
FOUND CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITHOUT PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.
show all 14 inspections →
DEC 52022FAILED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION AT HANDWASHING SINK IN DISH ROOM. ALL HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH A HAND DRYING PROVISION AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.CORRECTED ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED. MANAGER PROVIDES PAPER TOWEL AT TIME OF INSPCTION.
FOUND WHITE PANEL INSIDE ICE MACHINE THAT TOUCHES ICE FILLED WITH A BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED.
FOUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA DETACHED FROM WALL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RE ATTACH.
FOUND HOOD SYSTEM ABOVE FILTERS GRIDDLE ENCRUSTED WITH GREASE, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
FOUND CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITHOUT PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.
NOV 162021PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
INACCURATE FOOD THERMOMETERS, INSTRUCTED TO CALIBRATE AND MAINTAIN.
NO HANGERS FOR MOPS, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL FOR BETTER DRYING.
NOV 52020PASSED2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT THE FOOD PREP AND BAR HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.
OCT 292020FAILED10 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. SUPPLIES MUST INCLUDE ADEQUATE SANITIZER THAT ELIMINATES NOROVIRUS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES TO PROPERLY HANDLE VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT THE FOOD PREP AND BAR HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED THE ICE BIN INTERIOR IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
OBSERVED NO CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON THE PREMISES. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY AND OPERATOR MUST PROVIDE AT LEAST 2 PEST INSPECTIONS A YEAR AND THE REPORTS MUST BE MAINTAINED IN THE LOG BOOK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK AND PEST INSPECTION REPORT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C). CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS LAYING ON PREP TABLES IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON THE DRY STORAGE SHELVES WHERE FOOD IS STORED. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
OBSERVED FRUIT STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
OBSERVED MOP IN A POSITION LOCATED NEAR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK 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.
OBSERVED AN UNUSED SLICED NEAR THE KITCHEN ENTRANCE DOOR BEING USED AS A SHELF. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED AND UNNCESSARY ITEMS OFF SITE.
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.
OCT 242019PASS W/ CONDITIONS12 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-7-38.010-NO CITATION ISSUED)
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
OBSERVED READY TO EAT, TIME FOR TEMPERATURE SAFETY FOR CONTROL FOODS NOT PROPERLY DATED , STORED LONGER THAN 24 HOURS IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER DATE MARKING WITH DISPOSITION DATE FOR RTE FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24 HOURS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
NOTED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNIT CONSPICUOUSLY POSTED TO MONITOR THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO EQUIP ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH ACCURATE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS
ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE PREP SERVICE REACH UNDER COOLER DOOR AT THE KITCHEN PREP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE.
NOTED SOME USE OF MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION AT THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST ALSO BE STORED 6" AWAY FROM THE WALL
MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE
MUST PROVIDE TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE WITH COVER FOR SANITARY NAPKINS IN LADY'S BATHROOM
MUST REMOVE UN USED FRYERS STORED BY REAR EXIT DOOR
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING CERTIFICATION FROM EMPLOYEE. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EMPLOYEE'S MUST COMPLY WITH FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOOD HANDLING REGULATION ENFORCEMENT ACT.
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
OCT 172019FAILED15 violations5 CRITICALDETAILS
AT START OF INSPECTION PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF FOOD OPERATION.MUST PROVIDE PROPER TRAINING .(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED) -
NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE THE TCS FOODS (CHICKEN,BEEF) HAS BEEN PREPARED . MANAGER SHOWS AT SITE 1 HOUR AFTER OPENING INSTRUCTED A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012.CITATION ISSUED
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-7-38.010-NO CITATION ISSUED)
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
OBSERVED READY TO EAT, TIME FOR TEMPERATURE SAFETY FOR CONTROL FOODS NOT PROPERLY DATED , STORED LONGER THAN 24 HOURS IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER DATE MARKING WITH DISPOSITION DATE FOR RTE FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24 HOURS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
NOTED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNIT CONSPICUOUSLY POSTED TO MONITOR THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO EQUIP ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH ACCURATE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS
ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
OBSERVED THAT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK IS MISSING REQUIRED INFORMATION.MISSING RECORD OF VISITS, MISSING COPY OF SERVICE TICKET THAT SETS FORTH PEST CONTROL IDPH LICENSE NUMBER. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ALL REQUIRED PEST CONTROL RECORDS AND DOCUMENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38.020 (C) CITATION ISSUED
NOTED SOME USE OF MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION AT THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST ALSO BE STORED 6" AWAY FROM THE WALL
NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE PREP SERVICE REACH UNDER COOLER DOOR AT THE KITCHEN PREP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE.
MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE
MUST PROVIDE TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE WITH COVER FOR SANITARY NAPKINS IN LADY'S BATHROOM
MUST REMOVE UN USED FRYERS STORED BY REAR EXIT DOOR
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING CERTIFICATION FROM EMPLOYEE. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EMPLOYEE'S MUST COMPLY WITH FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOOD HANDLING REGULATION ENFORCEMENT ACT.
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
JUN 82018PASSED1 violationDETAILS
OBSERVED NO ADEQUATE LIGHTING AT BAR AND DINING ROOM WHERE FOOD IS SERVED. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
JUN 72018FAILED3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
NO SANITIZER INSTALLED FOR LOW TEMPERATURE DISH WASHER. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
OBSERVED WASTE WATER PIPES ABOVE BAR AREA WHERE FOOD PLATES ARE PASSED FROM KITCHEN AND FOOD ORDERS ARE SERVED AT BAR. INSTRUCTED TO ENCASE PIPES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A
OBSERVED NO ADEQUATE LIGHTING AT BAR AND DINING ROOM WHERE FOOD IS SERVED. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
MAY 312018FAILED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK INSTALLED AT BAR. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL HAND WASHING SINK WITH SOAP AND HAND DRYING DEVICE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
OBSERVED WASTE WATER PIPES ABOVE BAR AREA WHERE FOOD PLATES ARE PASSED FROM KITCHEN AND FOOD ORDERS ARE SERVED AT BAR. INSTRUCTED TO ENCASE PIPES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A
OBSERVED DISH MACHINE USED TO CLEAN GLASSES AT BAR NOT INSTALLED. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL. MUST BE OPERABLE AT NEXT INSPECTION. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030
OBSERVED NO ADEQUATE LIGHTING AT BAR AND DINING ROOM WHERE FOOD IS SERVED. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
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 →