LA COCINA MEXICAN GRILL, LLC.

Chicago Health Dept

178 N FRANKLIN ST · LOOP, CHICAGO

Last inspected 2016.

12 inspections on record since 2010 · Last inspected Nov 2016.

Last inspected Nov 2016. Records may not reflect current conditions.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

NOV 2016

INSPECTION HISTORY

NOV 2

2016

PASS 6 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED FOODS STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS INSIDE OF FREEZER. MUST REMOVE AND PROPERLY STORE FOODS IN ONLY FOOD GRADE BAGS. ALSO INTERIOR PANEL INSIDE ICE MACHINE CRACKED.MUST REPLACE.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

INTERIOR UPPER PANEL INSIDE ICE MACHINE NOT CLEAN,SLIGHT BUILD-UP.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

OBSERVED FLOOR AREAS NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS AROUND COOLERS,FREEZERS AND STORAGE RACK.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN. ALSO BROKEN FLOOR TILE IN PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.MUST REPLACE.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

OBSERVED UNCLEAN DIRTY WASHROOM AND UTILITY DOOR. MUST CLEAN OR PAINT. ASLO PEELING PAINT ON WALLS IN UTILITY ROOM,PREP AREAS.MUST REPAIR.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

LEAKY FAUCET CONNECTION AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND LEAKY FAUCET AT EXPOSED HAND SINK IN PREP AREA.MUST REPAIR BOTH.

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

NO THERMOMETERS IN 2 PREP COOLERS.MUST INSTALL.

APR 12

2016

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

INTERIOR PANEL INSIDE OF ICE MACHINE CRACKED.MUST REPLACE.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

OBSERVED UNCLEAN CRATES USED FOR STORAGE UNDER PREP TABLE.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

LEAKY FAUCET AT EXPOSED HAND SINK.MUST REPAIR.

MAR 10

2015

PASS 4 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

MUST PROPERLY STORE FOODS IN FOOD GRADE BAGS AT ALL TIMES. FOUND MANY PLASTIC SHOPPING BAGS HOLDING TAMALES, GREEN SAUCE AND OTHER FOODS INSIDE THE LARGE UP RIGHT FREEZER.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

MUST CLEAN, SANITIZE AND REPAINT RUSTY GREASE TRAP BOX UNDER THE 3-COMP SINK.

Minor Food Temperature

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

MUST REPAIR SLOW DRAINING MOP SINK AT MOP SINK CLOSET. MUST REPAIR CONSTANT LEAK AT THE EXPOSED HAND SINK. MUST ADJUST TEMPERATURE VALVE AT THE EXPOSED HANS SINK.

Minor Facility Condition

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

MUST PROVIDE WORKING THERMOMETERS FOR ALL REFRIGERATION ON PREMISES. AT ALL TIMES. FOUND A NON-WORKING THERMOMETER AT THE 2-SLIDING DOOR COOLER

MAR 6

2015

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 6 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE

DURING INSPECTION FOUND WALK-IN COOLER NOT IN OPERATING CONDITION. WALK-IN COOLER WAS EMPTY, UNPLUGGED AND NOT HOLDING ANY POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS DURING INSPECTION. PREMISES HAS SUFFICIENT REFRIGERATION ON PREMISES TO HOLD POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT 40F AND BELOW.WALK-IN COOLER WAS TAGGED AT THIS TIME. NO CITATION ISSUED AT THIS TIME.MANAGER PROVIDED RECEIPT STATING WALK-IN COOLER UNIT WILL NEED A NEW COMPRESSOR.

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

MUST PROPERLY STORE FOODS IN FOOD GRADE BAGS AT ALL TIMES. FOUND MANY PLASTIC SHOPPING BAGS HOLDING TAMALES, GREEN SAUCE AND OTHER FOODS INSIDE THE LARGE UP RIGHT FREEZER.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

MUST CLEAN, SANITIZE AND REPAINT RUSTY GREASE TRAP BOX UNDER THE 3-COMP SINK.

Minor Food Temperature

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

MUST REPAIR SLOW DRAINING MOP SINK AT MOP SINK CLOSET. MUST REPAIR CONSTANT LEAK AT THE EXPOSED HAND SINK. MUST ADJUST TEMPERATURE VALVE AT THE EXPOSED HANS SINK.

Minor Facility Condition

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

MUST PROVIDE WORKING THERMOMETERS FOR ALL REFRIGERATION ON PREMISES. AT ALL TIMES. FOUND A NON-WORKING THERMOMETER AT THE 2-SLIDING DOOR COOLER.

Minor Employee Hygiene

APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

DURING INSPECTION OBSERVED COOK NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. ALL STAFF MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS AT FOOD PREP AREAS AT ALL TIMES.

APR 29

2014

PASS · 0 violations

show all 12 inspections →

APR 28

2014

FAIL 4 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

NOT CORRECTED FRONT DOOR REMIANS NOT RODENT PROOFED

Serious Other

DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED

NOT CORRECTED 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IS STILL LEAKING MUST CORRECT.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

NOT CORRECTED ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

NOT CORRECTED PIPE UNDER MOP SINK CONTINUES TO LEAK

APR 22

2014

FAIL 11 violations 5 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE

WALK-IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 50-53 DEGREES F. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL ABLE TO MAINTAIN TEMPERATURE OF 40 DEGREES OR LOWER. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).

Critical Food Temperature

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS(STEAK, CHICKEN, CHORIZO) COOKED/RAW IN WALK-IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 47-48.9 DEGREES F. APPROXIMATE WEIGHT IS 35LBS AND APPROXIMATE VALUE IS $400. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DENATURED AND DISCARDED FOOD ITEMS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 40 DEGREES OR LOWER. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-00(A).

Critical Sanitation

ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED

TOILET IN EMPLOYEE RESTROOM IN POOR REPAIR WITH TOILET BOWL CONTAINING WASTE AND NOT PROPERLY FLUSHING. MUST REPAIR, CLEAN/SANITIZE TOILET BOWL. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.

Critical Employee Hygiene

HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA

NO SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICE OR PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK IN PREP AREA OR AT STAFF WASH BOWL IN WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.

Critical Pest Activity

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

FRONT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF WITH OPENINGS AT BOTTOM AND BETWEEN DOORS. MUST SEAL. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.

Serious Plumbing & Waste

DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED

DISH WASHING FACILITIES IN POOR REPAIR. THREE COMPARTMENT SINK BACKING UP WASTE WATER FROM THE MIDDLE COMPARTMENT INTO THE 1ST AND 3RD COMPARTMENTS WHEN WATER DRAINED FROM SINK BASIN. MUST REPAIR TO ALLOW FOR PROPER WASTE WATER DISPOSAL. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL INTERIOR PARTS OF THE ICE MACHINE.

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

FLOOR IN POOR REPAIR AT REAR BY 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

MUST SEAL OPENING INTO WALL BEHIND TOILET IN WASHROOM. MUST DETAIL CLEAN VENT COVERS AT CEILING ABOVE WALK IN COOLER.

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

LIGHT SHIELDS MISSING AT REAR. MUST PROVIDE. MUST REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

MUST REPAIR LEAKY PIPES UNDERNEATH THE WASH BOWL IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST ALSO REPAIR DISCONNECTED PIPES UNDER MOP SINK.

SEP 3

2013

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF REACH IN FREEZER AND PREP COOLERS TO REMOVE SPILLS.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS

MUST PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON THE BATHROOM DOOR.

OCT 18

2012

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES MUST BE REPLACED. THE BATHROOM DOOR & MOP SINK ROOM DOOR MUST BE CLEANED RE-SEALED.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

FILTERS ABOVE THE GRILL & FRYER MUST BE FREE OF DUST/GREASE BUILD-UP. THE CAULKING ON THE 3-COMP SINK SPLASHGUARD HAS EVIDENCE OF MILDEW, MUST REPLACE.

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

LIGHT SHIELDS MISSING BY THE 3-COMP SINK AREA, MUST REPLACE.

NOV 4

2011

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. REACH IN COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED (BY ICE MACHINE). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR GASKET.

Minor Sanitation

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. FLOOR CLUTTERED BY REAR DOOR (CONTAINERS ON FLOOR). MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF FLOOR 6" OR ABOVE OR REMOVE.

MAR 31

2011

PASS 3 violations

Minor Employee Hygiene

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. OBSERVED GAPS IN WALL BETWEEN PREP AREA HANDWASH BOWL PIPES/3-COMPARTMENT SINK PIPES. MUST SEAL ALL GAPS IN WALL.

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. OBSERVED DAMAGED CEILING LIGHT COVER ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE AND INSTALL NEW LIGHT COVER.

Minor Sanitation

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. POTS IMPROPERLY STORED ON FLOOR BY REAR DOOR. MUST PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SHELVES/ELEVATE AND PROPERLY INVERT ALL POTS OFF FLOOR.

SEP 8

2010

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. FOLLOWING NEED CLEANING: FILTERS/VENTS OF HOOD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALK-IN COOLER SHELVES, INTERIOR OF FRYER-DUE TO DUST/GREASE OR FOOD DEBRIS.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. DUSTY BATHROOM VENT NEED CLEANING; MUST RE-SEAL AROUND HANDSINKS IN BATHROOM & PREP AREA (DETACHING AWAY FROM WALL).

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD BY 3-COMP SINK MUST BE REPLACED.

Public inspection records from Chicago Department of Public Health. Records current as of 2026-07-05. EatOrBeat reports records and does not rate restaurants. Source dataset →

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