OCT 29
2025
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
LA COSTENA ICE CREAM SHOP CORP..
YOUR CALL. 59/100
2517 W 51ST ST · BRIGHTON PARK, CHICAGO
Last inspected October 29, 2025 · passed
7 of 11 inspections passed, 3 failed, 1 passed with conditions. 14 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
11
7 passed · 1 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
63
includes 14 critical
RECORDS COVER
10 YEARS
since Mar 2015
INSPECTION HISTORY
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED IN DISPLAY COOLER UNCOVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDED FOOD GRADE LIDS AND/OR COVERINGS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED MISSING DOOR HANDLE TO COLD HOLD UNIT IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED IMPROPERLY IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE FREEZER AND DISPLAY COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND/OR CONTAINERS ONLY.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED BROKEN TOILET SEAT IN THE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED CHIPPED PAINT ON THE CEILING IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE AND REPAINT TO MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
SEP 62024PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
SEP 6
2024
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED ALL NON FOOD CONTACT SURFACES(TABLES, INTERIOR OF COOLERS,HOT HOLDING EQUIPMENT, FREEZERSS) WITH BUILD UP OF GRIME AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED DIPPER WELL FLOW OF WATER TO HAVE LOW PRESSURE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED FLOOR TILE IN MIDDLE ROOM OF BASEMENT NEAR FLOOR DRAIN TO BE DAMAGED. OBSERVED CARDBOARD ON WALL IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED LIGHT OUT IN FRONT PREP AREA NEAR FRONT WINDOWS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
AUG 232023PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
AUG 23
2023
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED NO DIPPER WELL FOR ICE CREAM SCOOPS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA, STAINED CEILING TILES AND LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
AUG 162023FAILED7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 16
2023
FAILED
7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED NO OPERABLE THERMOMETERS IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE OPERABLE THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLERS.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED OVER 20 RAT DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON SHELVES, WOODEN LEDGES AND FLOOR UNDER SHELVING UNITS, ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS, NEAR WATER HEATER, PAPER AND DRY GOODS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED NO DIPPER WELL FOR ICE CREAM SCOOPS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED MILK CRATES USED AS SHELVING UNITS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA, STAINED CEILING TILES AND LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AVAILBALE FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING AVAILABLE FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
NOV 302022PASSED6 violationsDETAILS
NOV 30
2022
PASSED
6 violationsDETAILS
FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED
FOUND CUT FRUIT/OPEN FOOD IN COOLER AND DEEP FREEZER UNCOVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PLACE IN A CONTAINER OR COVER FOOD, MAINTAIN.
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
FOUND PLASTIC CUP USED AS A SCOOP INSIDE SPICE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY, MAINTAIN.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
FOUND POOLING WATER ON BOTTOM OF YOGURT COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, KEEP DRY, AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FOUND MISSING FLOOR TILES IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE ABOVE AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FOUND ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR NEAR RESTROOM AND IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA, AND MILK CRATES USED AS SHELVING. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6" OFF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANING, MAINTAIN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
FOOD HANDLER MISSING TRAINING AS REQUIRED.
show all 11 inspections →
NOV 232022FAILED11 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
NOV 23
2022
FAILED
11 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED
FOUND CUT FRUIT/OPEN FOOD IN COOLER AND DEEP FREEZER UNCOVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PLACE IN A CONTAINER OR COVER FOOD, MAINTAIN.
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
FOUND NO CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER OR DISCLOSURE ON MENU FOR UNDERCOOKED BURGERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON MENU FOR BURGERS, MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED A GAP AT THE BOTTOM RIGHT OF THE FRONT EXTERIOR DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT-FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS, MAINTAIN.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
FOUND NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK INFORMATION AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C). CITATION ISSUED.
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
FOUND PLASTIC CUP USED AS A SCOOP INSIDE SPICE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY, MAINTAIN.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
FOUND POOLING WATER ON BOTTOM OF YOGURT COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, KEEP DRY, AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FOUND CARDBOARD ON FLOOR OF DINING AREA AND BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN FOR EASE OF CLEANING.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FOUND ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR NEAR RESTROOM AND IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA, AND MILK CRATES USED AS SHELVING. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6" OFF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANING, MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FOUND MISSING FLOOR TILES IN PREP AREA. FOUND LOOSE WALL BASE AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE ABOVE AND MAINTAIN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
FOOD HANDLER MISSING TRAINING AS REQUIRED.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 10/15/21, REPORT #2534811: #58: MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECTED THE ABOVE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
OCT 152021PASSED1 violationDETAILS
OCT 15
2021
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
2-102.13: MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION
OCT 82021FAILED8 violations5 CRITICALDETAILS
OCT 8
2021
FAILED
8 violations5 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
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 BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.
FOOD OBTAINED FROM APPROVED SOURCE
UNKNOWN SOURCE/NO INVOICE OF UNSEALED UNLABELED PALETAS AND HAND PACKED ICE CREAM ON SITE. INSTD TO PROVIDE INVOICE, APPROVED SOURCE (BUSINESS NAME, ADDRESS AND DOCUMENTATION THAT SOURCE IS APPROVED FROM STATE TO WHOLESALE). CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A) PRIORITY. HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG ON PALETAS AND ICE CREAM
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
2 LIVE ROACHES ON WALL BEHIND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. OVER 20 RAT DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR IN STORAGE ROOM. 5 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON SITE IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE ALL PESTS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A) PRIORITY FOUNDATION
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
REAR DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF, APPROX 1/2 GAP AT BOTTOM OF DOOR. INSTD TO RODENT PROOF SAME SO AS TO BE TIGHT FITTING.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
EXTREME CLUTTER THROUGH OUT ON STORAGE SHELVES AND TABLES. INSTD TO REMOVE ANY CLUTTER AND ORGANIZE AREA
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
FOOD HANDLER MISSING TRAINING AS REQUIRED.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION
DEC 202019PASS W/ CONDITIONS13 violations6 CRITICALDETAILS
DEC 20
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
13 violations6 CRITICALDETAILS
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
OBSERVED PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE.
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
FACILITY DID NOT PROVIDE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE FOR EMPLOYEES WORKING ON SITE. INFORMED OWNER THAT ONCE OPENED, A CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH A CURRENT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES WHEN TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND/OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
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 BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED THE FRONT HAND SINK WITH NO HAND WASHING SIGN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HAND WASHING SIGN AT THE FRONT HAND SINK.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
NOTED NO THERMOMETER ON SITE TO MONITOR THE INTERNAL FOOD TEMPERATURE OF TCS. FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN PROPER THERMOMETERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.NO CITATION ISSUED
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS IN THE 1-DOOR REFRIGERATOR AND PREP COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COOLERS/UNITS.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED FOOD STORED IN CONTAINERS IN ALL THE COOLERS, AND DRY STORAGE WITHOUT PROPER LABELING OF NAME. INSTRUCTED TO PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A LABEL REFLECTING THE FOOD ITEM'S NAME WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVE FROM ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING. ALSO OBSERVED NO LABELS FOR BULK SUGAR STORAGE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED A GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DUST AND FOOD DEBRIS UNDER SHELVES AND TABLETOP EQUIPMENT IN THE PREP AREAS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
NOTED THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS IN NEED OF CLEANING UPSTAIRS AND IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.
JUN 302017PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
JUN 30
2017
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
OBSERVED THE NACHO CHEESE WARMER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
OBSERVED THE FLOOR UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
OBSERVED THE FRONT LIGHT SHIELDS NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
MAR 102015PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
MAR 10
2015
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
LIGHTSHIELDS MISSING IN PREP AREA. REPLACE SAME.
TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT SELF-CLOSING. INSDT TO CORRECT SAME.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
SPLASHGUARD NEEDED INBETWEEN HANDSINK AND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. BACK FLOW DEVICE MISSING AT UTILITY SINK. PROVIDE SAME.
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 →