Chicago
82
EAT

LA Pena Restaurante

4212-4214 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60641 · Avondale · Restaurant · High risk
EAT
82/100

Passed most recently but 2 prior failures on record

Inspections
18
13 passed
Last Inspected
2025-06-25
Pass Rate
72%
2 failures
Score
82/100
EAT
3 consecutive passes, most recently 2025-06-25
Failed 2 inspections (2023, 2015)
Sanitation issues found across 20 inspections
Employee Hygiene issues found across 3 inspections
Issues were corrected on re-inspection
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🧽
Sanitation critical 20×
📌
Other serious
🧼
Employee Hygiene critical
🚰
Plumbing & Waste minor
📋
Documentation & Training critical
🔧
Facility Condition minor
📦
Food Storage & Handling minor
Chemical Safety minor
2025-06-25 Pass Canvass

No violations found.

2024-09-09 Pass Canvass
1
minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED BOXED FOOD ITEMS BEING STROED ON FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS AND MAINTAIN.

2023-02-28 Pass Canvass Re-Inspection

No violations found.

2023-02-21 Fail Canvass
1
serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE OR DESCRIBE WHICH FOOD ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO THE REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MANAGEME...

2022-01-10 Pass Canvass
CRITICAL 4
critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINKS (WASHROOMS).

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT BASE OF FAUCET AT THE KITCHEN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLES PROVIDED IN THE EMPLOYEES UNISEX WASHROOMS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICES ON DOORS AT EMPLOYEES UNISEX WASHROOMS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

2020-01-15 Pass Canvass
2
minor Sanitation

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

ICE SCOOP IN THE BAR AREA MUST BE STORED ON A SEPARATE CONTAINER TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.(NOT ON TOP PF THE ICE BIN).

minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

CRACKED /BROKEN SOLID LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

2019-04-30 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
CRITICAL 8
critical Documentation & Training

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010,NO CITATION ISSUED. -

critical Employee Hygiene

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE NOR ADEQUATE SUPPLIES (DISPOSABLE MASK, DISPOSABLE MOP HEAD, AND DISPOSABLE LATEX GLOVES) ON SITE TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ...

critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR DISH WASHING MACHINE AREA. A HAND WASHING SINK MUST BE LOCATED TO ALLOW CONVENIENT USE BY FOOD EMPLOYEES AT DISH WASHING MENTIONED AREA. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO INSTALL HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING ...

serious Other

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

OBSERVED NO PROPER DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE OF COOLERS FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED.

serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDER COOKED AND LINK (*ASTERISKING) THOSE FOODS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT STATES THAT EATING RAW OR U...

minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE KITCHEN 2 DOOR PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE DEEP FRYER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET AND TO MAINTAIN.

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

BACK FLOW PREVENTER NOT LOCATED AT ICE MACHINE TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN APPROVED AND VISIBLE BACK FLOW PREVENTER FOR ICE MACHINE. -

minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

A TOILET ROOM USED BY FEMALES SHALL BE PROVIDED WITH A COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR SANITARY NAPKINS.

2017-11-07 Pass Canvass
2
minor Sanitation

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

MUST RE CAULK ALONG THE SPLASH GUARD OF THE 3 COMPT SINK(CAULK WORN OUT) AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

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

SEAL GAP AROUND PIPES IN THE EMPLOYEE'S WASHROOM IN THE BASEMENT AND MAINTAIN.

2017-02-21 Pass Canvass
1
minor Sanitation

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

RUSTED INTERIOR BOTTOM OF THE REACH IN COOLER WITH BEER BEHIND THE BAR. MUST REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN.

2016-05-25 Pass Canvass
1
minor Plumbing & Waste

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

Found damaged faucet on 1 compartment sink in kitchen area. (faucet is leaking and loose.) Instructed to repair and maintain.

2015-08-07 Pass Canvass Re-Inspection
1
minor Documentation & Training

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

NO IDPH FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE OR PROOF OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.

2015-08-05 Fail Canvass
CRITICAL 6
critical Sanitation

SEWAGE AND WASTE WATER DISPOSAL, NO BACK SIPHONAGE, CROSS CONNECTION AND/OR BACK FLOW

SUMP PUMP IN BASEMENT LAUNDRY ROOM BROKEN. WASTE WATER/SEWAGE WATER BACKING UP ONTO LAUNDRY ROOM FLOOR FROM PUMP AND FLOOR DRAIN AND EMPLOYEE WASHROOM NEXT TO LAUNDRY ROOM BACKING UP FROM FLOOR DRAIN WITH SEWAGE WATER. NO FOOD ITEMS OR FOOD STORAGE I...

serious Other

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION FROM 5-9-14 NOT CORRECTED. #32-INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TIGHT FITTING LID/COVER FOR ICE BIN BEHIND FRONT BAR. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.

minor Chemical Safety

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

ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED.

minor Sanitation

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

MISSING CEILING IN REAR HALLWAY FROM KITCHEN AND RECEIVING ENTRANCE TO DINING ROOM. MUST REPLACE.

minor Facility Condition

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

MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER.

minor Documentation & Training

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

NO IDPH FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE OR PROOF OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.

2014-05-09 Pass Canvass
1
minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TIGHT FITTING LID/COVER FOR ICE BIND BEHIND FRONT BAR.

2013-08-05 Pass Canvass
1
minor Sanitation

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

BASEMENT WALLS AND CEILING HAS OPENING, CRACKS, AND GAPS. MUST SEAL ALL OPENING, GAPS AND CRACKS.

2012-11-14 Pass Canvass
3
minor Sanitation

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

Bsmt storage shelving that had exposed raw wood, shall be repaired/sealed.

minor Sanitation

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

Floors in bsmt storage areas under shelving not clean, need cleaning(detailed).

minor Sanitation

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

Walls, ceilings that had exposed plaster, gaps, raw wood in bsmt storage areas, rear kitchen areas shall be repaired/sealed. Wall that had holes in bar storage room, shall be repaired/sealed.

2011-03-10 Pass w/ Conditions Tag Removal

No violations found.

2011-03-08 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
2
serious Sanitation

FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

All food should be properly protected from contamination during storage, preparation, display, service, and transportation. FOUND ICE MACHINE VERY DIRTY WITH BLACK MOLD CLINGING TO WALLS AND TUBES TOUCHING ICE AND ICE WATER,SERIOUS VIOLATION,CITATIO...

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. DISHMACHINE MUST BE CLEANED AND MAINTAINED,AT THIS TIME DISHMACHINE IS NOT IN USE

2010-03-05 Pass Canvass
4
minor Sanitation

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

Prep table near dishmachine rusted at bottom. Instructed to apply non-toxic sealant to surface.

minor Sanitation

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

New floor in basement not sealed. Instructed to apply finish that non absorbant or install floor tile.

minor Sanitation

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

Walls in several areas not sealed. Instructed to seal all holes and repaint.

minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

Thermometer not provided inside prep cooler. Instructed to provide thermometer inside cooler.

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Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health · Score calculated from inspection outcomes, violation severity & recency. · How we score
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