APR 10
2026
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
LA PENA RESTAURANTE.
EAT. 85/100
4212-4214 N MILWAUKEE AVE · AVONDALE, CHICAGO
Last inspected April 10, 2026 · passed
14 of 19 inspections passed, with 5 critical violations on file.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
19
14 passed · 3 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
41
includes 5 critical
RECORDS COVER
16 YEARS
since Mar 2010
INSPECTION HISTORY
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED SALT AND SUGAR OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED ICE SCOOP LAYING ON TOP OF MACHINE IN BAR AND BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ICE SCOOP HANDLE UP ABOVE ICE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
SEP 92024PASSED1 violationDETAILS
SEP 9
2024
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
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.
FEB 212023FAILED1 violationDETAILS
FEB 21
2023
FAILED
1 violationDETAILS
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. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE BEFORE THE REMINDER STATEMENT:"THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR MAY CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS." PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
show all 19 inspections →
JAN 102022PASSED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 10
2022
PASSED
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINKS (WASHROOMS).
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT BASE OF FAUCET AT THE KITCHEN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLES PROVIDED IN THE EMPLOYEES UNISEX WASHROOMS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICES ON DOORS AT EMPLOYEES UNISEX WASHROOMS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
JAN 152020PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JAN 15
2020
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
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).
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
CRACKED /BROKEN SOLID LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
APR 302019PASS W/ CONDITIONS8 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
APR 30
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
8 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
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. -
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 AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED. - -
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 WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C),NO CITATION ISSUED.
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.
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 UNDER COOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED. -
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.
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. -
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
A TOILET ROOM USED BY FEMALES SHALL BE PROVIDED WITH A COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR SANITARY NAPKINS.
NOV 72017PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
NOV 7
2017
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
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.
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.
FEB 212017PASSED1 violationDETAILS
FEB 21
2017
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
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.
MAY 252016PASSED1 violationDETAILS
MAY 25
2016
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
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.
AUG 72015PASSED1 violationDETAILS
AUG 7
2015
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
NO IDPH FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE OR PROOF OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
AUG 52015FAILED6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 5
2015
FAILED
6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
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 IN THIS SECTION OF THE BASEMENT. ALL BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AND COOLERS NOT EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO THIS AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE/REPAIR PUMP, STOP SEWAGE BACK UP, REMOVE ALL SEWAGE WATER, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL OF EFFECTED AREAS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
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.
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED.
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.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER.
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
NO IDPH FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE OR PROOF OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
MAY 92014PASSED1 violationDETAILS
MAY 9
2014
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TIGHT FITTING LID/COVER FOR ICE BIND BEHIND FRONT BAR.
AUG 52013PASSED1 violationDETAILS
AUG 5
2013
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
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.
NOV 142012PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
NOV 14
2012
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
Bsmt storage shelving that had exposed raw wood, shall be repaired/sealed.
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).
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.
MAR 82011PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violationsDETAILS
MAR 8
2011
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violationsDETAILS
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,CITATION ISSUED FOOD NOT PROTECTED;TAGGED ICE MACHINE NOT TO BE USED,MUST CALL SERVICE FOR CLEANING AND SANITIZING MACHINE;MUST FAX LETTER TO CDPH 312-746-4240 WHEN MACHINE HAS BEEN CLEANED
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
MAR 52010PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
MAR 5
2010
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
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.
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.
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.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
Thermometer not provided inside prep cooler. Instructed to provide thermometer inside cooler.
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 →