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LA BOMBA FOOD

3221 W ARMITAGE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60647 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

LA BOMBA FOOD has been inspected 5 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since July 8, 2024. The most recent inspection, on October 8, 2026, recorded 16 infractions.

None of the 5 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 19 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Food temperature control and Chemicals and toxic substances.

Recent inspections have recorded more infractions than earlier ones, so it is worth reading the latest reports closely.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded 8 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on October 8, 2026. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • Food temperature controlHigher risk

    Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.

    Recorded 4 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 8, 2026. For example: PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

  • Chemicals and toxic substancesHigher risk

    Cleaning products, sanitizers and pesticides must be labelled and stored away from food and food-contact surfaces. Inspectors flag chemicals that could end up in food, as well as pest treatments applied without proper supervision.

    Recorded once on October 8, 2026. For example: TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED

  • PestsHigher risk

    Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded once on October 8, 2026. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded once on October 8, 2026. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

About this data

These results come from Chicago Department of Public Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

5 inspections

  1. Complaint

    16 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE POSTED OR ITEMS OUTLINED IN THE POLICY AVAILABLE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS THAT CAN OCCUR IN THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INTSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING HAND SINKS WITHOUT HOT WATER DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION. IN USE: FRONT AND BASEMENT PREP AREAS. BOTH PREP AREAS WERE IN USE AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HOT RUNNING WATER (100-120F) AT ALL HAND SINKS AS REQUIRED FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND-DRYING PROVISION AVAILABLE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE PREP AREA DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES FOR PROPER HANDWASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND SANITIZER AVAILABLE AT THE HANDSINK LOCATED IN THE REAR PREP AREA WHILE IN USE DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (C). CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING FOOD ITEMS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION. APPROXIMATELY 40 LBS GROUND BEEF, 10 LBS GROUND MEAT, 50 LBS CHICKEN STEW, 20 LBS RICE,10 LBS BEEF ALL STORED IN COOLING UNITS IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREA. NOTED TEMPERATURE RANGING FROM 49-66F AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD ALL TCS FOODS @41F AND BELOW AT ALL TIMES AS REQUIRED. ALL SAID FOOD WAS VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED BY PIC. TOTAL COST: $400. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 28. TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED
      • OBSERVED PARCHA JUICE STORED INSIDE A PREMIUM DISHLIQUID BUCKET AND STORED INSIDE A 2-DOOR COOLING UNIT DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION. PER CODE, CONTAINERS PREVIOUSLY USED TO STORE POSIONOUS OT TOXIC MATERIALS MAY NOT BE USED TO STORE OR DISPENSE FOOD. SAID JUICE WAS DISCARDED AT THIS TIME VOLUNTARILY. INSTRUCTED TO STORE FOOD IN FOOD-GRADE APPROVED CONTAINERS ONLY. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED BROKEN AND OR MISSING THERMOMETERS INSIDE COOLING UNITS THROUGHOUT PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 75 OR MORE SMALL BLACK LIVE FLIES FLYING THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT PREP AREA, STANDING ON BOXES CONTAINING PRODUCE, ON STORED KITCHENWARE, ON SHELVING UNITS, ON THE SURFACE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER DOOR, AND ON TOP OF THE PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. MUST ELIMINATE SMALL FLY ACTIVITY ON PREMISES AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-020 (A). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVDD CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP CUTS AND DARK GROOVES IN PREP AREA. NSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED ELECTRICAL OUTLETS IN FRONT PREP AREA, PIPING ATTACHED TO AND ALONGSIDE HOTHOLD EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED HANDSINK LOCATED IN FRONT PREP WATER POOLING ONTO THE FLOOR ONCE TURNED ON. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SAID SINK AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL STACKED AND STORED SOILED UNUSED EQUIPMENT STORED OUTSIDE OF BACKDOOR LEADING TO GARBAGE RECEPTACLE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNNECCESARY ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE, MUST MAINTAIN PREMISE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CEILING ATTACHMENTS IN BASEMENT PREP AREA MISSING AND DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED WALLS THROUGHOUT ALL PREP AREAS WITH CHIPPED PAINT WHERE FOOD IS PREPARED. NOTED LARGE HOLE IN FLOOR UNDER 1 COMPARTMENT SINK IN MIDDLE PREP AREA. NOTED BLACK PAINTED WALLS AND CEILINGS THROUGHOUT FOOD PREPARATION AND STORAGE AREAS ON 1ST FLOOR AND BASEMENT PREP. INSTRUCTED TO LIGHTEN WALL SURFACES TO IMPROVE AND FACILITATE EFFECTIVE CLEANING AND PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE FLOORS, WALLS, CEILINGS.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN BASMEMENT PREP AREA. INSRUCTED TO INCREASE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE ON SITE FOR FOOD EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
  2. Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED IN BASEMENT PIPES SWEATING AND DRIPPING ABOVE PREP AREA INSTRUCTED TO WRAP PIPE IN PIPE INSULATION AND MAINTAIN
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT. PIC GAVE FOOD HANDLER HAT
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED 2 DOOR COOLER IN DISH WITH TORN GASKETS, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
  3. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE (EGG WASH 57F, SLICED TOMATOES 52F, WHOLE RAW EGG 53F, AND COOKED GROUND PORK 54F) IN COLD HOLDING UNIT AND WALK-IN COOLER. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 35 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $250.00 THROUGHTHE DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • NOTED IMPROPER COLD-HOLD TEMPERATURE OF 60.5°F. INFORMED ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS SHALL MAINTAIN A PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41°F AND BELOW. REFRIGERATOR UNIT MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (CDPH). PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • NOTED NO LABELS FOR BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS (FLOUR AND SUGAR). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • OBSERVED SERVICE UTENSILS STORED BETWEEN WALL AND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PERSON IN CHARGE WAS INSTRUCTED TO STOP PRACTICE AND REWASH, SANITIZE AND AIR DRY THE UTENSILS.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE MAIN KITCHEN PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CAN OPENER WITH FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED PIC TO REMOVE, CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MISSING AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN THE DRY STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO CREATE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED A MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN MAIN KITCHEN CEILING LIGHT, NEAR THE 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  4. License Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AT PREMISES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION.NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-010.MUST PROVIDE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES AT ICE MACHINE WATERLINE AND MOP SINK FAUCET.MUST PROVIDE WHERE THEY CAN BE LOCATED AND SERVICED.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • SANITATION MANAGER WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING.MUST PROVIDE.
  5. License

    6 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AT PREMISES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION.NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-010.MUST PROVIDE.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • FOUND NO VOMIT SPILL KIT AT PREMISES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION.NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005.MUST PROVIDE.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • FOUND NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINKS.MUST PROVIDE.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • FOUND NO HAND SINK AT LOWER LEVEL PREPARATION AREAS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION.NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-030C.MUST PROVIDE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES AT ICE MACHINE WATERLINE AND MOP SINK FAUCET.MUST PROVIDE WHERE THEY CAN BE LOCATED AND SERVICED.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • SANITATION MANAGER WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING.MUST PROVIDE.

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