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LA CASA DE TOLA

3207 N ELSTON AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60618 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

LA CASA DE TOLA has been inspected 5 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since February 24, 2023. The most recent inspection, on April 28, 2025, recorded 4 infractions.

None of the 5 inspections on record were free of infractions. No inspections are on record from the past 12 months. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Protecting food from contamination and Food temperature control.

Recent inspections have recorded fewer infractions than earlier ones, so the record is improving.

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 6 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on April 28, 2025. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk

    This covers how food is stored, prepared and displayed: raw meat kept away from ready-to-eat food, food covered and stored off the floor, and nothing dripping or splashing into it. Cross-contamination from raw to cooked food is a direct route for salmonella and E. coli.

    Recorded 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on April 28, 2025. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on April 14, 2025. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • 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 2 times on October 4, 2024. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • Food source, labelling and allergensHigher risk

    Food must come from approved suppliers, stay in labelled containers and be thrown out when it is spoiled or damaged, such as dented or swollen cans. Labelling matters for allergies: an unlabelled container can hide an allergen.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on February 27, 2023. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

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. Canvass Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 6-301.13 OBSERVED HANDSOAP DISPENSER ATTACHED TO WALL DIRECTLY ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR WAREWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE HANDSOAP DISPENSER AND ENSURE EMPLOYEES ARE ONLY WASHING THEIR HANDS AT SINKS DESIGNATED FOR HANDWASHING.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • 3-305.11 OBSERVED BOXED FOOD ITEMS BEING STORED ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH STORAGE RACKS IN WALK-IN FREEZER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-205.15 OBSERVED SMALL LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEAHT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR WAREWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 6-305.11 OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE PERSONAL BELONGINGS (JACKETS, PURSES, ETC.) BEING STORED ON PREP SURFACES THROUGHOUT REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THR PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE ORDERLY STORAGE AREA FOR EMPLOYEES CLOTHING AND OTHER POSSESSIONS AND MAINTAIN.
  2. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, BEEF, EGGS, ETC.) ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK ADJACENT TO THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR WAREWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON TO ENSURE ALL HANDSINKS ARE SUPPLIED WITH PAPER TOWELS AND MAINTAIN. FOOD HANDLER REPLENISHED PAPER TOWELS AT HANDSINK DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED HANDSOAP DISPENSER ATTACHED TO WALL DIRECTLY ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR WAREWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE HANDSOAP DISPENSER AND ENSURE EMPLOYEES ARE ONLY WASHING THEIR HANDS AT SINKS DESIGNATED FOR HANDWASHING.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR MEASURING THE INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF HOT AND COLD FOODS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR MEASURING HOT AND COLD FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED BOXED FOOD ITEMS BEING STORED ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH STORAGE RACKS IN WALK-IN FREEZER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED SMALL LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEAHT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR WAREWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE PERSONAL BELONGINGS (JACKETS, PURSES, ETC.) BEING STORED ON PREP SURFACES THROUGHOUT REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THR PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE ORDERLY STORAGE AREA FOR EMPLOYEES CLOTHING AND OTHER POSSESSIONS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 10/4/2024 INSPECTION, REPORT #2604076 NOT CORRECTED: #53-NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS. #58-NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
  3. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • NOTED EMPLOYEE WASHING DISHES AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WITHOUT SETTING IT UP TO WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE AS REQUIRED BY THE CODE. NO SANITIZER WAS USED TO SET UP THE SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ALWAYS SET UP THE SINK WHEN WASHING EQUIPMENT. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY HAD EMPLOYEE SET UP THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE USING THE CHLORINE. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 35. APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
      • NOTED FROZEN VEGETABLE INSIDE CONTAINER AT THE PREP TABLE THAWING. DISCUSSED WITH MANAGEMENT THE DIFFERENT METHODS OF DEFROSTING FOOD:- EITHER UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER OR INSIDE THE REFRIGERATION UNIT. PRODUCT TEMPERATURE WAS ADEQUATE AT THE TIME.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP, STORAGE AND WALK-IN COOLER/FREEZERS. MUST PROVIDE PROPER, RAISED SHELVING TO STORE FOOD CONTAINERS 6" OFF FLOOR.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • NOTED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • NOTED ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER ON THE FLOOR AND SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE CONDENSATION UNITS.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
  4. License Re-Inspection

    12 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-102.14(O) FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • 3-302.12 INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (FLOUR, SALT, SUGAR ETC).
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-202.16 OBSERVED BOXES STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER RAISED SHELVINGS 6" OFF THE FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-101.17 INSTRUCTED TO SEAL/PAINT RAW WOOD SHELF UNDERNEATH HOT HOLDING UNITS IN FRONT PREP AREA.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-205.15 OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-205.15 INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKY DRAINPIPE UNDERNEATH FIRST COMPARTMENT (FAR LEFT) OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND LEAKY DRAINPIPE UNDERNEATH HANDSINK NEXT TO THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • 5-501.17 INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TOILET RECEPTACLE WITH COVER INSIDE WASHROOM.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • 6-501.19 INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR NON WORKING SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT WASHROOM DOOR.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • 5-501.115 REAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES (WOOD) AND CLUTTER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.16 INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLES ON WALL AROUND REAR PREP AND DISHWASHING AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.11 INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS UNDER AND AROUND HOT WATER TANK INSIDE THE MOP CLOSET.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.16 INSTRUCTED TO SEAL WALL OPENING AROUND MOPSINK IN REAR CLOSET.
  5. License

    16 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL HANDSINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER EQUIPPED WITH HAND SOAP AND HAND DRYING DEVICE ADJACENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO REAR MAIN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C)
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND DRYING DEVICE OR PAPER TOWEL AT ALL HANDSINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK IN FRONT PREP AREA AND INSIDE WASHROOM.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR TAKING HOT AND COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF FOOD PRODUCETS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (FLOUR, SALT, SUGAR ETC).
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED BOXES STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER RAISED SHELVINGS 6" OFF THE FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO SEAL/PAINT RAW WOOD SHELF UNDERNEATH HOT HOLDING UNITS IN FRONT PREP AREA.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKY DRAINPIPE UNDERNEATH FIRST COMPARTMENT (FAR LEFT) OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TOILET RECEPTACLE WITH COVER INSIDE WASHROOM.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR NON WORKING SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT WASHROOM DOOR.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • REAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES (WOOD) AND CLUTTER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO SEAL WALL OPENING AROUND MOPSINK IN REAR CLOSET.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS UNDER AND AROUND HOT WATER TANK INSIDE THE MOP CLOSET.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLES ON WALL AROUND REAR PREP AND SIHWASHING AREA.

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