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LA COCINA MEXICAN GRILL, LLC

178 N FRANKLIN ST, CHICAGO, IL 60606 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

LA COCINA MEXICAN GRILL, LLC has been inspected 13 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since September 8, 2010. The most recent inspection, on January 24, 2017, found no infractions.

2 of 13 inspections on record found no infractions at all. No inspections are on record from the past 12 months. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food temperature control, Food source, labelling and allergens and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.

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.

  • 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 6 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on November 2, 2016. For example: REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

  • 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 March 10, 2015. For example: FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on March 6, 2015. For example: APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on April 28, 2014. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • 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 across 2 separate inspections, most recently on April 28, 2014. For example: DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED

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.

13 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED FOODS STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS INSIDE OF FREEZER. MUST REMOVE AND PROPERLY STORE FOODS IN ONLY FOOD GRADE BAGS. ALSO INTERIOR PANEL INSIDE ICE MACHINE CRACKED.MUST REPLACE.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • INTERIOR UPPER PANEL INSIDE ICE MACHINE NOT CLEAN,SLIGHT BUILD-UP.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED FLOOR AREAS NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS AROUND COOLERS,FREEZERS AND STORAGE RACK.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN. ALSO BROKEN FLOOR TILE IN PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.MUST REPLACE.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED UNCLEAN DIRTY WASHROOM AND UTILITY DOOR. MUST CLEAN OR PAINT. ASLO PEELING PAINT ON WALLS IN UTILITY ROOM,PREP AREAS.MUST REPAIR.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • LEAKY FAUCET CONNECTION AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND LEAKY FAUCET AT EXPOSED HAND SINK IN PREP AREA.MUST REPAIR BOTH.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • NO THERMOMETERS IN 2 PREP COOLERS.MUST INSTALL.
  3. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • INTERIOR PANEL INSIDE OF ICE MACHINE CRACKED.MUST REPLACE.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED UNCLEAN CRATES USED FOR STORAGE UNDER PREP TABLE.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • LEAKY FAUCET AT EXPOSED HAND SINK.MUST REPAIR.
  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • MUST PROPERLY STORE FOODS IN FOOD GRADE BAGS AT ALL TIMES. FOUND MANY PLASTIC SHOPPING BAGS HOLDING TAMALES, GREEN SAUCE AND OTHER FOODS INSIDE THE LARGE UP RIGHT FREEZER.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST CLEAN, SANITIZE AND REPAINT RUSTY GREASE TRAP BOX UNDER THE 3-COMP SINK.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REPAIR SLOW DRAINING MOP SINK AT MOP SINK CLOSET. MUST REPAIR CONSTANT LEAK AT THE EXPOSED HAND SINK. MUST ADJUST TEMPERATURE VALVE AT THE EXPOSED HANS SINK.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • MUST PROVIDE WORKING THERMOMETERS FOR ALL REFRIGERATION ON PREMISES. AT ALL TIMES. FOUND A NON-WORKING THERMOMETER AT THE 2-SLIDING DOOR COOLER
  5. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 2. FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
      • DURING INSPECTION FOUND WALK-IN COOLER NOT IN OPERATING CONDITION. WALK-IN COOLER WAS EMPTY, UNPLUGGED AND NOT HOLDING ANY POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS DURING INSPECTION. PREMISES HAS SUFFICIENT REFRIGERATION ON PREMISES TO HOLD POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT 40F AND BELOW.WALK-IN COOLER WAS TAGGED AT THIS TIME. NO CITATION ISSUED AT THIS TIME.MANAGER PROVIDED RECEIPT STATING WALK-IN COOLER UNIT WILL NEED A NEW COMPRESSOR.
    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • MUST PROPERLY STORE FOODS IN FOOD GRADE BAGS AT ALL TIMES. FOUND MANY PLASTIC SHOPPING BAGS HOLDING TAMALES, GREEN SAUCE AND OTHER FOODS INSIDE THE LARGE UP RIGHT FREEZER.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST CLEAN, SANITIZE AND REPAINT RUSTY GREASE TRAP BOX UNDER THE 3-COMP SINK.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REPAIR SLOW DRAINING MOP SINK AT MOP SINK CLOSET. MUST REPAIR CONSTANT LEAK AT THE EXPOSED HAND SINK. MUST ADJUST TEMPERATURE VALVE AT THE EXPOSED HANS SINK.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • MUST PROVIDE WORKING THERMOMETERS FOR ALL REFRIGERATION ON PREMISES. AT ALL TIMES. FOUND A NON-WORKING THERMOMETER AT THE 2-SLIDING DOOR COOLER.
    • 42. APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
      • DURING INSPECTION OBSERVED COOK NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. ALL STAFF MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS AT FOOD PREP AREAS AT ALL TIMES.
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  7. Canvass Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • NOT CORRECTED FRONT DOOR REMIANS NOT RODENT PROOFED
    • 24. DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED
      • NOT CORRECTED 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IS STILL LEAKING MUST CORRECT.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • NOT CORRECTED ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NOT CORRECTED PIPE UNDER MOP SINK CONTINUES TO LEAK
  8. Canvass

    11 infractions

    • 2. FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
      • WALK-IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 50-53 DEGREES F. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL ABLE TO MAINTAIN TEMPERATURE OF 40 DEGREES OR LOWER. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
    • 3. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
      • POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS(STEAK, CHICKEN, CHORIZO) COOKED/RAW IN WALK-IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 47-48.9 DEGREES F. APPROXIMATE WEIGHT IS 35LBS AND APPROXIMATE VALUE IS $400. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DENATURED AND DISCARDED FOOD ITEMS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 40 DEGREES OR LOWER. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-00(A).
    • 11. ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED
      • TOILET IN EMPLOYEE RESTROOM IN POOR REPAIR WITH TOILET BOWL CONTAINING WASTE AND NOT PROPERLY FLUSHING. MUST REPAIR, CLEAN/SANITIZE TOILET BOWL. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
    • 12. HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA
      • NO SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICE OR PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK IN PREP AREA OR AT STAFF WASH BOWL IN WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • FRONT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF WITH OPENINGS AT BOTTOM AND BETWEEN DOORS. MUST SEAL. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.
    • 24. DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED
      • DISH WASHING FACILITIES IN POOR REPAIR. THREE COMPARTMENT SINK BACKING UP WASTE WATER FROM THE MIDDLE COMPARTMENT INTO THE 1ST AND 3RD COMPARTMENTS WHEN WATER DRAINED FROM SINK BASIN. MUST REPAIR TO ALLOW FOR PROPER WASTE WATER DISPOSAL. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL INTERIOR PARTS OF THE ICE MACHINE.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOOR IN POOR REPAIR AT REAR BY 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST SEAL OPENING INTO WALL BEHIND TOILET IN WASHROOM. MUST DETAIL CLEAN VENT COVERS AT CEILING ABOVE WALK IN COOLER.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • LIGHT SHIELDS MISSING AT REAR. MUST PROVIDE. MUST REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REPAIR LEAKY PIPES UNDERNEATH THE WASH BOWL IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST ALSO REPAIR DISCONNECTED PIPES UNDER MOP SINK.
  9. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF REACH IN FREEZER AND PREP COOLERS TO REMOVE SPILLS.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • MUST PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON THE BATHROOM DOOR.
  10. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES MUST BE REPLACED. THE BATHROOM DOOR & MOP SINK ROOM DOOR MUST BE CLEANED RE-SEALED.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • FILTERS ABOVE THE GRILL & FRYER MUST BE FREE OF DUST/GREASE BUILD-UP. THE CAULKING ON THE 3-COMP SINK SPLASHGUARD HAS EVIDENCE OF MILDEW, MUST REPLACE.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • LIGHT SHIELDS MISSING BY THE 3-COMP SINK AREA, MUST REPLACE.
  11. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 32. 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. REACH IN COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED (BY ICE MACHINE). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR GASKET.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. FLOOR CLUTTERED BY REAR DOOR (CONTAINERS ON FLOOR). MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF FLOOR 6" OR ABOVE OR REMOVE.
  12. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. OBSERVED GAPS IN WALL BETWEEN PREP AREA HANDWASH BOWL PIPES/3-COMPARTMENT SINK PIPES. MUST SEAL ALL GAPS IN WALL.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. OBSERVED DAMAGED CEILING LIGHT COVER ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE AND INSTALL NEW LIGHT COVER.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. POTS IMPROPERLY STORED ON FLOOR BY REAR DOOR. MUST PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SHELVES/ELEVATE AND PROPERLY INVERT ALL POTS OFF FLOOR.
  13. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. FOLLOWING NEED CLEANING: FILTERS/VENTS OF HOOD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALK-IN COOLER SHELVES, INTERIOR OF FRYER-DUE TO DUST/GREASE OR FOOD DEBRIS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. DUSTY BATHROOM VENT NEED CLEANING; MUST RE-SEAL AROUND HANDSINKS IN BATHROOM & PREP AREA (DETACHING AWAY FROM WALL).
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD BY 3-COMP SINK MUST BE REPLACED.

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