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LA COCINITA FOOD TRUCK CHICAGO

1625 CHICAGO AVE, EVANSTON, IL 60201 · Mobile Food Preparer

Inspection summary

LA COCINITA FOOD TRUCK CHICAGO has been inspected 17 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since December 14, 2016. The most recent inspection, on June 9, 2026, found no infractions.

5 of 17 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 3 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Food source, labelling and allergens and Pests.

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.

  • 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 5 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on June 9, 2026. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on July 9, 2024. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on November 17, 2020. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 June 7, 2019. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 once on January 10, 2017. For example: FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

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.

17 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. License

    3 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DIRT AND GREASE BUILD UP ON SIDES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS INSIDE LIGHT SHIELDS COVERS IN REAR OF FOOD TRUCK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED UNUSED UPRIGHT TALL REFRIGERATOR NOT IN USE. MUST REPAIR OR REMOVE FROM FOOD TRUCK.
  3. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • CLEAN EXTERIOR AREA BETWEEN COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED A SMALL AMOUNT OF GREASE ON THE FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
  4. License

    3 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED SPICE CONTAINERS ON STORAGE SHELF WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 1 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE AND THE 1 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT AND MAINTAIN.
  5. License Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  6. License

    3 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT,COOLERS WITH GREASE AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND THE DEEP FRYER, COOKING EQUIPMENT AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 11-17-20 REPORT #2456674 NOT CORRECTED. #38- 6-202.15- FOUND SCREENING OF CEILING VENTS TORN(HOLES). MUST REPLACE.56-#: 6-303.11--FOUND 1 LIGHT FIXTURE NOT OPERATIONAL. MUST REPAIR. MUST REPAIR ALL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
  7. License

    2 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • FOUND SCREENING OF CEILING VENTS TORN(HOLES). MUST REPLACE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • FOUND 1 LIGHT FIXTURE NOT OPERATIONAL. MUST REPAIR.
  8. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES TO PROPERLY HANDLE BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
  9. License Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  10. License

    5 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • UNABLE TO PROVIDE A COMPLETE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK. MUST PROVIDE A COMPLETE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • UNABLE TO PROVIDE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL SANITATION CERTIFICATE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 06/10/17 REPORT#2060050 VIOLATION #38 FOUND LEAK UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON WALL UNDERNEATH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • OBSERVED BURNED OUT LIGHT IN REAR OF FOOD TRUCK. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON LIGHT SHIELD COVERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  11. Canvass Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER ON PREMISES WHILE HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD. (HANDLES BEEF, CHICKEN, ETC.) SERIOUS VIOLATION. 7-38-012. MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Observed excessive grease and dust build up on ventilation hoods above hot holding area/grill. Must remove, detail clean and sanitize. Must maintain same.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • Found leak under 3 compartment sink. Found water leaking on to floor of vehicle and also leaking from under vehicle onto the street. Must repair and maintain.
  12. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 12. HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA
      • Found handsink blocked and not accessible. Hand sink found with pans and utensils stored inside. When turned hot water handle, no water came out of faucet. Instructed must have hot & water, soap and paper towels at all times. Hand sink may only be used for washing hands. Hand sink must be accessible at all times. Operator removed items from sink basin, and turned on the hot water. Hot water found at 92.1F. Critical violation 7-38-030.
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • Observed no city of Chicago certified manager on site while potentially hazardous foods (pork, rice, etc.) being cooked and served. Must have a city of Chicago certified food manager on site at all times when potentially hazardous foods are being prepped, cooked and/or served. Serious violation 7-38-012.
    • 24. DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED
      • Found hot water temperature at 92.3F at the 3 compartment sink. Instructed must have 120F available at all times to properly wash, rinse and sanitize utensils. Serious violation 7-38-030.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Observed excessive grease and dust build up on ventilation hoods above hot holding area/grill. Must remove, detail clean and sanitize. Must maintain same.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • Found leak under 3 compartment sink. Found water leaking on to floor of vehicle and also leaking from under vehicle onto the street. Must repair and maintain.
  13. License Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • NEW LICENSE #2458565 MUST BE PRINTED A MINIMUM OF TWO INCHES IN HEIGHT ON LATERAL SIDES OF THE TRUCK.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST VERIFY AND DEMONSTRATE THAT THE FRESH WATER TANK IS SELF-DRAINING.
  14. License Re-Inspection

    5 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • TRUCK NOT INSECT/RODENT PROOFED. ALL WINDOWS, MUST BE SCREENED ON ALL SIDES AND TIGHT FITTING INCLUDING SLIDING WINDOWS.
    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • NEW LICENSE #2458565 MUST BE PRINTED A MINIMUM OF TWO INCHES IN HEIGHT ON LATERAL SIDES OF THE TRUCK.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • EXCESSIVE RUST ON SHELVING INSIDE THE TALL REACH-IN COOLER. MUST REMOVE RUST OR REPLACE SHELVING.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • HOLES SURROUNDING PIPING NEXT TO GRILL IMPROPERLY SEALED WITH EXPANDING FOAM. MUST RE-SEAL WITH MATERIAL THAT IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST PROVIDE STOPPERS FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST VERIFY AND DEMONSTRATE THAT THE FRESH WATER TANK IS SELF-DRAINING.
  15. License

    5 infractions

    • 16. FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
      • FRESH WATER INLET NOT PROTECTED ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE TRUCK. LOCK ON INLET NOT OPERATIONAL. FRESH WATER INLET MUST PROPERLY LOCK.
    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • TRUCK NOT INSECT/RODENT PROOFED. ALL WINDOWS, CEILING VENTS MUST BE SCREENED ON ALL SIDES AND TIGHT FITTING INCLUDING SLIDING WINDOWS. HOLES IN THE FLOORING TO OPEN GROUND SURROUNDING PIPING NEXT TO GRILL. MUST SEAL. NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK. MUST PROVIDE LOG BOOK WITH ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION.
    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • NEW LICENSE #2458565 MUST BE PRINTED A MINIMUM OF TWO INCHES IN HEIGHT ON LATERAL SIDES OF THE TRUCK.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • EXCESSIVE RUST ON SHELVING INSIDE THE TALL REACH-IN COOLER. MUST REMOVE RUST OR REPLACE SHELVING.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST PROVIDE STOPPERS FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST VERIFY AND DEMONSTRATE THAT THE FRESH WATER TANK IS SELF-DRAINING.
  16. License

    0 infractions

  17. License

    0 infractions

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