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LA MALINCHE COFFEE HOUSE LLC

2110 S HALSTED ST, CHICAGO, IL 60608 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

LA MALINCHE COFFEE HOUSE LLC has been inspected 10 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since December 29, 2020. The most recent inspection, on October 5, 2026, recorded 4 infractions.

None of the 10 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 11 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Food temperature control and Protecting food from contamination.

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.

  • 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 4 separate inspections, most recently on April 25, 2025. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 5, 2026. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • 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 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on October 5, 2026. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 October 5, 2026. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 October 5, 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.

10 inspections

  1. Canvass Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • 4-204.112(B): OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER STORED INSIDE A PREP COOLER AND A REFRIGERATOR NEAR THE ENTRANCE OF PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • 3-302.12: OBSERVED BULK DRY INGREDIENT CONTAINER NOT LABELED ON SHELF UNDER PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • 3-307.11: OBSERVED A PLASTIC CUP STORED INSIDE THE FLOUR CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO USE UTENSILS WITH HANDLES TO TRANSFER DRY FOOD ITEMS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-601.11(B): OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  2. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 8. HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED
      • OBSERVED EMPLOYEES NOT WASHING HANDS AFTER CONTAMINATING HANDS. OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS DOING THE FOLLOWING WITHOUT WASHING THEIR HANDS AFTERWARDS: CAME FROM OUTSIDE INTO THE PREP AREA AND STARTED HANDLING BEVERAGE UTENSILS TO SET UP THE COFFEE MACHINE, KILL A FLY, PICKED UP THE FLY WITH A NAPKIN, AND PUT ON A HAIR NET. INSTRUCTED EMPLOYEES TO WASH THEIR HANDS AFTER CHANGING TASKS. EMPLOYEES WERE INSTRUCTED TO WASH THEIR HANDS AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010, CITATION ISSUED
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES FOR TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE A REFRIGERATOR (51.2F). FOUND: PORTIONS OF SALMON IN ALUMINUM FOIL, CHORIZO (48.6F), SOY MILK (52.0F), ABOUT 4 GALLONS OF REDUCED FAT MILK (50.2F-52.5F), SOY MILK (52.0), PORK COOKED THE NIGHT BEFORE THE DAY OF INSPECTION (69.4F), WHIPPED CREAM (48.1F), AND HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM (48.0F). INSTRUCTED ALL COLD HOLDING FOODS MUST REACH AND MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. APPROXIMATELY 23 LBS AT $115 WORTH OF PRODUCT DISCARDED. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF REFRIGERATORS AT 45.8F AND 53.2F. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNITS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. PLEASE READ COMMENTS FOR TAG REMOVAL PROCEDURE. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER STORED INSIDE A PREP COOLER AND A REFRIGERATOR NEAR THE ENTRANCE OF PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED BULK DRY INGREDIENT CONTAINER NOT LABELED ON SHELF UNDER PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED A PLASTIC CUP STORED INSIDE THE FLOUR CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO USE UTENSILS WITH HANDLES TO TRANSFER DRY FOOD ITEMS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  3. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN IN THE NORTH TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON SITE. OBSERVED ABOUT 15 RODENT DROPPINGS UNDER THE TABLE WITH THE FLAT TOP GRILL AND PANINI PRESS. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • 2-402.11 OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WITHOUT ADEQUATE HAIR RESTRAINTS, SUCH AS A CAP OR A HAIR NET. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 46. GLOVES USED PROPERLY
      • 3-304.15 OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT KNOWING WHEN TO CHANGE GLOVES. INSTRUCTED TO RE-VISIT PROPER GLOVE USE WITH ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE OR PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.114 OBSERVED CLUTTER IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY CLUTTER AND ORGANIZE.
    • 61. SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
      • 8-304.11(A) OBSERVED MOST RECENT INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY NOT POSTED FOR THE PUBLIC'S VIEW. INSTRUCTED ALWAYS TO POST THE MOST RECENT INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY FOR THE PUBLIC'S VIEW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-42-010(B).
  4. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • 2-402.11 OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES WHILE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-205.15 OBSERVED A SLOW-DRAINING HAND-WASHING SINK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.12 OBSERVED MINOR DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ALONG THE WALL BY THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND UNDER THE REACH IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 6-304.11 OBSERVED NO MECHANICAL VENTILATION ON SITE FOR THE COOKING EQUIPMENT SUCH AS A SMALL FLAT TOP GRILL, A CREPE FLAT TOP GRILL AND A PANINI PRESS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE MECHANICAL VENTILATION FOR ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT.
  5. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • FOUND NO COVERED GARBAGE RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • FOUND CONTINUED NON- COMPLIANCE FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2567530 CONDUCTED ON NOVEMBER 5, 2022. THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS WERE NOT CORRECTED: 2-102.13 OBSERVED A MALE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS. 2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED A MALE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
  7. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • 3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED NOR A CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW (EGGS). INSTRUCTED TO POST A CONSUMER ADVISORY AND ADD A CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED A MALE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
  8. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD AT THE HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA NEAR THE COFFEE GRINDER STATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE AT THE ONE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA AND AT THE MOP SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN FOR BOTH.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF DIRT UNDER THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND COUNTERS AND PREP TABLES IN THE FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE OUTSIDE WALK WAY THAT LEADS TO THE GARBAGE AREA WITH A HEAVY ACCUMULATION OF WEEDS AND SHRUBBAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAR AND MAINTAIN AN EASY ACCESS TO THE REAR GARBAGE AREA AND PREVENT POSSIBLE HARBORING OF PEST AND INSECTS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN ALONG WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS CERTIFICATE AND PROVIDE ON SITE.
  9. License Re-Inspection

    6 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE NOR ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-204.12 OBSERVED A HOSE INSIDE OF THE AIR GAP FOR THE COFFEE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE OR PROPER AIR GAP (NO LESS THAN ONE INCH).
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13 FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES NOT PROVIDED. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT FOR FOOD HANDLERS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
  10. License

    7 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE NOR ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • 3-306.11 OBSERVED PANINI PRESS, PREP TABLE AND REFRIGERATOR IN A NON PROTECTED AREA OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER PLACE SAID EQUIPMENT BEHIND THE FOOD PREP AREA OR PROVIDE PROTECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-204.12 OBSERVED A HOSE INSIDE OF THE AIR GAP FOR THE COFFEE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE OR PROPER AIR GAP (NO LESS THAN ONE INCH).
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13 FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES NOT PROVIDED. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT FOR FOOD HANDLERS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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