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LA PENA RESTAURANTE

4212-4214 N MILWAUKEE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60641 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

LA PENA RESTAURANTE has been inspected 32 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since March 5, 2010. The most recent inspection, on April 10, 2026, recorded 3 infractions.

15 of 32 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 3 inspections with 7 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food source, labelling and allergens, Protecting food from contamination 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 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 April 10, 2026. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 September 9, 2024. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on January 10, 2022. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 April 8, 2026. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • 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 once on March 5, 2010. For example: REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

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.

32 inspections

  1. Canvass Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED SALT AND SUGAR OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED ICE SCOOP LAYING ON TOP OF MACHINE IN BAR AND BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ICE SCOOP HANDLE UP ABOVE ICE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
  2. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING AT 0PPM OF CHLORINE DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER SAID EQUIPMENT MUST PROPERLY SANITIZE AT 50PPM-100PPM OF CHLORINE ALL TIMES. UNIT TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MAY NOT BE USED. PRIORITY VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED 7-38-025.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED SALT AND SUGAR OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED ICE SCOOP LAYING ON TOP OF MACHINE IN BAR AND BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ICE SCOOP HANDLE UP ABOVE ICE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
  3. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  4. Canvass

    0 infractions

  5. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  6. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED BOXED FOOD ITEMS BEING STROED ON FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS AND MAINTAIN.
  7. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  8. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  9. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE OR DESCRIBE WHICH FOOD ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO THE REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE BEFORE THE REMINDER STATEMENT:"THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR MAY CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS." PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
  10. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINKS (WASHROOMS).
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT BASE OF FAUCET AT THE KITCHEN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLES PROVIDED IN THE EMPLOYEES UNISEX WASHROOMS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICES ON DOORS AT EMPLOYEES UNISEX WASHROOMS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  11. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  12. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • ICE SCOOP IN THE BAR AREA MUST BE STORED ON A SEPARATE CONTAINER TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.(NOT ON TOP PF THE ICE BIN).
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • CRACKED /BROKEN SOLID LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
  13. Canvass

    0 infractions

  14. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010,NO CITATION ISSUED. -
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE NOR ADEQUATE SUPPLIES (DISPOSABLE MASK, DISPOSABLE MOP HEAD, AND DISPOSABLE LATEX GLOVES) ON SITE TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED. - -
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR DISH WASHING MACHINE AREA. A HAND WASHING SINK MUST BE LOCATED TO ALLOW CONVENIENT USE BY FOOD EMPLOYEES AT DISH WASHING MENTIONED AREA. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO INSTALL HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C),NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • OBSERVED NO PROPER DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE OF COOLERS FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDER COOKED AND LINK (*ASTERISKING) THOSE FOODS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT STATES THAT EATING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED. -
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE KITCHEN 2 DOOR PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE DEEP FRYER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET AND TO MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • BACK FLOW PREVENTER NOT LOCATED AT ICE MACHINE TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN APPROVED AND VISIBLE BACK FLOW PREVENTER FOR ICE MACHINE. -
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • A TOILET ROOM USED BY FEMALES SHALL BE PROVIDED WITH A COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR SANITARY NAPKINS.
  15. Canvass

    0 infractions

  16. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST RE CAULK ALONG THE SPLASH GUARD OF THE 3 COMPT SINK(CAULK WORN OUT) AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • SEAL GAP AROUND PIPES IN THE EMPLOYEE'S WASHROOM IN THE BASEMENT AND MAINTAIN.
  17. Canvass

    0 infractions

  18. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • RUSTED INTERIOR BOTTOM OF THE REACH IN COOLER WITH BEER BEHIND THE BAR. MUST REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN.
  19. Canvass

    0 infractions

  20. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • Found damaged faucet on 1 compartment sink in kitchen area. (faucet is leaking and loose.) Instructed to repair and maintain.
  21. Canvass

    0 infractions

  22. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • NO IDPH FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE OR PROOF OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
  23. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 10. SEWAGE AND WASTE WATER DISPOSAL, NO BACK SIPHONAGE, CROSS CONNECTION AND/OR BACK FLOW
      • SUMP PUMP IN BASEMENT LAUNDRY ROOM BROKEN. WASTE WATER/SEWAGE WATER BACKING UP ONTO LAUNDRY ROOM FLOOR FROM PUMP AND FLOOR DRAIN AND EMPLOYEE WASHROOM NEXT TO LAUNDRY ROOM BACKING UP FROM FLOOR DRAIN WITH SEWAGE WATER. NO FOOD ITEMS OR FOOD STORAGE IN THIS SECTION OF THE BASEMENT. ALL BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AND COOLERS NOT EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO THIS AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE/REPAIR PUMP, STOP SEWAGE BACK UP, REMOVE ALL SEWAGE WATER, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL OF EFFECTED AREAS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION FROM 5-9-14 NOT CORRECTED. #32-INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TIGHT FITTING LID/COVER FOR ICE BIN BEHIND FRONT BAR. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MISSING CEILING IN REAR HALLWAY FROM KITCHEN AND RECEIVING ENTRANCE TO DINING ROOM. MUST REPLACE.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • NO IDPH FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE OR PROOF OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
  24. Canvass

    0 infractions

  25. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TIGHT FITTING LID/COVER FOR ICE BIND BEHIND FRONT BAR.
  26. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • BASEMENT WALLS AND CEILING HAS OPENING, CRACKS, AND GAPS. MUST SEAL ALL OPENING, GAPS AND CRACKS.
  27. Canvass

    0 infractions

  28. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • Bsmt storage shelving that had exposed raw wood, shall be repaired/sealed.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • Floors in bsmt storage areas under shelving not clean, need cleaning(detailed).
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Walls, ceilings that had exposed plaster, gaps, raw wood in bsmt storage areas, rear kitchen areas shall be repaired/sealed. Wall that had holes in bar storage room, shall be repaired/sealed.
  29. Canvass

    0 infractions

  30. Tag Removal

    0 infractions

  31. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 16. FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
      • All food should be properly protected from contamination during storage, preparation, display, service, and transportation. FOUND ICE MACHINE VERY DIRTY WITH BLACK MOLD CLINGING TO WALLS AND TUBES TOUCHING ICE AND ICE WATER,SERIOUS VIOLATION,CITATION ISSUED FOOD NOT PROTECTED;TAGGED ICE MACHINE NOT TO BE USED,MUST CALL SERVICE FOR CLEANING AND SANITIZING MACHINE;MUST FAX LETTER TO CDPH 312-746-4240 WHEN MACHINE HAS BEEN CLEANED
    • 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. DISHMACHINE MUST BE CLEANED AND MAINTAINED,AT THIS TIME DISHMACHINE IS NOT IN USE
  32. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • Prep table near dishmachine rusted at bottom. Instructed to apply non-toxic sealant to surface.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • New floor in basement not sealed. Instructed to apply finish that non absorbant or install floor tile.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Walls in several areas not sealed. Instructed to seal all holes and repaint.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • Thermometer not provided inside prep cooler. Instructed to provide thermometer inside cooler.

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