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LA PULQUERIA / WINGS FIREHOUSE / PILSEN CAFE

2501 S WESTERN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60608 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

LA PULQUERIA / WINGS FIREHOUSE / PILSEN CAFE has been inspected 8 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since October 1, 2019. The most recent inspection, on September 4, 2024, found no infractions.

4 of 8 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: Cleaning and sanitizing, Food source, labelling and allergens and Pests.

The last 3 inspections in a row found no infractions. 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 3 separate inspections, most recently on October 7, 2021. 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 7, 2021. 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 7, 2021. 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 September 1, 2020. 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 once on October 1, 2019. For example: CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

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.

8 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass

    0 infractions

  3. Complaint

    0 infractions

  4. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED PRECOOKED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL(NAME AND DATE).
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED THE INTERIOR EXIT DOOR IN THE KITCHEN NOT TIGHT FITTING AT THE BOTTOM. ALSO NOTED THE EXTERIOR EMERGENCY DOOR ON THE 2ND FLOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING AT THE BOTTOM. MUST PROVIDE WEATHER STRIPPING AT THE BOTTOM OF DOOR TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE WALK IN FREEZER WITH EXCESSIVE ICE BUILD UP. MUST DEFROST AND CLEAN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED HOLES AND OPENINGS INTO THE FLOOR ON THE 2nd FLOOR AND IN THE CEILING IN THE KITCHEN AND DINING AREA. MUST SEAL AND WHERE NEEDED TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS NEED DETAIL CLEANING THROUGH OUT TO REMOVE SPILLS,DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED VENT COVER DIRTY THROUGH OUT THE PREP AREAS. MUST CLEAN TO REMOVE DUST BUILD UP.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • FILTERS NEED CLEANING ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE AND DEBRIS.
  5. Canvass

    0 infractions

  6. Complaint Re-Inspection

    6 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 6-301.14 OBSERVED HAND WASHING SIGNS ARE NEEDED AT SOME HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • 4-602.11(B-E) OBSERVED A SLITE BROWNISH SUBSTANCE ON THE PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • 4-603.15 OBSERVED POTS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED IN THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE LARGE POTS THAT ARE TO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED IN THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK OR INSTALL A LARGER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK THAT IS ABLE TO PROPERLY WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE THE LARGEST PIECE OF EQUIPMENT OR PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE THAT STATES HOW THE FACILITY WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE LARGE EQUIPMENT.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.11 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED ICE DEBRIS ON THE WALLS AND CEILING INSIDE OF THE WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED 3 FEMALE FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
  7. Complaint

    10 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • 2-101.11 OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE INSPECTION WITHOUT THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION WRITTEN UNDER VIOLATION #2.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • 2-101.11 OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (COOKED BEANS, SLICED TOMATOES)ARE BEING PREPARED HANDLED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES THE FACILITY IS OPEN AND OPERATING. THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ARRIVED TO THE FACILITY 35 MINUTES AFTER THE INSPECTION STARTED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 6-301.14 OBSERVED HAND WASHING SIGNS ARE NEEDED AT SOME HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • 4-602.11(B-E) OBSERVED A SLITE BROWNISH SUBSTANCE ON THE PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-501.111 OBSERVED NO VALID OR UP TO DATE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK NOR PEST CONTROL SERVICE REPORT ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(C).
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF LIVE INSECT AND RODENT ACTIVITY. OBSERVED ABOUT 30 RODENT DROPPINGS LOCATED UNDER THE OVENS, ABOUT 10 RODENT DROPPINGS LOCATED IN BETWEEN THE WALL AND ICE MACHINE AND ABOUT 20 RODENT DROPPINGS UNDER THE DRY STORAGE SHELVES ALL LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. OBSERVED LIVE SMALL AND LARGE INSECTS LOCATED BY THE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE PEST ACTIVITY AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • 4-603.15 OBSERVED POTS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED IN THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE LARGE POTS THAT ARE TO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED IN THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK OR INSTALL A LARGER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK THAT IS ABLE TO PROPERLY WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE THE LARGEST PIECE OF EQUIPMENT OR PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE THAT STATES HOW THE FACILITY WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE LARGE EQUIPMENT.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.11 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED ICE DEBRIS ON THE WALLS AND CEILING INSIDE OF THE WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED 3 FEMALE FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
  8. License

    9 infractions

    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • OBSERVED A VARIETY OF FOODS NOT PROPERLY LABELED(COOKED BEANS, SALSA, ETC.) FOOD PREPARED AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS AT A TEMPERATURE OF 41*F, OR BELOW SHALL BE CLEARLY MARKED TO INDICATE THE DAY OR DATE THE FOOD SHALL BE SOLD, CONSUMED, OR DISCARDED FOR A MAXIMUM OF 7 DAYS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE, PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE( ASTERISK, AND A FOOTNOTE), AND REMINDED ON MENU AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BY USING BROACHURES, MENU ADVISORIES, LABLE STATEMENT, TABLE TENTS,PLACARDS, OR OTHER EFFECTIVE WRITTEM MEANS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT PROPERLY LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME(IE. FLOUR, RICE, SUGAR ETC.).
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED THE REAR MICROWAVE NOT CLEAN ON THE REAR PIZZA OVEN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE INTERIOR.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED EXCESIVE ICE IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER AROUND DOOR, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED THE CONDIMENT COOLER CUTING BOARD STAINED, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED THE LADIES RESTROOM TRASH RECEPTACLES WITHOUT COVERS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE BASEMENT CLUTTERED, INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ITEMS NOT BEING USED.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WITHOUT THE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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