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MARISCOS LA PLAYA INC

2880 W CERMAK RD, CHICAGO, IL 60623 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

MARISCOS LA PLAYA INC has been inspected 11 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since September 21, 2018. The most recent inspection, on October 2, 2025, found no infractions.

2 of 11 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: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Food temperature control 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.

  • 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 3 separate inspections, most recently on May 17, 2019. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 5 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on November 13, 2024. For example: PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

  • 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 5 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on June 14, 2023. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on June 14, 2023. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on May 17, 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.

11 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE FRONT PREP COLD HOLDING UNIT, SUCH AS 3LBS OYSTERS AT 50.5F, 3LBS OF FISH AT 50.2F, AND 3LBS OF CRAB LEGS AT 50.6F. THE MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL OF 9LBS AT $120. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED FRONT KITCHEN PREP COOLER NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE 53.0F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER AT 41F OR BELOW. THE PREP COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON THE FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS, AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISHWASHING, STORAGE, AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS, AND ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE COOKING AREA LIGHTS, CEILING, AND WALL VENTS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FANS, LIGHT SHIELDS, AND CEILING/WALL VENTS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  4. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VERIFIABLE FOOD SERVICE MANAGER TRAINING.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE AND MAINTAIN ORIGINAL ON SITE AT ALL TIMES AS WELL AS CERTIFIED MANAGER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED BUILD UP OF PINK SLIME LIKE SUBSTANCE ON INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE (ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DISCARD ICE AND THROUGHLY CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 80 MOUSE DROPPINGS SCATTERED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN FACILITY; INSIDE UTILITY CLOSET ON FLOOR AND UNDER SHELVING, ALONG WALL NEAR RESTROOMS, BEHIND AND ALONG SIDES OF FISH TANK, IN REAR KITCHEN PREP AREA NEXT TO REFRIDGERATOR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ALL MOUSE DROPPINGS, SANITIZE ALL AREAS, AND INFORM PEST CONTROL SERVICE OF ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED FAUCET AT FRONT PREP HANDWASHING SINK TO BE LEAKING AT THE CONNECTION AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED SINK IN REAR PREP AREA TO BE SLOW DRAINING AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  6. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED PERSON IN CHARGE WITH NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND RETAIN ON PREMISES FOR REVIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED METAL STEM THERMOMETER TO BE BROKEN AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • EVIDENCE OF MICE ON PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 80 MOUSE DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT FACILITY IN FOLLOWING AREAS, MEN'S AND WOMEN'S WASHROOM, UTILITY CLOSET, INSIDE FRYER CABINET AND BEHIND FRYER, UNDER STOVE, INSIDE PANTRY AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN, REQUEST PEST CONTROL SERVICE, AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CLUTTER AND DEBRIS UNDER GRILL ON TABLE TOP. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED FAUCET AT FRONT PREP HANDWASHING SINK TO BE LEAKING AT THE CONNECTION AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA TO BE SLOW DRAINING AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED BUILD UP ON FLOORS UNDER AND BETWEEN EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 64. MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
      • OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROTOCOL DESCRIBING VACCINATION PROTOCOL FOR EMPLOYEES REGARDING COVID-19. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN FOR REVIEW.
    • 64. MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
      • OBSERVED NO WRITTEN RECORD REGARDING VACCINATION PROTOCOL FOR COVID-19 DINE IN PATRONS AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO IMPLEMENT AND MAINTAIN WRITTEN PROTOCOL FOR REVIEW.
  7. License

    2 infractions

    • 14. REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION
      • MISSING DATE ON SHELLFISH TAGS FROM WHEN THE LAST SHELLSTOCK FROM THE CONTAINER IS SOLD OR SERVED. INSTD TP RECORD SAME ON THE TAG. 7-38-005. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.
    • 14. REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION
      • 3-402-12(B) NO WRITTEN AGREEMENT OR STATEMENT FROM THE SUPPLIER STATING THE FISH SUPPLIED FOR CEVICHE IS FROZEN TO REQUIRED TIME AND TEMPERATURE. INSTD TO PROVIDE SAME AND MAINTAIN
  8. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN WHITE INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST REPAIR BROKEN FAUCET ON HANDWASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
  9. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEA EVENTS, BUT NO CLEAN-UP KIT. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY CLEAN-UP KIT ITEMS (DISPOSABLE APRON, GLOVES, MASK, SANITIZER TO KILL NOROVIRUS, ETC.) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER OF ANIMAL BASED FOODS BEING SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED .MUST PROVIDE ON MENUS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS OF SUGAR, FLOUR, RICE, ETC. NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOOD WHEN OUT OF ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE VENTS ABOVE THE STOVE AND FLATTOP WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE, DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE MOP SINK IN THE FRONT DINNING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL BACKFLOW FOR SERVICING.
  10. License Re-Inspection

    6 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • Inspector Comments: 2-102.14(N) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY PROCEDURE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • Inspector Comments: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • Inspector Comments: 3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER OF TCS FOODS BEING SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED .MUST PROVIDE ON MENUS AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Inspector Comments: 6-201.13 MUST SEAL GAPS IN WOOD WALL PANELING AND ALL OPENINGS THROUGHOUT.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • Inspector Comments: IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET FOR EMPLOYEES .MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • Inspector Comments: PA 100-0367 OBSERVED NO IDPH FOOD ALLLERGEN CERTIFICATION.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN
  11. License

    14 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-102.14(N) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY PROCEDURE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 5-204.11 OBSERVED NO HAND SINK IN FRONT BEVERAGE PREP AREA.MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION -NO CITATION ISSUED)
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 6-301.11 OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND SINK THAT WILL BE INSTALLED IN FRONT BEVERAGE PREP AREA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION -NO CITATION ISSUED)
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 6-301.12 OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING DEVICES AT HAND SINKS IN WOMEN'S TOILETROOM AND FRONT BEVERAGE PREP AREA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • 3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER OF TCS FOODS BEING SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED .MUST PROVIDE ON MENUS AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
    • 31. WATER & ICE FROM APPROVED SOURCE
      • 5-103.12 MUST INSTALL THE ICE MACHINE FOR THE USE OF COOLING MEDIUM MADE FROM DRINKING WATER.WATER UNDER PRESSURE SHALL BE PROVIDED TO ALL EQUIPMENT THAT ARE REQUIRED TO USE WATER.(PRIORITY-NO CITATION ISSUED)
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • 4-301.11 OBSERVED HOT HOLDING UNIT/STEAM TABLE NOT WORKING.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE AND HAVE AT 135.0F OR ABOVE,(PRIORITY-NO CITATION ISSUED)
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-202.15 OBSERVED REAR DOOR WITH AN APPX."1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-205.15 MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE AT 3- COMP SINK IN FRONT BEVERAGE PREP AREA
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-204.12 MUST INSTALL A BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE WHEN INSTALLED THAT CAN BE SEEN AND SERVICED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.13 MUST SEAL GAPS IN WOOD WALL PANELING AND ALL OPENINGS THROUGHOUT.HOLE IN LOWER WALL IN BASEMENT.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET FOR EMPLOYEES .MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • PA 100-0367 OBSERVED NO IDPH FOOD ALLLERGEN CERTIFICATION.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.

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