La Ciudad Mexican Cafe
Last inspected: Jun 20, 2018
100
Score
Inspectors have visited La Ciudad Mexican Cafe 13 times, with records going back to 2010. La Ciudad Mexican Cafe was last inspected on Jun 20, 2018. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings. No fresh inspection data is available: the latest entry for La Ciudad Mexican Cafe dates to Jun 20, 2018.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near three violations per visit.
Looking across the full record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” is the recurring theme, flagged five times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 20, 2018
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 12, 2018
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: NOTED IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ITEMS:-PORK 45.9F, STEAK 48.0F, CHICKEN 48.2F, CHEESE 48.2F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 3 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $100.OO THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-005(A)
3
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: NOTED NO PAPER TOWELS AT THE FRONT AND REAR HAND WASH SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL THE HAND WASH SINKS. CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-030
12
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: NOTED OVER 5 LIVE ROACHES ON WALLS AND FLOOR AT THE REAR KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO CONSULT WITH PEST CONTROL COMPANY. SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-020
18
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE UPRIGHT FREEZER AT THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: NOTED NO LIGHTING INSIDE THE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED CLUTTER INSIDE THE DRY STORAGE ROOM AND INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER (USED FOR STORAGE). INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND/OR REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PESTS.
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74
Jul 14, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: CHEST FREEZER USED FOR PREP COOLER MAINTAIN TEMP OF 56.7F.POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ARE STORED AT SAID UNIT:COOKED CHICKEN,SHREEDED LETTUCE IN WATER,GUACAMOLE ETC.COOLER UNIT MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 40F AND BELOW.TAGGED UNIT"HELD FOR INSPECTION" DO NOT USE. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A)
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE: COOKED PULLED CHICKEN AT TEMP OF 62.9F; SHREDDED LETTUCE IN WATER AT TEMP OF 62.7F; GUACAMOLE AT TEMP OF 50.5F; GREEN PURRED SAUCE AT TEMP OF 57.2F;COOKED GREEN PEPPERS 54.6F; CHORIZO AT TEMP OF 47.9F; TWO DIFFERENT KIND OF SAUCE AT TEMP OF 47.6F TO 49F.COLD FOOD MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 40F AND BELOW.FOOD WAS DISCARDED AND DENATURED BY THE EMPLOYEE.POUNDS 7#,VALUE 15. CRITICAL VIOLATION: 7-38-005(A)
3
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ARE PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED(CHICKEN,RICE BEANS ETC.)A LIST ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ARE PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-012(A)
21
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: BROKEN ,RUSTY UNCLEANABLE METAL FLOOR INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER MUST BE REPLACED/REPAIRED.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE.MUST REMOVE MAT.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: TWO NON-COMMERCIAL DISH MACHINE ON SITE,INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WITH A COMMERCIAL UNITS.TAGGED BOTH UNITS"HELD FOR INSPECTION" DO NOT USE.INSTRUCTED TO USE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH,RINSE AND SANITIZE.
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78
Dec 21, 2016
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Dec 14, 2016
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTD FROM REPORT #1763441 DATED 4/22/16. #32- MUST RE CAULK ALONG THE SPLASH GUARD OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE PREP/COOK LINE AND MAINTAIN. #35- STAINED CEILING TILES THRU-OUT THE KITCHEN/PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN. #36-PROVIDE SOLID LIGHT SHIELD ON THE LIGHT BULBS IN THE PREP/KITCHEN AREA. #38-LEAK ON THE FAUCET CONNECTOR ARM OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET. MUST REPAIR TO STOP THE LEAK AND MAINTAIN. #41-: CLUTTER INSIDE THE WALK IN FREEZER BEING USED AS STORAGE AREA(THAT IS BROKEN/NOT WORKING SINCE THE OWNER GOT THE RESTAURANT) AND THE SMALL STORAGE ROOM . MUST CLEAN, ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AND DISCARD UNNECESSARY ITEMS/ARTICLES TO PREVENT RODENT/INSECTS HARBORAGE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
29
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD CONTAINERS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER WITH READY TO EAT POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MUST HAVE A LABEL(NAME OF THE PRODUCT) AND DATE.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: ALL CLEAN UTENSILS,POTS,PANS,FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE STORED UPSIDE DOWN/INVERTED TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION AND DUST ACCUMULATION.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL DRY BULK FOOD CONTAINERS AND MAINTAIN.
33
82
Apr 22, 2016
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST RE CAULK ALONG THE SPLASH GUARD OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE PREP/COOK LINE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: STAINED CEILING TILES THRU-OUT THE KITCHEN/PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN. FILTER WITH GREASE BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN/REMOVE GREASE AND MAINTAIN. WALLS BEHIND THE 3 COMPARTMENT DRAIN BOARD DAMAGED. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE SOLID LIGHT SHIELD ON THE LIGHT BULBS IN THE PREP/KITCHEN AREA .
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAK ON THE FAUCET CONNECTOR ARM OF THE 3 COMPT SINK. MUST REPAIR TO STOP THE LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: CLUTTER INSIDE THE WALK IN FREEZER BEING USED AS STORAGE AREA(THAT IS BROKEN/NOT WORKING SINCE THE OWNER GOT THE RESTAURANT) AND THE SMALL STORAGE ROOM . MUST CLEAN, ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AND DISCARD UNNECESSARY ITEMS/ARTICLES TO PREVENT RODENT/INSECTS HARBORAGE.
41
78
Oct 1, 2015
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND THE STAINLESS STEEL WALL COVER IN THE FRONT KITCHEN AREA SEALED WITH "GREAT STUFF" FOAM ALONG THE EDGES, BETWEEN THE WALL AND FLOOR, AND GAPS. THE FOAM HAS EXPANDED AND IS NOT SMOOTH. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE FOAM AND PROVIDE A RUBBER SEALANT OR CAULK THAT CAN BE SANDED DOWN TO BE FLAT, SMOOTH, AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
35
95
Apr 20, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE THE STAINED, DEEP GROOVED CUTTING BOARDS ATTACHED TO BOTH COLD-HOLDING UNITS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE BACK OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND SERVICE HOOD VENTS TO REMOVE GREASE BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FROST BUILDUP IN THE UPRIGHT FREEZER IN THE REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST FREEZER AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN FAN VENT COVERS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER TO REMOVE DUST BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPLACE WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES NEAR THE REAR EXIT DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING HANDSINK IN REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SINK TO ALLOW PROPER DRAINAGE AND MAINTAIN.
38
78
Jan 24, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DUST BUILD-UP ON PORTABLE FAN,STORED ON TOP THE WINDOW IN FRONT PREP AREA
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: DUST BUILD-UP INSIDE THE KIGHT SHIELD AT REAR PREP AREA.
36
90
Jun 27, 2013
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOODS NOT LABELED AND DATED INSIDE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL AND DATE ALL FOODS NOT IN ORGINAL CONTAINER (FIRST IN FIRST OUT).
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: VENTILATION HOOD WITH GREASE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN VENTILATION HOOD.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GAP/SMALL HOLES IN WALL BEHIND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK GREASE TRAP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR WALL/SEAL ALL HOLES GAP IN WALL.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST CALIBRATE METAL STEM THERMOMETERS FOR FOOD HANDLERS.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: UNUSED WALK IN COOLER CLUTTERED WITH EQUIPMENT (CHAIRS, TABLES, ETC.). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS 6" OFF FLOOR OR REMOVE ITEMS.
41
78
Feb 21, 2012
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. OBSERVED DARK PITS ON SURFACE OF PREP AREA CUTTING BOARD (ACROSS FROM COOKLINE). MUST REPLACE DAMAGED CUTTING BOARD.
32
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces. CEILING LIGHT COVER MISSING ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE LIGHT COVER FOR CEILING LIGHTS.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. MOP SINK PIPE LEAKING AND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LEFT SIDE COMPARTMENT STOPPER BROKEN. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINKS.
38
86
Sep 10, 2010
Tag Removal
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Cleaning equipment shall be properly stored away from food, utensils, equipment, and clean linens.REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS STORED FROM ABOVE WALK-IN COOLER RE ORGANIZE AREA
41
95
Sep 2, 2010
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous food shall have adequate refrigerated food storage facilities. FOUND DISPLAY PREP COOLER FRONT PREP AREA AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE 49.7F TO 50.9F.THEIR OWN THERMOMETER SHOWED TEMP OF 48F.TAGGED UNIT "HELD FOR INSPECTION" DO NOT USE.FAX A LETTER WHEN UNIT IS FIXED AND MAINTAIN TEMP OF 40F AND BELOW(FAX #312 746-4240).CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A) HOOOO63959-16
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less. FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE STORED FROM INSIDE ABOVE COOLER: RAW MEAT AT TEMP OF 53F; CHORIZO AT TEMP OF 53,6F.HALF AND HALF AT TEMP OF 50F; COOKED BEEF AT TEMP OF 49.8F; COOKED CHICKEN AT 50F TEMP OF 49F.SOUR CREAM AT TEMP OF 49.7F; GUACAMOLE AT TEMP OF 49.8F,DICED TOMATOES AT TEMP OF 49F.NO PROOF OF TIME AND TEMPERATURE LOG.FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED, POUNDS 35,VALUE 60. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A) HOOOO63959-16
3
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS STORED FROM ABOVE WALK-IN COOLER RE ORGANIZE AREA
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86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was La Ciudad Mexican Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at La Ciudad Mexican Cafe on file is from Jun 20, 2018. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at La Ciudad Mexican Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at La Ciudad Mexican Cafe.
Has La Ciudad Mexican Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at La Ciudad Mexican Cafe have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at La Ciudad Mexican Cafe means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
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