La Cocina Mexican Grill
Last inspected: Nov 2, 2016
74
Score
La Cocina Mexican Grill has been inspected 12 times since 2010. Inspectors last stopped by on Nov 2, 2016. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either. The most recent inspection at La Cocina Mexican Grill is from Nov 2, 2016, and nothing newer appears in the public record.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near four violations each time.
Across the inspection history, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded eight times.
La Cocina Mexican Grill's latest score of 74 falls below the Chicago average of 81. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 2, 2016
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOODS STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS INSIDE OF FREEZER. MUST REMOVE AND PROPERLY STORE FOODS IN ONLY FOOD GRADE BAGS. ALSO INTERIOR PANEL INSIDE ICE MACHINE CRACKED.MUST REPLACE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR UPPER PANEL INSIDE ICE MACHINE NOT CLEAN,SLIGHT BUILD-UP.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR AREAS NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS AROUND COOLERS,FREEZERS AND STORAGE RACK.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN. ALSO BROKEN FLOOR TILE IN PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.MUST REPLACE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNCLEAN DIRTY WASHROOM AND UTILITY DOOR. MUST CLEAN OR PAINT. ASLO PEELING PAINT ON WALLS IN UTILITY ROOM,PREP AREAS.MUST REPAIR.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAKY FAUCET CONNECTION AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND LEAKY FAUCET AT EXPOSED HAND SINK IN PREP AREA.MUST REPAIR BOTH.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: NO THERMOMETERS IN 2 PREP COOLERS.MUST INSTALL.
40
74
Apr 12, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INTERIOR PANEL INSIDE OF ICE MACHINE CRACKED.MUST REPLACE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNCLEAN CRATES USED FOR STORAGE UNDER PREP TABLE.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAKY FAUCET AT EXPOSED HAND SINK.MUST REPAIR.
38
86
Mar 10, 2015
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY STORE FOODS IN FOOD GRADE BAGS AT ALL TIMES. FOUND MANY PLASTIC SHOPPING BAGS HOLDING TAMALES, GREEN SAUCE AND OTHER FOODS INSIDE THE LARGE UP RIGHT FREEZER.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN, SANITIZE AND REPAINT RUSTY GREASE TRAP BOX UNDER THE 3-COMP SINK.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR SLOW DRAINING MOP SINK AT MOP SINK CLOSET. MUST REPAIR CONSTANT LEAK AT THE EXPOSED HAND SINK. MUST ADJUST TEMPERATURE VALVE AT THE EXPOSED HANS SINK.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE WORKING THERMOMETERS FOR ALL REFRIGERATION ON PREMISES. AT ALL TIMES. FOUND A NON-WORKING THERMOMETER AT THE 2-SLIDING DOOR COOLER
40
82
Mar 6, 2015
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: DURING INSPECTION FOUND WALK-IN COOLER NOT IN OPERATING CONDITION. WALK-IN COOLER WAS EMPTY, UNPLUGGED AND NOT HOLDING ANY POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS DURING INSPECTION. PREMISES HAS SUFFICIENT REFRIGERATION ON PREMISES TO HOLD POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT 40F AND BELOW.WALK-IN COOLER WAS TAGGED AT THIS TIME. NO CITATION ISSUED AT THIS TIME.MANAGER PROVIDED RECEIPT STATING WALK-IN COOLER UNIT WILL NEED A NEW COMPRESSOR.
2
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY STORE FOODS IN FOOD GRADE BAGS AT ALL TIMES. FOUND MANY PLASTIC SHOPPING BAGS HOLDING TAMALES, GREEN SAUCE AND OTHER FOODS INSIDE THE LARGE UP RIGHT FREEZER.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN, SANITIZE AND REPAINT RUSTY GREASE TRAP BOX UNDER THE 3-COMP SINK.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR SLOW DRAINING MOP SINK AT MOP SINK CLOSET. MUST REPAIR CONSTANT LEAK AT THE EXPOSED HAND SINK. MUST ADJUST TEMPERATURE VALVE AT THE EXPOSED HANS SINK.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE WORKING THERMOMETERS FOR ALL REFRIGERATION ON PREMISES. AT ALL TIMES. FOUND A NON-WORKING THERMOMETER AT THE 2-SLIDING DOOR COOLER.
40
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: DURING INSPECTION OBSERVED COOK NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. ALL STAFF MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS AT FOOD PREP AREAS AT ALL TIMES.
42
74
Apr 29, 2014
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 28, 2014
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: NOT CORRECTED FRONT DOOR REMIANS NOT RODENT PROOFED
18
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: NOT CORRECTED 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IS STILL LEAKING MUST CORRECT.
24
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOT CORRECTED ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOT CORRECTED PIPE UNDER MOP SINK CONTINUES TO LEAK
38
82
Apr 22, 2014
Routine
11 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: WALK-IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 50-53 DEGREES F. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL ABLE TO MAINTAIN TEMPERATURE OF 40 DEGREES OR LOWER. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS(STEAK, CHICKEN, CHORIZO) COOKED/RAW IN WALK-IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 47-48.9 DEGREES F. APPROXIMATE WEIGHT IS 35LBS AND APPROXIMATE VALUE IS $400. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DENATURED AND DISCARDED FOOD ITEMS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 40 DEGREES OR LOWER. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-00(A).
3
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: TOILET IN EMPLOYEE RESTROOM IN POOR REPAIR WITH TOILET BOWL CONTAINING WASTE AND NOT PROPERLY FLUSHING. MUST REPAIR, CLEAN/SANITIZE TOILET BOWL. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
11
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: NO SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICE OR PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK IN PREP AREA OR AT STAFF WASH BOWL IN WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE. 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: FRONT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF WITH OPENINGS AT BOTTOM AND BETWEEN DOORS. MUST SEAL. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.
18
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: DISH WASHING FACILITIES IN POOR REPAIR. THREE COMPARTMENT SINK BACKING UP WASTE WATER FROM THE MIDDLE COMPARTMENT INTO THE 1ST AND 3RD COMPARTMENTS WHEN WATER DRAINED FROM SINK BASIN. MUST REPAIR TO ALLOW FOR PROPER WASTE WATER DISPOSAL. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.
24
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL INTERIOR PARTS OF THE ICE MACHINE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR IN POOR REPAIR AT REAR BY 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL OPENING INTO WALL BEHIND TOILET IN WASHROOM. MUST DETAIL CLEAN VENT COVERS AT CEILING ABOVE WALK IN COOLER.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT SHIELDS MISSING AT REAR. MUST PROVIDE. MUST REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR LEAKY PIPES UNDERNEATH THE WASH BOWL IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST ALSO REPAIR DISCONNECTED PIPES UNDER MOP SINK.
38
58
Sep 3, 2013
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF REACH IN FREEZER AND PREP COOLERS TO REMOVE SPILLS.
33
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON THE BATHROOM DOOR.
37
90
Oct 18, 2012
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES MUST BE REPLACED. THE BATHROOM DOOR & MOP SINK ROOM DOOR MUST BE CLEANED RE-SEALED.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FILTERS ABOVE THE GRILL & FRYER MUST BE FREE OF DUST/GREASE BUILD-UP. THE CAULKING ON THE 3-COMP SINK SPLASHGUARD HAS EVIDENCE OF MILDEW, MUST REPLACE.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT SHIELDS MISSING BY THE 3-COMP SINK AREA, MUST REPLACE.
36
86
Nov 4, 2011
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 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. REACH IN COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED (BY ICE MACHINE). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR GASKET.
32
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. FLOOR CLUTTERED BY REAR DOOR (CONTAINERS ON FLOOR). MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF FLOOR 6" OR ABOVE OR REMOVE.
41
90
Mar 31, 2011
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. OBSERVED GAPS IN WALL BETWEEN PREP AREA HANDWASH BOWL PIPES/3-COMPARTMENT SINK PIPES. MUST SEAL ALL GAPS IN WALL.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. OBSERVED DAMAGED CEILING LIGHT COVER ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE AND INSTALL NEW LIGHT COVER.
36
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. POTS IMPROPERLY STORED ON FLOOR BY REAR DOOR. MUST PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SHELVES/ELEVATE AND PROPERLY INVERT ALL POTS OFF FLOOR.
41
86
Sep 8, 2010
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. FOLLOWING NEED CLEANING: FILTERS/VENTS OF HOOD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALK-IN COOLER SHELVES, INTERIOR OF FRYER-DUE TO DUST/GREASE OR FOOD DEBRIS.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. DUSTY BATHROOM VENT NEED CLEANING; MUST RE-SEAL AROUND HANDSINKS IN BATHROOM & PREP AREA (DETACHING AWAY FROM WALL).
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD BY 3-COMP SINK MUST BE REPLACED.
36
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was La Cocina Mexican Grill last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at La Cocina Mexican Grill on file is from Nov 2, 2016. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at La Cocina Mexican Grill?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at La Cocina Mexican Grill.
Has La Cocina Mexican Grill's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at La Cocina Mexican Grill have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at La Cocina Mexican Grill means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
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