La Costena Ice Cream Shop
Last inspected: Oct 29, 2025
78
Score
Public records show 11 inspections at La Costena Ice Cream Shop stretching back to 2015. La Costena Ice Cream Shop was last inspected on Oct 29, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around eight violations to closer to four violations per visit.
Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded 11 times.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 29, 2025
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED IN DISPLAY COOLER UNCOVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDED FOOD GRADE LIDS AND/OR COVERINGS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING DOOR HANDLE TO COLD HOLD UNIT IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED IMPROPERLY IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE FREEZER AND DISPLAY COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND/OR CONTAINERS ONLY.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN TOILET SEAT IN THE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CHIPPED PAINT ON THE CEILING IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE AND REPAINT TO MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
78
Sep 6, 2024
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALL NON FOOD CONTACT SURFACES(TABLES, INTERIOR OF COOLERS,HOT HOLDING EQUIPMENT, FREEZERSS) WITH BUILD UP OF GRIME AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIPPER WELL FLOW OF WATER TO HAVE LOW PRESSURE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR TILE IN MIDDLE ROOM OF BASEMENT NEAR FLOOR DRAIN TO BE DAMAGED. OBSERVED CARDBOARD ON WALL IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIGHT OUT IN FRONT PREP AREA NEAR FRONT WINDOWS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
56
82
Aug 23, 2023
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DIPPER WELL FOR ICE CREAM SCOOPS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
43
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA, STAINED CEILING TILES AND LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
55
90
Aug 16, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OVER 20 RAT DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON SHELVES, WOODEN LEDGES AND FLOOR UNDER SHELVING UNITS, ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS, NEAR WATER HEATER, PAPER AND DRY GOODS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
38
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DIPPER WELL FOR ICE CREAM SCOOPS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES USED AS SHELVING UNITS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA, STAINED CEILING TILES AND LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AVAILBALE FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING AVAILABLE FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
58
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO OPERABLE THERMOMETERS IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE OPERABLE THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLERS.
36
67
Nov 30, 2022
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food separated and protected
Inspector notes: FOUND CUT FRUIT/OPEN FOOD IN COOLER AND DEEP FREEZER UNCOVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PLACE IN A CONTAINER OR COVER FOOD, MAINTAIN.
15
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: FOUND PLASTIC CUP USED AS A SCOOP INSIDE SPICE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY, MAINTAIN.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FOUND POOLING WATER ON BOTTOM OF YOGURT COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, KEEP DRY, AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND MISSING FLOOR TILES IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE ABOVE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR NEAR RESTROOM AND IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA, AND MILK CRATES USED AS SHELVING. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6" OFF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANING, MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER MISSING TRAINING AS REQUIRED.
57
74
Nov 23, 2022
Routine
3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK INFORMATION AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 10/15/21, REPORT #2534811: #58: MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECTED THE ABOVE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER OR DISCLOSURE ON MENU FOR UNDERCOOKED BURGERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON MENU FOR BURGERS, MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
25
Food separated and protected
Inspector notes: FOUND CUT FRUIT/OPEN FOOD IN COOLER AND DEEP FREEZER UNCOVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PLACE IN A CONTAINER OR COVER FOOD, MAINTAIN.
15
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A GAP AT THE BOTTOM RIGHT OF THE FRONT EXTERIOR DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT-FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS, MAINTAIN.
38
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: FOUND PLASTIC CUP USED AS A SCOOP INSIDE SPICE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY, MAINTAIN.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FOUND POOLING WATER ON BOTTOM OF YOGURT COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, KEEP DRY, AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND CARDBOARD ON FLOOR OF DINING AREA AND BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN FOR EASE OF CLEANING.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR NEAR RESTROOM AND IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA, AND MILK CRATES USED AS SHELVING. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6" OFF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANING, MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND MISSING FLOOR TILES IN PREP AREA. FOUND LOOSE WALL BASE AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE ABOVE AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER MISSING TRAINING AS REQUIRED.
57
50
Oct 15, 2021
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13: MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION
58
95
Oct 8, 2021
Complaint
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food obtained from approved source
Inspector notes: UNKNOWN SOURCE/NO INVOICE OF UNSEALED UNLABELED PALETAS AND HAND PACKED ICE CREAM ON SITE. INSTD TO PROVIDE INVOICE, APPROVED SOURCE (BUSINESS NAME, ADDRESS AND DOCUMENTATION THAT SOURCE IS APPROVED FROM STATE TO WHOLESALE). CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A) PRIORITY. HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG ON PALETAS AND ICE CREAM
11
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010.
3
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 2 LIVE ROACHES ON WALL BEHIND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. OVER 20 RAT DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR IN STORAGE ROOM. 5 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON SITE IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE ALL PESTS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A) PRIORITY FOUNDATION
38
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. SUPPLIES MUST INCLUDE ADEQUATE SANITIZER THAT ELIMINATES NOROVIRUS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES TO PROPERLY HANDLE BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.
5
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: REAR DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF, APPROX 1/2 GAP AT BOTTOM OF DOOR. INSTD TO RODENT PROOF SAME SO AS TO BE TIGHT FITTING.
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: EXTREME CLUTTER THROUGH OUT ON STORAGE SHELVES AND TABLES. INSTD TO REMOVE ANY CLUTTER AND ORGANIZE AREA
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER MISSING TRAINING AS REQUIRED.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION
58
52
Dec 20, 2019
Routine
4 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. SUPPLIES MUST INCLUDE ADEQUATE SANITIZER THAT ELIMINATES NOROVIRUS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES TO PROPERLY HANDLE BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: NOTED NO THERMOMETER ON SITE TO MONITOR THE INTERNAL FOOD TEMPERATURE OF TCS. FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN PROPER THERMOMETERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.NO CITATION ISSUED
36
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: FACILITY DID NOT PROVIDE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE FOR EMPLOYEES WORKING ON SITE. INFORMED OWNER THAT ONCE OPENED, A CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH A CURRENT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES WHEN TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND/OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE.
1
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FRONT HAND SINK WITH NO HAND WASHING SIGN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HAND WASHING SIGN AT THE FRONT HAND SINK.
10
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS IN THE 1-DOOR REFRIGERATOR AND PREP COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COOLERS/UNITS.
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORED IN CONTAINERS IN ALL THE COOLERS, AND DRY STORAGE WITHOUT PROPER LABELING OF NAME. INSTRUCTED TO PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A LABEL REFLECTING THE FOOD ITEM'S NAME WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVE FROM ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING. ALSO OBSERVED NO LABELS FOR BULK SUGAR STORAGE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DUST AND FOOD DEBRIS UNDER SHELVES AND TABLETOP EQUIPMENT IN THE PREP AREAS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: NOTED THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS IN NEED OF CLEANING UPSTAIRS AND IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.
49
43
Jun 30, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE NACHO CHEESE WARMER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOOR UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FRONT LIGHT SHIELDS NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
35
86
Mar 10, 2015
License
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHTSHIELDS MISSING IN PREP AREA. REPLACE SAME.
36
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT SELF-CLOSING. INSDT TO CORRECT SAME.
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: SPLASHGUARD NEEDED INBETWEEN HANDSINK AND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. BACK FLOW DEVICE MISSING AT UTILITY SINK. PROVIDE SAME.
38
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was La Costena Ice Cream Shop last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at La Costena Ice Cream Shop on file is from Oct 29, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at La Costena Ice Cream Shop?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 11 times, more than any other issue at La Costena Ice Cream Shop.
Has La Costena Ice Cream Shop's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at La Costena Ice Cream Shop have averaged around four violations per visit, down from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at La Costena Ice Cream Shop means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is La Costena Ice Cream Shop inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, La Costena Ice Cream Shop is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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