La Josie
Last inspected: Sep 22, 2025
100
Score
La Josie appears in inspection records 11 times, starting in 2017. The most recent report on file is from Sep 22, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near two violations per visit across recent inspections.
Looking across the full record, “food-contact surfaces” is the recurring theme, flagged six times.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Chicago restaurant scores 81. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 22, 2025
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Sep 18, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: FOUND LOW TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE NOT SANTIZING 0PPM CHLORINE.PRIORITY VIOLATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-38-025.TAGGED LOW TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE.
16
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FOUND FRUIT FLY ACTIVITY AT PREMISES.OBSERVED 25 FRUIT FLIES AT BAR AREAS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-38-020A.MUST NOTIFY PEST CONTROL OPERATOR AND ELIMINATE FRUIT FLIES.
38
78
Oct 17, 2024
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: Mop sink located between clean utensils shelves with a garbage bag used to protect utensils from splashing. Instructed to install a permanent barrier to prevent splashing of mop waste water on clean utensils.
39
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: Knives wedged between 2 prep tables. keeping large spoons in-use in a stagnant water at main prep line 1st floor. Instructed to store utensils in-use according to health code, ie.
43
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: Deli cups are stacked in each other while wet, Instructed to air dry all multi-use utensils after washing.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: Using deli cups as a scoop for bulk food containers, instructed to use proper scoops.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Damaged and chipped walls behind clean pots and pans racks in basement kitchen, instructed to provide durable surface that's easily cleaned.
55
78
Nov 20, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Nov 16, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING SINKS NOT MAINTAINED WITH HOT WATER: IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF HOT WATER OBSERVED THREE DOWNSTAIRS UNISEX TOILET ROOMS HAND SINK (76.7F), HAND SINK (80.1F), HAND SINK (77.7) AND EMPLOYEE WASHROOM HANDSINK (72F). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE HOT WATER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE AT LEAST 100F. SERVICE TECHNICIAN ARRIVED ON SITE AND NOW ALL SINKS ARE MAINTAINED BETWEEN 102F - 105F. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE IN USE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING. SANITIZING STRENGTH OF SANITIZER (CHLORINE) AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WAS 0 PPM. EQUIPMENT MUST PROPERLY SANITIZE AT A MINIMUM OF 50 PPM. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNIT UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (CDPH). UTILIZE THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK UNTIL DISH MAHCINE IS PROPERLY SANITIZING. TAGGED UNIT. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FAUCET OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT TO HAVE A LEAK. ALSO OBSERVED THE HAND SINK IN THE DOWNSTAIRS UNISEX TOILET ROOM TO HAVE A SLOW DRAINING OF WATER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN ALL THREE UNISEX TOILET ROOMS LOCATED UPSTAIRS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
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64
Nov 18, 2022
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Sep 4, 2019
Reinspection
4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO CLEAN UP SUPPLIES OR PROCEDURES ONSITE FOR VOMITING OR DIARRHEA EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SUPPLIES AND POST PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE DATE MARKINGS TO TCS/RTE FOODS, PREPARED ONSITE AND HELD IN COOLERS OVER 24 HRS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSUME BY DATES AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON MENUS REGARDING RAW OR UNDER-COOKED FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED (REFER TO HANDOUT)
25
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ONSITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE CITY'S HEALTH FORM OR SIMILAR DOCUMENTS USED TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION FROM CEILING VENTS IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENSE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE.
58
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: HAND-WASHING SIGNAGE IS NEEDED AT ALL HAND-SINKS THROUGHOUT PREP AND BAR AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
10
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT PREP, PANEL A LITTLE DIRTY, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
16
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON FOOD NAMES; FLOUR, SUGAR, ETC., WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR BROKEN DOOR GASKET ON 1-DOOR UPRIGHT NORPOLE COOLER IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. ALSO, SPLASH GUARDS ARE NEEDED AT THE HAND-SINK BEHIND BOTH BARS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL HOLES IN CEILINGS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT PREP AND NON-PREP AREAS; NEAR WALK IN COOLER AND AT DISH MACHINE, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
55
47
Aug 26, 2019
Routine
6 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 17 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 25 LIVE SMALL FLIES AND 20 LARGE FLIES ON WALLS IN BASEMENT PREP AREA, AND ON WALLS BEHIND THE REAR BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FLIES, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)
38
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE DATE MARKINGS TO TCS/RTE FOODS, PREPARED ONSITE AND HELD IN COOLERS OVER 24 HRS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSUME BY DATES AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO CLEAN UP SUPPLIES OR PROCEDURES ONSITE FOR VOMITING OR DIARRHEA EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SUPPLIES AND POST PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A HAND-SINK BEHIND THE REAR BAR, WITH SLICED FRUIT AND ICE IN THE BASIN. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ITEMS. A HAND-WASHING SINK may not be used for purposes other than handwashing. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ONSITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE CITY'S HEALTH FORM OR SIMILAR DOCUMENTS USED TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON MENUS REGARDING RAW OR UNDER-COOKED FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED (REFER TO HANDOUT)
25
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEES IN BASEMENT PREP AREA DRINKING FROM A CONTAINER WITHOUT A COVER. A FOOD EMPLOYEE may drink from a closed BEVERAGE container if the container is handled to prevent contamination oF Exposed FOOD; clean EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
6
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: HAND-WASHING SIGNAGE IS NEEDED AT ALL HAND-SINKS THROUGHOUT PREP AND BAR AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
10
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT PREP, PANEL A LITTLE DIRTY, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
16
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON FOOD NAMES; FLOUR, SUGAR, ETC., WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
37
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE PREPARING FOOD IN PREP AREA WITH OUT A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES WHEN PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
40
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED KNIVES BEING STORED BETWEEN EQUIPMENT BEHIND THE REAR BAR, INSTRUCTED TO STORE In a clean, dry location Where they are not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR BROKEN DOOR GASKET ON 1-DOOR UPRIGHT NORPOLE COOLER IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. ALSO, SPLASH GUARDS ARE NEEDED AT THE HAND-SINK BEHIND BOTH BARS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT AND MAIN LEVEL PREP AREAS. ALSO, CLEAN FLOORS IN SUN PUMP ROOMS, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL HOLES IN CEILINGS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT PREP AND NON-PREP AREAS; NEAR WALK IN COOLER AND AT DISH MACHINE, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION FROM CEILING VENTS IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENSE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE.
58
32
Apr 3, 2018
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: Observed food handler preparing ready to eat food, tomato/pico de gallo, with bare hand contact at front prep station. Informed manager that bare hand contact with ready to eat food is not allowed. Instructed manager to use barriers such as tongs, single use gloves, to avoid bare hand contact. Manager corrected violation during. Manager voluntarily discarded 5lbs of raw chopped tomatoes, at a value of $8.00 Critical violation #7-38-010 (A)
6
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: Observed raw shrimp stored in stainless steel pan, directly next to ready to eat food, guacamole in stainless pan, with no covers/protection, at Ceviche station, at top loading cooler, on front prep line, at time of inspection. Informed Manager that foods must be protected during storage, preparation, to prevent contamination. Manager corrected violations during inspection. Serious violation #7-38-005 (A)
16
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Observed bulk container in basement dry storage area with no labels. Instructed manager to provide.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Observed hood filters above grill station covered with grease buildup. Instructed manager to detail clean and maintain at all times.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Observed raw wood wall across from walk in cooler adjacent to circuit break boxes in basement dry storage area. Informed manager that surface must be smooth and easily cleanable. Instructed manager to seal surface and ensure surface is smooth and easily cleanable.
35
78
Mar 14, 2018
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: Facilities not maintaining proper temperature. Observed 3 door reach in cooler at front hot cook line, at improper temperature of 55.7, holding potentially hazardous foods. Tagged cooler held for inspection by cdph. Instructed not to use. SITE CORRECTED VIOLATION DURING INSPECTION, TEMP HOLDING AT 38.9F. Instructed to repair and maintain at 40f or below. Critical Violation # 7-38-005 (A)
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: Observed potentially hazardous food stored at improper temperature, in the following areas: -Hot line counter top/room temperature, next to grill/fry station: 86.7f, 1.5lbs of eggs at a value of $4.00 -Cold line, top loading reach in cooler: 50.0f, 2lbs of sliced tomatoes, at a value of $5.00 52.0f, 6lbs of red salsa, at a value of $80.00 -Hot line side, 3 door reach in cooler, with top load: date 3/3/18 50.3f, 3lbs of mango salsa, at a value of $20.00:date 3/12/18 53.0f, 3lbs of shredded Gueso Fresco/cheese, at at a value of $ 10.00: date 3/13/18 53.2f 3lbs of mayo, at a value of $4.00 51.2f, 2lbs of corn salad, at a value of $2.00 53.3f, 1.5lbs of tomatillo sauce, at a value of $4.00 45.6f, 2lbs of raw shrimp, at a value of $40.00 (after a 25 mins walk thru of site) Manager stated Total Weight of 23.5lbs Lbs, at an approximate value of $169.00 Manager voluntarily discarded/denatured said food. Instructed to keep all cold food at 40f or below and hot food at 140f or above. 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: Observed no soap or paper towels at exposed hand sinks located at service bar and front cook line. Informed the manager that soap and paper towels must be provided at all times to ensure proper hand-washing, at all times. Site corrected violation during inspection. Critical Violation #7-38-030
12
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION DURING STORAGE. OBSERVED BLACK/BROWN SLIM LIKE SUBSTANCE IN INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. ICE IS BEING USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. SITE CORRECTED VIOLATION DURING INSPECTION. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
16
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY POSTED FOR MOST RECENT INSPECTION DATED 3/01/17. INSTRUCTED THAT THE MOST RECENT INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY MUST ALWAYS BE POSTED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS. THE NEW INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY FROM TODAY'S INSPECTION WAS POSTED. SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-42-010(B)
29
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Observed bulk container in basement dry storage area with no labels. Instructed manager to provide.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Observed hood filters above grill station covered with grease buildup. Instructed manager to detail clean and maintain at all times.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Observed raw wood wall across from walk in cooler adjacent to circuit break boxes in basement dry storage area. Informed manager that surface must be smooth and easily cleanable. Instructed manager to seal surface and ensure surface is smooth and easily cleanable.
35
67
Mar 1, 2017
License
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND THE ICE BIN NEXT TO THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AT THE SERVICE STATION WITH NO SPLASH GUARD TO PREVENT SPLASHING ON TO CONSUMABLE ICE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PARTITIONER AND MAINTAIN.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND THE FLOOR DRAIN COVER IN THE EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM IN THE BASEMENT MISSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND NO DRAINBOARD FOR THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE SERVICE STATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DRAINBOARD AND MAINTAIN.
38
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was La Josie last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at La Josie on file is from Sep 22, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at La Josie?
Across the inspection record, “food-contact surfaces” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at La Josie.
Has La Josie's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at La Josie have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at La Josie 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 Josie inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, La Josie is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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