La Pena
Last inspected: Jun 6, 2025
95
Score
La Pena appears in inspection records 11 times, starting in 2015. The most recent report on file is from Jun 6, 2025. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around five violations to closer to eight violations per visit.
The pattern that stands out is “adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible”, which has been cited six times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so La Pena is doing better than most peers. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 6, 2025
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-203.13 OBSERVED NO SERVICE SINK ON SITE. MUST INSTALL SERVICE SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AND NECESSARY BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE. INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
51
95
May 16, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPOXIMATELY 100 RODENT DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT KITCHEN AND BAR AREA ALONG WALLS AND UNDER AND BEHIND COOLERS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT. REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. CONTACT PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (A)
38
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE ONSITE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED ALONG WITH THE CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHEN TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS ARE STORED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SERVICE SINK ON SITE. MUST INSTALL SERVICE SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AND NECESSARY BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE. INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS IN DISREPAIR IN BAR AND IN KITCHEN. MUST CLOSE ALL HOLES AND POINTS OF ENTRY FOR RODENTS. REPAIR ALL AREAS OF FLOOR AND RESTORE TO A SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE CONDITION AND MAINTAIN.
55
74
Oct 29, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 9 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 19 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SANITIZER ON SITE FOR SANITIZING DISHES AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN SANITIZER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
16
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ONSITE FOR FOOD EMPLOYEES. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED ALONG WITH THE CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHEN TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS ARE STORED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF VERIFIABLE HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO KIT AND PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN KIT CONTAINING ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES INCLUDING A SANITIZER RATED AS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP AVAILABLE AT HANDSINK IN THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDSOAP AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C) CITATION ISSUED
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PAPER TOWELS AT ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SINK ACCESSIBLE TO THE FOOD PREP AREA AND THE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL HAND SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER EQUIPPED WITH SOAP, AND PAPER TOWELS ACCESSIBLE TO THE FRONT SERVICE LINE AREA.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(c).
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN DISHWASHING AREA RENDERED INACCESSIBLE BY WATER HOSE BEING PLACED INSIDE IT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS OPEN AND ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE.
10
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE ON SITE. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED
36
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE CONTRACT, LOGBOOK AND RECENT PEST CONTROL SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C)
38
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ITEMS OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND IN CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET IN THE COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RESIDUE ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES INSIDE OF WOMENS TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN UTILITY AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE HOOD VENTILATION FILTERS WITH A BUILD UP OF DUST AND GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF HELPING PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF FOODS BEING PREPARED AS IT SITS OVER A COLD PREP STATION.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING PROVIDED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES WHO HANDLE FOOD ITEMS.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
22
Jul 20, 2023
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
95
Jul 11, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON THE PREMISES TO MEASURE THE SANITIZER AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE WALL BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE GREASE AND SOOT ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
78
Dec 8, 2021
Complaint
4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURES AND SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK AT THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA THAT IS CONVENIENT TO USE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK THAT IS SUPPLIED WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C)NO CITATION ISSUED.
10
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL AND DATE READY TO EAT TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24 HOURS INSIDE COOLERS. MUST IDENTIFY PRODUCT SHELF LIFE OR CONSUME BY DATING (7DAYS FROM PREPARATION DATE). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS NEAR HAND WASHING SINKS IN BATHROOMS. MUST PROVIDE.
10
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER NEEDED IN 2-DOOR PREP COOLER. MUST PROVIDE.
36
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE. MUST PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
43
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE NOT LOCATED BEHIND BEHIND ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SO THAT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA AND BASEMENT DRY STORAGE ARE. MUST REMOVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE
55
50
Jan 30, 2018
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MINOR CALCIUM BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS INSIDE FREEZER AND COOLER IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED WALL WITH HOLD ON BASEBOARD UNDER THE BAR TABLE INSIDE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/SEAL AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR AT CORNERS AND FLOOR ALONG THE WALL AND BAR COUNTERTOP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER WHICH IS NOT BEING USED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAID WALK-IN COOLER IN GOOD CONDITION.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW WATER PRESSURE AT WASHBOWL IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE AND MAINTAIN.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNNECESSARY ARTICLES ON FLOOR AT CORNERS NEXT TO AUDIO/TV AND DINING TABLES AND IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, ELEVATE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES 6-INCH OFF THE FLOOR AND BETTER ORGANITIZE TO PREVENT PEST ACTIVITY.
41
82
Feb 9, 2017
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 30, 2017
Routine
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE INSIDE OF ICE MACHINE.OBSERVED 10 BOTTLES OF BEER STORED DOWN INSIDE OF ICE MACHINE .THE ICE IS USED ALSO FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE AND BOTTLES OF BEER,CLEAN AND SANITIZE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.(SERIOUS 7-38-005A)
16
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 75 OR MORE RODENT DROPPINGS IN VARIOUS AREAS SUCH AS ON FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES OF STOVE,REACH IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS,3- COMP SINK DRAIN BOARD AND UNDER & ON LOWER SHELVES OF PREP TABLES,INSIDE OF FRYER CABINET,ON WOOD LEDGE UNDER 3- COMP BAR SINK,ON FLOOR IN DJ BOOTH.ALSO APPX."3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS,CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS.RODENT PROOF DOOR TO BE TIGHT FITTING.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 1/30/17.(SERIOUS 7-38-020)
18
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, properly designed and installed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND SINKS IN CUSTOMERS TOILETROOMS NOT MAINTAINED.OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT HAND SINK IN MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TOILETROOM.MUST PROVIDE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE AT ALL TIMES.MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(SERIOUS 7-38-030)
26
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT MULTIUSE UTENSILS ON SHELVING UNITS IN DISH WASHING AREA.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE FOIL FROM SHELVING UNITS IN GLASS REACH IN COOLER IN PREP AREA AND RUST FROM SHELVING UNITS IN 4- DOOR REACH IN COOLER.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI FROM FRYER CABINET,MICROWAVE,PREP TABLES,ALL PREP AND REACH IN COOLERS,GRILL TABLE,INTERIOR BASIN OF 3- COMP SINKS IN PREP AND BAR AREA,EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM FLOOR UNDER ,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES IN PREP AND BAR AREA.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE HOLE IN FLOOR AND MISSING FLOOR TILE UNDER TABLE IN REAR SEATING AREA
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING WALL TILES IN WOMEN'S STALL TOILETROOM.MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM WALLS IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREA.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR BAR 3- COMP SINK.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN PREP AREA AND PREP TABLES.
41
61
Apr 8, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE 4 DOOR COOLER 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 AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT 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 WALL NOT CLEAN BEHIND THE COOKING AREA, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. GIVEN COPY OF IDPH'S FOOD HANDLER INFO. AT THIS TIME.
45
82
Jun 18, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND RACKS INSIDE REACH IN COOLERS RUSTY. MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT BASEMENT. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND MISSING CEILING TILES BY DISHWASHING AREAS AND BAR. MUST REPLACE.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EXPOSED HAND SINK AT BAR AREAS. MUST INSTALL. FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT MOP SINK. MUST PROVIDE.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND CLUTTER AT BASEMENT THAT MUST BE REMOVED. OLD EQUIPMENT, BOXES, ETC.)
41
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was La Pena last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at La Pena on file is from Jun 6, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at La Pena?
Across the inspection record, “adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at La Pena.
Has La Pena's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at La Pena have averaged around eight violations per visit, up from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at La Pena 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 Pena inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, La Pena is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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