La Pena Restaurante
Last inspected: Jun 25, 2025
100
Score
Going back to 2010, La Pena Restaurante has 18 inspections in the public record. The newest entry in the record is dated Jun 25, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around zero violations across recent inspections versus roughly two violations before.
The pattern that stands out is “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed”, which has been cited six times.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting La Pena Restaurante on the better side of that line. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
18
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 25, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Sep 9, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOXED FOOD ITEMS BEING STROED ON FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS AND MAINTAIN.
39
95
Feb 28, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Feb 21, 2023
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE OR DESCRIBE WHICH FOOD ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO THE REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE BEFORE THE REMINDER STATEMENT:"THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR MAY CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS." PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
25
90
Jan 10, 2022
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINKS (WASHROOMS).
10
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT BASE OF FAUCET AT THE KITCHEN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLES PROVIDED IN THE EMPLOYEES UNISEX WASHROOMS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICES ON DOORS AT EMPLOYEES UNISEX WASHROOMS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
82
Jan 15, 2020
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: CRACKED /BROKEN SOLID LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
56
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP IN THE BAR AREA MUST BE STORED ON A SEPARATE CONTAINER TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.(NOT ON TOP PF THE ICE BIN).
43
90
Apr 30, 2019
Routine
5 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010,NO CITATION ISSUED. -
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE NOR ADEQUATE SUPPLIES (DISPOSABLE MASK, DISPOSABLE MOP HEAD, AND DISPOSABLE LATEX GLOVES) ON SITE TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED. - -
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR DISH WASHING MACHINE AREA. A HAND WASHING SINK MUST BE LOCATED TO ALLOW CONVENIENT USE BY FOOD EMPLOYEES AT DISH WASHING MENTIONED AREA. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO INSTALL HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C),NO CITATION ISSUED.
10
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROPER DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE OF COOLERS FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDER COOKED AND LINK (*ASTERISKING) THOSE FOODS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT STATES THAT EATING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED. -
25
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE KITCHEN 2 DOOR PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE DEEP FRYER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET AND TO MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACK FLOW PREVENTER NOT LOCATED AT ICE MACHINE TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN APPROVED AND VISIBLE BACK FLOW PREVENTER FOR ICE MACHINE. -
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: A TOILET ROOM USED BY FEMALES SHALL BE PROVIDED WITH A COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR SANITARY NAPKINS.
53
52
Nov 7, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST RE CAULK ALONG THE SPLASH GUARD OF THE 3 COMPT SINK(CAULK WORN OUT) AND MAINTAIN.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SEAL GAP AROUND PIPES IN THE EMPLOYEE'S WASHROOM IN THE BASEMENT AND MAINTAIN.
35
90
Feb 21, 2017
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RUSTED INTERIOR BOTTOM OF THE REACH IN COOLER WITH BEER BEHIND THE BAR. MUST REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN.
32
95
May 25, 2016
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Found damaged faucet on 1 compartment sink in kitchen area. (faucet is leaking and loose.) Instructed to repair and maintain.
38
95
Aug 7, 2015
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO IDPH FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE OR PROOF OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
45
95
Aug 5, 2015
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Sewage and waste water disposal, no back siphonage, cross connection and/or back flow
Inspector notes: SUMP PUMP IN BASEMENT LAUNDRY ROOM BROKEN. WASTE WATER/SEWAGE WATER BACKING UP ONTO LAUNDRY ROOM FLOOR FROM PUMP AND FLOOR DRAIN AND EMPLOYEE WASHROOM NEXT TO LAUNDRY ROOM BACKING UP FROM FLOOR DRAIN WITH SEWAGE WATER. NO FOOD ITEMS OR FOOD STORAGE IN THIS SECTION OF THE BASEMENT. ALL BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AND COOLERS NOT EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO THIS AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE/REPAIR PUMP, STOP SEWAGE BACK UP, REMOVE ALL SEWAGE WATER, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL OF EFFECTED AREAS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
10
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION FROM 5-9-14 NOT CORRECTED. #32-INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TIGHT FITTING LID/COVER FOR ICE BIN BEHIND FRONT BAR. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
29
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED.
30
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MISSING CEILING IN REAR HALLWAY FROM KITCHEN AND RECEIVING ENTRANCE TO DINING ROOM. MUST REPLACE.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER.
36
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO IDPH FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE OR PROOF OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
45
74
May 9, 2014
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TIGHT FITTING LID/COVER FOR ICE BIND BEHIND FRONT BAR.
32
95
Aug 5, 2013
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: BASEMENT WALLS AND CEILING HAS OPENING, CRACKS, AND GAPS. MUST SEAL ALL OPENING, GAPS AND CRACKS.
35
95
Nov 14, 2012
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Bsmt storage shelving that had exposed raw wood, shall be repaired/sealed.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors in bsmt storage areas under shelving not clean, need cleaning(detailed).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Walls, ceilings that had exposed plaster, gaps, raw wood in bsmt storage areas, rear kitchen areas shall be repaired/sealed. Wall that had holes in bar storage room, shall be repaired/sealed.
35
86
Mar 10, 2011
Tag Removal
No violations found.
100
Mar 8, 2011
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: All food should be properly protected from contamination during storage, preparation, display, service, and transportation. FOUND ICE MACHINE VERY DIRTY WITH BLACK MOLD CLINGING TO WALLS AND TUBES TOUCHING ICE AND ICE WATER,SERIOUS VIOLATION,CITATION ISSUED FOOD NOT PROTECTED;TAGGED ICE MACHINE NOT TO BE USED,MUST CALL SERVICE FOR CLEANING AND SANITIZING MACHINE;MUST FAX LETTER TO CDPH 312-746-4240 WHEN MACHINE HAS BEEN CLEANED
16
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. DISHMACHINE MUST BE CLEANED AND MAINTAINED,AT THIS TIME DISHMACHINE IS NOT IN USE
32
90
Mar 5, 2010
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Prep table near dishmachine rusted at bottom. Instructed to apply non-toxic sealant to surface.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: New floor in basement not sealed. Instructed to apply finish that non absorbant or install floor tile.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Walls in several areas not sealed. Instructed to seal all holes and repaint.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: Thermometer not provided inside prep cooler. Instructed to provide thermometer inside cooler.
40
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was La Pena Restaurante last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at La Pena Restaurante on file is from Jun 25, 2025. The public record contains 18 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at La Pena Restaurante?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at La Pena Restaurante.
Has La Pena Restaurante's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at La Pena Restaurante have averaged around zero violations per visit, down from roughly two earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at La Pena Restaurante 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 Restaurante inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, La Pena Restaurante is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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