La Tropicana
Last inspected: May 19, 2025
78
Score
La Tropicana appears in inspection records 17 times, starting in 2010. Inspectors last stopped by on May 19, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near three violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “food properly labeled” has been the most frequent reason, cited five times.
The city-wide average sits at 81, which La Tropicana's 78 doesn't quite reach. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
17
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 19, 2025
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS (CHOCOLATE, KETCHUP, SPRINKLES, PECANS/NUTS AND COCONUT FLAKES). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY BETWEEN USAGE.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF UTENSILS (TONGS) IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY BETWEEN USAGE.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS/BAGS.
47
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE POSTED FOR CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON DUTY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
58
78
Apr 29, 2024
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF ICE CHUTE WITH SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
16
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: 2 MALE EMPLOYEES WITHOUT BEARD RESTRAINTS. INSTD TO WEAR BEARD RESTRAINTS AND MAINTAIN
40
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: PLASTIC LINING ON EXTERIOR DOORS OF PREP COOLER. INSTD TO REMOVE SO AS TO BE A SMOOTH, EVEN, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF ALL ICE CREAM FREEZERS WITH EXCESSIVE ICE ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE ICE AND MAINTAIN
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MISSING COVER ON RECEPTACLES IN TOILET ROOMS. INSTD TO PROVIDE COVERS AND MAINTAIN
53
78
Aug 7, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HANDSINK IN EMPLOYEE RESTROOM NOT STOCKED WITH HAND SOAP. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT HAND SOAP MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HANDSINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED HAND SOAP FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A HOLE IN THE WALL BEHIND AND ABOVE TOILET IN THE BASEMENT WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN BASEMENT UTILITY AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
82
Aug 5, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 27, 2022
Routine
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED
3
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA, ALONG STAIRWAY LEADING TO BASEMENT, ON WOODEN SHELVES AND SHELVING UNITS IN BASEMENT, ON TOP OF CHEST FREEZERS IN BASEMENT, ON FLOOR BEHIND CHEST FREEZERS, ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN BASEMENT METER ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
38
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 WASTE RECEPTACLE IN CUSTOMER WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
56
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW WOOD SHELVING IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL RAW WOOD SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.
47
64
Sep 2, 2021
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 26, 2021
Routine
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLACK SUBSTANCE BUILD UP ON INSIDE INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE BUILD UP, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK NEAR SMALLER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE OF THE ICE CREAM REACH IN FREEZER, THE PREPACKAGED FRUIT 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR AND INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE ICE CREAM REACH IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREPACKAGED DICED FRUITS, PREPACKAGED DESSERT AND PREPACKAGED CHIPS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING INGREDIENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY NOT STORED IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
41
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAK AT BOTTOM OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK NEAR ICE CREAM REACH IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
67
Dec 6, 2019
Routine
4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PERSON IN CHARGE(PIC) ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A PIC ON SITE AT ALL TIMES AND THAT PERSON MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE PREPARING/SERVING TCS FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ONE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: FOUND NO HAND DRYING DEVICES AT EITHER OF THE HAND WASHING SINKS IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND DRYING DEVICES AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(c) NO CITATION ISSUED SEE ABOVE VIOLATION #10.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: FOUND NO HANDWASHING CLEANSER AT EITHER OF THE HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HANDWASHING CLEANSER AT HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(c) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: FOUND THE TRASH RECEPTACLE IN THE CUSTOMER'S AND EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM WITH NO LID/COVER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH RECEPTACLES WITH LIDS/COVERS. MAINTAIN SAME.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND CRACKED/DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILES AND MAINTAIN EASILY CLEANABLE FLOORS.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST MEET THE FOOD HANDLER'S REQUIREMENTS AND PROVIDE PROOF THAT THE REQUIREMENTS WERE MET. MAINTAIN SAME.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
55
Dec 20, 2018
Routine
3 major violations. 5 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. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ABOUT 15 RODENT DROPPINGS LOCATED BY THE EQUIPMENT SHELF IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).
38
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE OF THE ICE CREAM REACH IN FREEZER, THE PREPACKAGED FRUIT 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR AND INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE ICE CREAM REACH IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREPACKAGED DICED FRUITS, PREPACKAGED DESSERT AND PREPACKAGED CHIPS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING INGREDIENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
37
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A HOLE IN THE WALL LOCATED IN THE CUSTOMER WASHROOM AND WALL COVING IN POOR REPAIR LOCATED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA BY THE 1 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAKE ALL SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
58
Oct 12, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW WOOD IN THE NEW SOUTH SECTION, INSTRUCTED TO SEAL.ALSO REMOVE THE RUST FROM SOUTH SIDE 2 DOOR COOLER.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE #10 CAN OPENER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE. ALSO DEFROST/CLEAN EXCESSIVE ICE IN THE FRONT ICE CREAM AND PALETA FREEZERS.
33
90
Jun 16, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SMALL HOLE IN WALL IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST SEAL AND MAINTAIN.
35
90
Jul 9, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FRONT HAND SINK WITH OUT A SPLASH QUARD/BETWEEN THE AIR DRY SECTION OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK/HAND SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR #10 CAN OPENER/PREP TABLE NOT CLEAN,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A PITTED WALL BEHIND THE PAN STORAGE ABOVE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. IDPH'S FOOD HANDLER INFO. GIVEN AT THIS TIME.
45
82
Sep 19, 2014
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DEFROST AND CLEAN THE REACHIN CHEST FREEZER HAS ICE BUILDUP INSIDE IT.
33
95
May 28, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: PRE-PACKAGED SLICED CAKES MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED AND DATED.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RUSTY WIRE RACKS IN COOLER. REMOVE RUST/PAINT SAME.
32
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: PROVIDE INTERNAL THERMOMETERS FOR ALL COOLERS.
40
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTD TO DO SO.
42
82
Aug 21, 2012
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN BASEMENT UNDER SHELVES IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS IN REAR AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHTS ABOVE ICE CREAM CASES IN NEED OF END CAPS FOR PROPER SHIELDING. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAK AT 1 COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET IN NEED OF REPAIR. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38
82
Mar 23, 2011
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. The licensee shall inform the public in writing of the Chicago Department of Public Health?s Consumer Advisory relating to consuming raw and undercooked animal products. ALL PRODUCT IN NEED OF PROPER LABELING AND PACKAGING. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
30
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. All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. MUST CLEAN LARGE CAN OPENER TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. FLOORS IN REAR PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP IN CORNERS AND UNDER SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
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. Use dustless cleaning methods. WALLS AND CEILING IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. CEILING IN REAR AREA IN NEED OF SEALING.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces. Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. ALL LIGHTS THROUGHOUT IN NEED OF PROPER SHEILDING WITH TUBES AND END CAPS. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
36
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: None of the operations connected with food establishments shall be conducted in any room used as living or sleeping quarters. Toilet rooms shall be completely enclosed and shall be vented to the outside air or mechanically ventilated. BATHROOM DOOR MUST HAVE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE, MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
37
74
Nov 18, 2010
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ARE PREP AND SERVED. SERIOUS CITATION GIVEN 7-38-012 H000063628 18 COURT DATE 12/23/2010 AT 10:00 AM- ROOM 112 400 W. SUPERIOR CHICAGO OR YOU MAY PAY THE FINE BY MAIL SEE THE BACK OF THE CITATION.
21
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. FLOOR IN THE BACK HALF OF THE BASEMENT MISSING THE TILE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE SAME.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Use dustless cleaning methods. WALLS IN THE BACK HALF OF THE BASEMENT HAS LARGE AMOUNT OF MOLD ON THEM. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE MOLD AND PAINT WITH KILTZ REMOVER.
35
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was La Tropicana last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at La Tropicana on file is from May 19, 2025. The public record contains 17 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at La Tropicana?
Across the inspection record, “food properly labeled” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at La Tropicana.
Has La Tropicana's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at La Tropicana have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at La Tropicana 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 Tropicana inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, La Tropicana is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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