La Vina Del Mar
Last inspected: Aug 14, 2025
90
Score
La Vina Del Mar has been inspected 17 times since 2011. On Aug 14, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
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, “allergen training as required” has been the most frequent reason, cited three times.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting La Vina Del Mar on the better side of that line. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
17
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 14, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MULTI USE UTENSILS NOT INVERTED DURING STORAGE. INSTD TO INVERT (HANDLE UP) DURING STORAGE AND MAINTAIN
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES. INSTD TO REPAIR OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN
47
90
Apr 8, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD-UP OF RUST ON METAL SHELVING IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN/PAINT.
49
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NEW HIRE FOOD EMPLOYEE ON SITE WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DIRECT FOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEE TO OBTAIN FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATE ON SITE FOR REVIEW.
57
90
Apr 3, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED WHEN TCS FOOD (RICE 159.6F) PREPARED AND SERVED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
1
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND WASHING SINKS IN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/4" GAP ON BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CRATES USED AS SHELVING UNITS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL.
47
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VALID FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE VALID FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
67
Jul 15, 2022
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13: ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE EXPIRED. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN.
58
95
Jul 7, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: MISSING DISCLOSURE FOR CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU. INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE ON THE MENU WHICH FOODS (EX, EGGS, STEAK, CEVICHE, OYSTERS) ARE RAW OR UNDER COOKED/COOKED TO ORDER WITH AN ASTERISK NEXT TO THOSE SPECIFIC ITEMS; AND THEN BY ASTERISKING THEM TO A FOOTNOTE THAT STATES THESE ITEMS ARE SERVED COOKED TO ORDER, OR UNDERCOOKED OR CONTAIN (OR MAY CONTAIN) RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS AND ALSO WITH THE FOLLOWING: A REMINDER STATEMENT SUCH AS "Consuming raw or undercooked MEATS, POULTRY, seafood, shellfish, or EGGS may increase your RISK of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions" PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005
25
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE WITH CALCIUM BUILD UP. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
16
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE EXPIRED. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN.
58
78
Nov 8, 2021
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ALL DOOR HANDLES TO REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: GARBAGE CAN IN WASHROOMS IN NEED OF COVERS. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN NEED OF CLEANING UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
May 20, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: MISSING CONSUMER ADVISORY WITH DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER FOR ANIMAL FOODS SUCH AS BEEF, EGGS THAT ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
25
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: MISSING SUPPLIES FOR CLEAN UP PROCEDURE OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTD TO PROVIDE SUPPLIES LISTED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: VARIETY OF FOODS (RICE, BEANS) NOT PROPERLY LABELED, DATED. REFRIGERATED, READY TO EAT TCS FOOD PREPARED AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS SHALL BE CLEARLY MARKED TO INDICATE THE DAY OR DATE BY WHICH FOOD SHALL BE SOLD OR DISCARDED FOR A MAXIMUM OF 7 DAYS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
23
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: MISSING HANDWASH SIGNAGE AT HANDWASH SINK IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MISSING BACK FLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN SAME.
51
64
Aug 1, 2018
Routine
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE STATEMENT ON THE MENU AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES AND CEILING LIGHT SHIELDS NOT CLEA (*DUSTY), INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE TILES/CLEAN CEILING LIGHT SHIELDS. CORE VIOLATION.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
58
67
Jan 5, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: UNCLEAN CEILING TILES IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: CLEANING SUPPLIES IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN DESIGNATED AREA.
41
90
Jan 26, 2016
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: HOOD VENTILATION ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
38
95
Jun 3, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE ON THE REAR FREEZER FLOOR, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CEILING VENTS NOT CLEAN OVER JET SPRAY MACHINES, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN REMOVE DUST.
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.
45
86
Jun 12, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND A MISSING FLOOR TILE IN THE REAR IN FRONT OF THE EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND WATER STAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE THE COOLER BY THE BAR AND IN THE MEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
35
90
Dec 10, 2013
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS STAINED, WITH DEEP/DARK GROOVES. INSTD TO REPAIR OR REPLACE SAME.
32
95
Jan 4, 2013
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: STORAGE SHELVES NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME,
33
95
May 29, 2012
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE ICE BUILD UP ON INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLERR. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE TO REMOVE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE. MUST CLEAN CUTTING BOARDS TO REMOVE STAINS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
90
Nov 23, 2011
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Nov 16, 2011
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: REAR DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF, APPROX 1/4 GAP AT SIDE OF DOOR. INSTD TO RODENT PROOF SAME SO AS TO BE TIGHT FITTING AND NO DAYLIGHT TO BE SEEN.
18
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED, EXCESSIVE DEBRIS/CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS. INSTD TO KEEP AREA CLEAN. PROVIDE DUMPSTER
19
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was La Vina Del Mar last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at La Vina Del Mar on file is from Aug 14, 2025. The public record contains 17 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at La Vina Del Mar?
Across the inspection record, “allergen training as required” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at La Vina Del Mar.
Has La Vina Del Mar's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at La Vina Del Mar have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at La Vina Del Mar 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 Vina Del Mar inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, La Vina Del Mar is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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