Mariscos La Playa
Last inspected: Nov 13, 2024
67
Score
Inspectors have visited Mariscos La Playa 10 times, with records going back to 2018. The newest entry in the record is dated Nov 13, 2024. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around four violations each.
The pattern that stands out is “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, which has been cited four times.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
10
Inspections
2
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 13, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE FRONT PREP COLD HOLDING UNIT, SUCH AS 3LBS OYSTERS AT 50.5F, 3LBS OF FISH AT 50.2F, AND 3LBS OF CRAB LEGS AT 50.6F. THE MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL OF 9LBS AT $120. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FRONT KITCHEN PREP COOLER NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE 53.0F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER AT 41F OR BELOW. THE PREP COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
33
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON THE FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS, AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISHWASHING, STORAGE, AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS, AND ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE COOKING AREA LIGHTS, CEILING, AND WALL VENTS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FANS, LIGHT SHIELDS, AND CEILING/WALL VENTS.
55
67
Jun 21, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 14, 2023
Routine
3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE AND MAINTAIN ORIGINAL ON SITE AT ALL TIMES AS WELL AS CERTIFIED MANAGER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF PINK SLIME LIKE SUBSTANCE ON INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE (ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DISCARD ICE AND THROUGHLY CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED
16
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 80 MOUSE DROPPINGS SCATTERED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN FACILITY; INSIDE UTILITY CLOSET ON FLOOR AND UNDER SHELVING, ALONG WALL NEAR RESTROOMS, BEHIND AND ALONG SIDES OF FISH TANK, IN REAR KITCHEN PREP AREA NEXT TO REFRIDGERATOR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ALL MOUSE DROPPINGS, SANITIZE ALL AREAS, AND INFORM PEST CONTROL SERVICE OF ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VERIFIABLE FOOD SERVICE MANAGER TRAINING.
1
70
Feb 4, 2022
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FAUCET AT FRONT PREP HANDWASHING SINK TO BE LEAKING AT THE CONNECTION AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SINK IN REAR PREP AREA TO BE SLOW DRAINING AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
90
Jan 27, 2022
Routine
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PERSON IN CHARGE WITH NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND RETAIN ON PREMISES FOR REVIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: EVIDENCE OF MICE ON PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 80 MOUSE DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT FACILITY IN FOLLOWING AREAS, MEN'S AND WOMEN'S WASHROOM, UTILITY CLOSET, INSIDE FRYER CABINET AND BEHIND FRYER, UNDER STOVE, INSIDE PANTRY AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN, REQUEST PEST CONTROL SERVICE, AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
38
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED METAL STEM THERMOMETER TO BE BROKEN AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
36
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER AND DEBRIS UNDER GRILL ON TABLE TOP. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FAUCET AT FRONT PREP HANDWASHING SINK TO BE LEAKING AT THE CONNECTION AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA TO BE SLOW DRAINING AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP ON FLOORS UNDER AND BETWEEN EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROTOCOL DESCRIBING VACCINATION PROTOCOL FOR EMPLOYEES REGARDING COVID-19. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN FOR REVIEW.
64
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN RECORD REGARDING VACCINATION PROTOCOL FOR COVID-19 DINE IN PATRONS AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO IMPLEMENT AND MAINTAIN WRITTEN PROTOCOL FOR REVIEW.
64
58
Mar 24, 2021
License
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: MISSING DATE ON SHELLFISH TAGS FROM WHEN THE LAST SHELLSTOCK FROM THE CONTAINER IS SOLD OR SERVED. INSTD TP RECORD SAME ON THE TAG. 7-38-005. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.
14
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: 3-402-12(B) NO WRITTEN AGREEMENT OR STATEMENT FROM THE SUPPLIER STATING THE FISH SUPPLIED FOR CEVICHE IS FROZEN TO REQUIRED TIME AND TEMPERATURE. INSTD TO PROVIDE SAME AND MAINTAIN
14
86
Nov 23, 2020
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR BROKEN FAUCET ON HANDWASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
51
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN WHITE INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
16
90
May 17, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEA EVENTS, BUT NO CLEAN-UP KIT. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY CLEAN-UP KIT ITEMS (DISPOSABLE APRON, GLOVES, MASK, SANITIZER TO KILL NOROVIRUS, ETC.) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
5
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER OF ANIMAL BASED FOODS BEING SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED .MUST PROVIDE ON MENUS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS OF SUGAR, FLOUR, RICE, ETC. NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOOD WHEN OUT OF ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
37
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE VENTS ABOVE THE STOVE AND FLATTOP WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE, DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE MOP SINK IN THE FRONT DINNING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL BACKFLOW FOR SERVICING.
51
64
Sep 28, 2018
Reinspection
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: 2-102.14(N) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY PROCEDURE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: 3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER OF TCS FOODS BEING SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED .MUST PROVIDE ON MENUS AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED
25
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: 6-201.13 MUST SEAL GAPS IN WOOD WALL PANELING AND ALL OPENINGS THROUGHOUT.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET FOR EMPLOYEES .MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: PA 100-0367 OBSERVED NO IDPH FOOD ALLLERGEN CERTIFICATION.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN
58
64
Sep 21, 2018
License
2 critical violations. 6 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: 4-301.11 OBSERVED HOT HOLDING UNIT/STEAM TABLE NOT WORKING.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE AND HAVE AT 135.0F OR ABOVE,(PRIORITY-NO CITATION ISSUED)
33
Water & ice from approved source
Inspector notes: 5-103.12 MUST INSTALL THE ICE MACHINE FOR THE USE OF COOLING MEDIUM MADE FROM DRINKING WATER.WATER UNDER PRESSURE SHALL BE PROVIDED TO ALL EQUIPMENT THAT ARE REQUIRED TO USE WATER.(PRIORITY-NO CITATION ISSUED)
31
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(N) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY PROCEDURE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 5-204.11 OBSERVED NO HAND SINK IN FRONT BEVERAGE PREP AREA.MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION -NO CITATION ISSUED)
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.11 OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND SINK THAT WILL BE INSTALLED IN FRONT BEVERAGE PREP AREA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION -NO CITATION ISSUED)
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.12 OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING DEVICES AT HAND SINKS IN WOMEN'S TOILETROOM AND FRONT BEVERAGE PREP AREA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
10
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: 3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER OF TCS FOODS BEING SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED .MUST PROVIDE ON MENUS AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
25
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.13 MUST SEAL GAPS IN WOOD WALL PANELING AND ALL OPENINGS THROUGHOUT.HOLE IN LOWER WALL IN BASEMENT.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET FOR EMPLOYEES .MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA 100-0367 OBSERVED NO IDPH FOOD ALLLERGEN CERTIFICATION.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.
58
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15 OBSERVED REAR DOOR WITH AN APPX."1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12 MUST INSTALL A BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE WHEN INSTALLED THAT CAN BE SEEN AND SERVICED.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15 MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE AT 3- COMP SINK IN FRONT BEVERAGE PREP AREA
51
30
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mariscos La Playa last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Mariscos La Playa on file is from Nov 13, 2024. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Mariscos La Playa?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Mariscos La Playa.
Has Mariscos La Playa's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Mariscos La Playa have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Mariscos La Playa means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Mariscos La Playa inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Mariscos La Playa is inspected around two times per year on average.
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