Paleteria La Plaza
Last inspected: Mar 28, 2025
100
Score
Across the available record, Paleteria La Plaza has 18 inspections on file, the first dated 2011. On Mar 28, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around three violations each.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing four times across the record.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Paleteria La Plaza is comfortably above that bar. The record reflects steady performance over time.
18
Inspections
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Critical latest
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Major latest
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Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 28, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Aug 19, 2024
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ASSORTED CUT FRUITS BEING STROED IN T-SHIRT BAGS IN CHEST FREEZER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING HANDSINK IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR HANDSINK, SO THAT IT DRAINS PROPERLY AND MAINTAIN.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR ICE MACHINE IN REAR PREP AREA NEAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE LOCATED SO THAT IT MAY BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR PREP/DRY STORAGE AREA WITH CLUTTER AND ITEMS ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ORGANIZE PREP/ AND KEEP ITEMS ELEVATED OFF OF FLOORS.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO COMPLY WITH IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS.
57
78
May 2, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2567625 ON 11/28/22 NOT CORRECTED: 58 - OBSERVED THREE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS WITHOUT ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL THAT HAS A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE COMPLETES ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING AND RECEIVES ALLERGEN AWARENESS CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN THE NORTH SIDE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
49
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INADEQUATE LIGHTING PROVIDED FOR THE NORTH SIDE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN ALL FOOD PREP AREAS.
56
82
Nov 28, 2022
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THREE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS WITHOUT ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL THAT HAS A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE COMPLETES ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING AND RECEIVES ALLERGEN AWARENESS CERTIFICATE.
58
95
Nov 22, 2021
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID DOCUMENTATION WHILE (TCS FOODS) (CORN,CUT MELON,YOGURTS ETC.) IS BEING PREPARED/SERVED TO THE CUSTOMERS.INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT WHILE HANDLING (TCS FOODS).PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012,CITATION ISSUED.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE.
1
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED AT ICE MACHINE. MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES AT REAR PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELD FOR LIGHT FIXTURE AT FRONT PREP AREA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
56
74
Jan 31, 2020
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS AND NO CLEANING SUPPLIES KIT. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
5
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTH FOR WIPING THE PREP TABLES, CHOPPING BOARD MUST BE STORED ON A BUCKET WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION IN BETWEEN USES.
41
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE FLOOR ALONG THE WALL BASE ALL CORNER IN THE REAR PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
55
82
Aug 30, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010,NO CITATION ISSUED. -
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS AND NO CLEAN-UP ITEMS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES OR KIT. (NECESSARY ITEMS AT A MINIMUM: GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER THAT KILLS NOROVIRUS).PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED. -
5
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES PREPARE FOOD WITHOUT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR AN EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINT.
40
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT CLEAN MULTI-USE CONTAINERS AND BOWLS ETC THAT ARE STORED UNDER PREP TABLE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE AND MAINTAIN.
44
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE REAR PREP/3 COMP SINK AREAS AND ELEVATE STOCK ITEMS AT LEAST 6" INCHES OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASIER CLEANING AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN FURNACE ROOM DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND MAINTAIN.
55
70
Jan 16, 2018
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION AROUND FRONT PREP AREA.
35
90
Mar 31, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR INSIDE THE SMALL FURNACE ROOM WITH DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. MANAGER ASKED ONE OF THE EMPLOYEE TO CLEAN THE FLOOR DURING INSPECTION. FLOOR IS NOW CLEANED AND MAINTAINED.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE SERVING AREA. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MISSING END CAPS ON SOME OF THE LIGHT BULBS TO HOLD THE PLASTIC LIGHT SHIELD IN THE REAR PREP/DISH AREA. MUST PROVIDE END CAPS OR REPLACE THE LIGHT BULBS TO SHATTERED PROOFED LIGHT BULBS.
36
86
Mar 3, 2016
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN HANDLE ON 1 COMPARTMENT SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
95
Dec 2, 2015
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: SOME PEELING PAINT AT THE WALL OF THE REAR EXPOSED HAND SINK NEXT TO MOP SINK AREA. MUST REMOVE/REPAIR.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT THE REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE AND ABOVE BOX FREEZERS.
36
90
Mar 20, 2015
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET. NO CERTIFICATES OR PROOF OF TRAINING.MUST HAVE PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
45
95
Mar 13, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: HAND WASHING FACILITIES NOT MAINTAINED. NO PAPER TOWELS AT MIDDLE PREP EXPOSED HAND SINK AND FRONT EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. NO SOAP IN THE REAR EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. REAR PREP EXPOSED HAND SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE. SINK BLOCKED BY SNOWBLOWER, BOXES OF CHIPS AND A LATTER. MANAGEMENT PROVIDED SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS, MADE SINK ACCESSIBLE DURING INSPECTION. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
12
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION FROM 10-9-14 NOT CORRECTED. #38-FOUND UN-VENTED OVEN IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER VENTILATION (KITCHEN HOOD) OR REMOVE. MUST PROVIDE PROPER DOCUMENTATION OF AN ELECTRICAL LOAD OF NO GREATER THAN OF 7500 WATTS (7.5 KW).SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
29
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: PREPARED READY TO EAT ICE CREAM BARS IN REAR FREEZER STORAGE MUST BE LABELED AND DATED. ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED.
30
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN EACH USE.
43
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET. NO CERTIFICATES OR PROOF OF TRAINING.MUST HAVE PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
45
78
Oct 9, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND UNVENTED OVEN IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER VENTILATION (KITCHEN HOOD) OR REMOVE. MUST PROVIDE PROPER DOCUMENTATION OF AN ELECTRICAL LOAD OF NO GREATER THAN OF 7500 WATTS (7.5 KW).
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REORGANIZE REAR STORAGE/PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. USABLE ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.
41
90
Apr 10, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED MILK CRATES IS USED AS A STORAGE SHELVES IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY USE RAISED SHELVINGS 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: NOTED MISSING FLOOR BASEBOARD AT DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
34
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT (2) TOILET ROOM DOORS.
37
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE AND ACCURATE INSIDE REACH-IN COOLER BEHIND FRONT SERVICE AREA.
40
82
Jul 8, 2013
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOOD CONTAINERS IN REACH IN COOLER NOT LABELED NOR DATED. MUAT LABEL FOOD.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: UPRIGHT FREEZER IN PREP AREA NOT CLEAN. MUST CLEAN UPRIGHT FREEZER.
32
90
Jul 8, 2011
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 6, 2011
License
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. MUST PROPERLY SEAL DOORS GOING TO THE BASEMENT
18
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 BASEMENT VERY DIRTY.MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. ALL UNNECESSARY MATERIALS IN BASEMENT MUST BE REMOVED,MUST ORGANIZE
41
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Paleteria La Plaza last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Paleteria La Plaza on file is from Mar 28, 2025. The public record contains 18 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Paleteria La Plaza?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Paleteria La Plaza.
Has Paleteria La Plaza's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Paleteria La Plaza have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Paleteria La Plaza 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 Paleteria La Plaza inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Paleteria La Plaza is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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