FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
LA COLONIA Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
October 7, 2026
Complaint
License #2966303
7
Total Violations
6
Critical
1
Major
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on October 7, 2026. The inspection type was "Complaint" and resulted in a Fail outcome.
This establishment is classified as Risk 1 (High), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.
The inspector documented 7 violations during this inspection, including 6 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
7
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED 3 HAND WASHING SINKS WITH NO HAND DRYING PROVISIONS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. MANAGER PROVIDED PAPER TOWELS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED BASEMENT HAND WASHING SINK BLOCKED BY KNIVES AND SILVERWARE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE HAND WASHING SINK IS ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES AND IS NOT BLOCKED. MANAGER HAD STAFF REMOVE ITEMS FROM HAND WASHING SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION CONSOLIDATED.
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #22
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED SAUSAGES HELD AT AN INADEQUATE TEMPERATURE OF 49 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD HOLDING FOODS ARE HELD AT 41 F AND BELOW. MANAGER DISCARDED 10 POUNDS SAUSAGE ($30) PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.
Food Code Requirement
Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.
Specific Requirements
Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.16(A)(1)
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED MORE THAN 20 SMALL FLIES AND 1 LIVE ROACH THROUGHOUT FACILITY INCLUDING IN BAR AREA, KITCHEN PREP AREA, BASEMENT, AND DINING ROOM AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY. PEST CONTORL SERVICE RECOMMENDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED MORE THAN 20 ROACH CARCASSES THROUGHOUT FACILITY INCLUDING BEHIND AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT IN BAR, PREP AREAS, BASEMENT, INSIDE THE UNITS UNDERNEATH COOLERS, AND IN DISH AREAS INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM SINK WITH LEAK FORM BOTTOM PIPES WHENEVER SAID SINK IS RUN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR SINK.
Why This Matters
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Food Code Requirement
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Specific Requirements
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.13
Violation #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM SINK WITH LEAK FORM BOTTOM PIPES WHENEVER SAID SINK IS RUN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR SINK.
Why This Matters
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Food Code Requirement
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Specific Requirements
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.13
Health Department Information
Department
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division
Food Protection Program
Report Issues
Call 311 or File Online
More Information
CDPH Food Protection