⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

LA LENA Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

LA LENA 3756-3758 W NORTH AVE, CHICAGO 60647 Restaurant
August 4, 2022 Complaint License #2069042
9
Total Violations
3
Critical
2
Major
4
Minor
1
Corrected On Site

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

9
Violation #25
MINOR
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE OR DESCRIBE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE BEFORE THE REMINDER STATEMENT:"THESE FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR MAY CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS." PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.
Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.
Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED A DEAD MOUSE ON A GLUE TRAP BEHIND THE MAIN BAR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DEAD RODENTS FROM THE PREMISES.
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES AND LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS. OBSERVED APPROX. 25 MOUSE DROPPINGS IN THE MEN AND WOMEN'S WASHROOMS INSIDE OF THE RESTAURANT SIDE. OBSERVED APPROX. 20 MOUSE DROPPINGS IN THE CLOSET IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BAR SIDE, AND APPROX. 40 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE CLOSET AT THE END OF THE BAR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM THE PREMISES. ALSO OBSERVED APPROX. 25 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS BEHIND THE MAIN BAR, BEVERAGE SERVICE BAR IN THE RESTAURANT AND FOOD PREP AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE ALL PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED FROZEN CHICKEN STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE FREEZERS, PREP TABLES, GRILL, PREP COOLERS, GREASE TRAP,STOVE, AND DEEP FRYER IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
Violation #51
CRITICAL
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: REPAIR THE LEAK UNDER THE LEFT COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
Violation #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
Violation #58
MAJOR
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food allergen training required for certified managers.
Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.
Violation #58
MAJOR
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food allergen training required for certified managers.
Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.

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
Data sourced from Chicago Open Data Portal - Chicago Department of Public Health inspections