La Cocina: health inspection history

209 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60606

An inspection is a dated snapshot of what an inspector observed on one day. It is not a guarantee of current conditions. Labels and scores below are the Chicago Department of Public Health's own terms; see how to read them.

Address: 209 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60606
Facility type: Restaurant
Risk category: Risk 1 (High)
Latest result: Pass w/ Conditions on Nov 13, 2025
License number: 2578506
Latest inspection: Nov 13, 2025 (Canvass)
Records shown: 7 inspections, Nov 16, 2021 to Nov 13, 2025

Across these 7 inspection records, results were: 4 × Pass; 2 × Fail; 1 × Pass w/ Conditions. 31 violations were listed in total.

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Inspection history

Nov 13, 2025 Canvass

Result: Pass w/ ConditionsRisk 1 (High)

5.PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTSInspector comment: FOUND NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL SPILL KIT WITH SANITIZER.PRIORITY FOUNDATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005.MUST PROVIDE.
10.ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLEInspector comment: FOUND NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT 2 HAND SINKS(BAR/PREPARATION) AT PREMISES.MUST PROVIDE.
49.NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANInspector comment: FOUND MISSING FAN SHIELD INSIDE WALK IN COOLER.MUST PROVIDE.
56.ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USEDInspector comment: FOUND BURNT LIGHT FIXTURE INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER.MUST PROVIDE.
58.ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIREDInspector comment: FOUND SANITATION MANAGER WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING.MUST PROVIDE.

Sep 30, 2024 Canvass

Result: PassRisk 1 (High)

38.INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENTInspector comment: Fly trap installed above clean glasses rack, instructed to keep away.
43.IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STOREDInspector comment: Ice scoop placed on top of ice cubes at bar area, instructed to keep off ice cubes.
47.FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USEDInspector comment: Ice bin at bar missing cover, customers seating across. instructed to install.

Aug 16, 2023 Canvass Re-Inspection

Result: PassRisk 1 (High)

10.ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLEInspector comment: 6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HAND SINK BEHIND THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
47.FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USEDInspector comment: 4-501.13 OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS IN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE NOT CLEAN LOCATED ON THE SHELF IN THE KITCHEN NEAR THE PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: 6-201.11 OBSERVED MISSING CEILINGS TILE PANELS IN THE REAR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE MISSING CEILING TILE PANEL AND MAINTAIN.
57.ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAININGInspector comment: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.

Aug 8, 2023 Canvass

Result: FailRisk 1 (High)

10.ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLEInspector comment: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HAND SINK BEHIND THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
16.FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZEDInspector comment: OBSERVED A WHITE PANEL INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE THAT TOUCHED ICE FILLED WITH A BLACK MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO WASH, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED.
41.WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STOREDInspector comment: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD. MUST MAINTAIN
47.FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USEDInspector comment: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS IN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE NOT CLEAN LOCATED ON THE SHELF IN THE KITCHEN NEAR THE PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
47.FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USEDInspector comment: OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT, UNUSED GRILL AND BOTTOM OF THE PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: OBSERVED MISSING CEILINGS TILE PANEL IN THE REAR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE MISSING CEILING TILE PANEL AND MAINTAIN.
56.ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USEDInspector comment: OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON FAN IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL CEILING/WALL VENTS.
57.ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAININGInspector comment: OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
60.PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTEDInspector comment: OBSERVED CONTINUED NON-COMPLIANCE FROM REPORT #2568364 CONDUCTED ON 12/12/22. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED: (#58) 2-102.13: FOUND CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITHOUT PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS. MUST CORRECT CORE VIOLATIONS BY THE DATE ON THE REPORT.…

Dec 12, 2022 Canvass Re-Inspection

Result: PassRisk 1 (High)

47.FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USEDInspector comment: FOUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA DETACHED FROM WALL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RE ATTACH.
56.ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USEDInspector comment: FOUND HOOD SYSTEM ABOVE FILTERS GRIDDLE ENCRUSTED WITH GREASE, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
58.ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIREDInspector comment: FOUND CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITHOUT PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.

Dec 5, 2022 Canvass

Result: FailRisk 1 (High)

10.ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLEInspector comment: OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION AT HANDWASHING SINK IN DISH ROOM. ALL HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH A HAND DRYING PROVISION AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.CORRECTED ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED. MANAGER PROVIDES PAPER TOWEL AT TIME OF INSPCTION.
16.FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZEDInspector comment: FOUND WHITE PANEL INSIDE ICE MACHINE THAT TOUCHES ICE FILLED WITH A BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED.
47.FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USEDInspector comment: FOUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA DETACHED FROM WALL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RE ATTACH.
56.ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USEDInspector comment: FOUND HOOD SYSTEM ABOVE FILTERS GRIDDLE ENCRUSTED WITH GREASE, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
58.ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIREDInspector comment: FOUND CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITHOUT PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.

Nov 16, 2021 Canvass

Result: PassRisk 1 (High)

36.THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATEInspector comment: INACCURATE FOOD THERMOMETERS, INSTRUCTED TO CALIBRATE AND MAINTAIN.
55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: NO HANGERS FOR MOPS, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL FOR BETTER DRYING.

Nearby

See all inspected establishments in ZIP 60606 or the Chicago overview.

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), Food Protection Program, “Food Inspections” dataset on the official open data portal. Source data as of Nov 3, 2026; imported by FoodCheck USA on Nov 5, 2026. Report a problem with this record.