Complaint Re-Inspection
Sep 26, 2025
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 26, 2025 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
Cruz Blanca Brewery & Taqueria And Lena Brava
900-906 W Randolph St
Last inspected Sep 26, 2025 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
6 inspectionsComplaint Re-Inspection
Sep 24, 2025
Fail
7 recorded violations
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
4-602.13 CLEAN THE PREP TABLE BEHIND THE LENA CRUZ 2ND FLOOR BAR.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector’s notes
5-205.15 REPAIR THE LEAK AROUND THE RIM OF THE SPRAYER SINK LOCATED NEXT TO THE DISHWASHER.
In plain English
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
More about water, plumbing, or sewage problemsnotedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
Inspector’s notes
5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE BASEMENT WOMEN'S EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLES IN ALL FEMALE WASHROOMS.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 54Facility maintenance
Official wording
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
Inspector’s notes
5-501.116 CLEAN THE TOP OF THE OUTSIDE GREASE DUMPSTER IN THE ALLEY.
In plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
More about building upkeep issuesnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
6-501.12 CLEAN THE FLOOR AND CEILING TILES IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. CLEAN THE WALLS OF THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. CLEAN THE WALLS AND FLOOR UNDERNEATH THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE CRUZ BLANCA TACO BAR FOOD PREP AREA. CLEAN THE FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 56Facility maintenance
Official wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s notes
6-303.11 OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN THE 2ND FLOOR DISHROOM LOCATED NEXT TO THE LENA CRUZA BAR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN ALL AREAS WHERE DISHES ARE WASHED.
In plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
More about building upkeep issuesnotedCode 59Other
Official wording
PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED
Inspector’s notes
8-404.13(B)(3) PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2623606 ON 9/10/25 NOT CORRECTED: 38 - OBSERVED APPROX. 30 LIVE COCKROACHES ON THE FLOOR AND WALLS OF THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA, DISHWASHING AREAS AND BEHIND THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER NEXT TO THE ELEVATOR AND BASEMENT BREWERY AREA. ALSO OBSERVED APPROX. 50 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS AND 5 HOUSE FLIES IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREAS AND DISHWASHING AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 24, 2025 · Original Source
Complaint Re-Inspection
Sep 10, 2025
Fail
9 recorded violations
notedCode 9Employee health and hygiene
Official wording
NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED
Inspector’s notes
3-301.11(B) OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE HANDLE READY-TO-EAT FOODS (TORTILLAS) WITH THEIR BARE HANDS IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT NO BARE HAND CONTACT IS ALLOWED WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
In plain English
This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.
More about employee hygiene or health policy issuesnotedCode 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
6-501.111 OBSERVED APPROX. 10 LIVE COCKROACHES ON THE FLOOR AND WALLS OF THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA, DISHWASHING AREAS AND MECHANICAL ROOM. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY fOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
In plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsnotedCode 44Equipment and utensils
Official wording
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
Inspector’s notes
4-903.12 OBSERVED CLEAN FOOD EQUIPMENT STORED IN AN OPEN ROOM IN THE WOMEN'S EMPLOYEE WASHROOM IN THE BASEMENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT CLEAN EQUIPMENT CANNOT BE STORED IN THE WASHROOMS.
In plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
More about equipment or utensil issuesnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
4-602.13 CLEAN THE PREP TABLE BEHIND THE LENA CRUZ 1ST FLOOR BAR.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
Inspector’s notes
5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE BASEMENT WOMEN'S EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLES IN ALL FEMALE WASHROOMS.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 54Facility maintenance
Official wording
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
Inspector’s notes
5-501.116 CLEAN THE TOP OF THE OUTSIDE GREASE DUMPSTER IN THE ALLEY.
In plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
More about building upkeep issuesnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
6-501.12 CLEAN THE FLOOR AND CEILING TILES IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. CLEAN THE WALLS OF THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. CLEAN THE WALLS AND FLOOR UNDERNEATH THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE CRUZ BLANCA TACO BAR FOOD PREP AREA. CLEAN THE FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 56Facility maintenance
Official wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s notes
6-303.11 OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN THE 2ND FLOOR DISHROOM LOCATED NEXT TO THE LENA CRUZA BAR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN ALL AREAS WHERE DISHES ARE WASHED.
In plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
More about building upkeep issuesnotedCode 59Other
Official wording
PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED
Inspector’s notes
8-404.13(B)(3) PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2622897 ON 8/26/25 NOT CORRECTED: 38 - OBSERVED OVER 100 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS AND 10 HOUSE FLIES ON THE WALL, CEILING AND FLYING AROUND IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS AND 1ST FLOOR LENA BRAVA BAR AND FOOD PREP AREA, AND 2ND FLOOR LENA BRAVA BAR. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 10, 2025 · Original Source
Complaint
Aug 26, 2025
Fail
8 recorded violations
notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED MOLD-LIKE GROWTH ON INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACES INSIDE OF ALL 3 ICE MACHINES LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE INTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL THE ICE MACHINES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED APPROX. 30 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS AND 15 HOUSE FLIES ON THE WALL, CEILING AND FLYING AROUND IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS AND 1ST FLOOR LENA BRAVA FOOD PREP AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
In plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsnotedCode 44Equipment and utensils
Official wording
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED CLEAN FOOD EQUIPMENT STORED IN AN OPEN ROOM IN THE WOMEN'S EMPLOYEE WASHROOM IN THE BASEMENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT CLEAN EQUIPMENT CANNOT BE STORED IN THE WASHROOMS.
In plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
More about equipment or utensil issuesnotedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE BASEMENT WOMEN'S EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLES IN ALL FEMALE WASHROOMS.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 54Facility maintenance
Official wording
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
Inspector’s notes
CLEAN THE TOP OF THE OUTSIDE GREASE DUMPSTER IN THE ALLEY.
In plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
More about building upkeep issuesnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
CLEAN THE FLOOR AND CEILING TILES IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 56Facility maintenance
Official wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED A MISSING LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE TORTILLA GRILL IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
In plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
More about building upkeep issuesnotedCode 61Other
Official wording
SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY POSTED IN THE PUBLIC VIEW. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN THE PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 26, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Aug 16, 2024
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 16, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass
Aug 9, 2024
Fail
7 recorded violations
notedCode 22Food temperature
Official wording
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE FRONT PREP COLD HOLDING UNIT, SUCH AS 4 LBS OF BEEF AT 52.5, 4 LBS OF PORK AT 51.5, AND 3 LBS OF OYSTERS AT 51.7. THE MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL OF 11 LBS AT $250. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
In plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperaturenotedCode 33Food temperature
Official wording
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Inspector’s notes
NOTED IMPROPER COLD-HOLD TEMPERATURE OF 52.1F AT COLD HOLDING UNIT. INFORMED ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS SHALL MAINTAIN A PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F AND BELOW. THE REFRIGERATOR UNIT MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (CDPH). PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
In plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperaturenotedCode 36Equipment and utensils
Official wording
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE COLD-HOLDING COOLERS AND REFRIGERATORS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS TO MONITOR THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT PROPERLY.
In plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
More about equipment or utensil issuesnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDE FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 10Handwashing
Official wording
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT THE HAND SINK IN THE PREP AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT PAPER TOWELS MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES. THE FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED PAPER TOWELS FOR THE HAND SINK DURING THE INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
In plain English
Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.
More about handwashing problemsnotedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
Inspector’s notes
NOTED LOW-TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE IN USE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING. THE SANITIZING STRENGTH OF THE SANITIZER (CHLORINE) AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WAS 0 PPM. EQUIPMENT MUST BE PROPERLY SANITIZED AT A MINIMUM OF 50 PPM. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNIT UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (CDPH). TAGGED UNIT. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 25Food temperature
Official wording
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY, DISCLOSURE, OR REMINDER TO INFORM CONSUMERS OF THE SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS FROM CONSUMING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED MEATS, POULTRY, SEAFOOD, SHELLFISH, OR EGGS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
In plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperatureOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 9, 2024 · Original Source