Restaurant · Chicago, IL

La Lena

Name: La Lena
Address: 3756-3758 W North Ave, Chicago, IL

3756-3758 W North Ave

Last inspected Dec 18, 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

7 inspections

Canvass Re-Inspection

Dec 18, 2025

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

6-501.112: **C** Removing Dead or Trapped Birds, Insects, Rodents and other Pests OBSERVED LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE PREP AREAS ENCRUSTED WITH DEAD ROACHES INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

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 insects

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

4-101.17: **C** Wood, Use Limitation OBSERVED RAW WOOD SHELVES, SURFACES IN REAR PREP BEHIND THE FRONT COUNTER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OR PAINT TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.

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 problems

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-201.11: **C** Floors, Walls, and Ceilings- Cleanability OBSERVED MISSING AND DAMAGED FLOOR AND WALL TILES THROUGH OUT FACILITY IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS(HALLWAY FROM PREP TO DRY STORAGE, IN REAR AND FRONT PREP). INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO CREATE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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 problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 18, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Dec 11, 2025

Fail

4 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED AT BAR 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.

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 problems

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 140 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE REAR STORAGE AREA NEAR UTILITY SINK AND WATER BOILER. OBSERVED 15 LIVE ROACHES IN REAR DRY STORAGE, UTILITY SINK AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

More about signs of rodents or insects

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED RAW WOOD SHELVES, SURFACES IN REAR PREP BEHIND THE FRONT COUNTER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OR PAINT TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.

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 problems

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MISSING AND DAMAGED FLOOR AND WALL TILES THROUGH OUT FACILITY IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS(HALLWAY FROM PREP TO DRY STORAGE, IN REAR AND FRONT PREP). INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO CREATE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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 problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 11, 2025 · Original Source

Non-Inspection

Dec 1, 2025

No Entry

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 1, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Nov 8, 2024

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ALL GASKETS ON FOR ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS ARE TORN. ALL GASKETS MUST BE REPLACED.

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 problems

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

COULD NOT LOCATE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON WATER INTAKE LINE OF ESPRESSO MACHINE IN FRONT SERVICE AREA. MUST BE ABLE TO POINT BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE OUT TO INSPECTOR ON WATER INTAKE LINE.

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 problems

notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

ALL CERTIFED FOOD MANAGERS NEED TO SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 8, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Oct 28, 2024

Fail

5 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINK FOR FRONT SERVICE AREA WHERE ESPRESSO AND JUICE ARE SERVED WITH NO ACCESS TO HANDWASHING. SINK IS COMPLETELY BLOCKED BY A 2 DOOR REACH IN BEVERAGE COOLER. LARGE COOLER MUST BE REMOVED AND HAND SINK MUST REMAIN FULLY ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)

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.

Official wording

FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 LBS OF RAW CHICKEN STORED DIRECTLY OVER RAW VEGETABLES. MANAGER RELOCATED CHICKEN TO A BOTTOM SHELF AWAY FROM RAW FRUITS, VEGETABLES, AND READY TO EAT FOOD. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ALL GASKETS ON FOR ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS ARE TORN. ALL GASKETS MUST BE REPLACED.

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 problems

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

COULD NOT LOCATE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON WATER INTAKE LINE OF ESPRESSO MACHINE IN FRONT SERVICE AREA. MUST BE ABLE TO POINT BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE OUT TO INSPECTOR ON WATER INTAKE LINE.

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 problems

notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

ALL CERTIFED FOOD MANAGERS NEED TO SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 28, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Nov 16, 2023

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 16, 2023 · Original Source

Canvass

Nov 8, 2023

Fail

4 recorded violations

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

CLEAN THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYER AND THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS FOR SPICES.

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 problems

notedCode 25Food temperature

Official wording

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

Inspector’s notes

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.

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 temperature

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY AND LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROX. 15 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR INSIDE OF THE CLOSET LOCATED AT THE END OF THE BAR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ALSO OBSERVED 10 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA, AND BEHIND THE COFFEE BAR AND LIQUOR BAR. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

More about signs of rodents or insects

notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 8, 2023 · Original Source