RestaurantLicence 2240589

La Costena Ice Cream Shop Corp.

2517 W 51st St, Chicago 60632

Latest verdictPassSep 23, 2026 · 20 days ago

Inspections13since Mar 10, 2015

Fail rate30.8%4 of 13 verdictscitywide 22.4% · above average

City risk ratingHigh riskWhat this kind of business could do if it went wrong — not a grade it earned.

Read the pairs, not the count. A failure is normally followed within days by a re-inspection, and that re-inspection is a second row here. On the timeline below they sit almost on top of each other — one bad day, two marks.

The whole record

Pass62%
Conditional8%
Fail31%

13 inspections from 2015 to 2026 · hover a mark

201520172019202120232025

PassSep 23, 2026Canvass Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
1. 51
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
  5-205.15: observed utility sink faucet leaking. Instructed to repair utility sink faucet and maintain.
2. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  6-501.11: observed missing floor tiles in prep/dishwashing area. Instructed to smoothly replace missing floor tiles in prep/dishwashing area for ease of cleanability. Observed stained ceiling tiles in prep area. Instructed to replace all stained ceiling tiles in facility and maintain. Observed stained and damaged ceiling in dry storage area in basement. Instructed to smoothly repair and repaint damaged ceiling in dry storage area in basement for ease of cleanability.
3. 58
  Allergen training as required
  2-102.13: at time of inspection facility provided no allergen awareness training certificate for employee with city of Chicago food service sanitation certificate. Instructed to provide proof of allergen awareness training for all employees with city of Chicago food service sanitation certificates.
FailSep 9, 2026CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  Observed dead insects in facility. Observed dead small flies on doors and interior sides of ice cream display unit. Observed dead roaches on shelves in prep area, interior of cold hold unit with two doors and floor in basement underneath stairs. Instructed to remove all dead insects from facility. Instructed to clean and sanitize said cold holding units and shelving units and clean floor in basement underneath stairs.
2. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  Observed pest activity in facility. Observed over 10 live roaches in facility, observed roaches in gaskets of small three door cold holding unit, crawling on exterior of ice cream display case, crawling on exterior of cold holding unit, crawling on wall behind cold holding unit and in basement near hot water tank and utility sink. Observed four small flies and one large fly in prep/dishwashing area. Instructed to eliminate roach and fly activity in facility, recommended pest control service facility on or after 9/9/2026 to eliminate roach and fly activity. Instructed to clean and sanitize said affected equipment and clean affected areas. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-020(a) citation issued
3. 39
  Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
  Observed live potted plants stored on windowsill to left of ice freezer. Instructed to remove live potted plants from windowsill to prevent contamination of ice cream in ice cream freezer.
4. 48
  Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
  Observed no stoppers for three compartment sink. Instructed to provide proper fitting stoppers for three compartment sink.
5. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Observed food debris and spills on interior of all cold holding units in facility. Instructed to clean and sanitize interior of all cold holding units and maintain.
6. 51
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
  Observed utility sink faucet leaking. Instructed to repair utility sink faucet and maintain.
7. 52
  Sewage & waste water properly disposed
  Observed no grease trap installed on three compartment sink. Instructed to install grease trap on three compartment sink so that it shall be located to be easily accessible for cleaning.
8. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed hole in wall behind shelf next to rear exit door. Instructed to smoothly repair wall in said area for ease of cleanability. Observed missing floor tiles in prep/dishwashing area. Instructed to smoothly replace missing floor tiles in prep/dishwashing area for ease of cleanability. Observed stained ceiling tiles in prep area. Instructed to replace all stained ceiling tiles in facility and maintain. Observed stained and damaged ceiling in dry storage area in basement. Instructed to smoothly repair and repaint damaged ceiling in dry storage area in basement for ease of cleanability.
9. 56
  Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
  Observed non working lights in prep area and dining area. Instructed to repair/replace non working lights in said areas to increase light intensity and maintain.
10. 58
  Allergen training as required
  At time of inspection facility provided no allergen awareness training certificate for employee with city of Chicago food service sanitation certificate. Instructed to provide proof of allergen awareness training for all employees with city of Chicago food service sanitation certificates.
PassOct 29, 2025CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 39
  Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
  Observed food items stored in display cooler uncovered. Instructed to provided food grade lids and/or coverings to prevent contamination.
2. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed missing door handle to cold hold unit in prep area. Instructed to repair or replace.
3. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed food items stored improperly in plastic grocery bags in the freezer and display coolers. Instructed to use proper food grade storage bags and/or containers only.
4. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed broken toilet seat in the washroom. Instructed to replace.
5. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed chipped paint on the ceiling in the basement storage area. Instructed to resurface and repaint to make smooth and easily cleanable.
PassSep 6, 2024CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Observed all non food contact surfaces(tables, interior of coolers,hot holding equipment, freezerss) with build up of grime and food debris. Instructed person in charge to detail clean and maintain.
2. 51
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
  Observed dipper well flow of water to have low pressure. Instructed person in charge to repair and maintain.
3. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed floor tile in middle room of basement near floor drain to be damaged. Observed cardboard on wall in washroom. Instructed person in charge to repair and maintain.
4. 56
  Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
  Observed light out in front prep area near front windows. Instructed person in charge to repair and maintain.
PassAug 23, 2023Canvass Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
1. 43
  In-use utensils: properly stored
  Observed no dipper well for ice cream scoops. Instructed manager to provide.
2. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed damaged floor tiles in basement storage area, stained ceiling tiles and light shields in prep area. Instructed manager to replace and maintain.
FailAug 16, 2023CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 36
  Thermometers provided & accurate
  Observed no operable thermometers in coolers. Instructed manager to provide operable thermometers in all coolers.
2. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  Observed over 20 rat droppings scattered on shelves, wooden ledges and floor under shelving units, along walls and corners, near water heater, paper and dry goods in basement storage area. Instructed manager to call an exterminator for service, clean and sanitize all areas. Priority foundation 7-38-020(a) citation issued
3. 43
  In-use utensils: properly stored
  Observed no dipper well for ice cream scoops. Instructed manager to provide.
4. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed milk crates used as shelving units in basement storage area. Instructed manager to provide adequate shelving for easy cleaning and pest control.
5. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed damaged floor tiles in basement storage area, stained ceiling tiles and light shields in prep area. Instructed manager to replace and maintain.
6. 57
  All food employees have food handler training
  Observed no food handler training availbale for employees. Instructed manager to provide.
7. 58
  Allergen training as required
  Observed no allergen training available for certified manager. Instructed manager to provide.
PassNov 30, 2022Canvass Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
1. 15
  Food separated and protected
  Found cut fruit/open food in cooler and deep freezer uncovered. Instructed to place in a container or cover food, maintain.
2. 44
  Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
  Found plastic cup used as a scoop inside spice container. Instructed to store properly, maintain.
3. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Found pooling water on bottom of yogurt cooler. Instructed to repair, keep dry, and maintain.
4. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Found missing floor tiles in prep area. Instructed to repair the above and maintain.
5. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Found items stored on floor near restroom and in basement storage area, and milk crates used as shelving. Instructed to elevate all items at least 6" off floor for ease of cleaning, maintain.
6. 57
  All food employees have food handler training
  Food handler missing training as required.
FailNov 23, 2022CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 15
  Food separated and protected
  Found cut fruit/open food in cooler and deep freezer uncovered. Instructed to place in a container or cover food, maintain.
2. 25
  Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
  Found no consumer advisory reminder or disclosure on menu for undercooked burgers. Instructed to provide disclosure and reminder on menu for burgers, maintain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005.
3. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  Observed a gap at the bottom right of the front exterior door. Must provide a tight-fitting seal at all outer openings to prevent the entry of pests, maintain.
4. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  Found no pest control log book on premises. Instructed to obtain pest control log book information and maintain verification on site at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(c). Citation issued.
5. 44
  Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
  Found plastic cup used as a scoop inside spice container. Instructed to store properly, maintain.
6. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Found pooling water on bottom of yogurt cooler. Instructed to repair, keep dry, and maintain.
7. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Found cardboard on floor of dining area and basement. Instructed to remove and maintain for ease of cleaning.
8. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Found missing floor tiles in prep area. Found loose wall base at 3-compartment sink. Instructed to repair the above and maintain.
9. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Found items stored on floor near restroom and in basement storage area, and milk crates used as shelving. Instructed to elevate all items at least 6" off floor for ease of cleaning, maintain.
10. 57
  All food employees have food handler training
  Food handler missing training as required.
11. 60
  Previous core violation corrected
  Previous core violation not corrected from 10/15/21, report #2534811: #58: missing allergen training as required. Instd to obtain training and maintain verification. Instructed to corrected the above and maintain. Priority foundation violation 7-42-090. Citation issued.
PassOct 15, 2021Complaint Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
1. 58
  Allergen training as required
  2-102.13: missing allergen training as required. Instd to obtain training and maintain verification
FailOct 8, 2021ComplaintRisk 1 (High)
1. 3
  Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
  Observed no written employee health policy on site. Instructed facility to establish an appropriate employee health policy and maintain with verifiable signed copies on site for all food employees. Priority foundation violation #7-38-010.
2. 5
  Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
  Observed no written procedures or supplies for responding to vomiting or diarrheal events. Supplies must include adequate sanitizer that eliminates norovirus. Instructed facility to provide clean up policy and supplies to properly handle bodily fluid spills on site. Priority foundation violation #7-38-005.
3. 11
  Food obtained from approved source
  Unknown source/no invoice of unsealed unlabeled paletas and hand packed ice cream on site. Instd to provide invoice, approved source (business name, address and documentation that source is approved from state to wholesale). Citation issued 7-38-005(a) priority. Held for inspection tag on paletas and ice cream
4. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  2 live roaches on wall behind 3-compartment sink. Over 20 rat droppings scattered on floor in storage room. 5 live small flies on site in prep area. Instd to remove all pests, clean and sanitize all affected areas and contact pest control for service. Citation issued 7-38-020(a) priority foundation
5. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  Rear door not rodent proof, approx 1/2 gap at bottom of door. Instd to rodent proof same so as to be tight fitting.
6. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Extreme clutter through out on storage shelves and tables. Instd to remove any clutter and organize area
7. 57
  All food employees have food handler training
  Food handler missing training as required.
8. 58
  Allergen training as required
  Missing allergen training as required. Instd to obtain training and maintain verification
ConditionalDec 20, 2019CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 1
  Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
  Observed person in charge without city of Chicago certified food managers certificate during time of inspection. Must provide.
2. 2
  City of Chicago food service sanitation certificate
  Facility did not provide a valid city of Chicago food service sanitation certificate for employees working on site. Informed owner that once opened, a certified manager with a current city of Chicago certificate must be on premises at all times when time and temperature control for safety(tcs) foods are being prepared, handled and/or served. Priority foundation violation #7-38-012. Citation issued.
3. 3
  Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
  Observed no written employee health policy on site. Instructed facility to establish an appropriate employee health policy and maintain with verifiable signed copies on site for all food employees. Priority foundation violation #7-38-010. No citation issued.
4. 5
  Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
  Observed no written procedures or supplies for responding to vomiting or diarrheal events. Supplies must include adequate sanitizer that eliminates norovirus. Instructed facility to provide clean up policy and supplies to properly handle bodily fluid spills on site. Priority foundation violation #7-38-005. No citation issued.
5. 10
  Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
  Observed the front hand sink with no hand washing sign. Instructed to provide and maintain hand washing sign at the front hand sink.
6. 36
  Thermometers provided & accurate
  Noted no thermometer on site to monitor the internal food temperature of tcs. Facility must obtain and maintain proper thermometers. Priority foundation violation #7-38-005.no citation issued
7. 36
  Thermometers provided & accurate
  Observed no thermometers in the 1-door refrigerator and prep coolers. Instructed to provide conspicuous and easily readable thermometers inside all coolers/units.
8. 37
  Food properly labeled; original container
  Observed food stored in containers in all the coolers, and dry storage without proper labeling of name. Instructed to person in charge to provide a label reflecting the food item's name when food has been remove from its original packaging. Also observed no labels for bulk sugar storage container. Instructed person in charge all bulk and working food ingredient containers must be labeled with contents name.
9. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  Observed a gap at the bottom of the rear exit door. Must provide a tight fitting seal at all outer openings to prevent the entry of pests.
10. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed the interior and exterior of the microwave not clean. Instructed to clean and maintain at all times.
11. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed milk crates being used as shelving throughout the facility. Must remove and provide shelving that is 6" off the floor and provides floor accessibility to ensure adequate facility cleaning.
12. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Observed an accumulation of dust and food debris under shelves and tabletop equipment in the prep areas. Must detail clean all areas and maintain.
13. +1 more
PassJun 30, 2017CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Observed the nacho cheese warmer not clean, instructed to clean.
2. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  Observed the floor under the three compartment sink not clean, instructed to clean.
3. 35
  Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
  Observed the front light shields not clean, instructed to clean.
PassMar 10, 2015LicenseRisk 1 (High)
1. 36
  Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
  Lightshields missing in prep area. Replace same.
2. 37
  Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
  Toilet room door not self-closing. Insdt to correct same.
3. 38
  Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
  Splashguard needed inbetween handsink and 3-compartment sink. Back flow device missing at utility sink. Provide same.

Fails sit above the line, passes below. Every inspection the city has published for this licence.

On the street

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What it gets cited for

5513×
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
389×
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
477×
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
585×
Allergen training as required
494×
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
364×
Thermometers provided & accurate
574×
All food employees have food handler training
513×
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

Counted across every inspection on record here. A code that keeps coming back is the more telling signal.

Source

Published by the Chicago Department of Public Health as Food Inspections, updated weekly. This page shows every row the city holds under licence 2240589 — a business that changed hands may carry history from its predecessor.