What is LA Cocina Restaurant & Bar's health inspection score?

LA Cocina Restaurant & Bar has a SafeDine safety score of 84 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was LA Cocina Restaurant & Bar last inspected?

LA Cocina Restaurant & Bar was last inspected on October 22, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does LA Cocina Restaurant & Bar have?

LA Cocina Restaurant & Bar has 29 total violations across 7 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is LA Cocina Restaurant & Bar safe to eat at?

LA Cocina Restaurant & Bar has a good safety record with a score of 84/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

What type of cuisine does LA Cocina Restaurant & Bar serve?

LA Cocina Restaurant & Bar serves American cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

LA Cocina Restaurant & Bar

Name: LA Cocina Restaurant & Bar
Address: 406 S CLARK ST, Chicago, 60605
Rating: 84

406 S CLARK ST, Chicago

Last inspected 7mo ago

▲Improving

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0Good

American•South Loop

Ranked #143 of 291 in South LoopBetter than 22% of american restaurants

Improving

7 inspections

Last: Oct 22, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

14%

Clean Rate

4.1

Avg Violations

7 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Employee illnessHigh Priority

Sick employee handling food — illness transmission risk

Pest issuesHigh Priority

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Sanitation

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Employee hygiene

Personal hygiene practices not followed

Other violation

Regulatory compliance issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-21

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-0 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-2 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-3 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

+29 pts

100

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 79/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (84/100) which is computed during our regular data sync.

How scoring works: Every restaurant starts at 100 points. Points are deducted for violations found during inspections.

Recent inspections are weighted more heavily. High priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact.

Location

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406 S CLARK ST, Chicago, IL 60605

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Violation Timeline

Jun 2022

1 inspections

1 high priority

2 intermediate

2 basic

Jun

Jul 2022

1 inspections

2 basic

May 2023

1 inspections

4 high priority

2 intermediate

3 basic

May

Nov 2023

1 inspections

3 basic

Jul 2024

1 inspections

2 high priority

5 basic

Jul

Sep 2024

1 inspections

2 high priority

1 basic

Oct 2025

1 inspections

Oct

Inspection History

7 records on file

3 Canvass3 Complaint1 Canvass Re-Inspection

Oct 25

Canvass InspectionLatestCleanOut of Business

No violations

100/100inspection score

Sep 24

Complaint InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High1 Basic

3 total2 risk factors

68/100inspection score

−22 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
No certified food service manager on site while handling and serving TCS foods ( beef, chicken... ) instructed to obtain. priority foundation violation 7-38-012.

Basic (1)

−2 pts

48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
No sink stoppers for 3-comp sink, using small cup to plug sink, instructed to use proper scoops.

Base deductions−22 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Jul 24

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High5 Basic

7 total2 risk factors

60/100inspection score

−30 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT A VALID/ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL PERSONS IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A VALID/ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE AND MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
NO CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER (CFM) ON SITE WHILE PREPARING/SERVING TCS FOODS (I.E. BEEF, CHICKEN, BEANS, RICE, ETC.). INSTRUCTED A CFM TO BE ON SITE WHENEVER PREPARING/SERVING TCS FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED

Basic (5)

−10 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
EMPLOYEE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL THAT IS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA TO WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT. MAINTAIN SAME.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
INTERIOR OF THE FRYER WITH GREASE SPILLS AND DIRT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYER.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
LOWER SURFACE OF THE REACH IN FREEZER IN THE FOOD PREP AREA HAS FROZEN BLOOD ON IT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SURFACE.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR THE ONLY VALID CFM CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ANY PERSON WITH THE CFM CERTIFICATE TO ALSO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.

Base deductions−30 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Nov 23

Complaint InspectionPass

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.114 OBSERVED ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED ONE MALE DISH WASHER AND ONE FEMALE WAITRESS WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.

Base deductions−6 pts

May 23

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

4 High2 Med3 Basic

9 total4 risk factors

24/100inspection score

−56 pts

High Priority (4)

−40 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
2-101.11 OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT A VALID/ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL PERSONS IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A VALID/ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE AND MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED UNDER VIOLATION #2.
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
2-101.11 OBSERVED NO VALID/ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFCATE ON SITE NOR A VALID/ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE POSTED IN THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAVE A VALID/ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE ON SITE AND POSTED AT ALL TIMES. FACILITY PROVIDED A EMAILED COPY OF A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ONLY VALID/ORIGINAL COPY OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE IS ACCEPTABLE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012
3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010.
5PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTSRisk Factor−10
2-501.11 OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE NOR ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE TO PROPERLY RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
6-501.112 OBSERVED DEAD INSECTS ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT UNDER THE UNUSED REACH IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND CLEAN.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
6-202.15 OBSERVED ALL ENTRANCE DOORS OPENED WITHOUT SCREENS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ENTRANCE DOOR MUST STAY CLOSED OR FACILITY MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SCREENS FOR ENTRANCE DOORS.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
4-204.119 OBSERVED NO UTENSIL DRYING RACK LOCATED BY THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.114 OBSERVED ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND MOPS AND BROOMS NOT BEING INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE EVERYTHING AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE GROUND AND INVERT ALL MOPS AND BROOMS.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
8-404.13(B:3) OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2560195 DATED 7/1/22; 58-2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090.

Base deductions−56 pts

Risk factor bonus (4× +5)−20 pts

Jul 22

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.11 OBSERVED HOLE IN CEILING OF BASEMENT STORAGE AREA OUTSIDE BOILER ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR CEILING ACCORDINGLY.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Base deductions−4 pts

Jun 22

Complaint InspectionFail

1 High2 Med2 Basic

5 total

76/100inspection score

−24 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED DELI COOLER WITH AN INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF 52 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS HOLD A TEMPERATURE OF 41 F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED SEVERAL COLD TCS FOODS AT TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 48-60 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD TCS FOODS ARE AT 41 F AND BELOW. MANAGER DISCARDED 2 POUNDS OF DICED TOMATOES, 5 POUNDS OF SHREDDED CHEESE, 2 POUNDS OF BEANS, 4 POUNDS OF PORK, 2 POUNDS OF CHORIZO, AND 4 OZ OF GRILLED PEPPERS ( $90). PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED 10 SMALL FLIES IN BASEMENT NEAR WALK IN COOLER AND 5 SMALL FLIES IN KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MINIMIZE PEST ACTIVITY. RECOMMENDED PEST CONTROL SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (A).

Basic (2)

−4 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED HOLE IN CEILING OF BASEMENT STORAGE AREA OUTSIDE BOILER ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR CEILING ACCORDINGLY.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Base deductions−24 pts

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Data source: Chicago CDPH · Official government inspection records

Grading System

85 – 100
Excellent
70 – 84
Good
Below 70
Fair

About SafeDine Scores

Scores are calculated using official government inspection data. High Priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact, followed by Intermediate and Basic violations. Community reviews can adjust the score by up to 5 points when 3+ reviews are submitted.

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