What is LA Casa DE Tola's health inspection score?

LA Casa DE Tola has a SafeDine safety score of 58 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was LA Casa DE Tola last inspected?

LA Casa DE Tola was last inspected on April 28, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does LA Casa DE Tola have?

LA Casa DE Tola has 47 total violations across 5 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is LA Casa DE Tola safe to eat at?

LA Casa DE Tola has a safety score of 58/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

Official Health Record

LA Casa DE Tola

Name: LA Casa DE Tola
Address: 3207 N ELSTON AVE, Chicago, 60618
Rating: 58

3207 N ELSTON AVE, Chicago

Last inspected 11mo ago

▲Improving

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0Fair

North Center

Ranked #441 of 551 in North Center

Improving

5 inspections

Last: Apr 28, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

9.4

Avg Violations

12 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Temperature control

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

11x

SanitationHigh Priority

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-42

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-13 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-2 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-7 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-7 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

+12 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

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

3207 N ELSTON AVE, Chicago, IL 60618

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Violation Timeline

Feb 2023

2 inspections

5 high priority

3 intermediate

20 basic

Feb

Oct 2024

1 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

5 basic

Apr 2025

2 inspections

4 high priority

1 intermediate

7 basic

Apr

Inspection History

5 records on file

1 Canvass Re-Inspection2 Canvass1 License Re-Inspection1 License

Apr 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

1 High3 Basic

4 total

84/100inspection score

−16 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
6-301.13 OBSERVED HANDSOAP DISPENSER ATTACHED TO WALL DIRECTLY ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR WAREWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE HANDSOAP DISPENSER AND ENSURE EMPLOYEES ARE ONLY WASHING THEIR HANDS AT SINKS DESIGNATED FOR HANDWASHING.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
3-305.11 OBSERVED BOXED FOOD ITEMS BEING STORED ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH STORAGE RACKS IN WALK-IN FREEZER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
5-205.15 OBSERVED SMALL LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEAHT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR WAREWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
6-305.11 OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE PERSONAL BELONGINGS (JACKETS, PURSES, ETC.) BEING STORED ON PREP SURFACES THROUGHOUT REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THR PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE ORDERLY STORAGE AREA FOR EMPLOYEES CLOTHING AND OTHER POSSESSIONS AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−16 pts

Apr 25

Canvass InspectionFail

3 High1 Med4 Basic

8 total1 risk factor

52/100inspection score

−43 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, BEEF, EGGS, ETC.) ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK ADJACENT TO THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR WAREWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON TO ENSURE ALL HANDSINKS ARE SUPPLIED WITH PAPER TOWELS AND MAINTAIN. FOOD HANDLER REPLENISHED PAPER TOWELS AT HANDSINK DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED HANDSOAP DISPENSER ATTACHED TO WALL DIRECTLY ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR WAREWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE HANDSOAP DISPENSER AND ENSURE EMPLOYEES ARE ONLY WASHING THEIR HANDS AT SINKS DESIGNATED FOR HANDWASHING.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR MEASURING THE INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF HOT AND COLD FOODS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR MEASURING HOT AND COLD FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED BOXED FOOD ITEMS BEING STORED ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH STORAGE RACKS IN WALK-IN FREEZER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED SMALL LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEAHT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR WAREWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE PERSONAL BELONGINGS (JACKETS, PURSES, ETC.) BEING STORED ON PREP SURFACES THROUGHOUT REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THR PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE ORDERLY STORAGE AREA FOR EMPLOYEES CLOTHING AND OTHER POSSESSIONS AND MAINTAIN.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 10/4/2024 INSPECTION, REPORT #2604076 NOT CORRECTED: #53-NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS. #58-NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−43 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Oct 24

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High1 Med5 Basic

7 total

75/100inspection score

−25 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
NOTED EMPLOYEE WASHING DISHES AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WITHOUT SETTING IT UP TO WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE AS REQUIRED BY THE CODE. NO SANITIZER WAS USED TO SET UP THE SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ALWAYS SET UP THE SINK WHEN WASHING EQUIPMENT. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY HAD EMPLOYEE SET UP THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE USING THE CHLORINE. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

35APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED−5
NOTED FROZEN VEGETABLE INSIDE CONTAINER AT THE PREP TABLE THAWING. DISCUSSED WITH MANAGEMENT THE DIFFERENT METHODS OF DEFROSTING FOOD:- EITHER UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER OR INSIDE THE REFRIGERATION UNIT. PRODUCT TEMPERATURE WAS ADEQUATE AT THE TIME.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP, STORAGE AND WALK-IN COOLER/FREEZERS. MUST PROVIDE PROPER, RAISED SHELVING TO STORE FOOD CONTAINERS 6" OFF FLOOR.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
NOTED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
NOTED ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER ON THE FLOOR AND SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE CONDENSATION UNITS.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

Base deductions−25 pts

Feb 23

License Re-Inspection InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High1 Med10 Basic

12 total1 risk factor

60/100inspection score

−35 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
2-102.14(O) FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
3-302.12 INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (FLOUR, SALT, SUGAR ETC).

Basic (10)

−20 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-202.16 OBSERVED BOXES STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER RAISED SHELVINGS 6" OFF THE FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-101.17 INSTRUCTED TO SEAL/PAINT RAW WOOD SHELF UNDERNEATH HOT HOLDING UNITS IN FRONT PREP AREA.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
5-205.15 OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
5-205.15 INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKY DRAINPIPE UNDERNEATH FIRST COMPARTMENT (FAR LEFT) OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND LEAKY DRAINPIPE UNDERNEATH HANDSINK NEXT TO THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
5-501.17 INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TOILET RECEPTACLE WITH COVER INSIDE WASHROOM.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
6-501.19 INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR NON WORKING SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT WASHROOM DOOR.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
5-501.115 REAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES (WOOD) AND CLUTTER.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.16 INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLES ON WALL AROUND REAR PREP AND DISHWASHING AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.11 INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS UNDER AND AROUND HOT WATER TANK INSIDE THE MOP CLOSET.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.16 INSTRUCTED TO SEAL WALL OPENING AROUND MOPSINK IN REAR CLOSET.

Base deductions−35 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Feb 23

License InspectionFail

4 High2 Med10 Basic

16 total1 risk factor

25/100inspection score

−70 pts

High Priority (4)

−40 pts

3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL HANDSINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER EQUIPPED WITH HAND SOAP AND HAND DRYING DEVICE ADJACENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO REAR MAIN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C)
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND DRYING DEVICE OR PAPER TOWEL AT ALL HANDSINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK IN FRONT PREP AREA AND INSIDE WASHROOM.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR TAKING HOT AND COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF FOOD PRODUCETS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (FLOUR, SALT, SUGAR ETC).

Basic (10)

−20 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED BOXES STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER RAISED SHELVINGS 6" OFF THE FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO SEAL/PAINT RAW WOOD SHELF UNDERNEATH HOT HOLDING UNITS IN FRONT PREP AREA.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKY DRAINPIPE UNDERNEATH FIRST COMPARTMENT (FAR LEFT) OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TOILET RECEPTACLE WITH COVER INSIDE WASHROOM.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR NON WORKING SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT WASHROOM DOOR.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
REAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES (WOOD) AND CLUTTER.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO SEAL WALL OPENING AROUND MOPSINK IN REAR CLOSET.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS UNDER AND AROUND HOT WATER TANK INSIDE THE MOP CLOSET.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLES ON WALL AROUND REAR PREP AND SIHWASHING AREA.

Base deductions−70 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 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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