What is LA Scarola's health inspection score?

LA Scarola has a SafeDine safety score of 78 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 Scarola last inspected?

LA Scarola was last inspected on April 8, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does LA Scarola have?

LA Scarola has 26 total violations across 10 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is LA Scarola safe to eat at?

LA Scarola has a good safety record with a score of 78/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

Official Health Record

LA Scarola

Name: LA Scarola
Address: 721 W GRAND AVE, Chicago, 60654
Rating: 78

721 W GRAND AVE, Chicago

Last inspected 12mo ago

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0Good

River North

Ranked #261 of 547 in River North

Stable

10 inspections

Last: Apr 8, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

40%

Clean Rate

2.6

Avg Violations

12 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Temperature controlHigh Priority

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Sanitation

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Other violationHigh Priority

Regulatory compliance issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-23

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-3 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-6 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-4 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-7 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

+2 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

100

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 77/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (78/100) 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

721 W GRAND AVE, Chicago, IL 60654

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Violation Timeline

May 2022

2 inspections

1 high priority

2 intermediate

3 basic

May

Jun 2022

1 inspections

1 intermediate

1 basic

Oct 2023

1 inspections

Oct

Nov 2023

1 inspections

1 intermediate

3 basic

Aug 2024

2 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

3 basic

Aug

Mar 2025

1 inspections

Apr 2025

2 inspections

1 high priority

3 intermediate

5 basic

Apr

Inspection History

10 records on file

1 Canvass Re-Inspection3 Canvass3 Non-Inspection1 Complaint Re-Inspection2 Complaint

Apr 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

1 Med2 Basic

3 total

91/100inspection score

−9 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
6-202.15: OBSERVED OPENING BETWEEN BASE OF REAR EXIT DOOR AND FLOOR IN REAR STORAGE ROOM(LIQUOR STORAGE AREA). INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.11: OBSERVED MISSING GROUT IN BETWEEN TILES IN DISHWASHING PREP AREA AND FRONT PREP(WHERE COOKLINE IS). INSTRUCTED TO REGROUT IN BETWEEN TILES IN AREAS WERE GROUT IS MISSING IN DISHWASHING PREP AREA AND FRONT PREP(COOKLINE). OBSERVED HOLE IN WALL TO RIGHT OF HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REPAIR HOLE IN WALL TO RIGHT OF HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13: EXPIRED ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VALID ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATES.

Base deductions−9 pts

Apr 25

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High2 Med3 Basic

6 total

74/100inspection score

−26 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED SMALL TWO DOOR COLD HOLDING UNIT IN DISHWASHING PREP AREA AT IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 48.9F. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS MUST BE MAINTAINED AT 41F OR BELOW. HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON SMALL TWO DOOR COLD HOLDING UNIT IN DISHWASHING PREP AREA. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 46.2-58.3F. OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, FISH(46.2F), MILK(53.6F), PICO DE GALLO(50-9-54.0F), PROSCIUTTO(48.9-53.2F), TIRAMISU(52.3F), CHEESE(52.0F), CHOCOLATE CAKE(51.4F), BACON(45.7-58.3F) AND MOZZARELLA CHEESE(51.4-52.3F) HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD VALUED AT $250 WEIGHING 30LBS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED OPENING BETWEEN BASE OF REAR EXIT DOOR AND FLOOR IN REAR STORAGE ROOM(LIQUOR STORAGE AREA). INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED DRAINPIPE OF HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP LEAKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKING DRAINPIPE OF REAR PREP HANDWASHING SINK.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED MISSING GROUT IN BETWEEN TILES IN DISHWASHING PREP AREA AND FRONT PREP(WHERE COOKLINE IS). INSTRUCTED TO REGROUT IN BETWEEN TILES IN AREAS WERE GROUT IS MISSING IN DISHWASHING PREP AREA AND FRONT PREP(COOKLINE). OBSERVED MISSING OR DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REPAIR ALL AREAS OF FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA WHERE FLOOR TILES ARE DAMAGED OR MISSING FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY. OBSERVED HOLE IN WALL TO RIGHT OF HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REPAIR HOLE IN WALL TO RIGHT OF HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
EXPIRED ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VALID ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATES.

Base deductions−26 pts

Mar 25

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Aug 24

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High1 Med3 Basic

5 total

79/100inspection score

−21 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

14REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION−10
OBSERVED MUTIPLE SHELLSTOCK TAGS FROM MAY, JUNE,JULY AND AUGUST 2024 WITH NO DATE WHEN THE LAST SHELLSTOCK FROM THE CONTAINER IS SOLD OR SERVED. INSTRUCTED THE DATE WHEN THE LAST SHELLSTOCK FROM THE CONTAINER IS SOLD OR SERVED SHALL BE RECORDED ON THE TAG OR LABEL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED EASTSIDE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR WITH OPENING AT BASE, OBSERVED EXIT DOOR IN REAR PREP ROOM WITH OPENINGS AT BASE, RIGHT SIDE AND TOP AND OBSERVED OPENING AT BASE OF REAR EXIT DOOR IN LIQUOR ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS(EASTSIDE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR, EXIT DOOR IN REAR PREP ROOM AND REAR EXIT DOOR IN LIQUOR ROOM TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL USED AS LINER ON LOWER SHELF OF TWO PREP TABLES NEAR DISHWASHING AREA IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALUMINUM FOIL, NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED OF CORROSION RESISTANT, NONABSORBENT AND SMOOTH MATERIAL.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED NO QUATERNARY AMMONIUM TEST KIT ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF QUATERNARY AMMONIUM SANITIZING SOLUTION. CORRECTED ON SITE QUATERNARY AMMONIUM TEST KIT DELIVERED TO PREMISES BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
UNABLE TO LOCATE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON ESPRESSO MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON ESPRESSO MACHINE SO THAT IT SHALL BE LOCATED SO IT MAY BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.

Base deductions−21 pts

Aug 24

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Nov 23

Canvass InspectionPass

1 Med3 Basic

4 total

89/100inspection score

−11 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
MUST PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED TORN RUBBER GASKET ON THE KITCHEN TWO DOOR COOLER AND REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED SMALL OPENING INTO CEILING IN THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST SEAL AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−11 pts

Oct 23

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jun 22

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Med1 Basic

2 total

93/100inspection score

−7 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED SMALL GAP AROUND FRAME OF EXTERIOR DOOR IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN TIGHT FITTING EXTERIOR OPENINGS.

Basic (1)

−2 pts

57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED 4 EMPLOYEES WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−7 pts

May 22

Complaint InspectionFail

1 High2 Med3 Basic

6 total1 risk factor

69/100inspection score

−26 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO RECEIVE CERTIFICATE AND POST ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

25CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD−5
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS ON ONLINE VERSION OF MENU. INSTRUCTED TO IDENTIFY (DISCLOSURE) SUCH FOODS BY ASTERISKING THEM TO A FOOTNOTES THAT STATES: "ITEMS CAN BE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR CONTAIN UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS" AND ADD A STATEMENT (REMINDER) THAT SAYS: "CONSUMING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED ANIMAL PRODUCTS MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE MEDICAL CONDITIONS." PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED SMALL GAP AROUND FRAME OF EXTERIOR DOOR IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN TIGHT FITTING EXTERIOR OPENINGS.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF DUST ON FAN ON VENT IN EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM AND LARGE FAN ABOVE REAR EXTERIOR DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITON.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED 4 EMPLOYEES WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−26 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

May 22

Complaint InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

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Community Safety Reports

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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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