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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

La Tropicana

3601 W North Ave

Last inspected Nov 2, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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More Issues RecentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

Quick Answers

When was La Tropicana last inspected?
The most recent inspection on record was on Nov 2, 2026. The result listed by Chicago Department of Public Health was “Fail”.
Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?
Yes: 9 violations recorded. Each one is listed below with the official wording.
How many inspections are on record?
7 inspections on record, from Oct 26, 2023 to Nov 2, 2026.
Has La Tropicana ever been closed by the health department?
No closure appears in the 7 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Oct 26, 2023.

The Full Inspection History

7 inspections

Canvass

Nov 2, 2026

Fail

9 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official Wording

Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE FOLLOWING; HAND SINK IN KITCHEN PREP AREA, MEN WASHROOM.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. (MANAGER CORRECTED ISSUE).

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.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official Wording

Food properly labeled; original container

Inspector’s Notes

INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL FOOD CONTAINERS/BINS IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).

In Plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
notedCode 38Pests

Official Wording

Insects, rodents, & animals not present

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROX.10 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR UNDERNEATH THE KITCHEN DEEP FRYER AND 10 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR UNDERNEATH STORAGE RACKS IN CLUTTERED BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM.ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM AFFECTED AREAS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED.

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

OBSERVED RAW WOOD SHELVES, SURFACES, IN BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OR PAINT TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE AND MAINTAIN.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s Notes

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN: PREP TABLES (TOPS AND BOTTOMS), INTERIOR SURFACES OF DEEP FRYER AND OTHER COOKING EQUIPMENTS, UNDER GRILLS AND SHELVES INSIDE OF REFRIGERATION UNITS, DRY STORAGE RACKS .

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

OBSERVED HANDLE AT HANDSINK IN POOR REPAIR; LOOSE INSIDE MENS WASHROOM.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

Inspector’s Notes

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL, CLEAN, AND ORGANIZE THE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES/UNUSED CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS/FOOD EQUIPMENTS STORED IN THE BASEMENT AND ALL OTHER NECESSARY ITEMS MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6 INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.

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 56Facility maintenance

Official Wording

Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

Inspector’s Notes

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE CEILING VENTILTATION COVERS INSIDE THE WASHROOMS TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF DUSTS AND MAINTAIN.

In Plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
notedCode 60Other

Official Wording

Previous core violation corrected

Inspector’s Notes

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2621315 DATED:07/25/2025 #56---6-303.11: **C** Intensity- Lighting OBSERVED A BURNED OUT LIGHT-BULB IN THE HOOD SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BULB AND MAINTAIN LIGHTING. #57---2-102.13: **C** Food Handler Training (PA 100-0367 Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act) OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES. #58---2-102.13: **C** OBSERVED NO FOOD EMPLOYEE WITH PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS TO OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH NOTED VIOLATIONS AND MANTAIN BY 11/9/2026. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090,CITATION ISSUED.

In Plain English

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

More about other finding

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 2, 2026 · Original Source

Non-Inspection

Oct 14, 2026

No Entry

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 14, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Jul 25, 2025

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s Notes

6-201.11: **C** Floors, Walls, and Ceilings- Cleanability OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN BAR, REAR PREP, REAR DINING ROOM AND TOILET ROOMS, 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
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official Wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s Notes

6-303.11: **C** Intensity- Lighting OBSERVED A BURNED OUT LIGHT-BULB IN THE HOOD SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BULB AND MAINTAIN LIGHTING.

In Plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official Wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s Notes

2-102.13: **C** Food Handler Training (PA 100-0367 Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act) OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.

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
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official Wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s Notes

2-102.13: **C** OBSERVED NO FOOD EMPLOYEE WITH PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS TO OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.

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, Jul 25, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Jul 18, 2025

Fail

8 recorded violations

notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official Wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT PROOF OF FOOD SAFETY MANAGEMENT TRAINING DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE.

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
notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official Wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ONSITE FOR FOOD EMPLOYEES. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED ALONG WITH THE CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHEN TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS ARE STORED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

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
notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED THE ICE BIN INTERIOR IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND 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
notedCode 38Pests

Official Wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK WITH REPORTS FROM 2/18/21 - 6/17/24; NO 2025 NOR 2021 SERVICE REPORTS. ALL RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS MUST MAINTAIN A LOGBOOK WHICH SHALL BE KEPT FOR TWELVE (12) MONTHS AND INCLUDE A COPY OF THE SERVICE TICKETS AND THE PEST CONTROL COMPANY’S ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (IDPH) HEALTH LICENSE NUMBER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-020(C).

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN BAR, REAR PREP, REAR DINING ROOM AND TOILET ROOMS, 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
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official Wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED A BURNED OUT LIGHT-BULB IN THE HOOD SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BULB AND MAINTAIN LIGHTING.

In Plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official Wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.

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
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official Wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED NO FOOD EMPLOYEE WITH PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.

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, Jul 18, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Dec 5, 2024

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE WITH A SLIGHT ACCUMULATION OF BLACK/ PINK SUBSTANCE. CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE. MANAGER WIPED DOWN ICE MACHINE DURING INSPECTION.

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 5, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Nov 2, 2023

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s Notes

4-602.13 CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYER, TOP AND SIDES OF THE OVEN, GREASE TRAP AND DRAIN LINES LEADING TO THE GREASE TRAP BENEATH THE BAR, AND THE CHEST FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT.

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 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s Notes

6-501.18 CLEAN THE TOILET IN THE MEN'S WASHROOM.

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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official Wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s Notes

2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH AN EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW VALID 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 2, 2023 · Original Source

Canvass

Oct 26, 2023

Fail

4 recorded violations

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s Notes

CLEAN THE STAINLESS STEEL STORAGE SHELF BELOW THE MICROWAVE, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYER, TOP AND SIDES OF THE OVEN, GREASE TRAP AND DRAIN LINES LEADING TO THE GREASE TRAP BENEATH THE BAR, INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE, AND THE CHEST FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT.

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

REPLACE THE BROKEN FLOOR TILES BEHIND THE BAR.

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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official Wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH AN EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW VALID 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
notedCode 60Other

Official Wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s Notes

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2568705 ON 12/19/22 NOT CORRECTED: 55 - REPLACE THE BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN FRONT OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

In Plain English

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

More about other finding

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 26, 2023 · Original Source

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