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Inspections by Violation

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IsTheKitchenClean displays publicly available food inspection data from the Chicago Department of Public Health. Trending rankings and summaries are automated interpretations of that data and are not official health department assessments. Inspection findings reflect conditions at a specific point in time and may not represent current conditions at a restaurant.

La Colonia

Restaurant

4821 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630

North Side

Oct 7, 2026 — Complaint inspection

Fail

Triggered by a public complaint about this restaurant.

Inspector found more than 20 roach carcasses and live roaches throughout the facility, plus flies in multiple areas.

Standout Inspection

We flagged this inspection for serious public health concerns.

Key Findings

  • More than 20 roach carcasses discovered behind and under equipment in bar, prep areas, basement, and dish areas; over 20 small flies and 1 live roach also spotted throughout facility. Pest control service recommended.
  • Three handwashing sinks lacked hand drying provisions; basement handwashing sink was blocked by knives and silverware, making it inaccessible.
  • Sausages held at 49°F instead of required 41°F or below; 10 pounds were discarded.
  • Three-compartment sink has drainage problem where one compartment floods when another drains; employee toilet sink leaks from bottom pipes.

Key findings are derived directly from the inspector's notes from the Chicago Department of Public Health. See the full violation notes below.

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Violation code #38 — INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector's Notes:

OBSERVED MORE THAN 20 ROACH CARCASSES THROUGHOUT FACILITY INCLUDING BEHIND AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT IN BAR, PREP AREAS, BASEMENT, INSIDE THE UNITS UNDERNEATH COOLERS, AND IN DISH AREAS INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Violation code #38 — INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector's Notes:

OBSERVED MORE THAN 20 SMALL FLIES AND 1 LIVE ROACH THROUGHOUT FACILITY INCLUDING IN BAR AREA, KITCHEN PREP AREA, BASEMENT, AND DINING ROOM AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY. PEST CONTORL SERVICE RECOMMENDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.

Inspection History

La Colonia has had 9 inspections in the last 5 years with a 56% pass rate. Last inspection was on Oct 14, 2026.

Oct 14, 2026Pass

Complaint Re-Inspection — A follow-up to confirm complaint-related violations were fixed.

Standout inspection
Oct 7, 2026FailVIEWING NOW

Complaint — Triggered by a public complaint about this restaurant.

7 violations
Jun 3, 2026Conditional

Canvass — A routine, unannounced visit by a city health inspector.

2 violations