ARGO TEA.

Chicago Health Dept

222 W MERCHANDISE MART PLZ · RIVER NORTH, CHICAGO

Last inspected 2018.

9 inspections on record since 2010 · Last inspected Dec 2018.

Last inspected Dec 2018. Records may not reflect current conditions.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

DEC 2018

INSPECTION HISTORY

DEC 5

2018

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 6 violations 4 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

5-205.11- OBSERVED FRONT PREP HAND SINK IN USE AS DUMP SINK, WITH CREAM, ICE CUBE AND COFFEE DEBRIS IN BOTTOM OF HAND SINK. INFORMED MANAGER THAT HAND SINKS MUST BE USED FOR HAND WASHING ONLY. INSTRUCTED MANGER TO USE HAND SINKS FOR HAND WASHING ONLY. MANAGER CORRECTED VIOLATION DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED. COMBINED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

6-301.11- OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND SINK AT FRONT PREP AREA. INFORMED MANAGER THAT HAND SINKS MUST HAVE HAND SOAP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND SOAP AT HAND SINK. MANAGER CORRECTED VIOLATION DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION # 7-38-030(c) COMBINED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

6-301.12- OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT HAND SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. INFORMED MANAGER THAT HAND SINKS MUST HAVE PAPER TOWELS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS AT HAND SINK. MANAGER CORRECTED VIOLATION DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION # 7-38-030(c) COMBINED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

6-301.14-OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE INSTALLED AT HAND SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL HAND SIGNAGE IN SAID AREA. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-205.15- OBSERVED NO DUMP SINK/1 COMP SINK INSTALL AT FRONT COURT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL A MINIMUM 1 DUMP SINK/1 COMP SINK FOR DISCARD OF ICE, CREAM, ETC. IN SAID AREA. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-201.11- OBSERVED CHIPPED AND PEELING PAINT ON FLOOR IN REAR DRY STORAGE/DISHWASHING AREA. INFORMED MANAGER THAT SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RESURFACE SAID AREA AND ENSURE SURFACE IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

AUG 4

2017

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

OBSERVED INTERIOR OF DISPLAY CASES NEED TO BE CLEANED AND SANITIZED. INTERIOR OF ALL FREEZERS ADN STANDING REFRIGERATORS NEED TO BE CLEANED AND SANITIZED AND INTERIOR OF OVENS.

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

OBSERVED FLOORS IN REAR STORAGE ROOM NEAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND EXPOSED HAND SINK NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLENABLE . REPAINT FLOORS SO THAT THEY CAN BE CLEANED AND SANITIZED.

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

OBSERVED NO THERMOEMTER WITHIN DISPLAY COOLER FOR CUSTOMERS GRAB AND GO PRODUCTS. INSTALL AND MAINTAIN THERMOMETER.

Minor Pest Activity

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED MOPS NOT HUNG AFTER USE. MUST HAND MOPS TO DETER SMALL FLY BREEDING SITES.

SEP 1

2016

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

PREP AREA MILK 2-DOOR REACH IN COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKETS LOOSE. MUST REATTACH/MAKE DOOR GASKETS TIGHT FITTED.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP ON EXTERIOR OF SINKS/SINK HOT AND COLD WATER HANDLES ALSO OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP ON PREP AREA SHELVES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL SHELVES AND SINKS.

NOV 19

2015

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations

Serious Other

* INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS

FOUND NO PREVIOUS SUMMARY REPORT POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW FOR THE CUSTOMER ON SITE,FROM REPORT # 1498103, DATED 10/23/14. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT SUMMARY REPORT MUST BE POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW ALL THE TIMES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). PROVIDED MANAGER A NEW SUMMARY REPORT TO BE POSTED ON SITE.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL AND DEFROST INTERIOR BOTTOM SHELVE OF THE 2 REACH IN FREEZER (WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND ACCUMUALTED ICE)AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

MUST RE SEAL THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA AND MAINTAIN. ALSO CLEAN THE FLOOR IN THE SAME AREA AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

MISSING 2 MORE DRAIN STOPPERS FOR THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

OCT 23

2014

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 5 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE

NOTED TEMPERATURES OF SERVICE COOLER AND DISPLAY CASE COOLER BOTH AT THE FRONT PREP AREA TO BE IMPROPER AT 49.5F(SERVICE COOLER) AND 48.5F (DISPLAY CASE COOLER). INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL EQUIPMENT ARE MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURES OF 40F AND BELOW. CITATION ISSUED FOR CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-005(A)

Critical Food Temperature

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

NOTED IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE DISPLAY CASE COOLER AND SERVICE COOLER:-YOGURT 53.2F, CHICKEN SALAD 47.1F, BROWN RICE SOUP 48.7F, MILK 48.5F, MUSHROOM PIE 47.5F, ROASTED TOMATO ANS SPINACH 46.8F, WASABI HAM AND CHEESE 44.8F, SMOKED TURKEY 47.3F, CHICKEN 48.0F, BROWN RICE 54.5F, LENTIL SALAD 44.4F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 20LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $141.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. CITATION ISSUED FOR CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-005(A)

Serious Other

* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED

NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED (CHICKEN, SANDWICHES,DELI MEATS ETC). INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAVE A FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE AR ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED FOR SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-012

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

NOTED THORN RUBBER GASKETS AT DOORS OF SERVICE COOLER AT THE FRONT PREP AREA AND AT THE DOOR OF REFRIGERATION UNIT AT THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN

Minor Employee Hygiene

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

NOTED LEAKING FAUCET AT HAND WASH SINK OF FRONT PREP AREA., INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

show all 9 inspections →

NOV 15

2013

PASS 1 violation

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS FOR FRONT DISPLAY COOLER, INSTRUCTED MGR TO INSTALL.

AUG 29

2012

PASS · 0 violations

JUN 26

2012

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE

(7-38-005A) FOUND THE FRONT COLD DISPLAY/HOLDING UNIT WITH AMB IENT AIR TEMPERATURE BETWEEN 53.4F TO 57.8F. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS AT 40F OR BELOW. (UNIT TAGGED)

Critical Food Temperature

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

(7-38-005A) FOUND FOLLOWING FOODS STORED IN ABOVE DISPLAY COLLER: 4-FRITTATAS AT 53.2-55.9F; 12-CHICKEN OR TURKEY BAGUETTES AT 51.0F-51.4F; 13-CONTAINERS OF LENTIL/BLACK BEAN SALADS AT 51.5F-52.7F; 10-CONTAINERS OF PARFAITS AT 50.0F-56.3F. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY DISPOSE OF SAID PRODUCTS & MAINTAIN ALL COLD FOODS AT 40F OR BELOW. (TOTAL AMOUNT=$134.00 & TOTAL P0UNDAGE=65 LBS.)

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

FLOOR AREA UNDER FRONT HANDSINK MUST BE KEPT CLEAN & DRY.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

THE BASE OF THE FAUCET IN REAR IS LEAKING, MUST FIX.

JUN 21

2010

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. Observed food debris inside 3-compartment sink and slight lime biuld up inside ice machine. Must clean interior of 3-compartment sink and interior of ice machine.

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. Must detail clean floor under and around all stand up coolers/freezers at rear storage room.

Minor Sanitation

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces. Observed one burned out ceiling light bulb above rear storage room. Must provide and install working light bulb.

Public inspection records from Chicago Department of Public Health. Records current as of 2026-07-05. EatOrBeat reports records and does not rate restaurants. Source dataset →

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