Axum Ethiopian Restaurant

Chicago Health Dept

5844-5846 N BROADWAY · EDGEWATER, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Jun 2025), 2 critical violations noted.

7 inspections on record since 2022 · Last inspected Jun 2025.

The numbers

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

JUN 2025

Inspection history

JUN 18

2025

PASS 6 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED BAR HANDWASHING SINK WITH NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADN MAINTAIN.

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF FOOD DEBRIS ON HOT COOKING EQUIPMENT LOCATED IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND CLEAN UNIT AFTER EACH USE.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED DRAINPIPE LEAKING UNDER BAR THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKING DRAINPIPE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, AND STORAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS.

Minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

DEC 2

2024

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

4-501.11--- TORN RUBBER DOOR GASKET ON THE COOKS LINE TWO DOOR COOLER. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

: 5-205.15--- BROKEN/NON-OPERATION URINAL IN THE WASHROOM. MUST REMOVE OR REPAIR.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

2-102.13--- NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.

NOV 20

2024

FAIL 10 violations

Serious Sanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

INTERIOR ICE MACHINE UPPER ICE SHOOT WITH BROWNISH/PINK SLIME SUBSTANCE THROUGHOUT ON ALL ICE CONTACT SURFACES AND DRIPPING DOWN INTO THE ICE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Employee Hygiene

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY IN ALL STORAGE AREAS MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

MUST NOT USE GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS IN FREEZERS. MUST USE FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE BAGS OR WASHABLE CONTAINERS.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

TORN RUBBER DOOR GASKET ON THE COOKS LINE TWO DOOR COOLER. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

INTERIOR OF THE UNUSED TALL REACH-IN TWO DOOR COOLER MUST BE CLEANED OF FOOD DEBRIS, OR IF NOT USED BE REMOVED.----INTERIOR OF THE REAR BOX FREEZER DIRTY WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND ICE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

BROKEN/NON-OPERATION URINAL IN THE WASHROOM. MUST REMOVE OR REPAIR.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

HOLE IN THE WALL UNDER THE DISH THREE COMPARTMENT HAND SINK. MUST SEAL.-----WALLS AND BASEBOARDS UNDER THE DISH ROOM THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, AND STORAGE SHELVING IN THE SAME ROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.

Serious Pest Activity

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 10-10-23 REPORT #2583098NOT CORRECTED. #'S 47-: NOTED RUSTY AND DIRTY SHELVES IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, REPAINT WITH NON-TOXIC FOOD GRADE PAINT AND - OR REPLACE. #47- NOTED ICE SCOOP STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE ON ICE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE AN ICE SCOOP HOLDER.#51- NOTED LOW WATER PRESSURE AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.#55- NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER AT THE REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE, AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY OR UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST UPGRADE HOUSING KEEPING.#55- NOTED THE FOLLOWING:- DIRTY FLOOR DRAINS UNDERNEATH THE DISHWASHER IN THE DISHWASHING ROOM, FLOORS ALONG THE WALL BASE, AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.---- CRACKS ON THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE ROOM WITH THE ICE MACHINE AND HEATING UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.---- NOTED MULTIPLE HOLES ON WALLS AND CEILING OF SAME. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL HOLES AND OPENINGS TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.#56- NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

OCT 10

2023

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 10 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

NOTED NO SOAP AT HAND WASH SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

NOTED NO PAPER TOWELS AT HAND WASH SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED. CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE CITATION.

Minor Sanitation

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

NOTED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT PREP AREAS AND DISHWASHING AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION, ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

NOTED RUSTY AND DIRTY SHELVES IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, REPAINT WITH NON-TOXIC FOOD GRADE PAINT AND - OR REPLACE.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

NOTED ICE SCOOP STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE ON ICE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE AN ICE SCOOP HOLDER.

Serious Employee Hygiene

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

NOTED LOW WATER PRESSURE AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

NOTED THE BATHROOM DOOR OF THE WOMEN'S BATHROOM NOT SELF-CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SELF-CLOSING DEVICE AT THE DOOR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Pest Activity

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

NOTED THE FOLLOWING:- DIRTY FLOOR DRAINS UNDERNEATH THE DISHWASHER IN THE DISHWASHING ROOM, FLOORS ALONG THE WALL BASE, AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. CRACKS ON THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE ROOM WITH THE ICE MACHINE AND HEATING UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. NOTED MULTIPLE HOLES ON WALLS AND CEILING OF SAME. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL HOLES AND OPENINGS TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.

Minor Pest Activity

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER AT THE REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE, AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY OR UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST UPGRADE HOUSING KEEPING.

Minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS, AND EDGES OF THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS, AND PIPES/CONDUITS.

AUG 23

2022

PASS 5 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

: 6-202.15---NOTED THE REAR EXIT DOOR TO THE ALLEY WITH AN OPEN 1/2 GAP ALONG THE BOTTOM THRESHOLD. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL ON THE BOTTOM THRESHOLD OF THE DOOR.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

4-501.11--- TORN RUBBER DOOR GASKET ON COOKS LINE COOLER. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

4-601.11(B)---INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF GAS STOVES WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

: 6-501.12-- NOTED GREASE DRIPPING FROM EXHAUST HOOD ON THE COOKS LINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. 6-201.11---WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILE IN THE MOP SINK ROOM. MUST REPLACE. : 6-101.11--- MISSING FLOORING WITH DECAYING RAW WOOD UNDER THE BAR COOLER, THE ICE MACHINE AND SURROUNDING THE WATER TANK. MUST PROVIDE A SMOOTH CLEANABLE FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND ALL.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

6-202.11--- MISSING LIGHT SHIELD AT THE REAR DISH AREA. MUST REPLACE.

show all 7 inspections →

AUG 16

2022

FAIL 14 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

MUST PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS.

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

NOTED THE REAR EXIT DOOR TO THE ALLEY WITH AN OPEN 1/2 GAP ALONG THE BOTTOM THRESHOLD. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL ON THE BOTTOM THRESHOLD OF THE DOOR.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE REAR STORAGE ROOM MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

TORN RUBBER DOOR GASKET ON COOKS LINE COOLER. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

TOP OF UNUSED DISH MACHINE DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.----MUST NOT USE PAPER OR CLOTH TOWELS AS LINER FOR SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE BAR.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

NOTED FOOD ENCRUSTED TABLETOP CAN OPENER AND WALL MOUNTED FRY SLICER. MUST CLEAN AFTER EACH USE.----INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF GAS STOVES WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

UTILITY MOP SINK UNABLE TO DRAIN. MUST REPAIR TO PROPERLY DRAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MISSING FLOORING WITH DECAYING RAW WOOD UNDER THE BAR COOLER, THE ICE MACHINE AND SURROUNDING THE WATER TANK. MUST PROVIDE A SMOOTH CLEANABLE FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND ALL.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

NOTED GREASE DRIPPING FROM EXHAUST HOOD ON THE COOKS LINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

WALL UNDER THE DISH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK WITH SPLATTER DIRT.----FLOORS WITH DEBRIS THROUGHOUT THE BAR. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.----WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILE IN THE DINING ROOM AND MOP SINK ROOM. MUST REPLACE.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

MISSING LIGHT SHIELD AT THE REAR DISH AREA. MUST REPLACE.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.

Minor Facility Condition

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 5-6-22 REPORT #2555365 WERE NOT CORRECTED. #51- BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED ON THE ICE MACHINE WATER LINE. INSTRUCTED MUST PROVIDE AND MAKE VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON SAID WATER LINE.#56- EAST SIDE WOMEN'S WASHROOM CEILING MECHANICAL FAN NOT WORKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.#58-: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON-PREMISES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON-PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

MAY 6

2022

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 7 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.

Critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP PROCEDURE WITH ALL NECESSARY ITEMS AS OUTLINED IN POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED ON ESPRESSO MACHINE WATER LINE AND ICE MACHINE WATER LINE. INSTRUCTED MUST PROVIDE AND MAKE VISIBLE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICES ON SAID WATER LINES.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK RIGHT SIDE COMPARTMENT STOPPER NOT WORKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

EAST SIDE WOMENS WASHROOM CEILING MECHANICAL FAN NOT WORKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

VENTILATION HOOD LIGHT BULBS NOT WORKING. MUST PROVIDE WORKING LIGHT BULBS FOR VENTILATION HOOD.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.

Public inspection records from Chicago Department of Public Health. Records current as of 2026-09-06. EatOrBeat reports records and does not rate restaurants. Source dataset →

Report an error on this page →