MAY 31
2017
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
BALENA.
YOUR CALL. 76/100
1633 N HALSTED ST · LINCOLN PARK, CHICAGO
Last inspected May 31, 2017 · passed
6 of 11 inspections passed, 1 failed, 4 passed with conditions. 4 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
11
6 passed · 4 w/ conditions · 1 failed
VIOLATIONS
45
includes 4 critical
RECORDS COVER
7 YEARS
since Jan 2010
INSPECTION HISTORY
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
NOTED BACKING OF RANGE WITH GREASY CHAR AT THE MAIN KITCHEN.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
NOTED LIGHT SHIELDS NOT COMPLETELY SHIELDING LIGHTS AT MAIN KITCHEN AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO COMPLETELY COVER LIGHTS WITH PROPER SHIELDS. NOTED BURNT OUT LIGHTS ADJACENT TO OVEN IN THE MAIN KITCHEN.INSTRUUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE BURNT OUT LIGHTS.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
NOTED VENTILATION IN ALL RESTROOMS NOT FUNCTIONING.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR VENTILATION
JUN 292016PASSED1 violationDETAILS
JUN 29
2016
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED RUST ACCUMULATION ON THE SHELVING IN THE REACH IN COOLERS AT THE MAIN BAR AND THE UPSTAIRS BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE SHELVING TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
JUL 12015PASSED6 violationsDETAILS
JUL 1
2015
PASSED
6 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
MUST INSTALL PROPER COVERS ON ALL ICE BINS IN ALL BARS TO PROTECT ICE AT ALL TIMES.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
OBSERVED BROKEN FLOOR TILE OUT SIDE OF PRODUCE WALK IN COOLER. REPAIR AND MAINTAIN FLOOR.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
OBSERVED DUST ACCUMULATION ON CEILING VENT WITHIN STAFF WASHROOM. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED TAPE BEING USED TO SECURE LOOSE DRAINS FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. REPAIR TO A FULL WORKING ORDER AND MAINTAIN.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
MUST REPAIR HOT WATER HANDLER ON MOP SINK AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
OBSERVED INCOMPLETE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES.
JUN 122014PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 12
2014
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZRDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER. BEEF AT 55.3F, FISH AT 54.2F, CHICKEN AT 55.4F,PORK AT 53,6F, HALIBUT AT 52.1F, INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MUST MAINTAIN A TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR BELOW DURING STORAGE INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER. WALK IN COOLER TEMPERATURE AT 40.0F. CITATION ISSUED CRITICAL 7-38.005(A). MANAGER DENATURED THE SAID PRODUCT WORTH $826.00 AND TOTAL 134LBS.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
MUST DEFROST BOTH CHEST FREEZER WITH HEAVY ICE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
MUST CLEAN THE FLOOR ALONG THE WALL BASE BEHIND THE BAR AND MAINTAIN. MUST REMOVE ALL MILK CRATE BEING USED AS PALLET TO STORE STOCKS. PROVIDE REGULAR PALLET OR RAISED SHELVINGS TO STORE STOCKS.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
SEAL THE GAP AROUND THE PIPE INSIDE THE WOMENS WASHROOM IN THE UPSTAIR DINING ROOM. GUEST WASHROOM VENT WITH DUST BUILD -UP,MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. MENS GUEST WASHROON WITH CRACKED CEILING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. DAMAGED WALLS THRU-OUT THE DRY FOOD STORAGE. MUST REPAIR MAKE IT SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
MUST PROVIDE 3 DRAIN STOPPER FOR THE 3 COMPT SINK IN THE PRIVATE DINING ROOM AREA. SLOW DRAINING OF THE EXPOSED HAND SINK ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE BAR. MUST REPAIR TO HAVE A WELL DRAINING SINK.
JUL 172013PASS W/ CONDITIONS9 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JUL 17
2013
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
9 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
SOURCE SOUND CONDITION, NO SPOILAGE, FOODS PROPERLY LABELED, SHELLFISH TAGS IN PLACE
OBSERVED TWO, ONE QUART JARS OF HONEY NOT LABELED, FROM UNAPPROVED SOURCE. MANAGEMENT STATES THE HONEY WAS FROM A FARM. ALSO OBSERVED TEN SAUSAGES MADE ON PREMISES, CURED AND HANGING IN WALK-IN COOLER. ESTABLISHMENT HAS NO HACCP PLAN ON SITE AND HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED TO SMOKE OR CURE MEATS. ALL FOODS HELD TAGGED FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(B).
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
IMPROPER WORDING OF CONSUMER ADVISORY PRINTED ON MENUS. MUST POST OR PRINT ON MENUS PROPER, APPROVED WORDING FOR CONSUMER ADVISORY. BULK FOODS MUST BE LABELED.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
BROKEN DOOR HANDLE REPAIRED WITH TAPE ON THREE DOOR COOLER IN 2ND FLOOR PREP. MUST REPLACE/PROPERLY REPAIR.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
DIRTY FLOOR DRAINS UNDER BAR EXPOSED HAND SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. FLOORS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT DRY FOOD STORAGE AND MEAT WALK-IN COOLER WITH FOOD SPILLAGE AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
HOLE IN WALL IN HALLWAY TO PASTA PREP ROOM. MUST SEAL.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD IN DRY FOOD STORAGE.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
MUST INSTALL AN EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN THE RECENTLY INSTALLED PASTA PREP ROOM OR REMOVE PREP ROOM.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
MUST INSTALL ACCURATE INTERNAL THERMOMETER IN MEAT WALK-IN COOLER.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
EMPLOYEES MUST NOT STORE PERSONAL BELONGINGS IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREAS OR BICYCLES IN THE DRY FOOD STORAGE.
show all 11 inspections →
DEC 72012PASSED1 violationDETAILS
DEC 7
2012
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
REPLACE THE STAINED CUTTING BOARD AT THE PREP STATION.
NOV 302012FAILED3 violationsDETAILS
NOV 30
2012
FAILED
3 violationsDETAILS
PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #1234991 ON 8/28/12 NOT CORRECTED: 32/01 - REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS ON THE INSIDE OF THE DOORS TO THE SALAD PREP COOLER. 36/01 - REPLACE THE BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
REPLACE THE STAINED CUTTING BOARD AT THE PREP STATION.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
MUST INSTALL A LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE PREP TABLE IN THE BASEMENT.
AUG 282012PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violationsDETAILS
AUG 28
2012
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE. OBSERVED MOLD GROWTH ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF THE ICE MACHINE. THE ICE MACHINE WAS CLEANED AND SANITIZED ON 8/29/12 AND I RETURNED TO COMPLETE THE REPORT AND WRITE THE REPORT ON 8/30/12. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS ON THE INSIDE OF THE DOORS TO THE SALAD PREP COOLER.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
REPLACE THE BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED A TABLE TOP DEEP FRYER ON THE DESSERT PREP TABLE NOT UNDER A VENTILATION HOOD. MUST RELOCATE UNDER A VENTILATION HOOD OR PROVIDE VENTILATION FOR THE DRYER.
AUG 252010PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
AUG 25
2010
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use. ALL CLEAN POT/PANS AT DISH AREA IN BASEMENT STORED INVERTED.
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. UPPER PANEL AT ICE SHOOT INSIDE ICE MACHINE, MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS ON TABLE TOP CAN OPENER, MUST CLEAN AFTER EACH USE.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. BLACK MOLDY CAULKING ALONG WALL AT DISH MACHINE, MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
All employees shall be required to use effective hair restraints to confine hair.
JAN 192010PASS W/ CONDITIONS9 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 19
2010
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
9 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
All hot food shall be stored at a temperature of 140F or higher. OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES ON COOKS LINE STEAMTABLE. BONE MARROW SAUCE @51F, BEEF SAUCE @74.4F, RUDABEGGA VEGTABLE @135.8F. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. INSTRUCTED MUST REHEAT ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS RAPIDLY ON STOVETOP TO 165F THEN HOLD HOT ON STEAMTABLE @140F.
SOURCE OF CROSS CONTAMINATION CONTROLLED I.E. CUTTING BOARDS, FOOD HANDLERS, UTENSILS, ETC
All food shall be protected from contamination and the elements, and so shall all food equipment, containers, utensils, food contact surfaces and devices, and vehicles. OBSERVED SOURCE OF CROSS CONTAMINATION. EMPLOYEE USING EXPOSED HAND SINK AT 1ST FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA FOR THAWING FOOD IN PLASTIC BAG UNDER RUNNING WATER AND BEING USED AS A FOOD PREP SINK. FOOD DISCARDED AND INSTRUCTED MUST USE EXPOSED HAND SINKS FOR HAND WASHING PURPOSES ONLY.
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use. ALL EXPOSED TABLEWARES MUST BE COVERED/PROTECTED.
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. UPPER PLASTIC ICE SHOOT INSIDE BASEMENT ICE MACHINE MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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. FLOOR UNDER BAG IN BOX SODA DISPENSER WITH SPILLAGE MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. FLOOR IN BASEMENT BOX FREEZER ROOM TO BEER STORAGE WITH LARGE CRACKS, OPEN GAPS. MUST SEAL FLOOR TO MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. FLOORS BEHIND BOX FREEZERS IN SAME ROOM MUST CLEAN, REMOVE DEBRIS.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. BRICK WALL IN BASEMENT BOX FREEZER ROOM CHIPPING WITH LOOSE CEMENT, MUST REPAIR. BLACK MOLD ALONG WALL AT DISH MACHINE, MUST REMOVE & MAINTAIN.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE BASEMENT BOX FREEZERS AND IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE PANTRY (BOTH).
TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
Toilet rooms shall be completely enclosed and shall be vented to the outside air or mechanically ventilated. EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR IN BASEMENT MUST HAVE SELF CLOSING DEVICE.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. MUST PROVIDE VENTILATION IN 1ST FLOOR "HANDICAP" WASHROOM. LEAK AT NOZZLE ON BASEMENT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, MUST REPAIR.
Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health. We'd love to link you straight to this restaurant's record — turns out Chicago considers that a luxury. The full dataset is what's on offer →