BAR LOUIE.
1325 S HALSTED ST · WEST LOOP, CHICAGO
Failed 5 of 16 inspections. 25 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
FEB 182026FAILED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MISSING EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGED HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTD TO MAINTAIN AN ACCESSIBLE EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGED HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010 PRIORITY FOUNDATION
INTERIOR PANEL AND CHUTE OF ICE MACHINE WITH HEAVY ACCUMULATION OF BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION INSTD TO DISPOSE OF ICE, CLEAN/SANITIZE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY FOUNDATION
BAR LOW TEMPERATURE WAREWASHING UNIT UNABLE TO SANITIZE, 0PPM OF CHLORINE WHEN TESTED. UNIT TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME. INSTD NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED AND REINSPECTED BY CDPH. INSTD TO USE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK OR REAR WAREWASHING UNIT TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE MULTI USE EQUIPMENT. BAR UNIT NOT IN USE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025
USING CRATES WITH OPENINGS AND CRACKED SURFACES AS STORAGE BINS FOR MULTI USE EQUIPMENT IN WAREWASHING AREA. INSTD TO USE PROPER STORAGE BINS THAT ARE DURABLE, SMOOTH, EVEN, AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
MAR 272025PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (CHICKEN WRAPS, HAMBURGERS, FRENCH FRIES, ETC) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED MENU WITH A FOOTNOTE REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU AND MISSING DISCLOSURE BY ASTERISK FOR RELATED MENU ITEMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BOTH DISCLOSURE STATEMENT AND REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNCOOKED ANIMAL-BASED FOOD ITEMS OFFERED (EX. HAMBURGERS AND STEAK). (REFER TO ONLINE CDPH CONSUMER ADVISORY GUIDE). EMPLOYEE CORRECTED MENUS DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
MAR 122024PASSED1 violationDETAILS
OBSERVED CLUTTER STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
APR 62023PASSED1 violationDETAILS
5-205.15 OBSERVED A LEAK COMING FROM A PIPE UNDERNEATH THE BAR 4 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
show all 16 inspections →
APR 42023FAILED4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
FOUND THE MEN'S WASHROOM HANDWASHING SINKS WITHOUT HOT WATER. WATER TEMPERATURES RANGE FROM 80F-90F. MUST PROVIDE A HOT WATER TEMPERATURE OF 100F-120F AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT THE REAR DISH AREA AND HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH A HAND DRYING PROVISION AT ALL TIMES; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED. PAPER TOWELS ARE NOW PROVIDED.
OBSERVED THE BAR HANDWASHING SINK CLOSEST TO THE FRONT DOOR SLOWLY DRAINING. OBSERVED A LEAK COMING FROM A PIPE UNDERNEATH THE BAR 4 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR ALL AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED DIRT, FOOD DEBRIS, AND GARBAGE BUILD UP ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE DISH MACHINE IN THE BAR. MUST DETAIL CLEAN SAID AREA AND MAINTAIN.
MAR 112022PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
NO PERSON IN CHARGE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
NO PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VERIFICATION FOR EACH EMPLOYEE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
FEB 22021PASSED2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
WEAK HOT WATER PRESSURE AT DISH WASHING AREA HAND WASH SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE UNDER CITY PRESSURE AND MAINTAIN HAND SINK.
BOXES OF FOOD CONTAINERS IN BASMENTS STORAGE ROOM STORED UNDER SEWER LINES, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A BARRIER OR RELOCATE.
SEP 192019PASS W/ CONDITIONS8 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (REHEATED CHICKEN, LOUIE SAUCE, COUS COUS,MELTED CHEESE, ETC) ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGER PRESENTED PHOTO COPY DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED FACILITY MANAGER THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE HOLDER MUST MAINTAIN A VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE AT ALL TIMES AND MUST BE PRESENT WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-28-012. CITATION ISSUED.
NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICES ON SITE FOR REVIEW FOR ALL FOOD AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE POSTED ON SITE OR NECESSARY ITEMS OUTLINED IN THE POLICY FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIAARHEAL EVENTS THAT CAN OCCUR IN THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED 2 LOW TEMPERATURE WAREWASHING MACHINE IN USE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING LOCATED IN PREP WAREWASHING AREA AS WELL AS BAR AREA. NOTED SANITIZING CONCENTRATION OF SAID WAREWASHING MACHINES WERE 0PPM DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO NOT USE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS PROPERLY SANITIZING AT LEAST 50PPM. MUST MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED VARIOUS TCS FOODS (COOKED CHICKEN,SOUPS, GUACAMOLE, ETC) STORED IN ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS ON SITE WITH NO LABELS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD OR USE BY DATES ON ALL REFRIGERATED, READY TO EAT FOOD THAT ARE PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED UPRIGHT REFRIGERATION UNIT NEXT TO FREEZER IN PREP AS WELL AS THE TWO DOOR UNIT CONNECTED TO COLD HOLD IN PREP AREA WITH EXCESSIVE DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR SURFACES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN INTERIOR SURFACES OF DOOR CREVICES OF ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS, AND ALL LIQUOR STORAGE RACKS LOCATED IN BAR AREA. MUST MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE WATER,LIQUOR SPILLS, STRAWS, NAPKINS, TRASH, AND DRIED FOODS ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT BAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
NO ALLERGEN TRAINING COMPLETION CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE HOLDERS. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
FEB 202018PASSED1 violation1 CRITICALDETAILS
REMOVE CLUTTER FROM THROUGHOUT BASEMENT, INCLUDING OFFICE. ELEVATE ITEMS 6" OFF FLOORS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
FEB 132018FAILED7 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED A 1-DOOR UPRIGHT COOLER IN THE PREP AREA AT AN IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 57F, WITH POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS INSIDE. INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE USING AND HAVE COOLER SERVICED. ADDITIONAL COOLERS ON-SITE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN THE ABOVE-MENTIONED PREP COOLER. TEMPERATURES RANGED FROM 46F TO 51F. 12 LBS OF CHICKEN, 49F, VALUED AT $100. 4 LBS OF PICO DEL GALLO, 46F, VALUED AT $15. 4 LBS OF BRUSHETTA DIP, 50F, VALUED AT $15. 2 LBS OF RANCH DRESSING, 49F, VALUED AT $10. 3.5 LBS OF ALFREDO SAUCE, 49F, VALUED AT $10. 2 GALLONS OF MILK, 48F, VALUED AT $5. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS COLD FOODS AT 40F OR BELOW. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON WALLS AROUND GREASE TANKS, CEILING TILES AND EQUIPMENT AROUND THE DISH MACHINE IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FLIES, CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE EFFACED AREAS. CONTACT PEST CONTROL PROVIDER FOR SERVICES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM LOWER SHELVES OF PREP TABLES, AND INTERIOR OF MICROWAVE OVEN IN REAR PREP. CLEAN DEBRIS FROM WHEEL CASTER ON HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN PREP AREA. CLEAN INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE.
MUST CLEAN UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE ON STAIRCASE WALL LEADING TO BASEMENT. CEILING LEAK ABOVE SAID STAIRCASE. REPAIR WALL DAMAGE IN BASEMENT ACROSS FROM WALK-IN COOLER. ALSO, REPAIR PEELING PAINT ON WALL IN TOILET ROOM IN BASEMENT.
MUST REMOVE PERSONAL ITEMS FROM BEHIND BAR, STORE IN DESIGNATED AREA. ALSO, REMOVE CLUTTER FROM THROUGHOUT BASEMENT, INCLUDING OFFICE. ELEVATE ITEMS 6" OFF FLOORS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE IN BASEMENT PREP AREA NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES WHILE PREPARING FOOD.
AUG 32017PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
CONTINUED NON COMPLIANCE ON PREVIOUS ORDER ISSUED, DATED 7/27/17, REPORT #2071463, VIOLATION LISTED BELOW: 18 OBSERVED 15-20 SMALL FLIES IN BASEMENT AND FIRST FLOOR PREP, BAR AREA AND DINING AREAS, INSTRUCTED TO HAVE PREMISES SERVED TO ELIMINATE SMALL FLIES, MORE FLIES NOTED AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION, ABOUT 35-40 SMALL FLIES NOTED AT THIS TIME, VIOLATION UPGRADED, INSTRUCTED BY SUPERVISOR, TO HAVE PEST CONTROL TO COME OUT IMMEDIATELY TO SERVICE AREA, BRING REPORTS FOR REVIEW, MANAGER WORKING ON CLEAN TO MINIMIZE ACTIVITY, WITH RETURN TOMORROW, CRITICAL VIOLATION: 7-42-090
SEE VIOLATION #14
JUL 272017FAILED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED 15-20 SMALL FLIES IN BASEMENT AND FIRST FLOOR PREP, BAR AREA AND DINING AREAS, INSTRUCTED TO HAVE PREMISES SERVED TO ELIMINATE SMALL FLIES, SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-38-020
NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (BEEF, CHICKEN, ETC), NO CITY CERTIFICATE POSTED OR AVAILBLE AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION, INSTD THAT CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON DUTY WHEN FOODS ARE COOKED, PREPARED OR SERVE, MUST BE ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-38-012
NO SPLASH GUARD AT EXPOSED HANDSINK BEHIND BAR AREA, NEXT TO STORED GLASSWARE, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,
VENTS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DAILY,
JUL 222016PASS W/ CONDITIONS11 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
SOURCE OF CROSS CONTAMINATION NOT CONTROLLED, BOX OF RAW BACON STORED ON CUTTING BOARD IMMEDIATELY NEXT TO LETTUCE THAT IS CURRENTLY BEING PREPARED/CUT FOR READY TO EAT SALAD. INSTD TO STORE AND PREPARE RAW FOODS SEPARATELY FROM READY TO EAT FOODS (WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE CUTTING BOARDS INBETWEEN USES). CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A CRITICAL.
BOTH LOW TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINES CURRENTLY IN USE, IN POOR REPAIR, UNABLE TO SANITIZE. 0 PPM OF CHLORINE SANITIZER WHEN BOTH UNITS TESTED. UNITS TAGGED AT THIS TIME AND INSTD TO USE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE EQUIPMENT. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030 CRITICAL.
NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (BEEF, CHICKEN, ETC). INSTD TO HAVE ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012A SERIOUS.
NO SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED OR VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. INSTD TO HAVE POSTED AT ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED 7-42-010B SERIOUS.
UNCLEAN KNIVES IN KNIFE RACK IN BASEMENT. INSTD TO MAINTAIN CLEAN KNIVES IN KNIFE RACK.
MISSING ICE BIN COVERS FOR ALL CONSUMABLE ICE BINS IN BAR AREA. INSTD TO PROVIDE SAME.
INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE NOT CLEAN, DEBRIS ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN SAME.
HOLES IN WALLS ABOVE 2-COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT. INSTD TO SEAL SAME.
STOCK ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT. INSTD TO ELEVATE SAME 6 INCHES.
WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET. ISNTD TO PROVIDE PROPER RECORDS, LOGS AS REQUIRED.
NOV 242015PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
COMMON STORAGE AREA IN BASEMENT MUST BE PROPERLY MAINTAINED FREE OF CLUTTER. ALL ARTICLES STORED IN THIS AREA MUST BE ELEVATED 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR AND AWAY FROM THE WALLS WHERE SPACE PERMITS.
PROVIDE ICE SCOOP WITH CONTAINER THAT WILL PROTECT THE UTENSIL FROM CONTAMINATION.
NOV 192015FAILED8 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
LOW TEMP DISH MACHINES IN KITCHEN AND BEHIND THE BAR MUST BE PROPERLY CONNECTED AND INSTALLED WITH CHEMICAL SANITIZERS.
MUST INSTALL AN EXPOSED HAND SINK BEHIND THE BAR, AND IN BASEMENT PREP AREA.
MUST FINISH INSTALLING PIPES UNDERNEATH WASH BOWLS IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM AND ALSO PROVIDE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER.
MUST FINISH INSTALLING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BEHIND THE BAR.
ATTACH A SELF-CLOSING DEVICE TO EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR IN BASEMENT.
MUST BE ABLE TO VERIFY EXHAUST SYSTEM IS WORKING ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN MAIN FOOD PREP AREA AND IN WASHROOMS.
COMMON STORAGE AREA IN BASEMENT MUST BE PROPERLY MAINTAINED FREE OF CLUTTER. ALL ARTICLES STORED IN THIS AREA MUST BE ELEVATED 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR AND AWAY FROM THE WALLS WHERE SPACE PERMITS.
PROVIDE ICE SCOOP WITH CONTAINER THAT WILL PROTECT THE UTENSIL FROM CONTAMINATION.
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 →