SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

BIRCHWOOD KITCHEN.

BEAT. 41/100

2211 W NORTH AVE · LOGAN SQUARE, CHICAGO

Last inspected September 1, 2015 · passed

Failed 3 of 9 inspections. 9 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
9
5 passed · 1 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
51
includes 9 critical
RECORDS COVER
5 YEARS
since Feb 2010

INSPECTION HISTORY

SEP 1
2015
PASSED
9 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED RUSTY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING IN BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REPAINT OR REPLACE.

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

OBSERVED GREASE BUIL-UP ON VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT AT FRONT PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DIRT ON INTERIOR PANELS OF ICE MACHINE AT THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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

FLOOR ALONG WALLBASE AND IN ALL CORNERS IN KITCHEN PREP AREA AND BASEMENT NEAR TO EXIT DOOR NEEDS DETAIL CLEANING FURNACE ROOM, FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT PREMISES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES IN BASEMENT ABOVE DISHWASHING AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. RECAULK SURFACES OVER 3 COMP SINK IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA.

MINOROther
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS NEEDED IN ALL COOLERS IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN

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

OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLE IN BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE CLEAN AND ORGANIZE BASEMENT TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.

MINOREmployee Hygiene
APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS AT FRONT PREP AREA SERVING AND PREPARING FOOD WITHOUT WEARING A HAIR RESDTRAINT. MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED.

MINORSanitation
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE AT FRONT PREP AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

MINOROther
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET. NO LOGS RECORDS, ON SITE AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

AUG 25
2015
FAILED
10 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

EVIDENCE OF LIVE FRUIT FLIES ON PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 55 LIVE FRUIT FLIES ON BASEMENT WALLS, PIPES, CARDBOARD BOXES, AND STORAGE SHELVING. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZED AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTRO; SERVICES IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE FLYING INSECT PROBLEM. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.

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

OBSERVED RUSTY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING IN BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REPAINT OR REPLACE.

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

OBSERVED GREASE BUIL-UP ON VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT AT FRONT PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DIRT ON INTERIOR PANELS OF ICE MACHINE AT THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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

FLOOR ALONG WALLBASE AND IN ALL CORNERS IN KITCHEN PREP AREA AND BASEMENT NEAR TO EXIT DOOR NEEDS DETAIL CLEANING FURNACE ROOM, FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT PREMISES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES IN BASEMENT ABOVE DISHWASHING AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. RECAULK SURFACES OVER 3 COMP SINK IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA.

MINOROther
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS NEEDED IN ALL COOLERS IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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

OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLE IN BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE CLEAN AND ORGANIZE BASEMENT TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.

MINOREmployee Hygiene
APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS AT FRONT PREP AREA SERVING AND PREPARING FOOD WITHOUT WEARING A HAIR RESDTRAINT. MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED.

MINORSanitation
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE AT FRONT PREP AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

MINOROther
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET. NO LOGS RECORDS, ON SITE AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

AUG 27
2014
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

FLOORS NEED CLEANING THROUGH OUT BASEMENT PREP AREA AND INSIDE THE THE WALK IN COOLER TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.

MINORSanitation
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

NOTED SOME MISSING AND DAMANGED CEILING TILES IN THE PREP AREAS. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. NOTED THE WALL IN THE WALK IN COOLER HAS PEELING PAINT AND EXPOSED BRICK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

AUG 22
2014
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALFood Temperature
FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE

FOUND PREP COOLERS AT IMPROPER AIR TEMPERATURES OF 61.8F AND 50.1F, WHICH POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE KEPT. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A). PREP COOLERS ARE TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION.

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

FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN PREP COOLERS MENTION ABOVE. FOODS SUCH AS CHICKEN SALAD AT 59.2F, TUNA SALAD 57.4F, SLICE TURKEY AT 56.5F, SLICE HAM AT 58.1F, SHRIMP SALAD AT 50.6F AND PORK LOIN AT 48.7F. TOTAL WEIGHT WAS 20LBS AND COST $250 OF FOODS THAT WERE DISCARDED AND DENATURED. CITATION ISSUED #7-38.005(A).

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

FLOORS NEED CLEANING THROUGH OUT BASEMENT PREP AREA AND INSIDE THE THE WALK IN COOLER TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.

MINORSanitation
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

NOTED SOME MISSING AND DAMANGED CEILING TILES IN THE PREP AREAS. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. NOTED THE WALL IN THE WALK IN COOLER HAS PEELING PAINT AND EXPOSED BRICK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

SEP 12
2013
PASSED
6 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

MUST REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS BEHIND THE FRONT PREP AREA HAS OPEN SEAMS ALSO NUST PROVIDE A BACKFLOW DEVICE ON THE MOP SINK IN BASEMENT AREA ND REMOVE THE RUST FROM SHELVING UNITS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER IN BASEMENT AREA ALSO CLEAN THE FANS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT AREA OF DUST

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

MUST DEFROST AND CLEAN INTERIOR OF ALL REACH-IN FREEZERS IN BASEMENT AREA

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

MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD COVERS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT AREA

MINORPlumbing & Waste
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

MUST PROVIDE DRAIN STOPPERS AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AT THE FRONT PREP AREA

MINOROther
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER IN BASEMENT AREA AND PREP COOLERS AT THE FRONT PREP AREA

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

MUST REMOVE CLUTTER FROM THE REAR STORAGE AREA WHERE THE FURANCE IS LOCATED TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE

show all 9 inspections →
SEP 3
2013
FAILED
9 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

OBSERVED A ICE MACHINE AT THE FRONT PREP AREA NOT WORKING ,HOWEVER OBSERVED ICE STORED INSIDE MACHINE WHICH HAS LARDE AMOUNTS OF BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE THROUGHOUT MACHINE AND WHERE ICE HAS BEEN MADE MANAGER IMMEDIATELY REMOVED ICE FROM MACHINE AND CLEANED AND SANITIZED THE ICE MACHINE DURING INSPECTION THERE IS A ICE MACHINE IN THE BASEMENT WHERE ICE IS BEING MADE AND BROUGHT UPSTAIRS TO THE ICE MACHINE THAT IS NOT WORKING AT THE FRONT PREP AREA CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A)

CRITICALPest Activity
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR IS NOT RODENT PROOF HAS A 1/4 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF DOOR, ALSO OBSERVED 1/2 INCH GAP AT THE GARAGE OVERHEAD DOOR MUST REPAIR TO PREVENT RODENT ENTRY CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020

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

THE ABOVE IS OPERATING WITHOUT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED SUCH AS,SANDWICHES,EGGS, BACON,AND SOUPS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012

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

MUST REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS BEHIND THE FRONT PREP AREA HAS OPEN SEAMS ALSO NUST PROVIDE A BACKFLOW DEVICE ON THE MOP SINK IN BASEMENT AREA ND REMOVE THE RUST FROM SHELVING UNITS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER IN BASEMENT AREA ALSO CLEAN THE FANS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT AREA OF DUST

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

MUST DEFROST AND CLEAN INTERIOR OF ALL REACH-IN FREEZERS IN BASEMENT AREA

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

MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD COVERS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT AREA

MINORPlumbing & Waste
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

MUST PROVIDE DRAIN STOPPERS AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AT THE FRONT PREP AREA

MINOROther
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER IN BASEMENT AREA AND PREP COOLERS AT THE FRONT PREP AREA

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

MUST REMOVE CLUTTER FROM THE REAR STORAGE AREA WHERE THE FURANCE IS LOCATED TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE

JUL 12
2011
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
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.MUST REPAIR PEELING PAINT ON WALL OVER 2 COMP SINK MUST BE SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES,RECAULK SURFACES OVER 3 COMP SINK IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP.

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

All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors.CLEAN,ORGANIZE DRY STORAGE AREAS IN BASEMENT,REMOVE CLUTTERED CONDITIONS IN MOP SINK AREA.

JUL 5
2011
FAILED
5 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines.FOUND APPROXIMATELY 40 RAT DROPPINGS IN CLUTTERED GARAGE STORAGE AREA.MUST DETAIL CLEAN,SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS,REMOVE CLUTTER CONDITIONS FROM SAID AREA,PEST CONTROL SERVICE NOW RECCOMENDED.

MINORSanitation
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.FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS REQUIRE A DETAIL CLEANING THROUGHOUT INCLUDING FURNACE ROOM,FLOOR DRAINS.

MINORSanitation
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.MUST REPAIR PEELING PAINT ON WALL OVER 2 COMP SINK MUST BE SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES,RECAULK SURFACES OVER 3 COMP SINK IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP.

MINOROther
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units.THERMOMETER IS NEEDED INSIDE WALK-IN-COOLER-MUST PROVIDE,MAINTAIN.

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

All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors.CLEAN,ORGANIZE DRY STORAGE AREAS IN BASEMENT,REMOVE CLUTTERED CONDITIONS IN MOP SINK AREA.

FEB 4
2010
PASSED
4 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
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. OBSERVED CLEANED MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES ON SHELVING UNITS AND THROUGHOUT FACILITY STORED IMPROPERLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INVERT AT ALL TIMES. MUST STORE DISH WASHER RACKS 6" OFF THE FLOOR.

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

All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. MOP-SINK WITH SO MUCH DEBRIS,AND SHELVING UNITS THRU-OUT FRONT PREP AREA WITH FOOD DEBRIS,CABINET UNDER COFFEE COUNTER WITH SPILLS,AND VENT IN TOILET WITH DUST NEEDS CLEANING.

MINORSanitation
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. FLOORS IN OFFICE WITH DEBRIS, FLOORS UNDER STORAGE SHELVES AT FRONT PREP AREAS WITH FOOD CRUMBS, AND STAIRWELLS WITH DARK MUDDED BUILD UP NEEDS CLEANING. MUST ALSO CLEAN FLOORS IN FURNACE ROOM WITH DEBRIS.

MINORSanitation
LINEN: CLEAN AND SOILED PROPERLY STORED

Soiled and clean linens, coats, and aprons shall be properly stored. MUST REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET JOINT ON 3COMP.SINK .

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 →

NEARBY IN LOGAN SQUARE