BLACK BEETLE BAR & GRILL.
2532 W CHICAGO AVE · WICKER PARK, CHICAGO
Failed 6 of 19 inspections. 6 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
AUG 142025PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN PREP AREA.
2-102.13 : OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR SOME EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
2-102.13 : OBSERVED MISSING FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR SOME FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
AUG 72025FAILED10 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)
MANAGER STATES THAT THEY HAVE FOOD ITEMS ON THE MENU THAT CAN BE CONSUMED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED.OBSERVED NO REMINDER ASTERISKING THE FOOD ITEMS ON MENU MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF PATIO DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.
MUST REMOVE OR REPLACE DEEP GROOVES ON CUTTING BOARD ON TOPSIDE OF PREP COOLER IN PREP AREA.
MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN BASEMENT AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.MUST REMOVE FOIL FROM LID OF GREASE TRAP IN PREP AREA.
OBSERVED OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER LID ENCRUSTED WITH GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP MUST BE REMOVED, CLEANED, AND MAINTAINED.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B)(CITATION ISSUED)
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN PREP AREA.
MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES IN PREP & BAR AREA.
OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR SOME EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED MISSING FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR SOME FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
DEC 32024PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP ON THE METAL SHELVING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL SHELVING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND DEBRIS UNDER AND AROUND THE EQUIPMENT IN THE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA.
OBSERVED LOW LIGHTING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BRIGHTER LIGHTING AS A SOURCE OF BEING ABLE TO SEE BETTER WHEN CLEANING AND MAINTAINING THE FOOD SERVICE AREA.
DEC 82023PASSED1 violationDETAILS
OBSERVED A SMALL AMOUNT OF BLACK SLIME RESIDUE ON THE CORNER INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO SCHEDULE A DETAIL CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
JUN 102022PASSED1 violationDETAILS
OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
show all 19 inspections →
JUN 32022FAILED3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 65 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE STAIRS LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH AN EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
AUG 132019PASSED6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS IN HAND WASHING SINKS IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
SPLASH GUARD NEEDED AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. MUST PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
OBSERVED RUSTY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND FOOD STORAGE SHELVING IN BASEMENT. MUST REPAINT AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UPON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA AND FRONT BAR AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED DIRT ON CEILING LIGHT SHIELD COVERS IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
MAY 302017PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED FISH STORED DIRECTLY IN GROCERY BAGS INSIDE OF THE REACH-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS TO PROPERLY STORE MEATS AND FOOD ITEMS AT ALL TIMES.
MUST PROVIDE A LID OR COVER FOR THE CONSUMABLE ICE BIN BEHIND THE BAR TO PROTECT ICE IN BETWEEN USE.
OBSERVED BLACK SUBSTANCE ON THE GASKETS OF THE DEEP FREEZER WHERE FRENCH FRIES ARE STORED LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN GASKETS.
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE CONTAINER WHERE CHIPS ARE STORED IN. THE EXTERIOR IS SOILED AND MUST BE DETAIL CLEANED AND SANITIZED.
THE WALL BEHIND THE SPRAYER SINK NEXT TO THE DISHMACHINE IN THE KITCHEN IS DETERIORATING AND HAS A BLACK SUBSTANCE ALONG THE WALL THAT MUST BE CLEANED AND SANITIZED.
APR 62016FAILED4 violationsDETAILS
ONE COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTAINED,WHEN LOW TEMP DISH MACHINE RELEASE WATER,WASTE WATER BACKS -UP INTO THE SINK.ALSO OBSERVED SMALL AMOUNT OF WATER FROM UNDER THE GREASE TRAP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR CAUSE , SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-030
REACH-IN WHITE FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT EXTERIOR SURFACE IS EXTREMELY RUSTY UNABLE TO CLEAN,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR REPLACE DOORS.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
UNEVEN /BROKEN CEMENT FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.FLOOR MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE WOOD FLOOR BY THE BAR NOT STEADY INSTRUCTED TO RESEAL.
BROKEN /DIRTY CAULKING BETWEEN THE WALL AND WASH BOWLS IN THE CUSTOMER WASHROOM NEED TO REPLACE WITH A SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON- ABSORBENT SURFACE
SEP 152015PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
CLEAN ALL SIDE OF COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP. CLEAN INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLER AT FRONT BAR AREA. MUST CLEAN THE TOPS OF ALL TRASH CANS, CLEAN POP GINS AND LINES. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
FLOORS IN PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING BY GRILL AND FRY AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
GREASE BUILD UP AT WALL BY GRILL AREA AND FRYER AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
LIGHT SHIELDS IN BASEMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
HOOD VENTILATION IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
MAY 282014PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
LABEL BULK CONTAINERS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.
REPAIR DAMAGED GASKET ON DRAWER COOLER.
REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN PREP AREA. SEAL LOOSE BASEBOARDS IN PREP AREA.
REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN VENTILATION HOOD.
INSTALL AN EXPOSED HAND SINK, WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS IN BAR AREA.
JUN 142013PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
Cutting boards in maintained in prep area. Instructged to replace worn cutting boards.
Interior of ice machine, exterior between cooking equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize daily.
Exposed brick not sealed in dining area. Instructed to apply non-toxic sealant to surface. Gap noted along wallbase behind cooking equipment. Instructed to seal gap and install coving.
Drainline not attached in bar for soda dispenser. Instructed to connect drainline.
Food handler not wearing hair restraint in prep area. Instructed to provide proper hair restraint for all food handlers.
APR 112012FAILED6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
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 EVIDENCE OF RODENTS APPROX. 20 RODENT RAT DROPPINGS INSIDE 1 SECTION OF CRAWL SPACE BY THE MANAGERS OFFICE.SEAL ALL NOTICE ABLE OPENINGS AROUND PIPE PENETRATIONS. FOUND OUTER OPENINGS ARE NOT RODENT PROOFED. OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP ALONG THE BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER OF THE FRONT SOUTH EAST DOOR. ALSO FOUND INADEQUATE PEST CONTROL I.E INCOMPLETE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK DURING THIS INSPECTION MISSING DOCUMENTS A MAP OF ALL LOCATIONS OF ALL APPLICATIONS OF PESTICIDES,TRAP,AND MONITORING DEVICES.DETAIL CLEAN,SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR,PEST CONTROL SERVICE NOW RECCOMENDED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
The licensee shall inform the public in writing of the Chicago Department of Public Health?s Consumer Advisory relating to consuming raw and undercooked animal products.PROVIDE A CONSUMARY ADVISORY SIGNAGE FOR PUBLIC VIEW.
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.MUST INVERT THE TAKE-OUT STORAGE CONTAINERS STORED ON THE SHELF SO THAT THEY ARE PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION.
All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. PROVIDE ICE BIN COVER FOR ICE BIN BEHIND BAR.
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.REPAIR BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN THE LADIES TOILET ROOM.
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 THE WALK-IN-COOLER.
APR 152011PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MUST PROVIDE KNOBS TO STOVE AREA, TO PROPERLY TURN ON STOVE
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. MUST CLEAN VENTS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT, TOPS, SIDES AND INTERIOR CABINETS OF COOKING EQUIPMENT
The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. MUST REPAIR/REPAINT SOME CHIPPING WALL SURFACES IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA
NOV 92010PASSED1 violationDETAILS
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.Clean and degrease the equipment and surfaces in detail.
NOV 32010FAILED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
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 EVIDENCE OF RODENTS THROUGH APPROXIMATELY 20 RAT DFROPPINGS IN CLUTTERED BENEATH STAIRCASE LEADING TO BASEMENT DRY STORAGE,NOTICEABLE OPENINGS ON GROUND IN SAID AREA,FRONT WEST DOOR NOT RODENT-PROOFED 1/2 " MODE OF ENTRY.MUST CLEAN,SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS,SEAL ALL NOTED OPENINGS AROUND PLUMBING/ELECTRICAL FIXTURES,PEST CONTROL CO SERVICE NOW FRECCOMENDED,RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR.
All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.MUST REPLACE/REPAIR RUSTY SHELVING INSIDE WALK-IN-COOLER,BAR COOLERS USING A NON-TOXIC FINISH.
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.Clean and degrease the equipment and surfaces in detail.
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 THROUGHOUT REQUIRE DETAIL CLEANING.
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.REMOVE ALL CLUTTER FROM PREMISES.
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 →