OCT 3
2025
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
12 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
BLACK DOG GELATO.
YOUR CALL. 70/100
859 N DAMEN AVE · WICKER PARK, CHICAGO
Last inspected October 3, 2025 · passed with conditions
10 of 14 inspections passed, 2 failed, 2 passed with conditions. 6 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
14
10 passed · 2 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
39
includes 6 critical
RECORDS COVER
15 YEARS
since Jun 2010
INSPECTION HISTORY
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIROITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED.HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (SLICED TURKEY,PESTO,ARUGULA,PASTRAMI,GELATO,ETC)MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED
OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES BY MALE FOOD HANDLER OBSERVED HIM GO INTO WALK IN FREEZER AND COME BACK OUT,THEN PUT A MAGNET ON SIDE OF WALK IN COOLER THEN PUT ON PLASTIC GLOVES AND HANDLED A TURKEY SANDWICH THAT WAS ON TOPSIDE OF PREP COOLER TO PUT IN DELI PAPER WITHOUT WASHING HANDS.MUST WASH HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED
OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLER WASH HIS HANDS AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK FAR RIGHT COMPARTMENT SINK,AFTER BEING INSTRUCTED TO WASH HIS HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION .INSTRUCTED TO WASH HANDS AT DESIGNATED HAND WASHING SINK. (COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
GLOVES USED PROPERLY
OBSERVED IMPROPER USAGE OF PLASTIC GLOVES BY FOOD HANDLER.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN WALK IN COOLER AND 1ST FL. DRY STORAGE AREA.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY AIR CONDITIONING UNIT IN TOILET ROOM AND LEAKY CONDENSER IN WALK IN COOLER.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST CLEAN FOOD SPLATTER FROM WALL IN WALK IN FREEZER.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING FLOOR TILE IN WALK IN COOLER.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR IN BASEMENT AND STANDING WATER ON FLOOR BEHIND REACH IN FREEZER.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE OR ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN BASEMENT.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
JUL 32024PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
JUL 3
2024
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED SCOOP STORED IN SUGAR WITH HANDLE DIRECTLY TOUCHING SUGAR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE SCOOP WITH HANDLE FACING UP OR OUTSIDE OF CONTAINER ON A FOOD-GRADE SURFACE.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED INTERIOR OF MICROWAVE WITH DEBRIS BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED MISSING GROUT AT HAND WASHING SINK IN TOILET ROOM. THE SINK APPEARS DETACHED FROM THE WALL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
MAR 12019PASSED6 violationsDETAILS
MAR 1
2019
PASSED
6 violationsDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
STOPPERS NEEDED AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE AT THE ESPRESSO COFFEE MACHINE IN FRONT PREP AREA. MUST INSTALL SO THAT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICE AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK DRAINING SLOW IN FRONT PREP AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED OPENING INTO CEILING IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA NEXT TO 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST SEAL AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR WALL BASEBOARD BEHIND AND NEXT TO 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT DISHWASHING AREA.
56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
MAY 302018PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
MAY 30
2018
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
NOTED THE SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON THE WASHROOM NOT WORKING PROPERLY. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED LEAKS AT THE FAUCET FIXTURES ON THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE BASEMENT. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
show all 14 inspections →
MAY 262017PASSED1 violationDETAILS
MAY 26
2017
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
MUST PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING LATCH FOR THE EMPLOYEE BATHROOM BEHIND THE PREP AREA.
OCT 82015PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
OCT 8
2015
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
RUBBER GASKETS IN NEED OF REPAIRING ON REACH IN COOLER. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
FLOORS UNDER 1 COMP SINK AT 1 ST FLOOR IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE CERTIFICATES AT ALL TIMES.
MAY 222014PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
MAY 22
2014
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
REPAIR, SEAL OPENINGS, AND PAINT NORTH WALL IN PREP AREA.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND HOT WATER HANDLE ON 1-COMPARTMENT SINK.
AUG 72012PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violationsDETAILS
AUG 7
2012
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violationsDETAILS
* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
(a) All food establishments, and all theaters at which food is prepared or served, shall employ and have present on the premises at all times that potentially hazardous food is being prepared or served, a person who holds a department of health certificate of registration in food handling and sanitation.Every such certificate of registration shall be posted conspicuously in that part of the retail food establishment to which the public has access.Serious violation 7-38-012(a).
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
All clean single service utensils must be stored with handles up.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
Must Seal noticeable openings on walls in basement areas were noted.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
Clean and organize dry storage area shelvings in basement must be made accessible for inspection.
APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
Food handlers must have hair restraints when working around open food.
AUG 22011PASSED1 violationDETAILS
AUG 2
2011
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
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 REPAIR LEAK UNDER THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, BASEMENT DISH AREA
JUN 162010FAILED1 violation1 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 16
2010
FAILED
1 violation1 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME
Equipment and utensils should get proper exposure to the sanitizing solution during the rinse cycle. Bactericidal treatment shall consist of exposure of all dish and utensil surfaces to a rinse of clean water at a temperature of not less than 180F.HOT & COLD RUNNING WATER NOT INSTALLED FOR TABLE TOP TAYLOR ICE CREAM MACHINES,NO TAYLOR CLEANING MANUALS ON SITE.
JUN 32010FAILED3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 3
2010
FAILED
3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME
Equipment and utensils should get proper exposure to the sanitizing solution during the rinse cycle. Bactericidal treatment shall consist of exposure of all dish and utensil surfaces to a rinse of clean water at a temperature of not less than 180F.HOT & COLD RUNNING WATER NOT INSTALLED FOR TABLE TOP TAYLOR ICE CREAM MACHINES,NO TAYLOR CLEANING MANUALS ON SITE.
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.4" INCH COVING NOT INSTALLED IN FOOD PREP,DISHROOM.
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.WALLS THROUGHOUT FOOD PREP BEHIND SERVICE COUNTERS,DRY STORAGE NOT SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE.
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 →