SEP 17
2025
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
BLUE LINE.
BEAT. 40/100
1548 N DAMEN AVE · WICKER PARK, CHICAGO
Last inspected September 17, 2025 · passed with conditions
Failed 3 of 14 inspections. 7 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
14
7 passed · 4 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
49
includes 7 critical
RECORDS COVER
13 YEARS
since Oct 2011
INSPECTION HISTORY
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED NO VALID CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE WALL BASE UNDER DISH MACHINE.
DEC 182024PASSED1 violationDETAILS
DEC 18
2024
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
CLEAN THE FLOOR BENEATH THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND THE PREP COOLERS.
AUG 102023PASSED1 violationDETAILS
AUG 10
2023
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM LOCATED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
AUG 32023FAILED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 3
2023
FAILED
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
OBSERVED HIGH-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE MAINTAINING IMPROPER FINAL RINSE TEMPERATURE OF 173F. THE MACHINE WAS TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN HIGH-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE SO THAT IT MAINTAINS A FINAL RINSE TEMPERATURE BETWEEN 180-195F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE THERMOMETER ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM LOCATED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
show all 14 inspections →
AUG 42022FAILED6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 4
2022
FAILED
6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HAND SINK IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
OBSERVED ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA WITH A BUILD-UP OF BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE, DRIPPING ONTO ICE CUBES STORED AT BELOW ICE BIN. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. ALSO BLACK SLIME AT EXTERIOR OF UNIT BETWEEN ICE BIN AND TOP PART OF THE UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN,SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
OBSERVED ESTABLISHMENT SERVING UNDER COOKED FOOD ITEMS HAMBURGERS WITH NO CONSUMER ADVISOR DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU WITH DISCLOSURE NOTICE AND REMINDER STATEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED NO LABELS FOR BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS (FLOUR AND SEASONING) STORED IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED MISSING CEILINGS TILE PANELS IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CEILING TILES.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
DEC 32019PASS W/ CONDITIONS1 violationDETAILS
DEC 3
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
1 violationDETAILS
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
OBSERVED ESTABLISHMENT SERVING UNDER COOKED FOOD ITEMS HAMBURGERS WITH NO CONSUMER ADVISOR DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU WITH DISCLOSURE NOTICE AND REMINDER STATEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
NOV 262019FAILED8 violationsDETAILS
NOV 26
2019
FAILED
8 violationsDETAILS
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED IMPROPER DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS INSIDE PREP COOLERS AND WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
OBSERVED ESTABLISHMENT SERVING UNDER COOKED FOOD ITEMS HAMBURGERS WITH NO CONSUMER ADVISOR DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU WITH DISCLOSURE NOTICE AND REMINDER STATEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
SEE VIOLATION #60
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS AVAILABLE ON PREMISES TO MEASURE THE CONCENTRATION OF SANITIZER AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED 2-COMPARTMENT IN FRONT BAR AREA DRAINING SLOW. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
SEE VIOLATION #60
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
SEE VIOLATION #60
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 9/13/18 REPORT#2222320. #47 NOTED 2 OF THE SINK STOPPERS AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK NOT PROPERLY WORKING. UNABLE TO PROVIDE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON SITE ALSO UNABLE TO PROVIDE IDPH FOOD HANDLER CERITICATES AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BY NEXT INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATON 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
SEP 132018PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
SEP 13
2018
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #2-201.11.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #2-501.11.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
NOTED 2 OF THE SINK STOPPERS AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK NOT PROPERLY WORKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
NOTED THE POTATOE SLICER AT THE 2 COMPARTMENT SINK DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
NOTED THE VENT COVER IN THE EMPLOYEES WASHROOM IN THE BASEMENT DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN IDPH FOOD HANDLER CERITICATES ONSITE FOR INSPECTION OR CITATION WILL FOLLOW.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.
SEP 12017PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
SEP 1
2017
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF THE LINE PREP COOLER. OBSERVED SOUR CREAM AT 46F, CHEESE AT 51.3F, HUMMUS AT 46,4F, GUACAMOLE AT 47.7F, VEGGIE BURGER AT 44.6F, CHICKEN AT 44.1F, MEATLOAF AT 44.1F, WHIPPING CREAM AT 45.9F, FISH AT 48.2F, HAM AT 46.4F, POT PIE FILLING AT 45.9F, AND MILK AT 45.9F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 18# OF FOOD WORTH $190. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
NO SMOKING REGULATIONS
OBSERVED AN ASHTRAY STORED ON THE BASEMENT EMPLOYEE WORK TABLE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT NO ASHTRAYS AND NO SMOKING IS ALLOWED INSIDE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT. CHICAGO CLEAN INDOOR AIR ORDINANCE 7-32-020.
APR 212016PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
APR 21
2016
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
WATER SPRAYER BY THE HIGH TEMP DISH MACHINE LEAKING INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR CAUSE. RUSTY SHELVES INSIDE THE PREP COOLER IN THE KITCHEN,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE REMOVE ALUMINUM FOIL AND CARDBOARDS USED FOR SHELVING AND FOR UNDER THE PIZZA WOOD SPATULAS. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
GREASE INSIDE THE DEEP FRYERS,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
NO EXPOSED HAND SINK INSTALLED BEHIND THE BAR.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SAID SINK UNDER THE CITY PLUMBING CODE,ALSO PROVIDE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS/HAND DRYING DEVICE
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE PROVIDED ON PREMISES INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND KEEP IT ON PREMISES
JUL 22014PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JUL 2
2014
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
REPAIR TIMER ON FAUCET IN MEN WASHROOM. REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT PREP AREA.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
STORE MOP HEAD UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING. ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR IN BASEMENT LIQUOR STORAGE AREA.
SEP 272013PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
SEP 27
2013
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
Multi use utensils not properly stored. Instructed to invert utensils to prevent contamination before use.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
Ice bins not provided with covers. Instructed to provide proper covers to prevent ice from being contaminated.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
Can opener attached to prep table not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize. Soda gun holder not provided at bar soda dispenser. Instructed to install holder.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
Thermometer not provided inside beverage/condiment cooler. Instructed to provide thermometer conspicuously inside cooler.
OCT 182011PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
OCT 18
2011
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MUST PROVIDE LIDS TO ICE CONTAINERS BEHIND BAR AREA
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. MUST CLEAN VENTS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT BASEMENT AREA
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 STICKY BEHIND BAR AREA, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN
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. LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA NOT SHIELD, MUST PROVIDE SHIELDS, AND CLEAN LIGHT SHIELD BY BASEMENT AREA ICE MACHINE
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 LEAKING FAUCETS AT 2 COMP., 3 COMP., AND EXPOSED HAND BOWL, IN BASEMENT AREA
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 →