BLUE LINE.

Chicago Health Dept

1548 N DAMEN AVE · WICKER PARK, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Sep 2025), 2 critical violations noted.

14 inspections on record since 2011 · Last inspected Sep 2025 · 2 critical violations in the last 12 months.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

SEP 2025

INSPECTION HISTORY

SEP 17

2025

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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)

Critical Documentation & Training

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)

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE WALL BASE UNDER DISH MACHINE.

DEC 18

2024

PASS 1 violation

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

CLEAN THE FLOOR BENEATH THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND THE PREP COOLERS.

AUG 10

2023

PASS 1 violation

Minor Sanitation

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 3

2023

FAIL 4 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Serious Food Temperature

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.

Serious Other

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.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM LOCATED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

AUG 11

2022

PASS · 0 violations

show all 14 inspections →

AUG 4

2022

FAIL 6 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

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.

Serious Sanitation

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

Serious Other

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.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

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.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED MISSING CEILINGS TILE PANELS IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CEILING TILES.

Minor Documentation & Training

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 3

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 1 violation

Serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

NOV 26

2019

FAIL 8 violations

Serious Other

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.

Serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

Minor Sanitation

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

SEE VIOLATION #60

Serious Sanitation

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.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED 2-COMPARTMENT IN FRONT BAR AREA DRAINING SLOW. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

SEE VIOLATION #60

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

SEE VIOLATION #60

Minor Documentation & Training

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 13

2018

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 7 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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.

Critical Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Serious Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

NOTED THE POTATOE SLICER AT THE 2 COMPARTMENT SINK DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE.

Minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

NOTED THE VENT COVER IN THE EMPLOYEES WASHROOM IN THE BASEMENT DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN IDPH FOOD HANDLER CERITICATES ONSITE FOR INSPECTION OR CITATION WILL FOLLOW.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.

SEP 1

2017

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 2 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

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.

Minor Sanitation

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 21

2016

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

Minor Sanitation

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

GREASE INSIDE THE DEEP FRYERS,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

Minor Documentation & Training

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE PROVIDED ON PREMISES INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND KEEP IT ON PREMISES

JUL 2

2014

PASS 2 violations

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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.

Minor Pest Activity

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 27

2013

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

Thermometer not provided inside beverage/condiment cooler. Instructed to provide thermometer conspicuously inside cooler.

OCT 18

2011

PASS 5 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

Minor Sanitation

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

Minor Sanitation

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

Minor Sanitation

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

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

Public inspection records from Chicago Department of Public Health. Records current as of 2026-07-05. EatOrBeat reports records and does not rate restaurants. Source dataset →

Report an error on this page →