SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

BOSS BAR.

BEAT. 42/100

420 N CLARK ST · RIVER NORTH, CHICAGO

Last inspected May 2, 2014 · passed

Failed 4 of 8 inspections. 3 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
8
4 passed · 4 failed
VIOLATIONS
28
includes 3 critical
RECORDS COVER
3 YEARS
since Dec 2010

INSPECTION HISTORY

MAY 2
2014
PASSED
3 violations
DETAILS
MINORChemical Safety
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE COOLERS AND FREEZERS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL FOOD ITEMS WITH DATE AND USE BY OR PREPARED BY DATE.

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

NOTED UNFINISHED FLOORS AT THE ENTRANCE OF ESTABLISHMENT AND MULTIPLE CRACKS ON FLOOR AT THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN

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

NOTED BROKEN WALL AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF ESTABLISHMENT COVERED WITH PLASTIC LINING. ALSO NOTED HOLES AND OPENING ON WALLS AT THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AT ROOM WITH BEER WALK IN COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL HOLES AND OPENING AND FINISH THE UNFINISHED WALL AT THE ENTRANCE AND MAINTAIN. MUST ALSO DETAIL CLEAN WALLS AND CEILING INSIDE THE BEER WALK IN COOLER AT THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA.

APR 25
2014
FAILED
5 violations
DETAILS
SERIOUSFood Storage & Handling
ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED AND INSTALLED

NOTED MENS BATHROOM FOR BOTH EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS LOCATED AT THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA IN POOR REPAIRS.(NOT FLUSHING PROPERLY). MANAGER IMMEDIATELY CALLED FOR REPAIRS. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE. PREMISES HAS ANOTHER TOILET ON THE FIRST FLOOR THAT EMPLOYEES CAN USE. CITATION ISSUED FOR SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-030

MINORChemical Safety
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE COOLERS AND FREEZERS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL FOOD ITEMS WITH DATE AND USE BY OR PREPARED BY DATE.

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

NOTED UNFINISHED FLOORS AT THE ENTRANCE OF ESTABLISHMENT AND MULTIPLE CRACKS ON FLOOR AT THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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

NOTED BROKEN WALL AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF ESTABLISHMENT COVERED WITH PLASTIC LINING. ALSO NOTED HOLES AND OPENING ON WALLS AT THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AT ROOM WITH BEER WALK IN COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL HOLES AND OPENING AND FINISH THE UNFINISHED WALL AT THE ENTRANCE AND MAINTAIN. MUST ALSO DETAIL CLEAN WALLS AND CEILING INSIDE THE BEER WALK IN COOLER AT THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA.

MINOREmployee Hygiene
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

NOTED HEAVY WATER LEAKING FROM THE BOTTOM PIPE OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AT THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND/OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. ALSO NOTED THE BAR AT THE MAIN FLOOR WITH NO HAND WASH SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A HAND WASH SINK WITHIN 90 DAYS. MANAGER STATES THAT THEY USE ONE OF THE SINK OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AS A HAND WASH SINK AND A DUMP SINK.(2x3 COMPARTMENT SINK AT BAR).

SEP 13
2013
PASSED
0 violations
SEP 12
2013
FAILED
2 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT INFESTATION, NO BIRDS, TURTLES OR OTHER ANIMALS

EVIDENCE OF COCKROACHES STILL EXISTING, OVER 10 LIVE ROACHES FOUND IN KITCHEN AND OVER 30 FRUIT FLIES FOUND IN BAR AND BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE.

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

CRACKS AND CREVICES STILL FOUND IN KITCHEN WALLS, MUST INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVERINGS ABOVE ICE MAKER AND CLEAN THE INSIDE TOO.

SEP 9
2013
FAILED
9 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT INFESTATION, NO BIRDS, TURTLES OR OTHER ANIMALS

FOUND OVER 50 LIVE COCKROACHES NESTING AND CRAWLING ON KITCHEN WALLS NEXT TO GRILL AND CHEST FREEZER, ALSO FOUND ROACHES IN BAR AREA AND ON THE WAY TO THE BASEMENT. FOUND OVER 100 LIVE FRUIT FLIES IN KITCHEN AND BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED ELIMINATE INSECTS ACTIVITY IN ALL AFFECTED AREAS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-020.

SERIOUSDocumentation & Training
* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED

NO CERTIFIED FOOD AND SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE, NO CERTIFICATE POSTED, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.

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

SEVERAL CHEST FREEZER DOORS MISSING RUBBER GASKETS, EXPOSED INSLATION, HEAVY ICE BUILD-UP. INSTURCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE.

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

SHELVES AND COOLER INTERIOR NOT CLEAN, GREASE AND DEAD INSECTED NOTED, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAIINTAIN.

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

SPILLS AND DEBRIS NOTED ON KITCHENS AND BAR FLOORS, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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

CEILING ABOVE THE ICE MAKER IN BASEMENT AREA DAMAGED AND SHEDDING, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A CEILING ABOVE.

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

CRACKS AND CREVICES NOTED ON KITCHEN WALLS, INSTRUCTED TO SEAL.

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

LEAKY PIPE UNDER 3-COMP SINK, LEAKY FAUCET TOO, WASTE WATER LINE DRAINING IN 3-COMP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

MINOROther
NO SMOKING REGULATIONS

17 ASHTRAYS FOUND ON KITCHEN SHELF WITH ASH TRACES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.

show all 8 inspections →
OCT 6
2011
PASSED
0 violations
SEP 29
2011
FAILED
7 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

All food should be properly protected from contamination during storage, preparation, display, service, and transportation. FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE. OBSERVED MOLD GROWTH ON INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACES OF THE MACHINE. UNIT TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE. ALSO OBSERVED FOOD NOT PROTECTED INSIDE OF ONE OF THE CHEST FREEZERS. OBSERVED BACON STORED UNCOVERED AND IN CONTACT WITH A CARDBOARD BOX INSIDE OF THE CHEST FREEZER. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A.

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. OBSERVED LIVE FRUIT FLIES BEHIND THE BAR, IN THE RESTROOMS, AND IN THE BASEMENT. APPROXIMATELY 20 LIVE FRUIT FLIES WERE OBSERVED. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.

MINORSanitation
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 INSTALL THE TOILET LIDS FOR THE WATER TANKS IN THE WOMEN'S RESTROOM. MUST PROVIDE COVERS FOR BOTH OF THE ICE BINS BEHIND THE BAR.

MINORSanitation
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. DETAIL CLEAN THE VENTILATION HOOD FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, LIGHT SHIELD IN THE PREP AREA, SODA GUN NOZZLES, STORAGE SHELVES IN THE PREP AREA, VENTILATION FAN COVERS IN THE RESTROOMS ALL EQUIPMENT BEHIND THE BAR.

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. DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT AND BEHIND THE BAR.

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. REPLACE THE MISSING BASEBOARD TILES AROUND THE MEN'S WASHROOM TOILET. REMOVE THE COBWEBS FROM THE BASEMENT CEILING.

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

REMOVE THE BUCKET OF STANDING WATER IN THE BASEMENT THAT IS DRAINED THE CONDENSER UNIT WATER FROM THE WALK-IN COOLER. PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR ALL 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS. MUST INSTALL DRAIN LINE HOSES BEHIND THE BAR AND ROUTE TO A FLOOR DRAIN.

DEC 3
2010
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
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. OBSERVED SLIGHT LIME BUILD UP INSIDE BAR GUN HOLDERS. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE/MAINTAIN BAR GUN HOLDERS.

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. OBSERVED HOLES IN BASMENT FLOOR BY TANKS AND GAP AT FLOORBASE UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST SEAL ALL HOLES AND GAPS IN FLOOR.

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 RIVER NORTH