CACTUS BAR & GRILL.

Chicago Health Dept

404-406 S WELLS ST · WEST LOOP, CHICAGO

Last inspected 2019.

14 inspections on record since 2010 · Last inspected Dec 2019.

Last inspected Dec 2019. Records may not reflect current conditions.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

DEC 2019

INSPECTION HISTORY

DEC 19

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 3 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED BLOCKED EXPOSED HAND-SINK LOCATED IN PREP AREA WITH WATER RUNNING ON TOP OF CONTAINER HOLDING APPROXIMATELY 4 LBS OF RAW FISH THAWING AS WELL AS A LARGE KNIFE IN SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION . INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ITEMS. HAND-SINK TO BE USED ONLY FOR HAND-WASHING ONLY AND MUST ALWAYS BE ACCESSIBLE, NOT THAWING AND STORAGE OF IN USE KITCHEN UTENSILS.MUST MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.#7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED.

Serious Food Temperature

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES

OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING FOODS AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS DURING TIME OF INSPECTION... APPROXIMATELY 40 LBS OF COOKED CHICKEN WING PIECES NOTED @ 80.1F AS WELL AS APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS OF BOTH COOKED WHOLE CHICKEN BREAST AS WELL AS STRIPS NOTED @ (82.0F-88.1F) ALL STORED IN METAL PANS PLACED INSIDE OF ROLLING CART LOCATED IN PREP AREA NEXT TO GRILL. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO HOLD ALL HOT TCS FOODS AT 135.0F OR HIGHER AT ALL TIMES. VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED DURING INSPECTION. VALUE -$80. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Serious Food Storage & Handling

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

OBSERVED VARIOUS TCS FOODS (SPINACH DIP, HOUSE SAUCES, MARINATED MEAT,SOUP, ETC ) STORED INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER WITH IMPROPER LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD OR USE BY DATE LABELS (NOT TO EXCEED 7 DAYS) ON ALL REFRIGERATED FOOD READY TO EAT FOOD ITEMS HELD ON SITE FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATIONS ISSUED.

MAY 14

2018

PASS 5 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST REPAIR/REPLACE BROKEN DOOR GASKET ON 1-DOOR WHITE UPRIGHT FREEZER IN PREP AREA. DISCONTINUE USING ALUMINUM FOIL ON HEAVY EQUIPMENT, FOIL IS PROHIBITED. PROVIDE COVER FOR ICE BINS BEHIND THE BAR.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST DETAIL CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST DETAIL CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE ACCUMULATION FROM KITCHEN HOOD.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

MUST REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET AT 3-COMP SINK IN REAR PREP AREA.

Minor Employee Hygiene

APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

OBSERVED EMPLOYEE NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOOD IN PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO WEAR HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES WHILE PREPARING FOOD.

JUL 25

2017

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST DETAIL CLEAN COOKING EQUIPMENT AND THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYERS. MUST REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS.

Minor Sanitation

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

FLOORS UNDER FIRST FLOOR COOKING EQUIPMENT AND BASEMENT AREAS NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DAILY,

Minor Food Storage & Handling

TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS

EMPLOYEES BELONGINGS NOT STORED ONE DESIGNATED AREA, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SPACE FOR BELONGINGS TO BE STORED NICE AND NEATLY,

Minor Sanitation

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

CLUTTER/UNUSED EQUIPMENT 2ND FLOOR AND BASEMENT AREAS, INSTRUCTED CLEAN AND BETTER ORGANIZE WANTED ITEMS AND DISCARD UNUSED EQUIPMENT,

JUN 28

2016

PASS · 0 violations

JUN 21

2016

FAIL 2 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

EVIDENCE OF IMPROPER PEST CONTROL ON PREMISES.3-LIVE LARGE ROACHES ON PREMISES.1-CRAWLING BEHIND PIPE NEXT TO PREP COOLER AND 2- ALONG COVING OPENING NEAR SAME AREA.RECOMMENED PEST SERVICE. MUST CLEAN/SANITIZE AREAS. SERIOUS VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-020

Minor Pest Activity

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

OBSERVED OPENINGS,CRACK AND CRIEVES THRU-OUT KITCHEN.ALONG COVING,UPPER AND LOWER WALLS,WAITRESS STATION,HALLWAY LEADING TO DRY STORAGE AND WASHROOM AREAS,AND INSIDE STORAGE AREA.MUST SEAL TO PREVENT ANY HIDING AREAS FOR PEST.

show all 14 inspections →

MAY 19

2015

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST PROVIDE THE PROPER COVERS FOR ALL CONSUMABLE ICE BINS BEHIND THE FRONT BAR.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE VENTILATION COVERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYERS. MUST REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST REPAIR THE WALL COVING ACROSS FROM THE REAR WAIT STATION.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST DETAIL CLEAN WALLS BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.

MAY 11

2015

FAIL 5 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Plumbing & Waste

ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED

EMPLOYEE TOILET FACILITIES NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED. NOTED WASTE WATER BACKING UP FROM THE FLOOR DRAIN IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM WHEN THE TOILET IS FLUSHED. MUST REPAIR. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST PROVIDE THE PROPER COVERS FOR ALL CONSUMABLE ICE BINS BEHIND THE FRONT BAR.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE VENTILATION COVERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYERS. MUST REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST REPAIR THE WALL COVING ACROSS FROM THE REAR WAIT STATION.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST DETAIL CLEAN WALLS BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.

NOV 17

2014

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST SEAL THE SMALL OPENINGS ALONG THE BOTTOMS OF THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR FRONT ENTRANCE DOORS.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE SODA DISPENSER GUNS BEHIND BAR AREAS. MUST ALSO DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR TOP PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

MUST REPAIR THE LEAKY FAUCET AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE PREP AREA. MUST INSTALL HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER ABOVE THE FROZEN DESERT MACHINES IN THE NORTH BAR AREA OR REMOVE.

JUL 15

2014

PASS 6 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

RUBBER GASKETS NEEDED AT REACH IN COOLERS IN MAIN PREP AREA. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Sanitation

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

EXTERIOR OF MARGARITA MACHINES IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Sanitation

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

FLOORS IN BOTH AREAS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP OF DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Sanitation

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

WALLS IN MAIN BAR AREA HAVE FOOD SPLATTER WHERE BUS TUBS ARE KEPT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

AIR VENTS WITH DUST BUILD UP. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

WATER HOSE HOOK-UP FOR FROZEN DESSERT MACHINE MUST HAVE A SPRAYER NOZZLE WITH SHUT OFF TO CONTROL WATER. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.

OCT 31

2013

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST PROVIDE AN ICE BIN COVER AT ALL THE CONSUMABLE ICE BINS.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

MUST PROPERLY INSTALL HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT THE MARGARITA MACHINES (MUST USE FOOD GRADE EQUIPMENT)

OCT 24

2013

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE

REFRIGERATED FOOD STORAGE FACILITIES AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. NOTED REACH IN PREP COOLER AT 47.8 DEGREES F. MUST REPAIR OR ADJUST AND MAINTAIN COOLER AT 40 DEGREES F AND BELOW.

Critical Food Temperature

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 35LBS OF VARIOUS CHEESES,SLICED TOMATOES,ARTICHOKE DIP AND BUTTERMILK AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 46-58.1 DEGREES F. MUST MAINTAIN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS COLD FOODS AT 40 DEGREES F AND BELOW. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST PROVIDE AN ICE BIN COVER AT ALL THE CONSUMABLE ICE BINS.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

MUST PROPERLY INSTALL HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT THE MARGARITA MACHINES. (MUST USE FOOD GRADE EQUIPMENT)

JUN 26

2012

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDER HEAVY KITCHEN EQUIPMENT.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST REPAIR WALLCOUVING IN THE MIDDLE TOILET STALL IN THE LADIES RESTROOM TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST SEAL OPEN CREVICES AT WALCOUVING.

Minor Sanitation

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

MUST REMOVE PERSONAL ITEMS FROM THE DRY STORAGE AREA (I.E., GYM BAG AND EMPLOYEE SHOES).MUST PROVIDE LOCKERS FOR STAFF BELONGINGS.

JAN 10

2011

PASS 3 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

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

All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. Label all spray bottles in the kitchen with oil.

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. Repair the north bar floor where holes are going thru.

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. The drain line for the soda gun in the south bar was not properly draining and was rerouted and repaired at this time.

SEP 21

2010

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

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. The wand mixer has a dirty buildup which was washed, rinsed and sanitized at this time.

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. Clean and maintain the floors and baseboards in the bars so they are smooth and sanitary from corner to corner, in the kitchen cove the baseboards so they are sanitary .

Minor Sanitation

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. Repair the rough greasy wall around the salmander so it is smooth and sanitary.

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 →

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