Chema's Restaurant Inc

Chicago Health Dept

3434 W NORTH AVE · LOGAN SQUARE, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Aug 2026).

14 inspections on record since 2017 · Last inspected Aug 2026.

The numbers

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

AUG 2026

Inspection history

AUG 10

2026

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL BEING USED AS LINER ON STORAGE SHELF AT BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALUMINUM FOIL LINERS AND ENSURE ALL NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES REMAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 3-DOOR STAND-UP COOLER LOCATED AT REAR KITCHEN PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE TOP AND SIDES OF THE STOVE AND INTERIOR OF THE OVEN, SIDES OF THE DEEP FRYERS, PREP COOLERS, AND PREP TABLES AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILD-UP ON THE KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.

MAY 15

2025

PASS 6 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED STORAGE RACKS IN REACH IN COOLER ENCRUSTED WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND RUST, SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED REACH IN FREEZER WITH BEING HELD CLOSED WITH PARING KNIFE, GASKET IS TORN AND INTERIOR BROKEN WITH INSULATION EXPOSED, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE REACH-IN FREEZER

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT AND TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED WOMENS TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE WITH BROKEN LID, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS, AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, STORAGE, AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS, AND ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON FAN IN WALK-IN COOLER, LIGHT SHIELDS IN COOKING AREA, CEILING, AND WALL VENTS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FANS, LIGHT SHIELDS, AND CEILING/WALL VENTS.

MAR 19

2024

PASS 3 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

FOUND NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINKS AT PREPARATION AREAS.MUST PROVIDE.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FOUND EXTERIOR WALLS OF MOP SINK WITH MISSING TILES.MUST PROVIDE.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

FOUND SANITATION MANAGER WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING.MUST PROVIDE.

AUG 18

2023

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 7 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP PROVIDED AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN THE BAR AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND SOAP AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). SEE VIOLATION #10 ABOVE FOR CITATION.

Serious Food Temperature

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLER. OBSERVED COOKED BEEF AT 48F INSIDE OF THE 3 DOOR PREP COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation

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

REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

CLEAN THE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE MICROWAVES, WIRE STORAGE RACKS ABOVE THE PREP COOLER AND NEXT TO THE DEEP FRYERS, PREP TABLES, GRILL, DEEP FRYERS EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR, AND INTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS AND FREEZERS.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

CLEAN THE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE WALLS OF BOTH PREP AREAS AND AROUND THE DISH WASHING AREA. CLEAN THE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR OF THE PREP AREAS ESPECIALLY ALONG WALLS AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND COOLERS AND FREEZERS.

Minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

CLEAN THE GREASE BUILDUP ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA.

APR 11

2023

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

PREP TABLE CAN OPENER WITH FOOD BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN CAN OPENER AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE PREP AREA REACH IN 2-DOOR COOLER. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF PREP AREA 2-DOOR REACH IN COOLER AND MAINTAIN.

show all 14 inspections →

DEC 14

2022

PASS · 0 violations

DEC 1

2022

FAIL 7 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS BEHIND THE BAR AND REAR PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE. THERE WAS ICE STORED IN THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK BEHIND THE BAR THAT WAS USED TO KEEP FOOD COLD (A CAN OF WHIPPED CREAM AND A CONTAINER OF CUT FRUIT). ALSO OBSERVED A LARGE BAG OF BREAD STORED ON TOP OF THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR USE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

Serious Chemical Safety

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

OBSERVED SEVERAL ITEMS THAT WERE NOT LABELED ON THE MENU WITH THE CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS (RAW OYSTERS AND CEVICHE). MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE OR DESCRIBE ALL FOOD ITEMS WHICH CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THEM TO THE REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

CLEAN THE TOP AND SIDES OF THE STOVE AND INTERIOR OF THE OVEN, SIDES OF THE DEEP FRYERS, PREP COOLERS, AND PREP TABLES.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

REPAIR THE LEAK UNDER THE MIDDLE COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

CLEAN THE WALLS IN THE FRONT AND REAR FOOD PREP AREAS. CLEAN THE FLOOR IN THE REAR STORAGE ROOM ACROSS FROM THE OFFICE.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.

AUG 18

2021

PASS · 0 violations

AUG 11

2021

FAIL 4 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP AT REAR EXIT/ENTRANCE DOOR SWEEP. MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD/GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD FILTERS, FOOD BUILD UP INSIDE PREP AREA REACH IN 2-DOOR COOLER AND CAN OPENER WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

HOT WATER TANK ROOM FLOOR CLUTTERED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF FLOOR OR REMOVE ITEMS.

Minor Sanitation

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2365818 DATED ON 03/16/20 NOT CORRECTED,# 55 CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER PREVIOUS SAID CORE VIOLATION MUST BE CORRECTED BY DATE OF REINSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090.

MAR 16

2020

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 5 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SUPPLIES LISTED ON THE CLEAN UP PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Serious Food Temperature

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. OBSERVED EGGS AT 45.9F, GREEN SALSA AT 55F, SOUP AT 45.3F, MENUDO AT 46.4F, COOKED RICE AT 50.7F, SHREDDED LETTUCE AT 44.2F, CHEESE AT 44.6, AND MILK AT 46.8F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 60# OF FOOD WORTH $200. PRIORITY 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE WAS PROVIDED IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE STORAGE ROOM AND FOOD PREP AREAS ESPECIALLY BEHIND EQUIPMENT AND THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.

FEB 7

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 14 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)

Critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)

Serious Food Storage & Handling

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

OBSERVED INCOMPLETE DATE MARKINGS ON TCS READY TO EAT FOODS BEING HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN USE BY DATE.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)

Serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON MENUS OF THE RISK OFCONSUMING RAW AND UNDERCOOKED FOODS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)

Minor Food Storage & Handling

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN HAND SINK AND PREP TABLE IN BAR AREA.

Minor Sanitation

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT RAW WOOD SURFACES AT BAR AND REAR OVERHEAD STORAGE SHELVES.MUST MAKE RAW WOOD SHELVES AT BAR AREA SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING HANDLE ON REACH IN FREEZER.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLE,FRYER CABINET,CAN OPENER.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM WALLS IN PREP AREAS.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND ALONG WALLS THROUGHOUT.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHTS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW FOR FOOD MANAGERS.MUST PROVIDE AND POST.

JUL 13

2017

PASS 4 violations

Minor Food Storage & Handling

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

OBSERVED PREPACKAGED READY TO EAT FOOD ITEMS NOT LABELED INSIDE FRONT 2-DOOR COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND DATE. MUST LABEL BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IN REAR FOOD STORAGE ROOM.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED GREASE BUILD-UP ON VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DIRT INSIDE PANELS OF ICE MAHINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR IN REAR STORAGE ROOM WHERE ICE MACHINE IS LOCATED. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

OBSERVED NO LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE PREP TABLES IN FOOD PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

APR 10

2017

PASS · 0 violations

APR 6

2017

FAIL 4 violations 1 CRITICAL

Serious Food Storage & Handling

FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

FRONT SERVICE AREA ENTRANCE LEADING TO FOOD PREP AREA MUST BE PROTECTED AGAINST PUBLIC CONTAMINATION SUCH AS BARRIER OR SWINGING DOOR. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)

Critical Pest Activity

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

OBSERVED REAR RECEIVING EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF. DOOR HAS APPROXIMATELY 1 TO 1 1/2 INCH OPENING ON BOTTOM AND SIDE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO M AKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED OPENINGS INTO CEILING ABOVE VENTILATION HOOD. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN

Minor Employee Hygiene

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

OBSERVED PLUMBERS PUTTY AROUND DRAINS IN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS. MUST REMOVE ALL PUTTY AND MAINTAIN.

Public inspection records from Chicago Department of Public Health. Records current as of 2026-09-06. EatOrBeat reports records and does not rate restaurants. Source dataset →

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