MAY 15
2025
PASSED
6 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
CHEMA'S RESTAURANT INC.
YOUR CALL. 65/100
3434 W NORTH AVE · LOGAN SQUARE, CHICAGO
Last inspected May 15, 2025 · passed
7 of 13 inspections passed, 3 failed, 3 passed with conditions. 9 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
13
7 passed · 3 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
56
includes 9 critical
RECORDS COVER
8 YEARS
since Apr 2017
INSPECTION HISTORY
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
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.
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
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT AND TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED WOMENS TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE WITH BROKEN LID, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
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 192024PASSED3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MAR 19
2024
PASSED
3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
FOUND NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINKS AT PREPARATION AREAS.MUST PROVIDE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FOUND EXTERIOR WALLS OF MOP SINK WITH MISSING TILES.MUST PROVIDE.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
FOUND SANITATION MANAGER WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING.MUST PROVIDE.
AUG 182023PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 18
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
CLEAN THE GREASE BUILDUP ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA.
APR 112023PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
APR 11
2023
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
PREP TABLE CAN OPENER WITH FOOD BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN CAN OPENER AND MAINTAIN.
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 13 inspections →
DEC 12022FAILED7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
DEC 1
2022
FAILED
7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
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.
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.
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.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
REPAIR THE LEAK UNDER THE MIDDLE COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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.
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 112021FAILED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 11
2021
FAILED
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP AT REAR EXIT/ENTRANCE DOOR SWEEP. MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR.
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.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
HOT WATER TANK ROOM FLOOR CLUTTERED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF FLOOR OR REMOVE ITEMS.
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 162020PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MAR 16
2020
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
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.
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.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE WAS PROVIDED IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
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 72019PASS W/ CONDITIONS14 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
FEB 7
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
14 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
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)
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)
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)
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN HAND SINK AND PREP TABLE IN BAR AREA.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
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.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING HANDLE ON REACH IN FREEZER.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLE,FRYER CABINET,CAN OPENER.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM WALLS IN PREP AREAS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND ALONG WALLS THROUGHOUT.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHTS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW FOR FOOD MANAGERS.MUST PROVIDE AND POST.
JUL 132017PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
JUL 13
2017
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
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.
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.
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.
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 62017FAILED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
APR 6
2017
FAILED
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
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)
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.
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
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.
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 →