SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

CHICAGO SMOKE LTD.

EAT. 91/100

2300 S THROOP ST · PILSEN, CHICAGO

Last inspected February 17, 2026 · passed

31 of 39 inspections passed, with 17 critical violations on file.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
39
31 passed · 1 w/ conditions · 7 failed
VIOLATIONS
51
includes 17 critical
RECORDS COVER
13 YEARS
since Dec 2012

INSPECTION HISTORY

FEB 17
2026
PASSED
0 violations
NOV 4
2025
PASSED
0 violations
AUG 8
2025
PASSED
1 violation1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED THE MAIN ENTRANCE DOOR TO THE NORTH KITCHEN WITH A SMALL OPENING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OPENING AND MAINTAIN.

FEB 24
2025
PASSED
0 violations
APR 2
2024
PASSED
0 violations
show all 39 inspections →
DEC 8
2023
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

FOUND 2 OUT OF 3 BUILT IN STOPPERS AT THE 3 COMP SINK INOPERABLE, SAID STOPPER UNABLE TO HOLD WATER. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

SEP 6
2023
PASSED
3 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN KITCHEN AND DISH AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED NON WORKING VENTILATION FAN IN RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.

FEB 1
2023
PASSED
0 violations
JAN 25
2023
FAILED
1 violation1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

FOUND APPROX. 50 RAT DROPPINGS ON SITE IN THE FOLLOWING STORAGE AREAS: HAPPY LOBSTER AND DOCK 15. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE DROPPINGS, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN SAID AREAS. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

APR 5
2022
PASSED
0 violations
MAR 29
2022
FAILED
2 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY. OBSERVED ABOUT 20 RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE AMERICAN GLORY STORAGE SECTION, ABOUT 5 RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE OLMAR STORAGE SECTION AND ABOUT 10 RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE STORAGE SECTION ACROSS FROM SAID STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

6-202.15 OBSERVED DOCK DOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING WITH A ONE INCH GAP AT DOCK DOOR #55. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE SAID DOOR TIGHT FITTING AND RODENT PROOFED.

AUG 20
2021
PASSED
5 violations
DETAILS
SERIOUSFood Storage & Handling
FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED

OBSERVED A FEW FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER NOT PROPERLY STORED: INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE FOOD GRADE STORAGE CONTAINER AND COMPLETELY COVER FOOD ITEMS TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED TWO TRAYS OF FOOD ON THE FLOOR INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER. MUST ELEVATE 6" OFF THE FLOOR.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE WALK IN COOLER DIRTY. MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOORS AND SHELVING TO REMOVE DEBRIS AND SPILLS.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED THE FAUCET IN THE MEN WASHROOM LOOSE(1st KITCHEN). MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST CLEAN THE FLOORS ACROSS FROM THE WALK IN COOLER TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.

FEB 18
2021
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

THE STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER NEEDS CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

FEB 11
2021
FAILED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

THE STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER NEEDS CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

SERIOUSEmployee Hygiene
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-205.15(A) OBSERVED THE HOT WATER HEATER IN POOR REPAIR IN ONE OF TWO FOOD PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN HOT WATER AT 110F AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND 100F AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).

JAN 27
2021
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

THE STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER NEEDS CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

JAN 5
2021
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

THE STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER NEEDS CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

NOV 24
2020
PASSED
0 violations
NOV 20
2020
PASSED
0 violations
OCT 1
2020
PASSED
0 violations
MAR 17
2020
PASSED
4 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

6-202.15 OBSERVED OUTER OPENINGS NOT PROTECTED AND NOT TIGHT FITTING AT SAID DOCK DOORS AND DOCK AREA; DOOR #40, #41, #65, #73, #89 AND REPLACE THE FIBER GLASS PANEL AROUND DOOR #46, THE SOUTH WEST CORNER OF THE DOCK HAS VARIOUS DOCK DOORS THAT ARE NOT TIGHT FITTING. ON THE SOUTHEAST DOCK AREA THERE IS A SECTION OF THE STEEL BEAMS THAT ARE NOT TIGHT FITTING WITH A 3 OR MORE INCH GAP AT THE FAR TOP SOUTHEAST SIDE OF THE STRUCTURE. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE ALL SAID AREAS AND ALL OF THE DOCK TIGHT FITTING AND RODENT PROOFED.

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

6-202.13 OBSERVED OPEN RODENT TRAPS LOCATED THRU OUT THE DOCK AREA IN VARIOUS AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO ONLY ALLOW PEST CONTROL TRAPS THAT ARE COVERED. OPEN RODENT TRAPS ARE PROHITBITED. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE OPEN BAIT RODENT TRAPS.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.114 OBSERVED VARIOUS AREAS IN THE DOCK WITH CLUTTER (BAGS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD). INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL CLUTTER OR ELEVATE AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE GROUND.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.12 OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DIRT AND DUST DEBRIS IN THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ON AND AROUND ALL FLOORS AND SHELVES.

DEC 2
2019
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE PROOFER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED A BLACK SUBSTANCE ON THE WALL BEHIND THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE DISH ROOM, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN REMOVE, AND REPLACE THE CAULK.

MAY 9
2019
PASSED
0 violations
MAY 2
2019
FAILED
4 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED LIGHT COMING FROM UNDER DOCK DOOR #50 INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DOOR SWEEP.

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

OBSERVED THE DRIP TRAY OF THE SMOKER (SHARED KITCHEN #1) NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

SERIOUSFood Temperature
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED NO CHLORINE TEST STRIPS IN (SHARED KITCHEN #1 DISH ROOM), INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SANITIZING TEST STRIPS SO THE SHARED KITCHEN USERS CAN CHECK THE CHLORINE PPM/MAKING SURE THE UTENSILS IN THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE ARE CORRECT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED THE CEILING LEAKING WATER AT DOOR #24, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. ALSO REMOVE STANDING WATER FROM THE CAGE AT DOOR#24.

NOV 30
2018
PASSED
0 violations
NOV 16
2018
FAILED
3 violations3 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

MUST SEAL OPENING AT BOTTOM OF OVERHEAD DOOR OF CAGE #16 TO PREVENT RODENT ENTRY POINT AND ANY OTHER OVERHEAD DOOR THAT HAS OPENINGS OR ENTRY POINTS.

CRITICALPest Activity
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST REMOVE CLUTTER AND ANY UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN CAGES TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE. ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

CRITICALPest Activity
PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION (#59)FROM REPORT #2233024 DATED NOVEMBER 9,2018 NOT CORRECTED: #38 OBSERVED OVER 60 RAT DROPPINGS IN VARIOUS CAGES ON FLOOR AND UNDER EQUIPMENT OF LOADING DOCK AREA. MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN/SANITIZE EFFECTED AREAS. CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(a). TODAY DURING INSPECTION NOTED LIVE RAT ACTIVITY WITH RAT RUNNING FROM ONE CAGE TO ANOTHER. ALSO NOTED OVER 60 RAT DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT STORAGE AREAS. ALSO NOTED RAT DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR OF LARGE EQUIPMENT STORAGE CAGE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090.

NOV 9
2018
FAILED
6 violations5 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

NOTED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED. GIVEN 90 DAYS TO COMPLY.

CRITICALOther
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

NO PROCEDURES IN PLACE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEA EVENTS. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED. GIVEN 90 DAYS TO COMPLY.

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED OVER 60 RAT DROPPINGS IN VARIOUS CAGES ON FLOOR AND UNDER EQUIPMENT OF LOADING DOCK AREA. MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN/SANITIZE EFFECTED AREAS. CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(a).

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

MUST SEAL OPENING AT BOTTOM OF OVERHEAD DOOR OF CAGE #16 TO PREVENT RODENT ENTRY POINT.

CRITICALPest Activity
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST REMOVE CLUTTER AND ANY UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN CAGES TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE. ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

MINOROther
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES.

FEB 2
2018
PASSED
0 violations
JAN 9
2018
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
1 violation1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALFood Temperature
FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE

WALK-IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE, 50F. PREMISES MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR LOWER. NO FOOD AT THIS TIME IN WALK-IN COOLER AND KITCHEN IS SHUT DOWN. WALK-IN COOLER TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).

APR 18
2017
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

NOTED LARGE MIXER AND PREP AREA USED BY PIZZA DUDE DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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

NOTED A LEAKY PIPE ON THE TOP OF THE DISH WASHING MACHINE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

MAR 9
2017
PASSED
0 violations
SEP 14
2016
PASSED
0 violations
SEP 7
2016
FAILED
2 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

OBSERVED TWO DOCK DOORS NOT RODENT PROOFED WITH 1/2 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF DOCK DOORS #10 AND #15. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE DOORS RODENT PROOFED AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.

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

OBSERVED FLOORS IN THE WALK IN COOLER WITH STANDING WATER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE STANDING WATER AND MAINTAIN.

MAR 31
2016
PASSED
0 violations
NOV 5
2015
PASSED
3 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

SEAL OPENINGS AROUND PIPE FITTINGS UNDER SINKS IN SOUTH WOMEN WASHROOM. SEAL OPENINGS AROUND SINK IN NORTH WASHROOOM.

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

REPAIR VENTILATION FAN IN NORTH WASHROOM.

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

ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR IN WALK-IN FREEZER.

MAR 17
2015
PASSED
0 violations
OCT 28
2014
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

STOCK ON FLOOR. INSTD TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES.

MAR 21
2014
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

BLACK CEILING IN PREP AREA (EAST). INSTD TO PAIN IN LIGHT FINISHED COLOR.

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

PROVIDE GREASE INTERCEPTOR AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN PREP AREA (EAST PREP). HOT WATER TANK DRAIN LINE IMPROPERLY DRAINING INTO BASIN OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK (WEST PREP). INSTD TO ROUTE DRAIN LINE PROPERLY.

AUG 28
2013
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

NEED TO REMOVE FOIL FROM 2ND. PREP KITCHEN.

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

NEED TO CLEAN MAIN KITCHEN CHAR GRILL, COOLER DRAWERS BELOW CHAR GRILL. CLEAN AND SANITIZE SLICER IN 2ND. PREP KITCHEN, CLEAN FAN GUARD COVER IN WALK-IN COOLER.

DEC 19
2012
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINORFacility Condition
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

THE LIGHTING IN THE KITCHEN AND DISH AREA IS NOT SHIELDED, INSTALL LIGHT SHIELDS.

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 →

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