SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

CLEO'S SOUTHERN CUISINE.

BEAT. 39/100

190 N WELLS ST · LOOP, CHICAGO

Last inspected November 25, 2025 · passed

Failed 2 of 6 inspections. 10 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
6
3 passed · 1 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
29
includes 10 critical
RECORDS COVER
3 YEARS
since Sep 2022

INSPECTION HISTORY

NOV 25
2025
PASSED
5 violations
DETAILS
MINORChemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.

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

OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON SFLOOR UNDER THE HOT COOKING EQUIPMENTS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD FROM SHELVING UNITS. ALL FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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

NOV 17
2025
FAILED
13 violations6 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED (SUCH AS FISH,CHICKEN). INSTRUCTED MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED/SERVED. INSTRUCTED MUST POST A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATION IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMERS AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALSanitation
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO KIT ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN KIT CONTAINING ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES INCLUDING A SANITIZER RATED AS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED

OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICIES BY MALE FOOD HANDLER OBSERVED HIM WITH CELL PHONE IN HAND FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND THEN PUT PHONE IN POCKET AND PLACED ON PLASTIC GLOVES TO PREPARE A FOOD ORDER WITHOUT WASHING HIS HANDS. AND SAME EMPLOYEE KEPT BEEN ON THE PHONE AND PUTTING ON GLOVES WITHOUT WASHING HIS HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO WASH HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP AVAILABLE AT HANDSINK IN PREP/DISWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDSOAP AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C) CITATION ISSUED

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PAPER TOWELS AT ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT PREAP AREA RENDERED INACCESSIBLE BY BOX BEING PLACED INSIDE IT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS OPEN AND ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE.

SERIOUSFood Temperature
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE FRONT PREP COLD HOLDING UNIT, SUCH AS 90LBS OF FISH AT 45.2-48.9FF, 20LBS OF CHICKEN AT 47.8F AND 24LBS OF CRAB AT 45-47.4F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 134LBS AT $1300. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW . PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

MINORChemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.

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

OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON SFLOOR UNDER THE HOT COOKING EQUIPMENTS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD FROM SHELVING UNITS. ALL FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

SERIOUSSanitation
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED NO CHLORINE OR QUATS SANITIZER TESTING DEVICES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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

MAY 14
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Obstructed hand wash sink at prep kitchen, utensils, knives, scouring pads and cutting board placed on top of hands sink, instructed manager to keep hand sink free from any obstruction. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(C).

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

No hand paper towels provided to kitchen hand wash sink, instructed to provide. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c).

MINOROther
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

No drain boards provided to 3-comp sink, instructed to install.

JUN 27
2023
PASSED
0 violations
JUN 20
2023
FAILED
6 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALSanitation
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. SUPPLIES MUST INCLUDE ADEQUATE SANITIZER THAT ELIMINATES NOROVIRUS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE CLEAN-UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES TO HANDLE BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE PROPERLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED NO CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON THE PREMISES. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY AND OPERATOR MUST PROVIDE AT LEAST 2 PEST INSPECTIONS A YEAR, AND THE REPORTS MUST BE MAINTAINED IN THE LOG BOOK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK AND PEST INSPECTION REPORTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C). CITATION ISSUED.

SERIOUSSanitation
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHLORINE CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR SANITIZER OR WARE WASHING AREA. AN INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE OF A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF SANITIZING SOLUTION MUST BE PROVIDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DUST BUILDUP ON THE TOILET ROOM EXHAUST VENTILATION. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

MINOROther
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.

SERIOUSEmployee Hygiene
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

OBSERVED CONTINUED NON-COMPLIANCE FROM REPORT #2563323 CONDUCTED ON 9/08/22. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED: (#39) FOUND HANDWASHING SINK DIRECTLY NEXT TO 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. FOUND NO BARRIER BETWEEN THE PREP TABLE AND THE HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD TO PREVENT MISCELLANEOUS SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION. MUST CORRECT CORE VIOLATIONS BY THE DATE ON THE REPORT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

show all 6 inspections →
SEP 8
2022
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINOREmployee Hygiene
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

FOUND HANDWASHING SINK DIRECTLY NEXT TO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. FOUND NO BARRIER BETWEEN PREP TABLE AND HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD TO PREVENT MISCELLANEOUS SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION.

MINOROther
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

FOUND NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.

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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