CLEO'S SOUTHERN CUISINE.

Chicago Health Dept

190 N WELLS ST · LOOP, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Jun 2026); 6 critical violations across the last 12 months.

7 inspections on record since 2022 · Last inspected Jun 2026 · 6 critical violations in the last 12 months.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

JUN 2026

INSPECTION HISTORY

JUN 11

2026

PASS 3 violations

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED BAGS OF FLOUR STORED DIRECTLY ON THE FLOOR IN THE KITCHEN STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE FLOUR BAGS AND MAINTAIN ALL FOOD CONTAINERS AT LEAST 6" ABOVE THE FLOOR DURING STORAGE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED IN-USE UTENSILS STORED ON THE STOVE IN WATER AT 120.0F AT THE MAIN COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN-USE UTENSILS IN WATER AT LEAST 135.0F OR ABOVE IN-BETWEEN USES AND MAINTAIN.

Serious Employee Hygiene

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

OBSERVED NO WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE EMPLOYEE RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE WASTE RECEPTACLE IN ALL AREAS WITH A HANDWASHING LAVATORY AND ENSURE NUMBER AND CAPACITY OF INDOOR WASTE RECEPTACLES IS SUFFICIENT TO HOLD ALL GENERATED WASTE AND MAINTAIN.

NOV 25

2025

PASS 5 violations

Minor Chemical 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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

Minor Sanitation

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

FAIL 13 violations 6 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & 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.

Critical Sanitation

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.

Critical Employee 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)

Critical Employee 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

Critical Employee 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.

Critical Employee 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.

Serious Food 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.

Minor Chemical 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.

Minor Sanitation

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

Serious Sanitation

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

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

Minor Sanitation

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 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Employee 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).

Critical Employee 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).

Minor Other

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

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

JUN 27

2023

PASS · 0 violations

show all 7 inspections →

JUN 20

2023

FAIL 6 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Sanitation

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.

Critical Pest 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.

Serious Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

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

Minor Other

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.

Serious Employee 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.

SEP 8

2022

PASS 2 violations

Minor Employee 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.

Minor Other

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.

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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