COOKING FOOLS LLC.

Chicago Health Dept

1916 W NORTH AVE · WICKER PARK, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (May 2025).

12 inspections on record since 2011 · Last inspected May 2025.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

MAY 2025

INSPECTION HISTORY

MAY 30

2025

PASS 6 violations

Minor Food Storage & Handling

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

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

Minor Sanitation

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

MUST REMOVE SCOOPS FROM INSIDE OF FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS AND STORE PROPERLY.

Minor Sanitation

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLE.

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

MUST PROVIDE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER AND MAINTAIN.

MAY 22

2024

PASS 1 violation

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED MOP STORED IN BUCKET. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE MOPS ARE STORED HANGING UP OR IN A WAY TO ALLOW FOR ADEQUATE AIR DRYING WITHOUT SOILING EQUIPMENT.

JAN 17

2023

PASS 3 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN FRONT COOKING CLASS AREA.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED ONE LIGHT BULB IN THE HOOD NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED 1 OF 2 CERTIFIED MANAGERS WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

OCT 3

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 5 violations 3 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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

THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Employee Hygiene

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE FOR EMPLOYEE TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEA EVENTS.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE WITH THE NECESSARY ITEMS GLOVES MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINKS THROUGHOUT PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLES PROVIDED IN THE WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ABOVE THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.

AUG 4

2017

PASS 1 violation

Minor Sanitation

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

REPAIR AND SEAL THE FLOOR IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA NEXT TO THE FREEZER.

show all 12 inspections →

SEP 16

2016

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

REMOVE DIRTY ALUMINUM FOIL FROM UNDER THE BURNERS.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE

Minor Sanitation

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

GRIMES ON FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENTS,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

Minor Sanitation

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

REMOVE GREASE FROM NORTH-WEST CORNER UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT. DEBRIS ON FLOOR BEHIND THE ICE MACHINE, IN BASEMENT.CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

MAR 5

2015

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

WALLS AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREA AND AT FRONT PREP AREA HAND SINK IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Documentation & Training

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

NO ONE ON SITE WITH FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. LEFT INFORMATION WITH MANAGER.

MAY 21

2014

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, BASES OF COOLERS.

Minor Sanitation

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

CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR PREP AREA.

Minor Facility Condition

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

REPLACE BULB IN DISPLAY COOLER.

Minor Sanitation

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

ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR IN STORAGE AREAS.

OCT 1

2013

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

MUST REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AT THE FRONT PREP AREA,HAS OPEN SEAMS

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST DEFROST THE (2) LARGE CHEST FREEZERS IN THE BASEMENT AREA,HAS HEAVY ICE BUILD-UP

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST CLEAN THE FLOORS BEHIND OVEN IN THE FRONT PREP AREA ALONG WALL BASE AND CORNERS

Minor Sanitation

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

CLEAN INTERIOR OF LIGHT SHIELD COVERS IN THE REAR PPREP AREA AND MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD COVERS INSIDE THE DELI CASE AT FRONT PREP AREA

DEC 6

2011

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.DETAIL CLEAN ROLLING UTILITY CARTS,CUTTING BOARDS AT FRONT SERVICE AREA.

Minor Sanitation

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

The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.MUST SEAL OPENINGS AROUND PLUMBING FIXTURES ON WALL IN THE DRY STORAGE ROOM IN BASEMENT.

Minor Sanitation

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

Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.MUST DETAIL CLEAN HOOD/FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENTS,DUSTS ACCUMULATION ON VENTILATION COVER INSIDE THE TOILET ROOM.

SEP 9

2011

PASS 7 violations

Minor Sanitation

CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

VIOLATION STILL PENDING

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

VIOLATION STILL PENDING

Minor Sanitation

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

VIOLATION STILL PENDING

Minor Sanitation

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

VIOLATION STILL PENDING

Minor Facility Condition

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

VIOLATION STILL PENDING

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

VIOLATION STILL PENDING

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

VIOLATION STILL PENDING

SEP 7

2011

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 9 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Sanitation

SOURCE OF CROSS CONTAMINATION CONTROLLED I.E. CUTTING BOARDS, FOOD HANDLERS, UTENSILS, ETC

All food shall be protected from contamination and the elements, and so shall all food equipment, containers, utensils, food contact surfaces and devices, and vehicles. SOURCE OF CROSS CONTAMINATION, INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE, TOP AREA OF MACHINE AND INTERIOR PANELS, APPEARS TO HAVE MOLD BUILD-UP, NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE USE, AND USE PRE PACKAGE ICE, UNTIL MACHINE IS CLEAN, MACHINE TAGGED, INSTRUCTED TO FAX A LETTER TO CDPH ONCE MACHINE IS PROPERLY CLEAN AND SANITIZE, FAX #312746-4240 CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-005 (A)

Serious Documentation & Training

* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED

A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. NO FOOD CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE, WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE COOKED AND SERVED, AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION, INSTRUCTED TO ENROLL IN A CLASS AND A CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES FOODS ARE COOKED AND PREPARED, COOKED FOODS PASTA 39.8, VEGETABLE LASAGNA 143.9 SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-012

Minor Sanitation

CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use. MUST INVERT SINGLE SERVE ARTICLES, THATS IMPROPERLY STORED AT FRONT SERVICE AREA

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MUST PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD AT EXPOSED HAND BOWL, BETWEEN COUNTER AREA

Minor Sanitation

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

All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. MUST CLEAN TOPS AND SIDES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, BOTTOM OF COUNTER TABLES, AND EXTERIOR OF FRONT OVEN SURFACES

Minor Sanitation

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

The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. MUST CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND ALL EQUIPMENT, ESP. BY COOKING EQUIPMENT, REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD-UP

Minor Facility Condition

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

Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD ON LIGHT BASEMENT AREA, ABOVE FREEZER

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. MUST REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COOLERS

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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