DELICIOUS PHO, INC..
5033 N ELSTON AVE · JEFFERSON PARK, CHICAGO
Failed 7 of 14 inspections. 15 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
JUL 292025PASS W/ CONDITIONS13 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
NO SOAP PROVIDED AT HAND WASHING SINK AT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREA.ALSO NO SOAP PROVIVED AT HAND WASHING SINK AT MEN'S WASHROOM, EMPTY BOTTLE(FRENCH LAVENDER)STORED INSIDE THE WASHBOWL.UPON MY REQUEST SOAP BOTTLE REFILLED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-030(C),CITATION ISSUED.
NO PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED AT HANDWASHING SINKS. HANDDRYING DEVICE BY THE SINK AT REAR PREP AREA WAS UNPLUGGED. PAPER TOWEL PROVIDED AT SAID SINK AND HANDDRYING DEVICE WAS PLUGGED IN UPON MY REQUEST. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-030(C)CONSOLIDATE WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
HANDWASHING SINK IN THE KITCHEN NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR HANDWASHING IN FRONT CHAIRS PLASTIC CONTAINERS AND DRY FOODS STORED IN CONTAINER,SAID SINK MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES FOR PROPER HANDWASHING,TO MINIMIZE SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION.ITEMS REMOVED BY THE MANAGER PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION :7-38-030(C)CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION
OBSERVED PREPARED TCS FOODS NOT PROPERLY DATE LABELED. MUST PROPERLY DATE LABELED FOODS WITH AN EXPIRATION DATE NO LONGER THAN 7 DAYS ON ALL TCS FOODS(COOKED BEEF,SHRIMPS,RICE,ETC).MANAGER ALMOST FINISHED TO LABEL FOOD PRODUCTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
CUTTING BOARDS IN THE KITCHEN WITH DARK STAINS AND DEEP CUTS,MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE SAID CUTTING BOARDS
MUST NOT USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS INSIDE THE COOLERS,MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD BOXES AS FOOD CONTAINERS. MUST USE WASHABLE CONTAINERS OR FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE PLASTIC BAGS.
MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED FOOD OR TO PREP FOOD ON IT. TWO BURNER UNIT IN PREP AREA , MUST BE COMPLETETLY UNDER HOOD. RE-ADJUST UNITS
MUST NOT USE DUCT TAPE AS A MEANS OF REPAIR ON WALL BY THE HANDWASHING SINK. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING IN PREP AREA. MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE SURFACE.
MUST NOT USE ALUMINUM FOIL AS LINER FOR COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE GAS STOVE WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
MINERAL BUILD-UP INSIDE THE LOW TEMP DISHMACHINE. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
OBSERVED ALL FLOORS IN FRONT SERVICE AREA UNDER ICE MACHINE AND FLOOR DRAINS UNCLEAN. CLEAN IN DETAIL IN CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS TO ELIMINATE GRIME BUILDUP. OBSERVED FLOORS IN REAR UNDER DISH MACHINE UNCLEAN AND FLOOR DRAIN UNCLEAN. OBSERVED FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT UNCLEAN. CLEAN ALL FLOORS IN DETAIL AND ALL FLOOR DRAINS IN DETAIL. MAINTAIN FLOORS IN A CLEAN AND DRY CONDITION.
NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED ON SITE,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
FEB 252025FAILED2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 100 SMALL FLIES THROUGHOUT FACILITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A)
OBSERVED ALL FLOORS IN FRONT SERVICE AREA UNDER ICE MACHINE AND FLOOR DRAINS UNCLEAN. CLEAN IN DETAIL IN CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS TO ELIMINATE GRIME BUILDUP. OBSERVED FLOORS IN REAR UNDER DISH MACHINE UNCLEAN AND FLOOR DRAIN UNCLEAN. OBSERVED FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT UNCLEAN. CLEAN ALL FLOORS IN DETAIL AND ALL FLOOR DRAINS IN DETAIL. MAINTAIN FLOORS IN A CLEAN AND DRY CONDITION.
MAR 152024PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED POTS OF FOOD BEING STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED RUSTY SHELVING UNITS IN WALK-IN COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE RUST AND ESNURE ALL NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES REMAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS AND SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS UNDERNEATH ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE PREP AREAS AND DRY STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDERNEATH ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND IN ALL CORNERS THORUGHOUT THE PREP AND DRY STORAGE AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2590639 DATED 3/7/2024. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
MAR 72024FAILED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED APPROX. 30 SMALL FLIES DURING THE INSPECTION. SMALL FLY ACTIVITY WAS OBSERVED ON THE WALL NEAR THE DISH MACHINE , ON THE WALL ABOVE THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND THE WALL ABOVE COFFE STATION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELIMINATE ALL FLY ACTIVITY, CLEAN SURFACES, MAINTAIN PREMISES FREE OF PEST. RECOMMENDED RECEIVING ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED POTS OF FOOD BEING STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED RUSTY SHELVING UNITS IN WALK-IN COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE RUST AND ESNURE ALL NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES REMAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS AND SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS UNDERNEATH ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE PREP AREAS AND DRY STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDERNEATH ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND IN ALL CORNERS THORUGHOUT THE PREP AND DRY STORAGE AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
show all 14 inspections →
MAY 222023PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
4-202.16 OBSERVED VARIOUS NON FOOD CONTACT SURFACES COVERED IN ALUMINUM FOIL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE FOIL FROM SURFACES TO MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
OBSERVED BUILDUP OF DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.
MAY 102023FAILED8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED SEVERAL TCS ITEMS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE IN FRONT SERVICE AREA REACH IN COOLER. TEMPERATURE OF ITEMS RANGED FROM 49-50 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD HOLD FOOD ITEMS ARE STORED AT 41 F AND BELOW. MANAGER DISCARDED 2 GALLONS OF MILK, 1/2 GALLON HALF AND HALF, AND 5 OZ HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM ($7). PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED REACH IN COOLER IN FRONT SERVICE LINE WITH AN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 45 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COOLERS HAVE AN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. COOLER TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED INSECT CARCASSES ALONG WALL NEAR MOP SINK AND WATER HEATER IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.
OBSERVED 2 LIVE ROACHES IN DINING ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZER SOLUTION.
OBSERVED VARIOUS NON FOOD CONTACT SURFACES COVERED IN ALUMINUM FOIL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE FOIL FROM SURFACES TO MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
OBSERVED ONLY ONE DRAIN PLUG FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE NUMBER OF DRAIN PLUGS FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
OBSERVED HEAVY WATER LEAKING FROM BOTTOM OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. WHEN WATER IS DRAINED PIPES LEAK INTO BUCKET ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
JUN 152022PASSED1 violationDETAILS
FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT FOLLOWING AREAS: STORAGE AREAS AND DISHWASHING AREAS.
JUN 72022FAILED3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
FOUND FRUIT FLY ACTIVITY AT PREMISES. OBSERVED OVER 30 FRUIT FLIES AT REAR DINING AREAS ON WALLS AND BY FRONT FRONT DISPENSING AREAS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED.7-38-020A. MUST NOTIFY PEST CONTROL OPERATOR AND ELIMINATE FRUIT FLIES.
FOUND FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN: SINKS, SHELVING UNITS, AND COUNTERS BY SMOOTIHE AREAS.MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT FOLLOWING AREAS: STORAGE AREAS, DISHWASHING AREAS, AND SMOOTHIE PREPARATION AREAS. MUST CLEAN.
MAY 202021FAILED9 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO HAND WASH SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
OBSERVED CHICKEN PREPARED ON PREVIOUS DAY SITTING IN PLASTIC BAG ON PREP TABLE NEAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 64.7F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROXIMATELY 3LBS OF CHICKEN VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $10. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL TCS ITEMS AT OR BELOW 41F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED FROZEN MEAT BEING THAWED IN PLASTIC BAGS ON FLOOR IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO THAW FROZEN ITEMS UNDER COLD, RUNNING WATER IN PROPER CONTAINERS.
OBSERVED FLY PAPER COVERED WITH DEAD FLIES ON WALL ABOVE FRONT COFFEE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN PEST CONTROL DEVICES AWAY FROM FOOD PREP AREAS.
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 50 SMALL BLACK INSECTS THROUGHOUT BOTH PREP AREAS, DISH AREA, DRY STORAGE AREA, AND DINING ROOM AND 1 LIVE COCKROACH IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE AND MAINTAIN FACILITY FREE OF PESTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITAITON ISSUED.
ABSORBED BOXES OF DRY GOODS AND PRODUCE STORED ON FLOOR THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF GROUND TO ALLOW FOR PROPER CLEANING.
OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR OF OVEN, BEHIND LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE, BEHIND HOT LINE, IN DRY STORAGE AREA, AND IN DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
OBSERVED 2 FOOD HANDLERS WORKING WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES SHOULD COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). NO CITATION ISSUED.
NOV 32020FAILED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
6-301.12 NO PAPER TOWELS WERE OBSERVED AT THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
3-603.11 MUST PROVIDE THE ENTIRE REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
4-302.12 OBSERVED NO METAL STEM PROBE THERMOMETER ON THE PREMISES TO TAKE FOOD TEMPERATURES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A METAL STEM PROBE THERMOMETER TO TAKE HOT AND COLD FOOD TEMPERATURES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5-501.13 MUST PROVIDE A LETTER FROM THE LANDLORD STATING THAT THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER CAN BE USED BY THE BUSINESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B). NO CITATION ISSUED.
SEP 172020FAILED8 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
NO HAND SOAP WAS PROVIDED AT ANY OF THE HANDWASHING SINKS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND SOAP AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
NO PAPER TOWELS WERE OBSERVED AT THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER STATEMENT WAS PROVIDED ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE AND DESCRIBE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO METAL STEM PROBE THERMOMETER ON THE PREMISES TO TAKE FOOD TEMPERATURES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A METAL STEM PROBE THERMOMETER TO TAKE HOT AND COLD FOOD TEMPERATURES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO STORAGE SHELVES IN THE WALK-IN COOLER OR WALK-IN FREEZER TO STORE FOOD OFF OF THE FLOOR. MUST INSTALL.
OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICES PROVIDED ON THE WASHROOM DOORS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
OBSERVED NO GARBAGE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A GARBAGE RECEPTACLE FROM A COMMERCIAL WASTE HAULING COMPANY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B). NO CITATION ISSUED.
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 →