EMPIRE RESTAURANT.
49 W DIVISION ST · OLD TOWN, CHICAGO
Failed 3 of 10 inspections. 8 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
JAN 292015FAILED9 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER TO BE IMPROPER: SHRIMP 48.5F,BREADED CHICKEN 47.3F,CHICKEN 46.4F,EGG ROLLS 49.6F,PORK 45.9F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 15 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $145.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. CITATION ISSUED FOR CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-005(A)
NOTED OVER 20 FLYING INSECTS ON WALLS, CEILING AND CONTAINERS ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO CONSULT WITH PEST CONTROL. CITATION ISSUED FOR SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-020.
NOTED OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER TO HAVE GREASE ENCRUSTED ON TOP, LID,LIPS AND DRIPPING DOWN THE SIDES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. CITATION ISSUED FOR SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-020
NOTED FOOD ITEM (SOY SAUCE)INSIDE ORIGINAL CONTAINER IN THE SERVICE COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CONTAINERS WITH TIGHT FITTING LIDS TO STORE FOOD WHEN REMOVED FROM TIN CANS.
NOTED RUSTY SHELVES INSIDE WALK IN COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REPAINT WITH NON TOXIC FOOD GRADE PAINT AND/OR REPLACE. ALSO NOTED BROKEN LID OF CHEST FREEZER WITH GASKET THORN APART. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
NOTED HEAVY DIRT,GREASE AND DUST ACCUMULATION ON THE FOLLOWING: STORAGE SHELVES THROUGHOUT, PREP TABLES, STEAM TABLE, INTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS, EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAP UNDER THE WOK STATION, TOP OF BROILER AND COOLERS, FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS, TOILET, INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF MICROWAVE.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. MUST UPGRADE HOUSE KEEPING.
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGH OUT ESPECIALLY ALONG WALL BASE, BEHIND AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA,REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM THE FLOOR AND CLEAN FLOORS EMBEDDED WITH THICK GREASE AND DIRT INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE RESTAURANT.
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE WALLS OF THE PREP AREA WITH GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS.
NOTED DIRTY WASH CLOTHS ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREAS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WASH CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
DEC 162014PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
MUST PROVIDE PROPER LIDS FOR FLOUR CONTAINER.
DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE WALK-IN COOLER AND PREP COOLERS, SHELVES, GREASE TRAPS, FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS, PREP TABLES, VENTILATION HOOD FILTERS.
DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE FOOD PREP AREA ESPECIALLY UNDER EQUIPMENT AND AROUND THE WALLS. REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER.
DETAIL CLEAN THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA.
HAIR RESTRAINTS ARE NEEDED FOR ALL FOOD HNADLING EMPLOYEES.
JAN 82014PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF ALL PREP COOLERS, WIRE STORAGE SHELVES IN ALL COOLERS, PREP TABLES, STORAGE SHELVES, ETXERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
DETAIL CLEAN THE WALLS OF THE PREP AREA WITH GREASE AND FOOD DEBBRIS.
MUST PROVIDE A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE FOR THE RESTROOM DOOR.
OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF THE PREP TABLES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE WET WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZER BUCKET.
JUL 232013PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
INADEQUATE FOOD PROTECTION, FOUND 15 LBS OF COOKED CHICKEN STORED IN A BUSSING TUB AT 51.5F, CHICKEN STORED AT PREP COOLER FROM A DAY BEFORE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE AT 40F OR LOWER, FOOD DISCARDED VALUED AT $20.
COUNTER TOPS, PREP TABLES, EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR SURFACES OF PREP COOLER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
BROKEN THERMOMETER IN ALL PREP COOLERS, INSTRICTED TO INSTALL A GOOD WORKING ONES.
FOOD HANDLERS NOT WERING HAIR RESTRAINT, INSTRUCTED TO WEAR.
show all 10 inspections →
OCT 182011PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE AND DUST ON TOP OF THE BROILER.
The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. MUST REPAIR THE STAINLESS STEEL WALL BEHIND THE WOK STATION SO THAT IT IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
OCT 62011FAILED8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less. OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. OBSERVED CHICKEN AT 45F, SHRIMP AT 51F, TOFU AT 48F, BEEF AT 48-50F, COOKED PORK AT 53F, AND COOKED BROWN RICE AT 62F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 10# OF FOOD WORTH $50. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
All food should be properly protected from contamination during storage, preparation, display, service, and transportation. OBSERVED FOOD NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION DURING STORAGE AND PREPARATION. OBSERVED HOUSE FLIES LANDING ON COOKED CHICKEN STORED IN THE REAR AREA NEAR THE REAR EXIT DOOR AND ON ONIONS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT DISCARDED THE CONTAMINATED FOOD UPON MY REQUEST. ALSO OBSERVED EGG ROLLS STORED IN DIRTY AND RUSTED WIRE CONTAINERS. MANAGEMENT DISCARDED THIS FOOD UPON MY REQUEST. OBSERVED NUMEROUS CONTAINERS OF FOOD (SAUCES, CHICKEN) THAT WERE STORED UNCOVERED IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO COVER ALL FOOD IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. OBSERVED 5 LIVE HOUSE FLIES AND 15 FRUIT FLIES ON THE WALLS, CEILING, EQUIPMENT AND ON FOOD IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA AND THE FRONT PREP AREA. THE FRONT DOOR TO THE ESTABLISHMENT WAS OPEN DURING THE INSPECTION AND THE REAR SCREEN DOOR WAS BROKEN AND ALLOWED FLIES IN FROM THE ALLEY. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY AND REPAIR THE REAR SCREEN DOOR. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WAS PRESENT WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (FRIED RICE AND CHICKEN, AND SOUP) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD IS BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
A separate and distinct offense shall be deemed to have been committed for each Minor violation that is not corrected upon re-inspection by the health authority. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #381251 ON 2/8/11 NOT CORRECTED: 32/01- OBSERVED CRACKED PLASTIC STORAGE CONTAINERS USED TO STORE FOOD. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE. ALSO OBSERVED FOODS STORED IN GROCERY BAGS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS. 33/01- DETAIL CLEAN THE FOLLOWING: STORAGE SHELVES THROUGHOUT, PREP TABLES, STEAM TABLE, INTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS, EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAP UNDER THE WOK STATION, TOP OF BROILER AND COOLERS, FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS, TOILET, INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF MICROWAVE. 35/01- MUST CLEAN AND REPAINT THE WALLS THROUGHOUT. DETAIL CLEAN THE WALL BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. 43/01- MUST STORE WET WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. MUST LABEL AND DATE PREPARED FOODS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER.
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM THE FLOOR OF THE WALK-IN COOLER. DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE RESTAURANT.
All employees shall be required to use effective hair restraints to confine hair. HAIR RESTRAINTS ARE NEEDED FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
FEB 82011PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violationsDETAILS
All food should be properly protected from contamination during storage, preparation, display, service, and transportation. FOOD NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION DURING STORAGE. OBSERVED ONIONS STORED IN A PLASTIC BUCKET THAT WAS LABELED HAND SOAP AND CHILI SAUCE STORED IN A PLASTIC BUCKET LABELED QUICKCRETE CONCRETE. FOOD STORED IN IMPROPER CONTAINERS THAT WERE PREVIOUSLY USED TO STORE CHEMICALS AND CONCRETE POWDER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE CONTAINERS FOR FOOD. MANAGEMENT DISCARDED 10# OF FOOD WORTH $20. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. OBSERVED CRACKED PLASTIC STORAGE CONTAINERS USED TO STORE FOOD. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE. ALSO OBSERVED FOODS STORED IN GROCERY BAGS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS.
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. DETAIL CLEAN THE FOLLOWING: STORAGE SHELVES THROUGHOUT, PREP TABLES, STEAM TABLE, INTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS, EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAP UNDER THE WOK STATION, TOP OF BROILER AND COOLERS, FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS, TOILET, INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF MIRCROWAVE.
The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. MUST CLEAN AND REPAINT WALLS THROUGHOUT. DETAIL CLEAN THE WALL BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
MUST STORE WET WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
APR 122010FAILED7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. FOUND EVIDENCE OF INSECTS ON SITE. FOUND APPROXIMATELY 10-12 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON SITE FLYING AND RESTING ON WALLS AND STORAGE SHELVES IN FOOD PREP AREAS. MUST REMOVE INSECTS,SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND HAVE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE AREAS. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020.
All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. MUST STORE ALL BULK FOOD ITEMS IN FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS WITH THE PROPER LIDS AND PROPERLY LABEL. (MAY NOT USE OLD CHEMICAL BUCKETS,ETC)
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 PROPERLY WASH,RINSE AND SANITIZE ALL MULTI USE CONDIMENT CONTAINERS SET UP NEAR WOK STATION.
All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MUST REPLACE WORN/RUSTY SHELVING RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER.
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL PREP TABLES, CABINETS, STORAGE SHELVES,FRYERS AND OTHER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REMOVE ALL GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS.
The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. MUST SEAL OPENING IN WALL IN WASHROOM NEXT TO THE TOILET.
All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. MUST BETTER ORGANIZE ALL STORAGE SHELVES AND REMOVE CLUTTER INSIDE UNUSED EQUIPMENT.
JAN 122010PASS W/ CONDITIONS8 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
Adequate and convenient hand washing facilities shall be provided for all employees. HAND WASHING FACILITIES NOT READILY ACCESSIBLE DURING INSPECTION. FOUND EXPOSED HAND BOWL IN FOOD PREP/STORAGE AREA OBSTRUCTED AND FILLED WITH SEVERAL PAINT BRUSHES AND OTHER PAINTING SUPPLIES. MUST REMOVE ITEMS FROM INTERIOR OF SINK SO THAT SINK IS READILY ACCESSIBLE FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030.
MUST CORRECT VIOLATION # 30 FROM REPORT # 165529 ON 10-19-09
MUST CORRECT VIOLATION # 31 FROM REPORT # 165529 ON 10-19-09
MUST CORRECT VIOLATION # 32 FROM REPORT # 165529 ON 10-19-09
MUST CORRECT VIOLATION # 33 FROM REPORT # 165520 ON 10-19-09
MUST CORRECT VIOLATION # 34 FROM REPORT # 165529 ON 10-19-09
MUST CORRECT VIOLATION # 35 FROM REPORT # 165529 ON 10-19-09
MUST CORRECT VIOLATION # 36 FROM REPORT # 165529 ON 10-19-09
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 →