SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

FALAFEL GRILL.

EAT. 93/100

1433 W MONTROSE AVE · LAKEVIEW, CHICAGO

Last inspected April 10, 2026 · passed

7 of 11 inspections passed, with 3 critical violations on file.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
11
7 passed · 3 w/ conditions · 1 failed
VIOLATIONS
51
includes 3 critical
RECORDS COVER
5 YEARS
since Oct 2020

INSPECTION HISTORY

APR 10
2026
PASSED
0 violations
MAR 18
2026
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES PROVIDED FOR THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.

APR 29
2025
PASSED
10 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
MINORFood Storage & Handling
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME FROM ALL ITEMS REMOVED FROM ITS ORIGINAL CONTAINER. OBSERVED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS NOT PROPERLY LABELED.

MINORSanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES AND PREP COOLERS IN FRONT AND REAR FOOD PREP AREAS. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.

MINORSanitation
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED SCOOPS STORED IN DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROPERLY STORE ALL SCOOPS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

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

OBSERVED RAW WOOD SHELVING BEING USED AS MEANS OF ELEVATION IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED THAT RAW WOOD MUST BE NON-ABSORBENT PAINTED OR SEAL AT ALL TIMES.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT ENCRUSTED WITH GRASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS A LINER FOR COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FRONT KITVHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE SURFACES.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED SLOW LEAKING FAUCET AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. MUST REPAIRED AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP ON FLOOR UNCER AROUND AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA AND REAR PREP AREA/DISHWASHING AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DUST AND DIRT BUILD UP INSIDE LIGHT SHIELDS COVERS IN THE REAR KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA/DISHWASHING AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

CRITICALPest Activity
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED ITEMS STORED ON MILK CRATES. MUST STORE ITEMS IN APPROVED SHELVING AT ALL TIMES AND REMOVE MILK CRATES FROM PREMISES TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE. OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST REMOVE CLUTTER CLEAN AND ORGANIZE AREA TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED ONE LIGHT BULB OFF IN REAR PREP/FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST REPLCE BULB AND MAINTAIN INTENSITY LIGHTING.

FEB 27
2025
PASSED
0 violations
JAN 23
2025
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED RUSTY STORAGE SHELVING AND BOTTOM OF PREP TABLES IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA/DISHWASHING AREA MUST REPAINT REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP ON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

show all 11 inspections →
JAN 14
2025
FAILED
7 violations
DETAILS
MINORFood Storage & Handling
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

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

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

OBSERVED RUSTY STORAGE SHELVING AND BOTTOM OF PREP TABLES IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA/DISHWASHING AREA MUST REPAINT REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

NOTED EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD UP ON SIDES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED ACCUMULATION OF FOOD AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED BROKEN AND MISSING FLOOR TILES NEXT TO MOP SINK IN REAR OF PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. MUST REPAIR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN FACILITY IN A GOOD REPAIR.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP ON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

SERIOUSSanitation
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2602174 ON 09/04/2024 #16. NOTED SOME UPPER PORTIONS AND EXTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. #37. ALL GRAB AND GO PRE-PACKAGED PREPARED FOODS MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT NAME, LIST OF INGREDIENTS, BUSINESS NAME AND ADDRESS. #40. ALL FOOD HANDLERS WITH FACIAL HAIR MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE BEARD RESTRAINTS. #41. ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE. #45. ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY INCLUDING THE 2ND FLR. DRY STORAGE MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS. MUST NOT USE TINFOIL AS LINER FOR SHELVING. #49. MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING. MUST BE A SMOOTH CLEANABLE SURFACE. #49 INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF PREP AREA BLENDERS WITH FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. #55. MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR FLOORS INSIDE THE WALK-IN FREEZER. FLOORS INSIDE THE WALKIN FREEZER WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD SPILLAGE. FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE 2ND FLR. DRY STORAGE WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL. #58. ALL THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

SEP 4
2024
PASSED
12 violations
DETAILS
SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

NOTED SOME UPPER PORTIONS AND EXTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORChemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

ALL GRAB AND GO PRE-PACKAGED PREPARED FOODS MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT NAME, LIST OF INGREDIENTS, BUSINESS NAME AND ADDRESS.

MINORSanitation
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

MUST NOT STORE THE DIRTY MOP BUCKET WITH SOILED MOP HEADS DIRECTLY NEXT TO THE ICE MACHINE AND OTHER FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT. MUST STORE INSIDE THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK WHEN NOT IN USE OR IN A DESIGNATED CLEANING TOOL SEPARATE AREA.

MINOREmployee Hygiene
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

ALL FOOD HANDLERS WITH FACIAL HAIR MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE BEARD RESTRAINTS.

MINORSanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.

MINORSanitation
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

NOTED KNIVES BEING IMPROPERLY STORED BETWEEN THE PREP TABLE AND PREP COOLER. MUST PROPERLY STORE ON A CLEAN SURFACE OR IN A PROPER KNIFE HOLDER.---NOTED THE TABLE TOP CAN OPENER WITH ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS AND EXCESSIVE RUST. MUST CLEAN AFTER EACH USE, REMOVE RUST OR REPLACE.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY INCLUDING THE 2ND FLR. DRY STORAGE MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.

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

MUST NOT USE PLASTIC WRAP AS A HOOK OR MEANS OF REPAIR AT THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK FOR THE ATTACHED HOSE.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF PREP AREA BLENDERS WITH FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST NOT USE TINFOIL AS LINER FOR SHELVING.---MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING. MUST BE A SMOOTH CLEANABLE SURFACE.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR FLOORS INSIDE THE WALK-IN FREEZER. ----FLOORS INSIDE THE WALKIN FREEZER WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD SPILLAGE.----FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE 2ND FLR. DRY STORAGE WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

ALL THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES.

OCT 30
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations
DETAILS
SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

NOTED THAT THE INNER LINING OF THE ICE MACHINE WAS NOT CLEANED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

MINOREmployee Hygiene
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

NOTED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS HANGING AT THE HANDWASHING SINK OF THE FRONT PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION, ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.

MINORSanitation
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

NOTED OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER NOT MAINTAINED WITH GREASE ON TOP OF CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN GREASE CONTAINER AND ITS SURROUNDING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED.

MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

NOTED DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS, AND EDGES OF THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS, AND PIPES/CONDUITS.

OCT 28
2022
PASSED
7 violations
DETAILS
MINORFood Storage & Handling
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED TWO BULK DRY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED WITH THE FOOD ITEMS COMMON NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOOD ITEMS THAT ARE NOT IN THEIR ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND MAINTAIN.

MINORFood Temperature
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED PREPARED SALADS IN A COLD HOLDING UNIT IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA NOT COVERED AND STACKED ON TOP OF EACH OTHER. THE SALADS WERE TOUCHING THE TOP OF THE REFRIGERATION UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO COVER ALL SAID SALADS AND MAINTAIN.

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

OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS (RICE) BUILD UP UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT (RICE HOT HOLDING UNIT, SOUP HOT HOLDING UNIT, AND BREAD GRILL) NEAR THE WINDOW IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SAID SURFACE AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

OBSERVED THE OUTDOOR GREASE RECEPTACLE WITH GREASE BUILD-UP AND GREASE DROPLETS ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE RECEPTACLE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAID GREASE RECEPTACLE.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA WITH FOOD BUILD-UP ALL THROUGHOUT THIS AREA. ESPECIALLY FOOD EMBEDDED IN THE NON-SLIP MATS, ON THE WINDOW SILL, AND BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAID FLOORS.

MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED SLIGHT DUST BUILDUP AT THE FAR LEFT END ON THE FILTERS OF THE VENTILATION HOOD IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAID FILTERS.

MINOROther
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING CERTIFICATION FROM EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLY WITH FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING BY THE FOOD HANDLING REGULATION ENFORCEMENT ACT.

MAY 3
2021
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

NOTED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON-SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION FOLLOWING THE NEW CODE AND GUIDELINES. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE VERIFICATION OF POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE ONE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY.

MINORChemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAMES, INCLUDING BULK FOOD CONTAINERS.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

NOTED WASHROOM ON-PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLE AND NO LID. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASHROOMS AND UNISEX WASHROOMS.

MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS, AND EDGES OF THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS, AND PIPES/CONDUITS.

OCT 27
2020
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES ARE REQUIRED TO BE SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST KEEP ON SITE. SAMPLE POLICY GIVEN TO MANAGER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED

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

OBSERVED BOTTOM GRATE OF REFRIGERATOR IN REAR PREP IN DISREPAIR. REATTACH AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED BOTTOM GRATE OF REFRIGERATOR IN REAR PREP UNCLEAN. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

MINOROther
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.

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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