GARIFUNA FLAVA CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT.

Chicago Health Dept

2516-2518 W 63RD ST · CHICAGO LAWN, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Jul 2025).

16 inspections on record since 2010 · Last inspected Jul 2025.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

JUL 2025

INSPECTION HISTORY

JUL 2

2025

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED COOKING EQUIPMENT NOT IN USE NEAR THE ENTRANCE, REAR STORAGE AREAS AND BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM THE PREMISES.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF MOP IN THE KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY.

Minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED DIRTY VENTS IN THE WASHROOM AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

OCT 10

2024

PASS · 0 violations

OCT 2

2024

FAIL 5 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

NO HANDWASH SINK IN NEWLY ADDED ON EAST SIDE OF PREMISES WHERE PREP TABLE, STEAM TABLE, FOOD PROCESSOR, CABBAGE SLICER LOCATED AND FOOD HANDLERS ACTIVELY HANDLING FOOD. INSTD TO PROVIDE HANDWASH SINK WITH HOT/COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PLUMBING IN SAME AREA. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C) PRIORITY FOUNDATION

Minor Sanitation

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

PLASTIC AND ALUMINUM FOIL BEING USED AS A LINER FOR STORARGE SHELVES THAT HAVE RUST. INSTD TO REMOVE PLASTIC, FOIL, AND RUST SO AS SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH EVEN AND EASILY CLEANABLE

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

TOILET ROOM DOORS ON EASTSIDE OF PREMISES IN PREP AREA NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTD TO HAVE SELF CLOSING AND MAINTAIN

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

EXCESSIVE CLUTTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT NOTED AT WEST END FRONT OF PREMISES AND IN BASEMENT. INSTD TO REMOVE ITEMS THAT ARE UNNECESSARY TO THE OPERATION OR MAINTENANCE OF ESTABLISHMENT SUCH AS EQUIOMENT THAT IS NON FUNCTIONAL OR NO LONGER USED.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FLOOR THROUGH OUT PREMISES UNDER/BEHIND ALL EQUIPMENT, SHELVING AND ALONG WALLBASE THROUGH OUT 1ST FLOOR AND BASEMENT NOT CLEAN, DIRT, DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME

MAY 11

2023

PASS 1 violation

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

2-102.13- MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGERS. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON SITE.

MAY 3

2023

FAIL 6 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 50 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE REAR STORAGE AREA AND BASEMENT PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED EMPLOYEES COOKING CHICKEN OUTSIDE WITH 2 LARGE OVERSIZED BBQ GRILLS IN REAR. EXTENSIVE SMOKE/FUMES NOTED IN SAME AREA FROM GRILLS. COOKING/PREPARING/HANDLING OF ANY FOOD OUTSIDE IS PROHIBITED. INSTD TO REMOVE GRILLS FROM PREMISES AND MAINTAIN. DISCUSSED WITH OWNER COOKING/PREPARING/HANDLING OF ANY FOOD MUST BE FROM INSIDE PREMISES ONLY. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY FOUNDATION

Minor Sanitation

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

CARDBOARD AND PLASTIC LINING NOTED THROUGH OUT PREP AREAS ON STORAGE SHELVES, BOTTOM OF PREP TABLES, AND ROLLING CARTS. INSTD TO REMOVE ALL PLASTIC LINING AND CARDBOARD SO AS SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

LEAK AT PIPE UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

CARDBOARD LINING NOTED ON ENTIRE SURFACE OF FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE CARDBOARD LINING AND MAINTAIN FLOOR AN EVEN, SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGERS. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON SITE.

show all 16 inspections →

FEB 28

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Other

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

FOUND NO PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO IMPLEMENT A PROCEDURE AND PROVIDE ALL SUPPLIES NECESSARY FOR HANDLING THESE EVENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

THE INTERIOR OF THE OVEN AND THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYERS HAVE DIRT AND DEBRIS IN AND ON THE SURFACE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

A LOT OF CLUTTER IN THE SIDE DINING AREA AND BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE CLUTTER AND ORGANIZE AREAS. MAINTAIN CLUTTER FREE AREAS.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FLOORS IN ALL CORNERS, UDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE CARDBOARD FROM THE PREP FLOORS AND DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGH OUT. -INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE WALLS AROUND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND SINKS TO REMOVE FOOD, DIRT AND GREASE BUILD UP. MAINTAIN ALL.

MAR 27

2018

PASS 1 violation

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED THE TWO TABLE STORAGE SHELVES IN PREP AREA RUSTY, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE RUST.

MAR 16

2017

PASS 5 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED THE REAR 2 DOOR FREEZER WITH EXCESSIVE ICE BUILD UP, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED THE COOKING EQUIPMENT EXTERIOR NOT CLEAN, ALSO FRYER, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED THE FLOOR IN REAR STORAGE AREA, AND UNDER THE COOKING AREA NOTCLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN REAR STORAGE, AND FRONT MENS ROOM, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

OBSERVED THE FACUET IN THE REAR DISH AREA LEAKING, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.

MAR 11

2016

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations

Serious Documentation & Training

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

NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED OR PERSON WHO HOLDS CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGAER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012

Minor Sanitation

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

REACH IN COOLER IN NEED OF REPAIR. TOP NOT SECURE, MUST SECURE AND MAINTAIN. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES

Minor Sanitation

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

WALLS IN PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

FAUCET AT BASEMENT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN NEED OF REPAIR. LEAKS. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN

MAR 24

2015

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED THE FRONT COOLER BEHIND THE BAR NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED THE CEILING LIGHT SHIELDS IN WAIT STATION, AND REAR PREP KITCHEN NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

APR 9

2014

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

FOUND RUSTY GREASE TRAP UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE RUST AND PAINT IT.

Minor Sanitation

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

FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST ORGANIZE ALL ARTICLES IN REAR BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MUST ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

APR 1

2013

PASS 1 violation

Minor Sanitation

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

LIGHTSHIELDS, VENTS, AND SURROUNDING CEILING TILES IN PREP AREA NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.

APR 11

2012

PASS 2 violations

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. FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination. ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZED CONTAINER AT ALL TIMES. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

JUN 15

2011

PASS 2 violations

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

The flow of air discharged from kitchen fans shall always be through a duct to a point above the roofline. 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. FAUCET LEAK AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN NEED OF REPAIR. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Sanitation

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

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. Cleaning equipment shall be properly stored away from food, utensils, equipment, and clean linens. MUST ORGANIZE ALL ARTICLES IN REAR BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MUST ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

MAR 31

2011

PASS 1 violation

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. All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

JUL 20

2010

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN THE FRYER AND CABINET UNDERNEATH,HOOD,FILTERS,PIPES UNDER THE HOOD,REACH IN COOLER AND REACH IN FREEFER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL.

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. THE FLOOR UNDER THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN THE PREP AREA,STORAGE CLOSET,STORE ROOM AND BASEMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SAME.

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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