JUL 2
2025
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
GARIFUNA FLAVA CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT.
YOUR CALL. 64/100
2516-2518 W 63RD ST · CHICAGO LAWN, CHICAGO
Last inspected July 2, 2025 · passed
12 of 16 inspections passed, 2 failed, 2 passed with conditions. 3 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
16
12 passed · 2 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
42
includes 3 critical
RECORDS COVER
15 YEARS
since Jul 2010
INSPECTION HISTORY
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF MOP IN THE KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY.
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.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED DIRTY VENTS IN THE WASHROOM AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OCT 22024FAILED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OCT 2
2024
FAILED
5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
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
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
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
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
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.
MAY 112023PASSED1 violationDETAILS
MAY 11
2023
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
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 32023FAILED6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 3
2023
FAILED
6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
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.
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
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.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
LEAK AT PIPE UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
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.
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 282019PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
FEB 28
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
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.
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.
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.
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 272018PASSED1 violationDETAILS
MAR 27
2018
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
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 162017PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
MAR 16
2017
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
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.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
OBSERVED THE COOKING EQUIPMENT EXTERIOR NOT CLEAN, ALSO FRYER, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
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.
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.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED THE FACUET IN THE REAR DISH AREA LEAKING, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
MAR 112016PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violationsDETAILS
MAR 11
2016
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violationsDETAILS
* 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
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
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.
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 242015PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
MAR 24
2015
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
OBSERVED THE FRONT COOLER BEHIND THE BAR NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
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 92014PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
APR 9
2014
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
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.
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.
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 12013PASSED1 violationDETAILS
APR 1
2013
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
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 112012PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
APR 11
2012
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
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.
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 152011PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JUN 15
2011
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
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.
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 312011PASSED1 violationDETAILS
MAR 31
2011
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
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 202010PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JUL 20
2010
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
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.
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.
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 →