Chicago
70
YOUR CALL

Habanero

222 W Merchandise Mart Plz, Chicago, IL 60654 · River North · Restaurant · High risk
YOUR CALL
70/100

Mostly clean — 12 of 19 passed, one prior failure

Inspections
19
12 passed
Last Inspected
2026-02-18
Pass Rate
63%
1 failure
Score
70/100
YOUR CALL
9 consecutive passes, most recently 2026-02-18
Failed 1 inspection (2019)
Sanitation issues found across 27 inspections
Employee Hygiene issues found across 4 inspections
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🧽
Sanitation critical 27×
📌
Other minor
🌡
Food Temperature serious
Chemical Safety minor
🧼
Employee Hygiene critical
📋
Documentation & Training critical
🔧
Facility Condition serious
📦
Food Storage & Handling minor
🚰
Plumbing & Waste minor
2026-02-18 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
4
minor Other

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE REAR PREP COOLER. MANAGEMENT PROVIDED THERMOMETER DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLERS CONTAINING TCS ITEMS.

minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED CONTAINERS OF BULK ITEMS SUCH AS RICE AND BEANS NOT LABELLED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL WITH COMMON NAME.

minor Other

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING REPEAT CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2611931 DATED 2/7/2025: #57 "OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR TWO FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS." #58 "OBSERVED ...

minor Other

SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC

OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2611931 DATED 2/7/2025. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.

2025-02-07 Pass Canvass
CRITICAL 5
critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE POSTED IN MEN OR WOMEN'S WASHROOMS USED BY EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO POST CLEARLY VISIBLE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE THAT NOTIFIES FOOD EMPLOYEES TO WASH THEIR HANDS AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS USED BY FOOD EMPLOYEES.

minor Food Temperature

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED MISSING GROUT IN BETWEEN TILES IN FRONT AND MIDDLE PREP AREAS OF FACILITY. OBSERVED MISSING GROUT IN BETWEEN FLOOR TILES IN FRONT PREP AREAS IN FRONT OF COLD HOLDING UNIT AND MIDDLE PREP AREA BETWEEN COLD HOLDING UNIT, THREE COMPARTMENT SIN...

minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED NON WORKING LEFT LIGHT IN HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE OR REPAIR NON WORKING LEFT LIGHT IN HOOD TO INCREASE LIGHT INTENSITY.

minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR TWO FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS

minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS.

2024-06-12 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
6
serious Food Temperature

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOOD ITEMS IN THE REAR LINE COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES FOR COLD-HOLDING: EGG AT 45.1F, SAUSAGE AT 48.1F, BEEF AT 50.2F. INSTRUCTED TO DENATURE AND DISCARD FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. PERSON-IN-CHARGE DENATURED AND D...

minor Food Temperature

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

OBSERVED THE REAR LINE COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE FOR COLD-HOLDING OF TCS FOODS WITH INTERNAL AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 49.2F. OBSERVED FRONT REACH-IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE FOR COLD HOLDING, PERSON-IN-CHARGE AWARE OF COOLER IN POOR REPA...

minor Sanitation

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED IN-USE KNIFE STORED IN-BETWEEN COUNTER EQUIPMENT AT THE REAR PREP LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE KNIFE FROM BETWEEN EQUIPMENT AND STORE IN-USE UTENSILS ON A CLEAN, SANITIZED SURFACE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL USED TO LINE NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF COOKING AND STORAGE EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALUMINUM FOIL FROM NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES AND MAINTAIN ALL NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY-CLEANA...

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES (INTERIOR CAVITY) OF REAR LINE COOLER TO BE SOILED WITH DUST AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF SOIL AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED GAPS BETWEEN TILES ON FLOOR OF FACILITY SOILED WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF SOIL AND MAINTAIN.

2023-12-06 Pass Canvass
1
minor Food Temperature

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Improper cooling method for cooked black beans, beans container covered tightly during cooling down, instructed to cover loosely to facilitate cooling down process.

2022-10-19 Pass Canvass
2
minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR IN FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST COMPLETE TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

2021-05-03 Pass Canvass
6
minor Food Storage & Handling

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON FOOD NAMES; RICE, SUGAR, ETC., WHEN FOOD IS REMOVED FROM ORGINAL PACKAGING. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.

minor Employee Hygiene

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

OBSERVED EMPLOYEE PREPARING FOOD AT HOT FOOD LINE WITHOUT A HAIR RESTRAINT, INSTRUCTED TO WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES.

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST DETAIL CLEAN LOOSE FOOD DEBRIS FROM LOWER SHELVES ON PREP TABLES THROUGHOUT, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

serious Employee Hygiene

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

MUST REPAIR LEAKY DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH HANDWASHING SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST DETAIL CLEAN LOOSE FOOD DEBRI FROM FLOORS IN FRONT PREP AND REAR DISH AREAS, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST RE-GROUT FLOOR IN FRONT OF 3-COMP SINK AND THROUGHOUT REAR PREP/STORAGE ARA, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.

2020-08-05 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
5
serious Food Temperature

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS ITEMS MAINTAINED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE IN BOTH FRONT COLD-HOLD UNIT AND IN REAR 2 DOOR COOLER: IN FRONT COLD-HOLD UNIT GUACAMOLE AT 51.4F AND PICO DE GALLO AT 54.5F AND IN THE REAR 2 DOOR COOLER CHICKEN BREASTS AT 52.6F, ...

minor Food Temperature

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

OBSERVED 2 COOLERS CONTAINING TCS ITEMS MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE: COLD-HOLD UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA CONTAINING TCS ITEMS SUCH AS GUACAMOLE AND PICO DE GALLO MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 51.0F AND A 2 DOOR COOLER L...

minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD OPPOSITE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACES.

minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED DIRTY GASKET ON PREP COOLER LOCATED IN FRONT MAIN LINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME ON CAULK AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR OF FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN, RE-CAULK, AND MAINTAIN.

2019-07-22 Pass w/ Conditions Complaint
2
serious Facility Condition

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

LARGE CONTAINERS OF SLASA IN DOUBLE DOOR COOLER NOT LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL TCS FOODS THAT IS HELD MORE THAN 24HRS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, NO CITATION ISSUED

minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

BULK-FOOD CONTAINERS ( SALT ) AND SPRAY BOTTLES NOT LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL.

2019-01-17 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass Re-Inspection
CRITICAL 2
critical Documentation & Training

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN

critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

NO VOMIT/ DIARRHEA CLEANUP PROCEDURE ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN

2019-01-03 Fail Canvass
CRITICAL 3
critical Documentation & Training

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.

critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

NO VOMIT/ DIARRHEA CLEANUP PROCEDURE ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.

serious Food Temperature

HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE

NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT 3-COMP SINK, WATER TEMP AT 78F, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE 110F MINIMUM WATER TEMPERATURE AT WASH SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOL 7-38-030 (C)

2018-01-23 Pass Canvass

No violations found.

2017-01-06 Pass Canvass
2
minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED TOWEL BEING USED AS SHELF LINER. OBSERVED CARDBOARDS BEING USED AS SHELF LINER. NO POUROUS MATERIAL CAN BE USED AND ALL SURFACES MUST BE NON POROUS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED DARK GROOVES IN CUTTING BOARDS IN MAIN PREP AREA. ALL CUTTING BOARDS MUST BE CLEANED AND SANITIZED SO THAT ALL DARK GROOVES ARE REMOVED. IF DARK GROOVES CAN NOT BE REMOVED CUTTING BOARDS MUST BE REPLACED.

2016-03-04 Pass Canvass
4
minor Chemical Safety

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

BULK CONTAINERS (RICE, BEANS) NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL BULK CONTAINERS.

minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED SLIGHT DISCOLORATION ON SODA MACHINE ICE MACHINE ICE CHUTE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE/ICE CHUTE.

minor Plumbing & Waste

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

1-COMPARTMENT SINK DRAIN PIPE LEAKING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINK.

minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

DIGITAL METAL STEM THERMOMETER OUT OF BATTERIES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE/CALIBRATE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR FOOD HANDLERS.

2015-02-19 Pass Canvass
4
minor Sanitation

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

MUST RE CAULK ALONG THE SPLASH GUARD OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK(WORN OUT WITH BLACK MOLDY LIKE SUBSTANCE) AND MAINTAIN. RUSTED LID OF THE GREASE TRAP BOX UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

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

MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE INSIDE BOTTOM SHELVE OF THE PREP COOLER IN THE FRONT SERVING AREA AND PREP COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN. MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL THE MOP SINK.

minor Sanitation

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

HOLES THRU-OUT THE WALLS ABOVE THE 3 COMPARTMEMT SINK. MUST SEAL ALL HOLES AND MAINTAIN.

minor Documentation & Training

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

MUST ENROLL ONLINE TO GET A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.

2014-09-18 Pass Canvass
1
minor Chemical Safety

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE COOLERS NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAMES, USE BY OR PREPARED BY DATE, INCLUDING BULK ITEMS.

2013-12-19 Pass Canvass
1
minor Sanitation

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

MISSING GROUT AT DISH WAHING AREA FLOOR TILES, TRAPPING WASTE WATER AND FOOD DEBRIS, INSTRUCTE TO GROUT TILES AND MAINTAIN.

2013-01-07 Pass Canvass
3
minor Sanitation

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

FOOD STRAINER IN POOR REPAIR, WIRES STICKING OUT, INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND USE ONLY SOUND EQUIPMENT.

minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

MISSING REFRIGERATION THERMOMETER IN PREP COOLERS, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.

minor Sanitation

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

SOAP DISPESER INSTALLED ABOVE PREP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.

2012-01-10 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
CRITICAL 4
critical Employee Hygiene

HANDS WASHED AND CLEANED, GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES; NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS.

All employees who handle food shall wash their hands as often as necessary to maintain a high degree of personal cleanliness and should conform to hygienic practices prescribed by the Board of Health. OBSERVED UNHYGIENIC FOOD PRACTICES BY FOOD HANDL...

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. DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE PREP COOLERS.

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. MUST REGROUT THE FLOOR TILES IN THE DISHWASH AREA.

minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. MUST PROVIDE VISIBLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE OF ALL PREP ...

2010-11-26 Pass Canvass
3
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. OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP INSIDE PREP AREA REACH IN COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN COOLER GASKETS...

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. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAINS IN PREP AREA.

minor Sanitation

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

The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. OBSERVED SMALL HOLES IN WALL AT STORAGE AREA ACROSS FROM STAND UP REACH IN COOLERS. MUST SEAL ALL HOLES IN WALL.

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Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health · Score calculated from inspection outcomes, violation severity & recency. · How we score
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Eat or Beat scores are independent editorial analysis of public records and do not represent official government ratings.