SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

HERO COFFEE BAR.

BEAT. 29/100

2950 N SHERIDAN RD · LAKEVIEW, CHICAGO

Last inspected May 5, 2025 · passed

Failed 4 of 9 inspections. 10 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
9
4 passed · 1 w/ conditions · 4 failed
VIOLATIONS
39
includes 10 critical
RECORDS COVER
6 YEARS
since Sep 2018

INSPECTION HISTORY

MAY 5
2025
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-201.11 - OBSERVED DISCOLORED CEILING TILES IN KITCHEN AND CEILING VENT IN GUEST/EMPLOYEE WASHROOM ABOVE TOILET WITH HEAVY DUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

6-202.11 - NOTED MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN KITCHEN ABOVE FOOD PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE OR MAINTAIN PROOF ON SITE STATING THAT THE LIGHT BULBS USED ARE SHATTERPROOF.

APR 25
2025
FAILED
10 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

NOTED NO HANDWASH SIGNAGE AT COFFEE STATION HANDSINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN TO ENSURE PROPER USE OF HANDSINK.

SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED INTERIOR OF NEAR EMPTY COFFEE STATION ICE MACHINE NOT CLEAN. NOTED TWO STRANDS OF HAIR ON INTERIOR SURFACE AND SLIGHT DISCOLORATION ON EXTERIOR PLATE OF ICE DISPENSER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE AND CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED SET UP 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN KITCHEN AND BUCKETS AT FRONT COFFEE STATION WITH CHLORINE SANITIZING SOLUTION WITH A CONCENTRATION OF 200 PPM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO MAKE SOLUTIONS WITH 50-100 PPM OF CHLORINE FOR SANITIZING BUCKETS AND 3 COMPARMENT SINK. PERSON IN CHARGE EMPTIED SANITIZING BUCKET AND DRAINED 3 COMPARTMENT SINK/ ADDED ADDITITONAL WATER TO DILUTE TO A CONCENTRATION OF 100 PPM. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.

MINOROther
37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
MINOREmployee Hygiene
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

NOTED NO HAIR RESTRAINTS ON ANY FOOD HANDLERS AT COFFEE STATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

OBSERVED WHITE AND ORANGE WIPING CLOTHS ON VARIOUS SURFACES AT COFFEE STATION AND ON CUTTING BOARD IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND HOLD WIPING CLOTHS IN BUCKETS WITH SANIZITER IN BETWEEN USE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.

SERIOUSSanitation
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT ON SITE FOR CHLORINE SANITIZER USED IN KITCHEN AND IN SANITIZING BUCKETS HOLDING WIPING CLOTHS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER CONCENTRATION IN SANITIZING SOLUTIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

NOTED VARIOUS CEILING TILES ABOVE FOOD PREP AND COOKING EQUIPMENT IN KITCHEN COVERED/REPAIRED WITH ALUMINUM FILM AND BLUE TAPE. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED DISCOLORED CEILING TILES IN KITCHEN AND CEILING VENT IN GUEST/EMPLOYEE WASHROOM ABOVE TOILET WITH HEAVY DUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

NOTED MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN KITCHEN ABOVE FOOD PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE OR MAINTAIN PROOF ON SITE STATING THAT THE LIGHT BULBS USED ARE SHATTERPROOF.

AUG 13
2024
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DOOR AT THE BATHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DOOR AT BATHROOM.

AUG 6
2024
FAILED
4 violations3 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO MANAGER WITH A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED CURRENT PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A MANAGER WITH A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS COFFEE, MILK, AND EGGS ARE HANDLED AND PREPARED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED NO MAINTAINED PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK CONTAINING RECENT SERVICE REPORTS OR THE PEST CONTROL COMPANY'S ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH LICENSE NUMBER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A MAINTAINED PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK CONTAINING ALL NECESSARY INFORMATION AS SPECIFIED IN THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF CHICAGO. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-020(c). CITATION ISSUED.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DOOR AT THE BATHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DOOR AT BATHROOM.

JUN 15
2020
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINOREmployee Hygiene
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

NOTED EMPLOYEES AT THE PREP AND DISHWASH AREA PREPARING FOOD WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINTS OR PROTECTION. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS OR PROTECTION AT ALL TIMES.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED DUST/DEBRIS ON WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND MOP SINK. MUST CLEAN WALLS AND MAINTAIN.

show all 9 inspections →
NOV 14
2019
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

ACCUMULATED DUST ON DUCT VENT ABOVE THE COOKING GRILL. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

NOV 5
2019
FAILED
7 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. -

CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED AT ALL TIMES AND ALSO THE PERSON IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE BY NEXT INSPECTION (UPON BEING INSPECTED) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED

MINOREmployee Hygiene
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

NOTED FEMALE EMPLOYEES AT THE PREP AREA PREPARING FOOD WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINTS OR PROTECTION. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS OR PROTECTION AT ALL TIMES

MINORSanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

NOTED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE

SERIOUSSanitation
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

NOTED NO SANITIZER TEST STRIP KIT ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A TEST STRIP KIT ON SITE AT ALL TIMES TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE STRENGTH OF THE SANITIZER PF. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS -

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

ACCUMULATED DUST ON DUCT VENT ABOVE THE COOKING GRILL. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

SEP 18
2018
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

2-201.11 FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AT PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. MUST PROVIDE.

CRITICALSanitation
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

2-501.11 FOUND NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEANING PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. MUST PROVIDE.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

3-307.11 FOUND NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN SINK AND PREPARATION COOLER AT SIDE PREPARATION AREAS.MUST PROVIDE.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-201.11 FOUND CEMENT WALL PILLARS BEHIND FRONT COUNTER NOT SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN. MUST COVER.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

4-301.14 FOUND NO EXHAUST HOOD FOR FLAT TOP GRILL AT PREPARATION AREAS. MUST PROVIDE.

SEP 12
2018
FAILED
6 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

2-201.11 FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AT PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. MUST PROVIDE.

CRITICALSanitation
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

2-501.11 FOUND NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEANING PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. MUST PROVIDE.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

3.306.11 FOUND FOOD GUARD TOO SHORT AT FRONT COUNTER. PRIORITY VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005. FOOD GUARD MUST BE 60INCHES IN HEIGHT FROM FLOOR.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

3-307.11 FOUND NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN SINK AND PREPARATION COOLER AT SIDE PREPARATION AREAS.MUST PROVIDE.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-201.11 FOUND CEMENT WALL PILLARS BEHIND FRONT COUNTER NOT SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN. MUST COVER.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

4-301.14 FOUND NO EXHAUST HOOD FOR FLAT TOP GRILL AT PREPARATION AREAS. MUST PROVIDE.

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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