HONKY TONK BARBEQUE.
1800 S RACINE AVE · PILSEN, CHICAGO
Failed 4 of 20 inspections. 9 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
OCT 22025PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
4-402.12: OBSERVED THE A SMALL OPENING IN THE CREVICES OF THE LOWER WALL/FLOOR BEHIND THE BULK DRY INGREDIENTS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN.
4-601.11(B): OBSERVED THE LIDS ON THE BULK DRY INGREDIENT CONTAINERS WITH DEBRIS AND ONE LID WAS CRACKED. ALSO FOUND GREASE BUILD UP ON THE SHELF UNDER THE GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
4-601.11(C): OBSERVED ON THE ELECTRICAL BOXES ON THE WALLS NEAR THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER STORED BY THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH BUILD UP OF DEBRIS. ALSO FOUND A BUILD UP OF DEBRIS ON THE TOP OF THE DISHWASHING MACHINE UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
2-102.13: FOUND NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO TAKE ALLERGEN COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.
SEP 112025FAILED7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
UPON ENTRY, I OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE, WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. INSTRUCTED A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE BEFORE THE CONCLUSION OF THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED
OBSERVED HIGH TEMPERATURE DISHWASHING MACHINE (NOT IN USE AT THIS TIME) REACHING PROPER FINAL RINSE TEMPERATURE. FOUND THE FINAL RINSE TEMPERATURE AT 175F ON FINAL RINSE GAUAGE AND 125F ON THE IRREVERSIBLE THERMOMETER DISK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. UNIT TAGGED AND MAY NOT BE USED UNTIL TAG IS REMOVED. PLEASE REVIEW COMMENTS FOT TAG REMOVAL. DISHWASHING MACHINE WAS CONVERTED TO CHEMICAL, ADVISED NOT TO USE HOT WATER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025, NO CITATION ISSUED
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY TWO LIVE ROACHES AND 3 BIG FLIES. FOUND THE ROACH ACTIVITY IN THE LOWER CREVICES BEHIND THE BULK DRY INGREDIENT CONTAINERS IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. THE BIG FLIES WERE OBSERVED THROUGHOUT THE REAR PREP/SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE ROACH AND FLY ACTIVITY AND RECOMMEND CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED
OBSERVED THE A SMALL OPENING IN THE CREVICES OF THE LOWER WALL/FLOOR BEHIND THE BULK DRY INGREDIENTS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED THE LIDS ON THE BULK DRY INGREDIENT CONTAINERS WITH DEBRIS AND ONE LID WAS CRACKED. ALSO FOUND GREASE BUILD UP ON THE SHELF UNDER THE GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED ON THE ELECTRICAL BOXES ON THE WALLS NEAR THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER STORED BY THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH BUILD UP OF DEBRIS. ALSO FOUND A BUILD UP OF DEBRIS ON THE TOP OF THE DISHWASHING MACHINE UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
FOUND NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO TAKE ALLERGEN COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.
JUN 72024FAILED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
4-501.112(A:1&2) OBSERVED THE HIGH-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING AT 180F; AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION, THE FACILITY WAS NOT SANITIZING ANY EQUIPMENT OR UTENSILS IN THE HIGH-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE AND WAS WASHING, RINSING, AND SANITIZING AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SO THAT THE HIGH-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IS PROPERLY SANITIZED AT 180F AT ALL TIMES. THE MANAGER SWITCHED THE DISH MACHINE TO LOW TEMPERATURE, AND BY THE END OF THE INSPECTION, THE DISH MACHINE WAS PROPERLY SANITIZED AT 100 CHLORINE. PRIORITY VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED 7-38-025.
6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON SITE. OBSERVED ABOUT 20 LIVE SMALL FLIES BY THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).
4-204.115 OBSERVED THE HIGH-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE GAUGES IN POOR REPAIR AND NOT MEASURING THE HOT WATER TEMPERATURES FOR THE WASH AND RINSE CYCLES. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
6-501.12 OBSERVED DIRT DEBRIS IN VARIOUS AREAS OF THE FLOOR IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN UNDER THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND HIGH-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE, UNDER AND AROUND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REFRIGERATION UNITS.
show all 20 inspections →
OCT 42023FAILED8 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING CLEANSER AT HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED AT BAR. ALL HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH HAND CLEANING LIQUID AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030-(C). CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION AT HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED AT FRONT BAR. ALL HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH A HAND DRYING PROVISION AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.CORRECTED ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-030(C), CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
FOUND AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE ON THE FOOD CONTACT SURFACE OF THE ICE MACHINE. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. MUST CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED.
FOUND APPROX. 30 - 40 SMALL FLIES THROUGHOUT FACILITY. NOTED FLIES AT BAR ABOVE HANDWASHING SINK, IN ALL DINING AREAS AND IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MINIMIZE FLY ACTIVITY. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED
FOUND 1/8 INCH GAP UNDER FRONT DINE IN ENTRY DOOR. MUST PROVIDE CLOSED TIGHT FITTING DOORS AT ALL TIMES.
FOUND SPRAYER DRAIN PIPE LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF UNISEX EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM AND UNISEX CUSTOMER TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
FOUND CONTINUED NON- COMPLIANCE FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2563362 CONDUCTED ON 9/8/22. THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS WERE NOT CORRECTED: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NOT ALL MANAGERS WITH AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT. 6-202.15 OBSERVED SIDE ENTRANCE DOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING WITH A 1/4 INCH GAP AT THE FAR LEFT BOTTOM CORNER AND FAR LEFT TOP CORNER OF SAID DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE SAID DOOR TIGHT FITTING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY . PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
SEP 82022PASSED2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
6-202.15 OBSERVED SIDE ENTRANCE DOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING WITH A 1/4 INCH GAP AT THE FAR LEFT BOTTOM CORNER AND FAR LEFT TOP CORNER OF SAID DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE SAID DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
2-102.13 OBSERVED NOT ALL MANAGERS WITH AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
MAY 172019PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED RUSTY WALK-IN COOLER STORAGE RACKS, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE RUST, AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED NO ALERGEN TRAINING ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL MANAGERS WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE.
JUN 12018PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (RAW EGGS) PLACED ABOVE READY TO EAT FOOD (BUTTER AND SOUR CREAM)IN THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO NOT STORE FOODS THAT ARE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS ABOVE READY TO EAT FOODS. SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-005(A)
OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE OR VISIBLE/ACCESSIBLE TO INSPECTOR. CERTIFICATES PRESENTED WERE EXPIRED AND NO EVIDENCE OF A CURRENT FOOD SANITATION COURSE ENROLLMENT WAS SHOWN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND POST A VALID CERTIFICATE. SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-012
OBSERVED ICE MACHINES IN THE EQUIPMENT STORAGE AREA, BAR AREA, AND COFFEE AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE AND CLEAN. OBSERVED BEVERAGE REACH IN COOLER IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. OBSERVED FOOD SPLATTER AND DUST BUILDUP INSIDE THE CABINETS LOCATED IN BEHIND THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
OBSERVED BOXES ON THE GROUND IN THE EQUIPMENT STORAGE AREA AND BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE BOXES AND ELEVATE 6 INCHES FROM THE GROUND. OBSERVED FOOD SPLATTER ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS FOR 2 LIGHTING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT IN THE EQUIPMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
REMOVE FOUL ODORS IN BACK STORAGE/LOCKER ROOM AREA FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO VENTILATION. OBSERVED HANDSINK IN KITCHEN AREA SLOWLY DRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ITEMS FROM SINK THAT MAY CAUSE SLOW DRAINING.
OBSERVED MOP STILL IN MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE CLEANING EQUIPMENT WHEN NOT IN USE BY ELEVATING AND MOUNTING. OBSERVED CLUTTER IN THE BASEMENT EQUIPMENT STORAGE AREA AND IN BACK CABINETS BEHIND THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
NOV 142016PASSED1 violationDETAILS
OBSERVED WALL COVING IN POOR REPAIR THRU OUT FOOD PREP AREA. OBSERVED CRACKS AND CREVICES ABOVE 2 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY SEAL ALL AREAS AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST ON THE VENT FAN LOCATED ABOVE THE SIDE DOOR AND ACCUMULATED DUST ON THE WALLS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN.
JAN 252016PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED MINOR DIRT DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE BAR AREA. OBSERVED MINOR FOOD DEBRIS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED A HOLE IN THE WALL IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED NO ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN THE WALK IN FREEZER LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED EQUIPMENT STORED ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT AND CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR OF THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE EVERYTHING AT LEAST 6 INCHES AND MAINTAIN.
JUN 22015PASSED6 violationsDETAILS
DEFROST INTERIOR OF PREP FREEZER.
CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE.
CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN BASEMENT BOILER ROOM AREA.
REPAIR VENTILATION FAN IN WOMEN WASHROOM.
ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER, WALK-IN FREEZER, AND STORAGE AREAS. REMOVE UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN BASEMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. STORE MOP HEAD UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
STORE ICE SCOOP PROPERLY IN BAR AREA(HANDLE UP OR SANITARY CONTAINER).
JUN 112014PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles must be properly stored,inverted to prevent contamination before use.
Cutting boards with deep, dark grooves must be sanded/bleached or replaced and raw wooden shelvings must be sealed.
Clean and maintain the walls near the cooking equipments so they are smooth and sanitary from top to bottom and seal openings around plumbing/electrical pipes where noted to manager.
(2)lights fixtures at ceiling in the kitchen area must be shielded or provide shatter-proof lighting.
Food handlers must have hair restraints when working around open food.
AUG 152013PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
NEED TO DEFROST AND CLEAN BOTH SMALL BOX FREEZERS. CLEAN INTERIOR OF BAR COOLERS.
CLEAN FLOOR UNDER REAR SMOKERS.
CLEAN WALLS BEHIND SMOKER.
APR 182012PASSED1 violationDETAILS
corrected.
FEB 242012PASSED1 violationDETAILS
Inspector Comments: 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.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY FAUCET AT 2 & 3 COMP SINKS.
FEB 162012FAILED8 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines.OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON SITE TO VIEW,FRONT & SIDE DOORS NOT TIGHT FITTING.MUST PROVIDE A PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK & RODENT PROOF DOOR.(SERIOUS 7-38-020)CITATION ISSUED.
All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers.MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS.
All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON REACH IN COOLER.MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR BAR 3- COMP SINK.
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.MUST CLEAN ROLLING CART,FAN GUARDS IN WALK IN COOLER,WINDOW SILLS.DELIME DISH MACHINE.
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.MUST CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASES IN PREP AREA & BASEMENT.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE FLOOR TILES IN PREP AREA,HOLE IN FLOOR NEAR STOVE &SHELVING UNITS.
The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE WALL BASE NEXT TO WALK IN FREEZER,DAMAGED WALL BEHIND SMOKER & MEN'S TOILET ROOM.MUST SCRAPE & PAINT PEELING PAINT ON WALLS IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM.MUST SEAL LOWER WALL BASES BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT.MUST CLEAN CEILING IN WALK IN COOLER.
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.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY FAUCET AT 2 & 3 COMP SINKS.
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.MUST ELEVATE MASSIVE AMOUNT OF ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR IN BASEMENT.
OCT 72010PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
VIOLATION PARTIALLY CORRECTED. REMAINING PORTION: REPAIR SCREEN AT REAR EXIT SCREEN DOOR.
VIOLATION PARTIALLY CORRECTED. REMAINING PORTION: REPAIR CRACKED FLOOR TILES BY COOKING STOVE AND PREP STORAGE RACK IN KITCHEN. SEAL OPENING ON FLOOR IN KITCHEN BY VENTILATION HOOD.
The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. SEAL OPENING AT WALL AND CEILING IN STAFF TOILET ROOM. CAULK WALL BASE AT DINING AREA AND AT LIQUOR STORAGE WALK-IN UNIT. CLEAN VENT COVER IN WOMEN TOILET ROOM. SEAL HOLE IN WALL UNDER DISHMACHINE (JAN. 7, 2011)
VIOLATION PARTIALLY CORRECTED. REMAINING PORTION: REPAIR LEAKS AT HANDLES OF TWO COMPARTMENT SINK AND PROVIDE DIPPER WELL WITH COLD RUNNING WATER FOR HAND DIPPED ICE CREAM SCOOPS. REPLACE CAP AT UTILITY SINK FAUCET FOR BACKFLOW DEVICE (JAN. 7, 2011).
VIOLATION PARTIALLY CORRECTED. REMAINING PORTION: REMOVE UNUSED ITEMS FROM BEHIND WALK-IN COOLER IN KITCHEN.
AUG 172010PASSED8 violationsDETAILS
PROVIDE STORAGE RACKS AND SHELVES FOR STOCK ITEMS-REMOVE MILK CRATES FROM BEING USED TO STORE ITEMS. REMOVE CARDBOARD LINING FROM BAR COOLERS. DEFROST REACH-IN FREEZERS AND BAR CHEST FREEZER. REPAIR SCREEN AT REAR EXIT SCREEN DOOR.
CLEAN UNDER CHEST FREEZER AT BAR, AROUND STORAGE UNIT IN BASEMENT, BEHIND AND INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE, AND TAKE OUT AREA SIDE OF COUNTER AND BEHIND SMALL HOLDING UNIT.
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. REPAIR CRACKED FLOOR TILES BY COOKING STOVE AND PREP STORAGE RACK IN KITCHEN. SEAL OPENING ON FLOOR IN KITCHEN BY VENTILATION HOOD. REMOVE CIGARETTE BUTTS FROM BASEMENT FLOOR.
The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. SEAL OPENING AT WALL AND CEILING IN STAFF TOILET ROOM. CAULK WALL BASE AT DINING AREA AND AT LIQUOR STORAGE WALK-IN UNIT. CLEAN VENT COVER IN WOMEN TOILET ROOM.
REPLACE LIGHT BULBS NOT WORKING IN KITCHEN NEXT ABOVE.
REPAIR LEAKS AT FAUCET AND HANDLES AT TWO COMPARTMENT SINK AND PROVIDE DIPPER WELL WITH COLD RUNNING WATER FOR HAND DIPPED ICE CREAM SCOOPS.
PROVIDE INTERNAL THERMOMETER IN DAIRY REFRIGERATOR.
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. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AROUND OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA AND STAIRS TO REMOVE SPILLS/STAINS. REMOVE UNUSED ITEMS FROM BEHIND WALK-IN COOLER, ORGANIZE CLUTTERED STORAGE SECTION IN BASEMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
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 →