I DREAM OF FALAFEL.
555 W MONROE ST · WEST LOOP, CHICAGO
Failed 4 of 17 inspections. 8 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
APR 262019PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ONSITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE CITY'S HEALTH FORM OR SIMILAR DOCUMENTS USED TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
MUST REMOVE RUST FROM STORAGE RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER, SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
MUST DETAIL CLEAN WATER AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET. INFORMATION PROVIDED
ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENSE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE.
APR 182019PASS W/ CONDITIONS9 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ONSITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE CITY'S HEALTH FORM OR SIMILAR DOCUMENTS USED TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
NO CLEAN UP KIT ONSITE FOR VOMITING OR DIARRHEA EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE KIT AND POST PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS IN A PREP COOLER AND 1-DOOR UPRIGHT COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. 6 LBS OF YOGURT, 50F, VALUED AT $6. 3 LBS OF QUINOA AT 50F, VALUED AT $5, AND CUCUMBER & TOMATOES SALAD, 51F, VALUED AT $50. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP TCS FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED 1-DOOR UPRIGHT COOLER (57F)IN REAR PREP AND PREP COOLER (55F) IN FRONT PREP AREA AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE USING COOLING UNITS UNTIL SERVICED AND MAINTAINING A COLD TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED. COOLERS TAGGED.
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON FOOD NAMES; FLOUR, SUGAR, ETC., WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
MUST REMOVE RUST FROM STORAGE RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER, SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
MUST DETAIL CLEAN WATER AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET. INFORMATION PROVIDED.
ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENSE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE.
JAN 112018PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED PRE-PACKAGED BAKERY ITEMS OFFERED FOR SALE, AT FRONT COUNTER, NOT PROPERLY LABELED, BAKLAVA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LABELS. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
OBSERVED DARK DEEP GROOVES AND STAINS ON CUTTING BOARD IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. OBSERVED CHIPPED PAINT ON BOTTOM OF REAR GREASE TRAP, UNDER 1 COMP SINK, IN DISH PREPARATION AREA. INFORMED MANAGER THAT ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE CHIPPED PAINT/RESEAL AND ENSURE SURFACE IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
OBSERVED MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE EMBEDDED IN THE CAULK LINE OF MOP SINK IN REAR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RESEAL/REPLACE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
OBSERVED SEVERAL HOLES ALONG BACK WALL OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND RIGHT SIDE AND BOTTOM CORNER OF REAR EXPOSED HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
JAN 52018PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER LICK INDEX FINGER ON LEFT HAND, AT FRONT PREP COUNTER, THEN PUT ON LATEX GLOVES AND PROCEEDED TO PREPARE RICE BOWL FOR CUSTOMER. OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES. FOOD HANDLER FAILED TO WASH HANDS BEFORE PREPARING AND SERVING FOOD. INFORMED MANAGER THAT PROPER HAND WASHING IS REQUIRED BETWEEN TASKS WHENEVER FOODS ARE PREPARED AND OR SERVED. MANAGER CORRECTED VIOLATIONS DURING INSPECTION DURING INSPECTION. CRITICAL VIOLATION # 7-38-005 (A)
OBSERVED PRE-PACKAGED BAKERY ITEMS OFFERED FOR SALE, AT FRONT COUNTER, NOT PROPERLY LABELED, BAKLAVA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LABELS. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
OBSERVED DARK DEEP GROOVES AND STAINS ON CUTTING BOARD IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. OBSERVED CHIPPED PAINT ON BOTTOM OF REAR GREASE TRAP, UNDER 1 COMP SINK, IN DISH PREPARATION AREA. INFORMED MANAGER THAT ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE CHIPPED PAINT/RESEAL AND ENSURE SURFACE IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
OBSERVED MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE EMBEDDED IN THE CAULK LINE OF MOP SINK IN REAR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RESEAL/REPLACE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
OBSERVED SEVERAL HOLES ALONG BACK WALL OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND RIGHT SIDE AND BOTTOM CORNER OF REAR EXPOSED HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
AUG 102017PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
Observed excessive rust on top of grease trap under 3 compartment sink and on bottom shelf of prep table in rear kitchen. Must remove rust or paint surfaces to make smooth and easily cleanable. Must maintain same.
Observed excessive food debris on gasket of middle door of 3 door upright cooler. Must detail clean and sanitize area. Must maintain same. Found small amounts of orange and brown, slimy, mold-like substance on plastic cover or upper interior of ice machine. Must remove, clean and sanitize machine. Must maintain same.
Observed employee belongings stacked on top of soda bag in the boxes in hallway closet. Must provide separate area for employee belongings or organize closet so that employee items are not resting on dry storage products. Must maintain same.
show all 17 inspections →
OCT 112016PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MAINTAINED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES .APPROX 10-LBS OF FALAFEL MIX IN PREP AREA AT FRYER AT IMPROPER COLD TEMPERATURE OF 56.2F,AND APPROX 2 LARGE PLASTIC CONTAINERS OF FALAFEL MIX ,1 CONTAINER APPROX 37 LBS AT 58.8F AND THE OTHER CONTAINER OF FALAFEL MIX -APPROX 30-LBS AT 59.2F .ALSO APPROX 10-LBS BABA GANOUJEH- (EGGPLANT) AT PREP COOLER FOOD LINE AT 46.9F. MUST MAINTAIN COLD FOODS AT 40.0F OR BELOW.ALL FOODS REMOVED AND DISCARDED BY MANAGER AT APPROX-80LBS AT COST APPROX 100.00-CDI. CRITICAL VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-005A.
NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED AND VISIBLE TO PATRONS.FOOD BEING PREPED AT INSPECTION AND FOOD ORDERS PREPARED AND SERVED,IE .SERIOUS VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
FOUND PREPED FOODS AND FOODS IN COOERS NOT IN ORIGINAL CINTAINER NOT LABELED/DATED. MUST PROVIDED
INTERIOR OF ICE DISPENSERAT POP MACHINE HAS SLIGHT BUILD-UP.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
MAR 282016PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED FOLDED CARBOARD BEING USED AS A RACK TO HOLD KABOBS OVER THE GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDED A RACK THAT IS SMOOTH, NON-ABSORBENT AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
OBSERVED MULTIPLE EMPLOYEE JACKETS BEING STORED ON TOP OF THE SODA RACK IN THE CLOSET AND EMPLOYEE BAGS BEING STORED IN CONTACT WITH THE REAR PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE EMPLOYEE BELONGINGS AWAY FROM FOOD AND FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
APR 72015PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
NOTED RUST ON THE EXTERIOR LID OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK GREASE TRAP. MUST REMOVE RUST.
DETAIL CLEAN COUNTER TOP AND STORAGE CABINETS UNDER THE SODA DISPENSER IN THE DINING AREA. ALSO DETAIL CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REACH IN COOLERS.
CLEAN THE FLOORS IN PREP AREAS AND IN THE MENS WASHROOM.
DETAIL CLEAN WALLS IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS AS NEEDED.
REPAIR THE LEAKY PIPES UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
MAR 302015FAILED6 violationsDETAILS
CONTINUED NON-COMPLIANCE. PREVIOUS VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT # 1199653 ON 12/11/2014 NOT CORRECTED. (32)MUST INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE REAR EXPOSED HAND SINK AND THE STORED CLEAN DISHES. MUST CORRECT MINOR VIOLATIONS BY THE DATES SPECIFIED ON THE REPORT. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090
NOTED RUST ON THE EXTERIOR LID OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK GREASE TRAP. MUST REMOVE RUST.
DETAIL CLEAN COUNTER TOP AND STORAGE CABINETS UNDER THE SODA DISPENSER IN THE DINING AREA. ALSO DETAIL CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REACH IN COOLERS.
CLEAN THE FLOORS IN PREP AREAS AND IN THE MENS WASHROOM.
DETAIL CLEAN WALLS IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS AS NEEDED.
REPAIR THE LEAKY PIPES UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
DEC 182014PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
ALL MINOR VIOLATIONS HAVE BEEN CORRECTED.
MUST INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE REAR EXPOSED HAND SINK AND THE STORED CLEAN DISHES.
DEC 112014FAILED2 violationsDETAILS
PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS FROM 7-25-14 NOT CORRECTED. #32-LID OF REAR BOX FREEZER IN POOR CONDITION, REPAIRED WITH TAPE. MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR WITH PROPER CLEANABLE MATERIAL.#43- WIPING CLOTHS ON REAR PREP MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090.
MUST INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE REAR EXPOSED HAND SINK AND THE STORED CLEAN DISHES.
JUL 252014PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
ALL PREPARED READY TO EAT FOODS AND SAUCES MUST BE LABELED AND DATED.
LID OF REAR BOX FREEZER IN POOR CONDITION, REPAIRED WITH TAPE. MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR WITH PROPER CLEANABLE MATERIAL.
WIPING CLOTHS ON FRONT AND REAR PREP MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
JUL 142014FAILED5 violationsDETAILS
NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON PREMISES. NO CERTIFIED MANAGER PRESENT DURING INSPECTION. PENDING MANAGER ARRIVED AT THE END OF INSPECTION WITH RECEIPT IN HAND AFTER BEING TELEPHONED. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS FROM 10-17-13 NOT CORRECTED. #32-CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CAN OPENER BLADE AT REAR PREP TABLE; SOME RUST OBSERVED ON BLADE AS WELL; REMOVE.#35- REPLACE WALL COVING AT LOWER WALL IN REAR PREP AREA BEHIND THREE DOOR COOLER WHERE MISSING AND LOOSE. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090.
ALL PREPARED READY TO EAT FOODS AND SAUCES MUST BE LABELED AND DATED.
LID OF REAR BOX FREEZER IN POOR CONDITION, REPAIRED WITH TAPE. MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR WITH PROPER CLEANABLE MATERIAL.
WIPING CLOTHS ON FRONT AND REAR PREP MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
OCT 172013PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ICE DISPENSER CHUTE AT SODA MACHINE IN DINING AREA. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CAN OPENER BLADE AT REAR PREP TABLE; SOME RUST OBSERVED ON BLADE AS WELL; REMOVE.
REPLACE WALL COVING AT LOWER WALL IN REAR PREP AREA BEHIND THREE DOOR COOLER WHERE MISSING AND LOOSE.
REPAIR LEAK FROM STOPPER VALVE UNDER SANITIZING COMPARTMENT OF THREE COMP SINK.
JUL 192012PASSED6 violationsDETAILS
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKET AT ICE BOX FREEZER AS WELL AS TORN INTERIOR DOOR LID.MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
MUST DEFROST REAR ICE BOX TO REMOVE EXCESS ICE BUILD UP.
MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDER GRILL TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS.
MUST ADJUST LOOSE HOT WATER FAUCET HANDLES AT LADIES AND MEN'S RESTROOM.
MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS AT 1DR AND 2DR COOLERS IN THE FRONT SERVICE LINE.
MUST ALWAYS STORE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
APR 282011FAILED5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous food shall have adequate refrigerated food storage facilities. THE MAIN FRONT PREP AREA 2-DOOR COOLER IS 95f INSIDE, REPAIR OR REPLACE SAID COOLER SO IT WILL HOLD FOOD AT 40f OR LESS.
FILL UP THE SOAP AND TOWELS AT ALL HANDSINKS.
INSTALL ADEQUATE DRYING AND STORAGE RACKS FOR CLEAN EQUIPMENT.
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. THE KITCHEN FLOORS HAVE ENCRUSTED BUILDUP IN THE GROUT, CLEAN AND RESEAL THE FLOORS SO THEY ARE SMOOTH, SANITARY AND EASY TO MAINTAIN.
THE GREASE TRAPS ARE FULL AND SMELL, CLEAN OUT THE TRAPS. REPAIR THE TOILET LEAK.
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 →