AUG 13
2025
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
INSPIRATION CORPORATION.
YOUR CALL. 72/100
3504-3518 W LAKE ST · WEST GARFIELD PARK, CHICAGO
Last inspected August 13, 2025 · passed
12 of 18 inspections passed, 3 failed, 3 passed with conditions. 5 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
18
12 passed · 3 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
49
includes 5 critical
RECORDS COVER
14 YEARS
since Feb 2011
INSPECTION HISTORY
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED THE CITY CERTIFIED MANAGER ONSITE WITHOUT HIS ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.
NOV 192024PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
NOV 19
2024
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SPLASH GUARD IN BETWEEN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND HANDSINK IN PREP AREA TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION TO ITEMS STORED ON DRYING RACK.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE ICE BUILD UP INSIDE WALK IN COOLER ON PRODUCT, SHELVING UNITS AND FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR INTERIOR COMPONETS AND ELIMINATE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED TRASH AND OTHER MISCELLENAEUS ITEMS AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM THE FOLLOWING AREAS... ON FLOOR UNDER SHELVING UNITS IN DRY STORAGE ROOM, HOT WATER TANK ROOM, AND FLOOR DRAIN WHERE ICE MACHINE IS LOCATED. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
MAR 102023PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
MAR 10
2023
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED BUILD UP IN ALL DRAINS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED CLUTTER AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR IN UTILITY ROOM (HOT WATER HEATER/WASHING MACHINE) BY REAR EXTERIOR EXIT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF DUST ON FILTERS IN HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM OVER FRYERS AND STOVE IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
MAY 202022PASSED7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 20
2022
PASSED
7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED SMALL OPENING DOWN THE LEFT SIDE OF DOOR LEADING TO LAKE STREET IN THE REAR KITCHEN AREA AS WELL AS THE MAIL SLOT OPEN. INSTRUCTED MUST BE MADE TIGHT FITTING AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND INSECT HARBORING.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED THE FLOOR DRAINS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEANA AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND INSECT HARBORING.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF GREASE AND DEBRIS AT THE INSIDE OPENING OF THE DEEP FRYER UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED WALK IN COOLERS WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER SHELVING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN BOTH.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED COOKING EQUIPMENT AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT, DUST AND GREASE ON THE SIDES AND UNDER EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF DUST AND DIRT ON THE FLOORS UNDER SHELVING/TABLES/ALONG THE WALLS THROUGHOUT THE REAR FOOD PREP AREAS, DISH WASHING, STORAGE AND PREP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF DUST UNDER THE HOOD VENTILATION UNIT IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
MAY 132022FAILED9 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 13
2022
FAILED
9 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINKS NOT REACHING PROPER TEMPERATURES ONE REACHING ONLY 76.8 LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA NEAR THE LAKE STREET SIDE WINDOW. THE OTHER REACHING 90.4 JUST OUTSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN BY THE RETURN INSPECTION DATE GIVEN. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C) CITATION ISSUED.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED SMALL OPENING DOWN THE LEFT SIDE OF DOOR LEADING TO LAKE STREET IN THE REAR KITCHEN AREA AS WELL AS THE MAIL SLOT OPEN. INSTRUCTED MUST BE MADE TIGHT FITTING AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND INSECT HARBORING.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF GREASE AND DEBRIS AT THE INSIDE OPENING OF THE DEEP FRYER UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED THE FLOOR DRAINS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEANA AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND INSECT HARBORING.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED WALK IN COOLERS WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER SHELVING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN BOTH.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED COOKING EQUIPMENT AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT, DUST AND GREASE ON THE SIDES AND UNDER EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED THE HAND WASHING SINK ACROSS FROM THE WALK IN COOLER WITH A LEAL AT THE DRAIN PIPE AND THE HAND WASHING SINK NEAR THE LAKE STREET WINDOW WITH A LEAK AT THE DRAIN PIPE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF DUST AND DIRT ON THE FLOORS UNDER SHELVING/TABLES/ALONG THE WALLS THROUGHOUT THE REAR FOOD PREP AREAS, DISH WASHING, STORAGE AND PREP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF DUST UNDER THE HOOD VENTILATION UNIT IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
show all 18 inspections →
JAN 162020PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violationsDETAILS
JAN 16
2020
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violationsDETAILS
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
NO TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE FOR HIGH TEMP DISHWASHER ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE SERVING LINE AREA DRAINING SLOWLY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
JAN 32019PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JAN 3
2019
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
MUST CLEAN AND SANIZIE THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE. ALSO CLEAN THE FAN COVER IN THE WALK IN PRODUCE COOLER TO REMOVE DUST.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
NOTED A LEAKY PIPE UNDERNEATH THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
MAY 302017PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
MAY 30
2017
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
MUST CLEAN THE FLOORS AROUND THE FRONT COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE SPILLS.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
NOTED THE FILTERS ABOVE THE FRONT COOKING STATION IS DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
LIGHT IN THE PRODUCE/DESSERT WALK IN COOLER ARE VERY DIM. MUST PROVIDE BETTER LIGHTING.
JUN 32016PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violationsDETAILS
JUN 3
2016
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violationsDETAILS
* INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS
OBSERVED NO PREVIOUS INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT POSTED FROM 05-26-2016 POSTED OR DISPLAYED AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION. PREMISES HAD 11/18/15 SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-010. PROVIDED TODAY'S SUMMARY REPORT TO DISPLAY VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
MUST REMOVE PEELING FINISH/PAINT FROM THE VENTILATION COVERS ABOVE THE WALK-IN COOLERS IN KITCHEN AREA, MUST REFINISH VENT COVERS.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
NO VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVENTER AT WATER SUPPLY TO COFFEE MAKING EQUIPMENT,MUST INSTALL
MAY 262016FAILED6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 26
2016
FAILED
6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
WASH AND RINSE WATER: CLEAN AND PROPER TEMPERATURE
INADEQUATE WASH WATER TEMPERATURE AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK MAXIMUM WATER TEMPERATURE WAS AT 89.3F,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR,CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSECTION REPORT#1588540 DATE 11-18-2015(32)OBSERVED LOOSE WORN RUBBER GASKETS AT THE TWO PREP COOLER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA,MUST REPLACE GASKETS(35)MUST CLEAN THE FOLLOWING,THE VENT ABOVE THE CONVECTION OVEN IN THE REAR OF THE KITCHEN TO REMOVE DUST AND THE VENT ABOVE THE DISHWASHING MACHINE TO REMOVE DUST,OBSERVED SOME DUST ON THE CEILING VENTS OUTSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER USED FOR CATERING CLEAN FAN COVERS(36),INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT VIOLATIONS SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
MUST CLEAN THE UPPER, INTERIOR PANELS OF THE ICE MACHINE,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
MUST REPLACE BURNED OUT BULBS INSIDE THE VENTILATION HOOD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR KITCHEN AREA
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
NO VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVENTER AT WATER SUPPLY TO COFFEE MAKING EQUIPMENT,MUST INSTALL
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
MUST REMOVE CLUTTER FROM REAR STORAGE AREA,TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE
NOV 182015PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
NOV 18
2015
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED LOOSE WORN RUBBER GASKETS AT THE TWO DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA; MUST REPLACE GASKETS.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
MUST CLEAN THE FOLLOWING: THE VENTS IN THE CENTER OF THE KITCHEN ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE DUST, THE VENT ABOVE THE CONVECTION OVEN IN THE REAR OF THE KITCHEN TO REMOVE DUST AND THE VENT ABOVE THE DISHMACHINE TO REMOVE DUST. OBSERVED SOME DUST ON THE CEILING VENTS OUTSIDE OF THE WALK-IN UNITS; CLEAN CEILING VENTS. ALSO OBSERVED SOME DUST ON THE FAN COVERS INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER USED FOR CATERING; CLEAN FAN COVERS.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
OBSERVED ONE BULB OUT IN THE FRONT PREP AREA IN THE HOODED SYSTEM ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT; REPLACE BULB.
JAN 272015PASSED1 violationDETAILS
JAN 27
2015
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE LEGS AND WHEELS OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AT THE COOK'S LINE.
JAN 92014PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JAN 9
2014
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
NOTED THE RUBBER GASKET AROUND THE REACH IN PREP COOLER IN POOR REPAIR AT THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
NOTED ICE BUILD UP BETWEEN THE DOORS OF THE REACH IN PREP FREEZER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE.
APR 12013PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violationsDETAILS
APR 1
2013
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
THE LARGE ICE MACHINE HAS RUST BUILDUP INSIDE ALONE ALL THE METAL.SERIOUS CITATION GIVEN 7-38-005(A). TAGGED UNIT DO NOT USE. WHEN THE ICE MACHINE IS RUST FREE, CLEAN AND SANITIZED FAX A LETTER TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH FAX# 312 746-4240. AN INSPECTOR WILL COME BACK TO INSPECT IT.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
CLEAN THE VENTS ABOVE THE OVEN AND ABOVE THE DISH MACHINE THICK WITH DUST BUILDUP.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
CLEAN THE FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT PREMISES WHERE NEEDED.
OCT 52011PASSED1 violationDETAILS
OCT 5
2011
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
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. CLEAN FLOOR DRAINS UNDER KITCHEN EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED.
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 →