ISABELLA'S BAKERY.
1659 W FOSTER AVE · UPTOWN, CHICAGO
8 of 18 inspections passed, 4 failed, 6 passed with conditions. 14 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
JUN 272025PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS (TAMALES, SAUSAGES, CHICKEN) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON THE INSIDE OF TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
UNABLE TO LOCATE AND VERIFY ALL FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES DURING INSPECTION. OBSERVED ONLY ONE VERIFIABLE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE OUT OF THE THREE FOOD EMPLOYEES ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE AND KEEP CERTIFICATES ON SITE.
SEP 232024PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL (UNREADABLE) FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIE WITH COMMON NAME (FLOUR, SUGAR, SALT ETC).
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES WITH MOLD LIKE BUILD-UP AND VENT WITH DUST ACCUMULATION INSIDE 2 DOOR REACH IN COOLER (NEXT TO THE HANDSINK)
INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE KITCHEN HOOD IN REAR PREP/COOKING AREA.
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
MAR 292023PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED MULTIPLE DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE REAR PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR DAMAGED CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN THEM.
OBSERVED SOME DIRT ON THE FLOOR UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS AND MAINTAIN THEM.
JUL 262022PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
PAN WITHOUT A SCOOP HANDLE USED AS A SCOOP FOR SUGAR. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE A SCOOP WITH A HANDLE.
WALL ON LEFT SIDE OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IS NO LONGER SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
APR 22021PASSED6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
6-202.15 BROKEN MESH AT SCREEN DOOR AT SIDE DOOR,REPLACE TO MINIMIZE PEST/INSECT ENTRY
3-304.14 MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREAS IN SANITIZER BUCKET BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
4-501.13 OBSERVED INTERIOR OF MICROWAVE WITH BURNED BLACK SPOT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
4-602.13 MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD TO COVER VENT COVER ON WALL,REMOVE. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH, AND EASILY CLEANABLE
6-201.12 CEILING TILES IN THE KITCHEN BROWN IN COLOR DUE TO TOO MUCH SMOKE.NEED TO CLEAN / PAINT AND MAINTAIN, DEBRIS ON FLOOR BEHIND THE COOLER AT REAR PREP AREA AND STORAGE.
6-201.11 BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN FRONT OF REACH-IN COOLER,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR /REPLACE, SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
show all 18 inspections →
MAR 252021FAILED11 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
FOUND PROCEDURE/PLAN ON SITE HOWEVER KIT NOT COMPLETE MISSING FACE MASK, MOPS ETC FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS, INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.NO CITATION ISSUED
TCS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE: 24 POUNDS OF COOKED TAMALES FILLED WITH PORK STORED INSIDE THE TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER AT TEMP OF 67.7F TO 73.2F.COLD FOOD MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 41F AND BELOW. FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED. PRIORITY VIOLATION: 7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED
LABELS IS NEEDED WITH COMMON NAME AT DRY FOOD CONTAINERS
BROKEN MESH AT SCREEN DOOR AT SIDE DOOR,REPLACE TO MINIMIZE PEST/INSECT ENTRY
HAIR RESTRAINT MUST BE WORN IN PREP AREA
MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREAS IN SANITIZER BUCKET BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED INTERIOR OF MICROWAVE WITH BURNED BLACK SPOT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD TO COVER VENT COVER ON WALL,REMOVE. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH, AND EASILY CLEANABLE
CEILING TILES IN THE KITCHEN BROWN IN COLOR DUE TO TOO MUCH SMOKE.NEED TO CLEAN /PAINT AND MAINTAIN, DEBRIS ON FLOOR BEHIND THE COOER AT REAR PREP AREA AND STORAGE.
BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN FRONT OF REACH-IN COOLER,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR /REPLACE, SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 2-18-2020, REPORT#2362437 #51) 5-204.12 FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES INSTALLED AT COFFEE MACHINE WATERLINE. MUST PROVIDE WHERE THEY CAN BE LOCATED AND SERVICED. #53) 5-501.17 FOUND TRASH CAN INSIDE RESTROOM WITH NO LID. MUST PROVIDE. #58)2-102.13 FOUND CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION: 7-42-090.
FEB 182020PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
FOUND NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP POLICY/VOMIT SPILLKIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005. MUST PROVIDE VOMIT SPILL KIT/CLEAN UP POLICY.
FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES INTALLED AT COFFEE MACHINE WATERLINE. MUST PROVIDE WHERE THEY CAN BE LOCATED AND SERVICED.
FOUND TRASH CAN INSIDE RESTROOM WITH NO LID. MUST PROVIDE.
FOUND CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE.
JAN 112019PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED
OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILTY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A PROCEDURE /PLAN AND TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER WITHIN REFRIGERATOR IN FRONT SERVICE AREA. INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED GARBAGE CAN LID UNCLEAN. CLEAN OR REPLACE AND KEEP OFF DURING FOOD SERVICE.
JAN 182018PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violationsDETAILS
NOTED THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION FROM RE-INSPECTION REPORT #1981344 DATED 1/20/2017 NOT CORRECTED:-#45) NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW. SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-42-090
NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME AND/OR PREPARED BY DATE...INSTRUCTED NOT TO STORE FOOD ITEMS INSIDE GROCERY BAGS. MUST STORE FOODS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS WITH TIGHT FITTING LIDS.
JAN 202017PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
LEAK FROM THE FAUCET NECK OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW.
JAN 122017FAILED15 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN THE FRONT DISPLAY CASE. APPROXIMATELY 3 LBS BEEF EMPANADAS AT 129.2F TO 134.1F AND 3 LBS CHICKEN EMPANADAS AT 133.5F. ALL DISCARDED. APPROXIAMATE VALUE $25. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A). MUST MAINTAIN HOT FOODS AT 140F OR ABOVE.
NO SANITIZING SOLUTION USED OR ON THE PREMISES WHILE EMPLOYEE WAS OBSERVED WASHING POTS, PANS AND UTENSILS. NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
BOTH EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS IN BOTH FOOD PREP AREAS ARE COMPLETELY CLOGGED AND DO NOT DRAIN. NO PAPER TOWELS AT THE REAR PREP EXPOSED HAND SINK AND THAT SINK WAS FOUND WITH THE WATER TURNED OFF FROM THE VALVES UNDERNEATH. HAND SINKS MUST PROPERLY DRAIN ALL WASTE WATER. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
EVIDENCE OF RODENT INFESTATION. OBSERVED MICE DROPPINGS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES: 10 DROPPINGS BEHIND COOKS LINE EQUIPMENT. 10 DROPPINGS BEHIND PREP AREA BOX FREEZER AND FLOOR MIXER, 7 UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, 10 UNDER THE SHELVING IN THE DISH ROOM. 20 IN THE HVAC CLOSET. 20 BEHIND THE COOLER IN THE REAR STORAGE. 10 ALONG THE BASEBOARDS UNDER EQUIPMENT STORAGE, BEHIND PROOFER BOX. 3 ON TOP OF BAKING PARCHMENT PAPER AND ON SHELVING WHERE CONDIMENTS AND BAKING GOODS ARE STORED. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS, SANITIZE ALL AREAS, SEAL ANY HOLES OBSERVED DURING CLEANING AND MUST HAVE PEST CONTROL CO. SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT FOR MICE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-020.
NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE THE ABOVE MENTIONED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS WERE BEING HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. MANAGER WAS TELEPHONED UPON MY ARRIVAL AND CAME TO THE SITE DURING THE INSPECTION. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
MUST NOT USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS FOR PREPARED FOODS. MUST USE FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE PLASTIC BAGS OR WASHABLE CONTAINERS.
MUST REMOVE WALL MOUNTED HAND SOAP DISPENSER FROM THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. ALL HAND WASHING MUST BE DONE AT THE EXPOSED HAND SINKS ONLY.
EXTERIOR OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK GREASE TRAP NOT CLEAN. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME.
FLOORS NOT CLEAN UNDER EQUIPMENT AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND ALONG WALLS. FLOOR IN POOR REPAIR BY FRONT DOOR (BROKEN/MISSING TILES). MUST CLEAN, REPAIR AND MAINTAIN FLOOR.
WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE REAR PREP AREA ABOVE THE COOKS LINE. MUST REPLACE. WALLS THROUGHOUT THE FOOD PREP AND STORAGE AREAS DIRTY AND SOME AREAS WITH PEELING PAINT. MUST CLEAN, REPAIR AND MAINTAIN WALLS.
LEAK ON THE NOZZLE OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR. NO VENTILATION ABOVE THE SIX BURNER GAS STOVE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE VENTILATION OR REMOVE THE STOVE.
MUST PROVIDE INTERNAL THERMOMETERS FOR ALL REFRIGERATION AND FREEZER UNITS.
STORAGE AREAS AND SHOWER STALL MOP SINK BASIN ARE CLUTTERED AND UNORGANIZED. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND STORE ALL ELSE ELEVATED 6" OF FLOOR TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE AND TO FACILITATE CLEANING.
WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW.
MAR 252016PASS W/ CONDITIONS8 violationsDETAILS
NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS SUCH AS BEEF EMPANADA,PORK TAMALES,CHICKEN TAMALES,ETC.. INSTRUCTED MANGER THAT CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE WHILE SERVING AND PREPARING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012. ASTRID OBREGON ARRIVED ARRIVED ON SITE AT 9:05AM.
MUST LABEL AND DATE ALL FOOD CONTAINERS WITH READY TO EAT FOOD INSIDE THE 2 DOOR REACH IN COOLER AND MAINTAIN.
ALL CLEAN UTENSILS ,POTS,PANS, FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE STORED UPSIDE DOWN/INVERTED TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION AND CONTAMINATION.
MUST DEFROST THE SMALL FREEZER IN THE FRONT WITH HEAVY ICE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN. FOUND GROCERY BAGS BEING USED TO STORE FROZEN CHICKEN INSIDE THE FREEZER. MUST REPLACE BAGS WITH FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS.
CLEAN LID AND EXTERIOR OF THE BIG GARBAGE CAN IN THE PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
CRACKED FLOR TILES BY THE DISHWASHING AREA. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE FLOOR TILES.
PEELING PAINT ON THE WALLS BY THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST SCRAPE PEELING PAINT AND RE PAINT WALLS. CEILING VENT COVER INSIDE THE WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN REMOVE DUST AND MAINTAIN.
SLOW DRAINING OF THE EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREA. MUST REPAIR TO HAVE A WELL DRAINING SINK.
MAY 222015PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
FROST BUILDUP IN THE DEEP FREEZER IN REAR KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROST AND MAINTAIN.
FOUND DIRTY PLATES INSIDE OF THE TWO MICROWAVES USED TO HEAT UP BUNS. INSTRUCTED TO USE CLEAN PLATES TO HEAT FOOD.
LEAKY FAUCET HEAD AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE GASKET TO REPAIR LEAKY SINK AND MAINTAIN.
SEP 192014PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED A SOAP DISPENSER WITH SOAP INSTALLED ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK,INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE / RELOCATE SAID SOAP.
MISSING FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE,SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLENABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIALS
DEBRIS AND DUST ON LIGHT SHIELD INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
SEP 122014FAILED8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
IMMOBILE TOP LOADER UNUSED YOGURT MACHINE NOT ABLE TO WASH,RINSE AND SANITIZE.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A FAUCETUNDER CITY PLUMBING CODE WITH HOT / COLD RUNNING WATER ABOVE THE SAID UNIT. TAGGED UNIT"HELD FOR INSPECTION" DO NOT USE. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-020
OBSERVED OVER 30 MICE DROPPINGS ON PREMISES INSIDE REAR STORAGE, FURNACE AREA,AND BEHIND THE CHEST FREEZER IN PREP AREA.ALSO ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR BY THE COUNTER OF REAR AREA,UNABLE TO CHECK.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DROPPINGS,ELEVATE ITEMS 6" FROM FLOOR THROUGHOUT.ALSO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREA MENTIONED. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-020
NO CERTIFIED FOOD HANDLER ON PREMISES(ON VACATION) WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ARE HANDLED:BEEF EMPANADA,CHICKEN EMPANADA AND BEEF TAMALES. A CERTIFIED FOOD HANDLER MUST BE ON PREMISES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ARE PREPARED,SERVED AND STORED, SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-012(a)
DIRTY /FOOD STAINED PAPER LINER ON SHELVES IN PREP AREA,INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE,SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL. OBSERVED A SOAP DISPENSER WITH SOAP INSTALLED ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK,INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE / RELOCATE SAID SOAP.
A COOKIE SHEET WITH ACCUMULATION OF GRIMES AND DEBRIS LOCATED ON TOP THE DRAIN BOARD OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
MISSING FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE,SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLENABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIALS
DEBRIS AND DUST ON LIGHT SHIELD INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
PROVIDE THERMOMETER FOR THE HOT HOLDING UNIT
DEC 22013PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. MUST PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DEVICE FOR WASHROOM DOOR/DOOR MUST SELF CLOSE.
NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE PREP COOLERS. MUST PROVIDE THEROMETERS FOR ALL COOLERS.
NOV 222013FAILED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED OVER 20 MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS IN STORAGE ROOM AND BEHIND CHEST FREEZER IN PREP AREA ALSO OBSERVED 1/2 INCH GAP AT SIDE EXIT DOOR. MUST REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS AND SANITIZE ALL EFFECTED AREAS ALSO MUST RODENT PROOF SIDE DOOR. ADVISED TO CALL PEST CONTROL OPERATOR FOR SERVICE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
OBSERVED DIRT/FOOD BUILD UP ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS/CORNERS AT PREP AND STORAGE AREA. MUST CLEAN FLOOR THROUGHOUT AND MAINTAIN.
WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. MUST PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DEVICE FOR WASHROOM DOOR/DOOR MUST SELF CLOSE.
NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE PREP COOLERS. MUST PROVIDE THEROMETERS FOR ALL COOLERS.
MAY 312012PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violationsDETAILS
NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE POSTED ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED MANAGER A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED ON PREMISES WITH CERTIFIED FOOD HANDLER ON PREMISES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (EGGS, CREAM, ETC.) ARE HANDLED.
FLOOR TILES MISSING THROUGHOUT PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE FLOOR TILES, FLOOR MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN AND KEEP DRY.
3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET LEAKING AT BASE. MUST REPAIR.
OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINT FOR FOOD HANDLER.
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 →