NOV 13
2025
PASSED
0 violationsSANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
LIPS RESTAURANT.
BEAT. 39/100
2229 S MICHIGAN AVE · CHINATOWN, CHICAGO
Last inspected November 13, 2025 · passed
Failed 2 of 7 inspections. 14 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
7
2 passed · 3 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
40
includes 14 critical
RECORDS COVER
6 YEARS
since Jun 2019
INSPECTION HISTORY
JUN 132024PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 13
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
2-101.11: OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE WITH NO ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE AND NO PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE WITH A VALID FORM OF IDENTIFICATION MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
6-202.15: OBSERVED THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOORS WITH SMALL OPENINGS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL MENTIONED DOORS AND MAINTAIN.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
4-301.12: OBSERVED ONE MISSING SINK STOPPER FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
6-303.11: OBSERVED NO WORKING LIGHTS IN THE DRY INGREDIENT STORAGE CLOSET IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN THE MENTIONED AREA AND MAINTAIN.
JUN 52024FAILED7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 5
2024
FAILED
7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE WITH NO ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE AND NO PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE WITH A VALID FORM OF IDENTIFICATION MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
OBSERVED BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE ABOVE THE ICE ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE. STORED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. ICE MACHINE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP
OBSERVED NO VARIANCE/HACCP PLAN APPROVAL ON SITE FOR VACUUM SEALING TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS. THE FOLLOWING VACUUM SEALED FOOD ITEMS WERE FOUND IN TWO COLD HOLDING UNITS ON SITE: SALMON FOUND IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND COOKED CHICKEN FOUND IN A FREEZER CHEST ON THE SECOND FLOOR IN A STORAGE ROOM WITH DATES OF 05/05/2024. APPROXIMATELY 10LBS AT $65 WERE DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE, THAT IN ORDER TO USE SAID MACHINE, A HACCP PLAN/VARIANCE MUST BE OBTAINED BY CDPH. MACHINE TAGGED DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED SITE NOT TO USE MACHINE NOR VACUUM SEAL FOODS UNTIL HACCP PLAN/VARIANCE IS SUBMITTED TO CDPH AND APPROVAL GRANTED FROM CDPDH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS
OBSERVED A VACUUM PACKAGING MACHINE ON SITE, AND ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER AND DEEP FREEZER ON THE SECOND FLOOR, VACUUM PACKAGED WITH NO PROOF OF HACCP OR VARIANCE PER HEALTH CODE REQUIREMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT DISCONTINUE THE VACUUM PACKAGING PROCESS UNTIL THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT APPROVES A VARIANCE AND HACCP. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATION #29
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOORS WITH SMALL OPENINGS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL MENTIONED DOORS AND MAINTAIN.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED ONE MISSING SINK STOPPER FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED NO WORKING LIGHTS IN THE DRY INGREDIENT STORAGE CLOSET IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN THE MENTIONED AREA AND MAINTAIN.
OCT 312023PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OCT 31
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO MAINTAIN VALID ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND LITTER UNDER SINKS IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
MAY 112022PASSED3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 11
2022
PASSED
3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY, DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER TO INFORM CONSUMERS OF THE SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS FROM CONSUMING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED MEATS, POULRTY, SEAFOOD, SHELLFISH OR EGGS. PRIORITY VOUNDATION
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT.
show all 7 inspections →
MAY 22022FAILED20 violations6 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 2
2022
FAILED
20 violations6 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE TO PROPERLY RESPOND TO VOMIT AND/OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS . INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SOAP/CLEANSER AT THE HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS MAINTAIN HAND WASHING CLEANSER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. EMPLOYEE PROVIDED HAND WASHING CLEANSER DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS OR SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES AT HAND WASHING SINK IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY, DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER TO INFORM CONSUMERS OF THE SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS FROM CONSUMING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED MEATS, POULRTY, SEAFOOD, SHELLFISH OR EGGS. PRIORITY VOUNDATION
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE REACH IN MILK COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED FRUIT FLY ACTIVITY AT THE FRONT BAR AREA, ICE MACHINE AREA, AND DISH MACHINE AREA. APPROX 30-35 FLIES NOTED. OBSERVED 1 LIVE ROACH AND 2 DEAD ROACHES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL AFFECTED AREAS TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS, POOLING WATER AND REMOVE LL WET TOWELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
LARGE CAN OPENER IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED RESIDUE ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
INTERIOR OF CABINETS NOT CLEAN,WITH DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES FOR FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS INSIDE OF UNISEX/ STAFF TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
OBSERVED NO WASTE RECEPTACLES AT HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN UTILITY AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
ALL FLOOR DRAINS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED WATER DAMAGE SURFACES ON CEILING IN DISHWASHING AREA OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR CEILING AND MAKE ALL SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
ALL HOOD VENTILATION FILTERS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
JUN 182019PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 18
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE MUST BE DOCUMENTED AND THE NECESSARY SUPPLIES ON HAND IN THE EVENT OF A VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
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 →