NOV 10
2025
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
LOTUS BANH MI.
YOUR CALL. 58/100
166 W WASHINGTON ST · LOOP, CHICAGO
Last inspected November 10, 2025 · passed
6 of 11 inspections passed, 1 failed, 4 passed with conditions. 6 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
11
6 passed · 4 w/ conditions · 1 failed
VIOLATIONS
45
includes 6 critical
RECORDS COVER
8 YEARS
since Oct 2017
INSPECTION HISTORY
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.11: OBSERVED HOLE IN WALL STUFFED WITH ALUMINUM FOIL TO THE RIGHT OF ONE DOOR STAINLESS STEEL REFRIGERATOR IN WALKWAY LEADING TO FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY SEAL HOLE IN WALL TO THE RIGHT OF ONE DOOR STAINLESS STEEL REFRIGERATOR IN WALKWAY LEADING TO FRONT PREP AREA FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-201.11: OBSERVED NON SMOOTH LOWER WOODEN WALL COVERING IN BETWEEN HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AND UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED WALL COVERINGS SHALL BE DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND INSTALLED SO THEY ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
NOV 42025FAILED5 violationsDETAILS
NOV 4
2025
FAILED
5 violationsDETAILS
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 51.8-57.7F. OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, CHOPPED ROMAINE(51.8F), SLICED TOMATOES(53.2F) AND BEAN SPROUTS(57.7F) HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD VALUED AT $25 WEIGHING 4LBS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
OBSERVED NO ASTERISK ON MENU IDENTIFYING ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS THAT ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER, OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE ON MENU STATING ANIMAL DERIVED FOOD WITH AN ASTERISK IS SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER AND OBSERVED NO REMINDER STATEMENT ON MENU. INSTRUCTED TO ADD ASTERISK TO MENU IDENTIFYING ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS AS BEING SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER, INSTRUCTED TO ADD DISCLOSURE TO MENU STATING ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER AND INSTRUCTED TO ADD REMINDER STATEMENT TO MENU STATING CONSUMING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED MEATS, POULTRY, SEAFOOD, SHELLFISH OR EGGS MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
OBSERVED TWO COUNTER TOP COLD HOLDING UNITS IN FRONT PREP AREA AT IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 49.8-53.2F. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS MUST BE MAINTAINED AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE HELD FOR INSPECTION TAGS PLACED ON TWO COUNTER TOP COLD HOLDING UNITS IN FRONT PREP AREA. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED HOLE IN WALL STUFFED WITH ALUMINUM FOIL TO THE RIGHT OF ONE DOOR STAINLESS STEEL REFRIGERATOR IN WALKWAY LEADING TO FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY SEAL HOLE IN WALL TO THE RIGHT OF ONE DOOR STAINLESS STEEL REFRIGERATOR IN WALKWAY LEADING TO FRONT PREP AREA FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED NON SMOOTH LOWER WOODEN WALL COVERING IN BETWEEN HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AND UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED WALL COVERINGS SHALL BE DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND INSTALLED SO THEY ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
DEC 162024PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
DEC 16
2024
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED A SLOW DRAINAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS UNDERNEATH THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA.
APR 32024PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
APR 3
2024
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
OBSEREVED SINGLE SERVICE TRAYS STORED FACING UP AT THE SERVING LINE. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT TRAYS AND PLASTIC BOWLS TO PROTECT FROM OVERHEAD CONTAMINATION.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED ICE BUILD UP AT THE BOTTOM OF REACH-IN FREEZER IN THE REAR STORAGE ROOM/OFFICE. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST ICE, CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED LOW WATER PRESSURE FOR HOT WATER IN THE EMPLOYEE RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
AUG 302023PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
AUG 30
2023
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Leaky pipe under 3-comp sink, Instructed to repair and maintain.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
Missing sink stoppers for 3-comp sink, Instructed to provide.
show all 11 inspections →
SEP 262022PASS W/ CONDITIONS11 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
SEP 26
2022
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
11 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED PAN PLACED IN THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE FRONT AND SOAP DISPENSER PLACE IN THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR RENDERING IT INACCESSIBLE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS OPEN AND ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
OBSERVED FROZEN MEAT LEFT SEATING OUTSIDE TO THAW IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO THAW TCS FOODS UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER, IN THE REFRIGERATOR OR IN THE MICROWAVE AS PART OF A CONTINUOUS COOKING PROCESS.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE FREEZER UNITS WITH FOOD STORED INSIDE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND THE DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN BACK PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED, UNNECSSARY EQUIPMENT AND ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DUST ON THE VENTS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION DUE TO ALL EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION DUE TO EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
OCT 282021PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OCT 28
2021
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
NO HAND WASH SOAP PROVIDE AT REAR KITCHEN HAND WASH SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C)
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
NO COVERED RECEPTACLES IN TOILET ROOMS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
MAR 192020PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MAR 19
2020
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
FOUND NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER AND VALID CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES TIME/ TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS ARE PREPARED, STORED, AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
FOUND NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
OBSERVED ASTERISK DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON MENU. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS (SUNNYSIDE EGGS) THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW AND ADD A REMINDER ON THE MENU THAT READS *THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. CONSUMING UNDERCOOKED OR RAW FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
: OBSERVED WATER STAINED CEILINGS TILE PANELS NEAR THE WASHROOM AND THE REAR OF THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE WATER DAMAGED STAINED CEILING TILES.
JUN 242019PASS W/ CONDITIONS8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 24
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES TO PROPERLY HANDLE BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE. NOTE: ADEQUATE SANITIZER *MUST ELIMINATE NOROVIRUS* PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS (SUNNYSIDE EGGS) THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW AND ADD A REMINDER ON THE MENU THAT READS *THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. CONSUMING UNDERCOOKED OR RAW FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
NOTED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS CONSPICUOUSLY POSTED TO MONITOR THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO EQUIP ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH ACCURATE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN FRONT EXPOSED HAND SINK AND COUNTER USED TO STORE COFFEE SERVICE PRODUCTS. MUST INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR SANITARY NAPKINS IN UNISEX WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED WATER STAINED CEILINGS TILE PANELS NEAR THE WASHROOM AND THE REAR OF THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE WATER DAMAGED STAINED CEILING TILES.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE VENT FANS ABOVE THE PRE TABLE IN THE MAIN KITCHEN AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
MAY 242018PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
MAY 24
2018
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
UTENSILS IN USE STORED IN STANDING WATER CONTAINER, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP IN A DRY CLEAN CONTAINER
APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
ICE SCOOP STORED ON ICE CUBES IN ICE MAKER. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP OFF CUBES.
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENT NOT MET, INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL FOOD HANDLERS OBTAIN ILL FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE.
OCT 302017PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
OCT 30
2017
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED DRAIN BOARD NEEDED ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
OBSERVED A PINKISH SUBSTANCE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE BY THE PANEL AND IN THE INTERIOR LOCATED BY THE ICE MAKER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
OBSERVED NO LIGHT SHIELDS ON LIGHT BULBS LOCATED OVER THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT BULB SHIELDS AND MAINTAIN.
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 →