LOTUS BANH MI.

Chicago Health Dept

166 W WASHINGTON ST · LOOP, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Apr 2026), 1 critical violation noted.

12 inspections on record since 2017 · Last inspected Apr 2026 · 1 critical violation in the last 12 months.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

APR 2026

INSPECTION HISTORY

APR 16

2026

PASS 10 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED LOW HOT WATER PRESSURE AT HAND SINK IN CUSTOMERS TOILET ROOM MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE WITH COMMON NAME(SQUEEZE BOTTLES, SHAKERS,ETC)

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

MUST PROVIDE A BARRIER AT MOPSINK NEXT TO DISH STORAGE RACK TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION AT SELF SERVICE STATION FOR CUSTOMERS TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION .

Minor Sanitation

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED RAW WOOD STORAGE SHELVES IN FRONT PREP AREA MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKET ON 1- DOOR REACH IN COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLE,STORAGE SHELVES,PREP TABLES,FRYER CABINETS.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED EPOXY FLOORING IN STORAGE AREA/OFFICE,REAR STORAGE AREA,CUSTOMER'S AND STAFF TOILET ROOMS.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHT AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.

Minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON FILTERS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

MUST PROVIDE MISSING FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR NEW EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN.

NOV 10

2025

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

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.

Serious Employee Hygiene

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 4

2025

FAIL 5 violations

Serious Food Temperature

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.

Serious Other

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

Minor Food Temperature

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

Minor Sanitation

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.

Serious Employee Hygiene

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 16

2024

PASS 2 violations

Serious Employee Hygiene

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED A SLOW DRAINAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS UNDERNEATH THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA.

APR 3

2024

PASS 3 violations

Minor Other

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED LOW WATER PRESSURE FOR HOT WATER IN THE EMPLOYEE RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

show all 12 inspections →

AUG 30

2023

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Leaky pipe under 3-comp sink, Instructed to repair and maintain.

Minor Other

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Missing sink stoppers for 3-comp sink, Instructed to provide.

SEP 26

2022

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 11 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

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.

Minor Food Temperature

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.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

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.

Minor Sanitation

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.

Minor Sanitation

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

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND THE DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

Minor Pest Activity

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.

Minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DUST ON THE VENTS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

Minor Documentation & Training

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.

Minor Documentation & Training

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 28

2021

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 2 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

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)

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

NO COVERED RECEPTACLES IN TOILET ROOMS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

MAR 19

2020

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

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.

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

FOUND NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.

Serious Other

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.

Minor Sanitation

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 24

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 8 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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.

Critical Sanitation

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.

Serious Other

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.

Minor Food Temperature

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.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

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.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR SANITARY NAPKINS IN UNISEX WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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 24

2018

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

Minor Employee Hygiene

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.

Minor Documentation & Training

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENT NOT MET, INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL FOOD HANDLERS OBTAIN ILL FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE.

OCT 30

2017

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED DRAIN BOARD NEEDED ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Facility Condition

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.

Public inspection records from Chicago Department of Public Health. Records current as of 2026-07-05. EatOrBeat reports records and does not rate restaurants. Source dataset →

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