SEP 25
2025
PASSED
2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
LUDLOW LIQUORS.
EAT. 88/100
2957-2959 N CALIFORNIA AVE · NORTH CENTER, CHICAGO
Last inspected September 25, 2025 · passed
10 of 14 inspections passed, with 4 critical violations on file.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
14
10 passed · 3 w/ conditions · 1 failed
VIOLATIONS
61
includes 4 critical
RECORDS COVER
12 YEARS
since Apr 2013
INSPECTION HISTORY
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
OBSERVED EXTERIOR SURFACES OF OUTDOOR GREASE WASTE RECEPTACLE TO BE SOILED WITH BAKED-ON DRIED GREASE DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN EXTERIOR SURFACES OF WASTE RECEPTACLES AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY AND WITH ADEQUATE MATERIALS TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF SOIL OR BECOMING ATTRACTANTS TO INSECTS AND RODENTS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED STAINLESS STEEL WALL PANEL BEHIND MAIN GRILL LINE IN POOR REPAIR, PEELING OFF FROM WALL AND REVEALING BARE WALL BENEATH. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINLESS STEEL WALL PANEL AND MAINTAIN ALL PHYSICAL FACILITIES IN GOOD REPAIR.
JUN 122025PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JUN 12
2025
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF DISHMACHINE WITH GREASE ACCUMULATION.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SODA GUN HOLDER BEHIND THE BAR.
SEP 12023PASSED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
SEP 1
2023
PASSED
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF BOTTOM OF REAR SIDE KITCHEN DOOR.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT THE MOPSINK FAUCET IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SO THAT IT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN LIGHT COVERINGS ABOVE REAR PREP/COOKING AREA
JUL 292022PASS W/ CONDITIONS8 violationsDETAILS
JUL 29
2022
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
8 violationsDETAILS
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL FOOD CONTAINERS/BINS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE KITCHEN PREP AND BAR AREA.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE AND COOLERS,DEEP FRYERS.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THE MIDDLE COMPARTMENT OF THE KITCHEN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE UNISEX WASHROOMS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE UTILITY BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE STOCK ITEMS AT LEAST 6" INCHES OFF THE FLOOR TO FACILITATE CLEANING.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD FOR LIGHT FIXTURE IN KITCHEN PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING AT ALL TIMES.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2544482 DATED:11/19/2021 #57--OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED STAFF MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES AND PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AS REQUIRED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATON 7-42-090,CITATION ISSUED.
show all 14 inspections →
NOV 192021PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
NOV 19
2021
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED UNCOVERED BEVERAGE SERVICE STATION ON PATIO. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AND PROTECT FROM POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE CONNECTED TO UTILITY SINK LOCATED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL RELEVANT LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED STAFF MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
NOV 122021FAILED11 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
NOV 12
2021
FAILED
11 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE WHITE REFRIGERATOR IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINER OF FLOUR NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL BULK INGREDIENTS WITH COMMON NAME.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 RODENT DROPPINGS BEHIND WATER HEATERS IN BASEMENT, 4 RODENT DROPPINGS NEAR HVAC SYSTEM, AND 4 DROPPINGS NEAR OFFICE IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DROPPINGS, RECEIVE ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE, AND MAINTAIN FACILTIY FREE OF PEST ACTIVITY. 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED UNCOVERED BEVERAGE SERVICE STATION ON PATIO. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AND PROTECT FROM POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE CONNECTED TO UTILITY SINK LOCATED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL RELEVANT LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLES INSIDE EITHER ALL GENDER TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT ON WALL BEHIND LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE, INSIDE FRYER CABINETS, AND ON WALL MOUNTED POTATO CUTTER IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED ONE BURNT OUT LIGHTBULB UNDERNEATH HOOD IN KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED STAFF MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). NO CITATION ISSUED.
FEB 52019PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
FEB 5
2019
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
BAR HANDWASHBOWL AND MOP SINK DRAIN PIPES LEAKING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINKS.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK MISSING STOPPER (X1). INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE ADDITIONAL STOPPER FOR DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
BAR GUN HOLDER WITH SLIGHT PINK BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN BAR GUN HOLDER.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
BASEMENT FLOOR CLUTTERED AT SOUTH EAST CORNER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF FLOOR.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
SOME CEILING LIGHT BULBS BURNED OUT ABOVE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REPLACE WITH WORKING CEILING LIGHT BULBS.
SEP 252017PASSED6 violationsDETAILS
SEP 25
2017
PASSED
6 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN- OBSERVED SLIGHT PINK BUILD UP INSIDE BAR GUN HOLDERS ALSO OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP ON PREP AREA REACH IN COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS AND COOLERS DOOR CORNERS/HINDGES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
MUST RAISE FRONT ENTRANCE/EXIT DOOR THRESHOLD.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
OBSERVED SMALL HOLES IN WALL BEHIND PREP AREA HANDWASH BOWL. MUST SEAL ALL HOLES IN WALL.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LEFT SIDE COMPARTMENT DRAIN PIPE LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINK.
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED METAL ICE SCOOPS IMPROPERLY STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE. MUST PROVIDE CLEAN CONTAINER FOR ICE SCOOPS.
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST BE CERTIFIED WITH NAMES OF EMPLOYEES ON PREMISES.
JUL 52016PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JUL 5
2016
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
MUST SEAL SMALL CREVICES AND OPENINGS BETWEEN THE WALL AND THE STAIRCASE LEADING TO THE BASEMENT ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE STAIRCASE.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
MUST PROVIDE A BACK FLOW PREVENTOR FOR THE BASEMENT MOP SINK.
JUN 282016PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 28
2016
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
FOUND A REFRIGERATOR NOT IN USE NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATUE. TEMPERATURE WAS AT 50F ATH THIS TIME. THERE WERE NO POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS INSIDE UNIT AT THIS TIME. CDI. NO CITATION ISSUED AT THIS TIME.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
MUST SEAL SMALL CREVICES AND OPENINGS BETWEEN THE WALL AND THE STAIRCASE LEADING TO THE BASEMENT ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE STAIRCASE.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
MUST PROVIDE A BACK FLOW PREVENTOR FOR THE BASEMENT MOP SINK.
NOV 52015PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
NOV 5
2015
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
REPLACE WORNED-OUT CUTTING BOARDS IN KITCHEN AREA AND RESEAL WOODEN SHELVINGS IN DISHWASHING AREA AND BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
DETAIL CLEAN INTERIORS OF BAR COOLERS,INTERIORS OF BAR CABINETS,KITCHEN MANUAL CAN OPENER WITH HOUSING ATTACHED TO PREP TABLE,BAR GUNS AT BAR,UPPER PANEL OF ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
MUST REMOVE PEELING PAINT AT CEILING ABOVE THE ICE MACHINE AND REMOVE DUST ACCUMULATIONS FROM VENTILATION COVERS,CLEAN WALLS INSIDE THE TOILET ROOMS.ALSO,BASEMENT NORTH WALL AT THE DRY STORAGE AREA BEHIND SHELVINGS MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
ICE DISPENSING UTENSIL FOR ICE MACHINE MUST BE PROPERLY STORED INVERTED IN A CLEAN CONTAINER AND MAINTAIN.
AUG 192014PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violationsDETAILS
AUG 19
2014
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
MUST REPAIR REACH-IN COOLER LEAKING CONDENSATION LINES,
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
MUST REPAINT CHIPPING WALL SURFACES BY ICE MACHINE AREA, SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE,
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
MUST PROVIDE THREE SINK STOPPER FOR THREE COMPARTMENT,
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
MUST REMOVE CLUTTER IN BASEMENT STORAGE CLOSET, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND BETTER ORGANIZE AREA, MUST BE ABLE TO SEE ALONG WALL AREA,
NO SMOKING REGULATIONS
OBSERVED ASH TRAY WITH CIGARETTE BUTTS, AND SMELLY CIGARETTE ODORS IN BASEMENT OFFICE AREA, CHECK PASS HISTORY OF ESTABLISHMENT, FIRST OFFENSE,
APR 52013PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
APR 5
2013
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
PROVIDE LABEL/NAME OF THE PRODUCT ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH SALT,SUGAR,FLOUR,RICE, IN THE PREP AREA KITCHEN AND IN THE FOOD STORAGE AREA IN THE BASEMENT. ALSO ALL FOOD CONTAINERS INSIDE THE REACH IN COOLER AND WALK IN COOLER MUST HAVE A LABEL/NAME OF THE PRODUCT. (NOTED ALL FOOD CONTAINERS HAS A DATE ONLY).
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
MUST INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE EXPOSED HAND SINK AND DRAIN BOARD OF THE 4 COMPARTMENT SINK BEHIND THE BAR. AND BETWEEN EXPOSED HAND SINK AND PREP TABLE IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREA. MUST SEAL OR PAINT RAW WOOD UNDER THE SMALL GRILL IN THE KITCHEN AND THE STAIR RAILWAY.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
MUST CLEAN INSIDE THE CABINETS BEHIND THE BAR WITH DUST AND DEBRIS AND ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL AND SANITIZE THE WALLS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT. MUST SEAL ALL THE HOLES ON THE CEILING IN THE SAME AREA AND MAINTAIN. MUST SEAL THE BIG HOLE ON THE CORNER OF THE WALL ABOVE THE DISH MACHINE AND MAINTAIN. MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL THE VENT COVER IN BOTH WASHROOMS(WITH DUST BUILD-UP)AND MAINTAIN.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
MISSING LIGHT SHIELD ON THE LIGHT BULB INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT, ABOVE THE FOOD STORAGE ROOM IN THE BASEMENT,AND ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE PREP AREA/KITCHEN. MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD .
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 →