FEB 26
2025
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
MADISON TAVERN.
BEAT. 43/100
500 W MADISON ST · WEST LOOP, CHICAGO
Last inspected February 26, 2025 · passed with conditions
Failed 3 of 14 inspections. 13 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
14
6 passed · 5 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
54
includes 13 critical
RECORDS COVER
9 YEARS
since Dec 2015
INSPECTION HISTORY
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
Bar Low temp dish washing machine not sanitizing at final rinse, 0ppm of Cl obtained on test strips. Instructed manager to provide proper sanitizer concentration at final rinse. Priority violation 7-38-025.
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
Keeping spoons in standing water container at bar area, instructed to keep utensils in-use according to health code, ie.
MAR 202024PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violationsDETAILS
MAR 20
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Bulk food container ( sugar ) not labeled, Instructed to label and maintain.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Found 5 cans of beer placed inside ice maker contaminating ice cubes, ice is used for customers drinks. Instructed not place any object in ice maker that could cause contamination, ice is removed. priority violation 7-38-005.
MAR 292023PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
MAR 29
2023
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED A PAN CATCHING WATER FROM THE VENT ON THE CEILING IN THE WALK-IN COOLER TO HAVE A LEAK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, REMOVE PAN, AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED A BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULB IN THE DRY STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH NO PROOF OF AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS TO OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
JUL 62022PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JUL 6
2022
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE TOUCHING AND SLICING RTE FOODS (LEMONS AND LIMES) WITH BARE HANDS AT BAR. INSTRUCTED TO NOT TOUCH FOOD WITH BARE HANDS, BUT TO USE TONGS, OR GLOVES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
FOUND NO RUNNING WATER WHEN HOT WATER KNOB IS TURENED ON ( HANDWASHING SINK IN DISH AREA & BAR). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A MINNIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE OF 100F. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATIO ISSUED. OBSERVED MANAGER SERVICE SINK AT TIME OF INSPECTION.
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
FOUND IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF READY TO EAT TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD CHICKEN STORED AT 53F LOCATED IN PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A MINNIMUM COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. DISCARDED 5LBS AT $50.
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
FOUND READY TO EAT, TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS NOT DISCARDED WITHIN THE 7 DAY SHELF LIFE; CORN CHOWDER DATED 6/13, CHICKEN DATED 6/27. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD ALL READY TO EAT TIME/ TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS WITHIN 7 DAY SHELF LIFE. FOOD ITEMS DISCARDED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE 7 DAY DISCARD DATE FOR ALL READY TO FOOD HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS.
JUL 12019PASS W/ CONDITIONS12 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JUL 1
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
12 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ONSITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE CITY'S HEALTH FORM OR SIMILAR DOCUMENTS USED TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE TOUCHING RTE FOODS (LETTUCE, TOMATO, AND HAMBURGER BUN) WITH BARE HANDS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO NOT TOUCH FOOD WITH BARE HANDS, BUT TO USE TONGS, OR GLOVES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
MUST PROVIDE DATE MARKINGS TO TCS/RTE FOODS, PREPARED ONSITE AND HELD IN COOLERS OVER 24 HRS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSUME BY DATES AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
MUST PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON MENUS REGARDING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS (TUNA) INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED. (REFER TO HANDOUT)
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON FOOD NAMES; FLOUR, SUGAR, ETC., WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
MUST INVERT DISHES STORED ON STORAGE SHELVES IN THE REAR PREP AREA, TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN REAR, NOT SANITIZING (CHLORINE) PROPERLY WHILE IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE USING MACHINE UNTIL SERVICED. USE 3-COM SINK INSTEAD TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE DISHES, UTENSILS, POTS, PANS AND SMALL WEARS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
MUST REMOVE RUST FROM STORAGE RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER , SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST DETAIL CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS THROUGHOUT REAR PREP AND FLOORS BEHIND THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION FROM CEILING VENTS OVER THE REAR PREP ARA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
MUST DETAIL CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE ACCUMULATION FROM HOOD FILTERS, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN..
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENSE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE.
show all 14 inspections →
FEB 22018FAILED3 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
FEB 2
2018
FAILED
3 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
HANDS WASHED AND CLEANED, GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES; NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS.
Observed food handler prepping 5lbs, pico de gallo, at a value of $20.00, with bare hand contact in rear dish/prep area. Also, observed same food handler eating from plate of food on top of prep counter in dish/prep area while preparing pico de Gallo. Informed manager that is to be no bare hand contact with ready to eat foods. Use tongs, gloves or utensils to prevent bare hand contact with ready to eat foods. Corrected violation during inspection. Critical violation #7-38-010 (A)
WATER SOURCE: SAFE, HOT & COLD UNDER CITY PRESSURE
Observed no hot water throughout facilies, Informed manager TO PROVIDE hot water temperature must be at minimum of 110 DEGREES. Critical Violation # 7-38-030
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
Observed trash bag used as liner inside bulk food containers kitchen prep area. Informed manager that all surfaces must be smooth and easily cleanable. Instructed manager to remove and the surface is smooth and easily cleanable. Maintain of all time.
DEC 52017PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
DEC 5
2017
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
Observed potentially hazardous food at improper temperatures at salad prep cooler. Observed Caesar dressing made on site with egg, anchovies, etc. at 56.7F. Instructed must keep all potentially hazardous foods at 40F or less, or 140F or more at all times. Operator voluntarily discarded denatured food during inspection. Critical violation 7-38-005(a).
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
Observed wiping cloths stored on counters throughout kitchen. Must keep all wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution when not in use. Must maintain same.
JUL 252017PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
JUL 25
2017
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
Observed excessive rust and peeling paint on grease trap box in dish area. Must remove or paint to make smooth and easily cleanable. Must maintain same.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
Observed cracked/missing tiles on corner of doorway between kitchen and dish area. Must repair and maintain same.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
Observed large holes around pipes in upper walls of dish area. Must fill holes to prevent pest entry. Observed excessive grease and/or dirt build up on walls and ceilings in the following areas: on wall and ceiling to the left of the ventilation hood in kitchen; on the walls under dish machine; and exterior, upper wall of walk in coolers. Must detail clean these areas. Must maintain same
JUL 172017PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
JUL 17
2017
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
Observed excessive rust and peeling paint on grease trap box in dish area. Must remove or paint to make smooth and easily cleanable. Must maintain same.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
Observed cracked/missing tiles on corner of doorway between kitchen and dish area. Must repair and maintain same.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
Observed large holes around pipes in upper walls of dish area. Must fill holes to prevent pest entry. Observed excessive grease and/or dirt build up on walls and ceilings in the following areas: on wall and ceiling to the left of the ventilation hood in kitchen; on the walls under dish machine; and exterior, upper wall of walk in coolers. Must detail clean these areas. Must maintain same.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
Observed thermometer not properly functioning on 4 drawer cooler unit. External display reads 35F and internal temperature is 52.5F. Instructed must repair or provide thermometers inside drawers, in a conspicuous spot. Must maintain same.
JUL 102017FAILED8 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
JUL 10
2017
FAILED
8 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
Found 4 drawer cooler unit (under grill in kitchen) not able to maintain proper temperature. Air temperature in drawers ranging between 54.6F - 55.1F. Instructed all refrigeration units must maintain internal air temperature of 40F or less at all times. Unit has been tagged and held for inspection. Instructed must not use this unit until unit has been serviced and tag has been removed. Critical violation 7-38-005(a).
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
Found the following potentially hazardous foods at improper temperatures in the 4 cooler drawers, under the grill in kitchen: 3lbs of steak @ 48.9F; 14lbs of uncooked hamburger meat @ 50.0F; 4lbs of tuna salad @ 59.5F; and 6lbs of sliced ham @ 51.8F. Instructed all potentially hazardous foods must be held @ 40F or less, or 140F or above. Operator voluntarily discarded denatured foods during inspection. Critical violation 7-38-005(a).
SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME
Observed low temperature dish machine being used without proper sanitizing procedure. Observe 0 ppm of quaternary ammonia present in water used for sanitizing in dishwasher. Operator replaced empty bottle of sanitizer connected to machine with new/full bottle of sanitizer. When water retested in dish machine, found 200ppm of quaternary ammonia present. Instructed must re-wash all items that were previously run through the dish machine. Critical violation 7-38-030.
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
Observed small, black flies in the following areas: approximately 30 on upper exterior of walk in cooler/walk in beer cooler; approximately 17 on walls near hand sink in dish area; and approximately 3 in the dry storage room. Must detail clean and sanitize these areas. Must eliminate pest issue. Serious violation 7-38-020.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
Observed excessive rust and peeling paint on grease trap box in dish area. Must remove or paint to make smooth and easily cleanable. Must maintain same.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
Observed cracked/missing tiles on corner of doorway between kitchen and dish area. Must repair and maintain same.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
Observed large holes around pipes in upper walls of dish area. Must fill holes to prevent pest entry. Observed excessive grease and/or dirt build up on walls and ceilings in the following areas: on wall and ceiling to the left of the ventilation hood in kitchen; on the walls under dish machine; and exterior, upper wall of walk in coolers. Must detail clean these areas. Must maintain same.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
Observed thermometer not properly functioning on 4 drawer cooler unit. External display reads 35F and internal temperature is 52.5F. Instructed must repair or provide thermometers inside drawers, in a conspicuous spot. Must maintain same.
MAY 122016FAILED6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 12
2016
FAILED
6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA
OBSERVED THE HAND SINK IN THE DISH MACHINE ROOM TO BE INACCESSIBLE BECAUSE IT WAS BLOCKED BY PALLETS, MILK CRATES, AND ROLLING CARTS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL HANDSINKS TO BE EASILY ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-030
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
OBSERVED APPROX. 30 SMALL FLIES IN THE DISHROOM, APPROX. 12 SMALL FLIES NEAR THE EMPTY KEG STORAGE AREA, AND APPROX. 11 SMALL FLIES NEAR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE FLY ACTIVITY AND RECOMMENDED TO OBTAIN THE SERVICES OF A LICENSED PEST CONTROL OPERATOR. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-020
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED WOODEN SERVING BOARDS THAT ARE MADE WITH UNAPPROVED WOOD AND HAVE COARSE BARK TRIM ON THE SIDES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE SERVING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH, NON ABSORBENT AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE SIDES OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED MOPS AND BROOMS STORED IMPROPERLY IN THE MOP CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO STORE MOPS INVERTED (HEADS UP).
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON A CUTTING BOARD IN THE COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZER SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
DEC 172015PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
DEC 17
2015
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
MUST INSTALL MORE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN THE MOP SINK CLOSET.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
MUST INSTALL/REPAIR VENTILATION IN THE WOMENS WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE THREE WORKING STOPPERS AT THE BAR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
MUST MINIMIZE CLUTTER IN ALL STORAGE CLOSETS. MUST PROVIDE MORE ADEQUATE SHELVING AND PROPERLY STORE ALL ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR. MUST ALSO PROVIDE SHELVING RACKS FOR WALK IN REFRIGERATION UNITS. MUST STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
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 →