Chicago Health Dept
500 W MADISON ST · WEST LOOP, CHICAGO
Passed most recent inspection (Feb 2025).
14 inspections on record since 2015 · Last inspected Feb 2025.
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.
Keeping spoons in standing water container at bar area, instructed to keep utensils in-use according to health code, ie.
Bulk food container ( sugar ) not labeled, Instructed to label and maintain.
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.
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.
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.
OBSERVED THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
OBSERVED A BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULB IN THE DRY STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON FOOD NAMES; FLOUR, SUGAR, ETC., WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
MUST INVERT DISHES STORED ON STORAGE SHELVES IN THE REAR PREP AREA, TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
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.
MUST REMOVE RUST FROM STORAGE RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER , SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN
MUST DETAIL CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS THROUGHOUT REAR PREP AND FLOORS BEHIND THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION FROM CEILING VENTS OVER THE REAR PREP ARA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
MUST DETAIL CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE ACCUMULATION FROM HOOD FILTERS, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN..
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.
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)
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
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.
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).
Observed wiping cloths stored on counters throughout kitchen. Must keep all wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution when not in use. Must maintain same.
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.
Observed cracked/missing tiles on corner of doorway between kitchen and dish area. Must repair and maintain same.
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
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.
Observed cracked/missing tiles on corner of doorway between kitchen and dish area. Must repair and maintain same.
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.
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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
Observed cracked/missing tiles on corner of doorway between kitchen and dish area. Must repair and maintain same.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE SIDES OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
OBSERVED MOPS AND BROOMS STORED IMPROPERLY IN THE MOP CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO STORE MOPS INVERTED (HEADS UP).
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON A CUTTING BOARD IN THE COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZER SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
MUST INSTALL MORE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN THE MOP SINK CLOSET.
MUST INSTALL/REPAIR VENTILATION IN THE WOMENS WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE THREE WORKING STOPPERS AT THE BAR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
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.
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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