JUL 29
2025
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
MASTERS PANCAKE HOUSE.
BEAT. 46/100
5265 S CICERO AVE · BRIGHTON PARK, CHICAGO
Last inspected July 29, 2025 · passed with conditions
Failed 3 of 18 inspections. 7 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
18
11 passed · 4 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
63
includes 7 critical
RECORDS COVER
14 YEARS
since Jan 2011
INSPECTION HISTORY
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
TCS FOOD AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES IN PREP COOLER: HAM 49.9F, SAUSAGE 50.2F, CUT TOMATOES 49.0F. ALL DISCARDED AND DENATURED. INSTD TO MAINTAIN COLD FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIME. APPROX 15LBS $50 VALUE CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
PREP COOLER AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 52.9F. COOLER TAGGED AT THIS TIME AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. INSTD NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED AND AT PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN WAREWASHING AREA CAUSING STANDING WATER. INSTD TO REPLACE BROKEN TILES AND MAINTAIN
MAY 92024PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
MAY 9
2024
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
4-602.13 OBSERVED RUST BUILD UP ON THE BOTTOM OF THE TABLE WHERE CHEMICALS ARE STORED. OBSERVED BUILD-UP ON SHELVES IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SURFACES FREE OF RESIDUE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.114 OBSERVED CLUTTER IN THE FURNACE ROOM ON THE FLOOR AND STACKED UP. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE AND ORGANIZE AREA TO BE ACCESSIBLE.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE. INSTRUCTED PIC AT TIME OF INSPECTION TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
MAY 12024FAILED4 violationsDETAILS
MAY 1
2024
FAILED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
OBSERVED A PINK MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE DRIPPING ONTO ICE(ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DISCARD ICE AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE MACHINE. PRIORITY FOUNDAITON #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED RUST BUILD UP ON THE BOTTOM OF THE TABLE WHERE CHEMICALS ARE STORED. OBSERVED BUILD-UP ON SHELVES IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SURFACES FREE OF RESIDUE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED CLUTTER IN THE FURNACE ROOM ON THE FLOOR AND STACKED UP. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE AND ORGANIZE AREA TO BE ACCESSIBLE.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE. INSTRUCTED PIC AT TIME OF INSPECTION TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
MAY 22023PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violationsDETAILS
MAY 2
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED
OBSERVED RAW BEEF STORED IMMEDIATELY ABOVE READY TO EAT TUNA SALAD WITH RAW BEEF BLOOD ON THE COVER OF THE TUNA CONTAINER. INSTD TO STORE RAW FOOD SEPARATELY/PROPERLY AT ALL TIMES. TUNA DISCARDED AND DENATURED AT THIS TIME. APPROX 2LBS $10 VALUE. CITATION ISSUED PRIORUTY 7-38-005.
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
CONTAINER OF COOKED SAUSAGE AT 59.9F (COOKED YESTERDAY) IN REACH IN COOLER, SLICES OF CHEESE AT 64.4F ON TOP OF PREP COOLER. INSTD TO MAINTAIN COLD FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. SAUSAGE AND CHEESE DISCARDED AND DENATURED AT THIS TIME. APPROX 5LBS $20 VALUE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED ON CUTTING BOARD. INSTD TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
PIPE LEAKING UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
show all 18 inspections →
OCT 122022FAILED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OCT 12
2022
FAILED
5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
FOUND NO DISCLOSURE ON MENU FOR UNDERCOOKED/RAW ITEMS (BURGER, STEAK, EGGS). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCLOSURE ON MENU FOR THE ABOVE ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
FOUND BULK ITEMS WITHOUT LABELS (RICE, BEANS). MUST LABEL ITEMS WHEN FOOD NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, MAINTAIN.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
FOUND APPROXIMATELY 50 SMALL LIVE FLIES ON WALL AND FLYING IN WATER HEATER ROOM. RECOMMEND CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE PRIOR TO REINSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE FLY ACTIVITY, MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (A). CITATION ISSUED.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE WITH SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION. INSRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FOUND FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATED UNDER EQUIPMENT IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
JUN 42021PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JUN 4
2021
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE WITH SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
MULTI USE UTENSILS IMPROPER STORED IN CONTAINER WITH MOUTHPIECE EXPOSED. INSTD TO INVERT (HANDLE UP)
NOV 132020PASSED1 violationDETAILS
NOV 13
2020
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE
FEB 12019PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
FEB 1
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
Observed no employee health policy on site. Must provide. Priority foundation violation.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
Observed no vomit and diarrhea clean up procedure in place. Must provide written procedure. Priority foundation violation.
PROPER COOKING TIME & TEMPERATURES
Observed non-continuous cooking process of animal foods. Observed improper temperatures of the following TCS foods sitting on counter in kitchen: sausage patties @ 68.9F; sausage links @ 50.7F; italian sausage @ 68F; and chorizo @ 69.4F - 83.1F. Instructed if process has begun to cook meats (or TCS FOODS), must continue until fully cooked and must hot, or immediately after initially heating, must be cooled according to the time and temperature parameters specified for cooked time/temperatre control for safety foods. TCS foods must be held at min temperature of 135F if hot holding, or 41F or less for cold holding at all times. Instructed non-continuous cooking of animal foods is not permitted. Operator voluntarily discarded all denatured food during inspection. Approximate value of 10lbs of discarded food is $25. Priority violation 7-38-005. Citation issued.
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
Observed improper date marking of prepped TCS (time/temperature control for safety) foods in the walk in cooler. Instructed must label all prepped, TCS foods with discard date. Priority foundation violation.
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
Observed consumer advisory not properly documented on menu. Instructed must properly provide consumer advisory disclosure and reminders (*) on all items on menu in which the consumer advisory applies to. Priority foundation violation.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Observed no proof of allergen training on site. Must provide proof of allergen training for all Chicago certified food sanitation managers.
SEP 122017PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
SEP 12
2017
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN REAR STORAGE AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED THE REAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LEAKING UNDER THE 1ST., AND 2ND. COMPARTMENTS, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHES IMPROPERLY STORED ON PREP TABLE, INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE IN CLEAN CONTAINER WITH 100PPM OF CHLORINE SANITIZER.
JUN 62017PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JUN 6
2017
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
OBSERVED REAR SLICER, #10 CAN OPENER, AND CUTTING BOARD IN GRILL AREA NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
OBSERVED THE FLOOR IN REAR STORAGE AREA NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN UNDER AND AROUND STORAGE SHELVES.
APR 292016PASSED1 violationDETAILS
APR 29
2016
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE DOORS OF THE 3 DOOR PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE GRILL.
APR 222016FAILED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
APR 22
2016
FAILED
5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
HANDS WASHED AND CLEANED, GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES; NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS.
OBSERVED BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS BY A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE. OBSERVED EMPLOYEE TOUCH A WAFFLE AND SAUSAGE PATTIES WITH THEIR BARE HANDS AFTER THEY WERE COOKED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE GLOVES OR OTHER UTENSILS SO THAT THERE IS NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-010A.
FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION DURING STORAGE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE. OBSERVED A SLIMY SUBSTANCE AND DISCOLORATION ON THE INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACES OF THE ICE MACHINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACES OF THE ICE MACHINE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE DOORS OF THE 3 DOOR PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE GRILL.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
MUST PROVIDE A VISIBLE THERMOMETER INSIDE OF ALL COOLERS.
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF THE PREP TABLES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE WET WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZER BUCKET WHEN NOT IN USE.
JAN 92015PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
JAN 9
2015
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
UPRIGHT COOLER INTERIOR DOOR GASKETS IN POOR REPAIR, MISSING, TORN, INSTD TO REPAIR SAME.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
LIGHTSHIELDS IN PREP AREA NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
PROVIDE ACCURATE METAL STEM THEROMOMETER FOR FOOD HANDLERS.
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT NOT MET. NO LOG, RECORDS AVAILABLE FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTD TO PROVIDE SAME.
JUL 142014PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
JUL 14
2014
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED FRONT PREP LINE UPRIGHT COOLER MISSING FAN GUARD COVER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
OBSERVED THE #10 CAN OPENER AND REAR SLICER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
OBSERVED STANDING WATER IN DISH AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE/DRY MOP.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
OBSERVED REAR STORAGE WALL NOT CLEAN GREASE RUNNING DOWN THE WALL, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALSO CLEAN REAR CEILING VENTS.ALSO REPLACE WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES, OVER REAR PREP AREA.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED FRONT SINK LEAKING AT LOWER PIPE INTO A CONTAINER, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
JUL 222013PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
JUL 22
2013
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
MULTI-USE EATING UTENSILS IMPROPERLY STORED ON DINING TABLES. INSTD TO PROPERLY STORE (WRAP, KEEP COVERED, OR PLACE SETTING AS CUSTOMERS ARE SEATED).
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
CUTTING BOARD AT PREP LINE IN POOR REPAIR, PITTED, WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES. REPLACE SAME. MISSING COVERS FOR ICE BINS. PROVIDE SAME.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
MISSING THERMOMETER IN PREP AREA. REPLACE SAME.
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
WASH CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
JUN 262012PASSED7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 26
2012
PASSED
7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
LABEL AND DATE THE FOOD IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND THE REACH-IN COOLER.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
CLEAN THE STORAGE SHELVES IN THE STORE ROOM THEY ARE DUSTY.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
IN THE REAR STORE ROOM HAS LARGE AMOUNT OF MISSING AND BROKEN FLOOR TILES. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THEM.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
SEAL THE BOTTOM OF THE NORTH WALL NEXT TO THE WALK-IN COOLER HAS A THREE INCH GAP. SEAL THE WALLS TO THE FLOOR IN THE REAR STORE ROOM AND SMALL STORE ROOM. HAS A ONE HALF GAP ALONG THE WALLS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL AND REPAIR ALL WALLS SO NO INSECTS OR RODENT. HARBORAGE. FOUND STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE REAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE OR PAINT THEM.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
FOUND LIGHT SHIELD IN THE BACK STORE ROOMS WATER STAINED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
CLEAN ALL THE VENTS THROUGHOUT PREMISES HAS DUST AND DIRT BUILDUP ON THEM.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
FOUND OLD UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR SMALL STORE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REMOVE SO NO INSECT OR RODENT HARBORAGE.
JAN 132011PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 13
2011
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER HOLDING/STORING TEMPERATUERES: 2 DOZEN EGGS AT 58.9F AND ALSO COOKED HAM AT 57.0F (ON COUNTERTOP). NO TEMPERATURES LOGS ON SITE. MGR VOLUNTAIRLY DISCARDED AND DENATURED SAME. APPROX 10LBS. $50 VALUE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A CRITICAL. INSTD TO MAINTAIN PRODUCT TEMPERATURE AT 40F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES.
* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
NO ONE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE OR ON ON DUTY WHILE HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS. (HAM, EGGS). PROVIDE SAME CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012 SERIOUS.
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
INSTD TO LABEL AND DATE ALL READY TO EAT FOODS IN WALK-IN COOLER.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
VENTS IN TOILET ROOMS WITH DUST ACCUMULATION. CLEAN SAME.
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 →