NORTHDOWN CAFE & TAPROOM.

Chicago Health Dept

3244 N LINCOLN AVE · LAKEVIEW, CHICAGO

Last inspected 2016.

9 inspections on record since 2011 · Last inspected Aug 2016.

Last inspected Aug 2016. Records may not reflect current conditions.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

AUG 2016

INSPECTION HISTORY

AUG 30

2016

PASS 3 violations

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED HAMD WASHING SINK INSIDE WOMAN WASHROOM DRAINING SLOW. M UST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED LEAKY FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED AT THE FRONT BAR AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED A FEW ITEMS NOT ELEVATED 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR IN 2ND FLOOR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST ELEVATE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHES STORED ON TOP OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHES IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.

SEP 28

2015

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

OBSERVED STANDING WATER INSIDE THE SLIDE OPEN TOP COOLER AT THE BAR. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REMOVE, CLEAN, AND TO MAINTAIN. OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS IN THE WALL MOUNTED POTATO SLICER, ALL REFRIGERATION GASKETS, AND THE DELI MEAT SLICER IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ON COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DETAIL CLEAN AND TO MAINTAIN ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT.

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ROUTINELY DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FLOORS THROUGHOUT, WITH SPECIAL FOCUS ON THE BAR FLOORS, KITCHEN FLOORS (ESPECIALLY UNDER AND AROUND EQUIPMENT), AND THE SECOND FLOOR FLOORS.

SEP 16

2015

FAIL 9 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 60 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE SECOND FLOOR NEAR THE DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REMOVE ALL PESTS AND EVIDENCE AND RECOMMENDED TO CONTACT A LICENSED PEST CONTROL PROVIDER FOR SERVICE. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020.

Serious Documentation & Training

* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED

NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED SUCH AS FRIES, BEEF, DAIRY, AND MORE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY THAT WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND/OR SERVED, A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WITH THEIR ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012(A).

Serious Facility Condition

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT # 1490881, DATED JULY 23, 2014: VIOLATION 35: "REPLACE THE MISSING CEILING DRYWALL LEFT OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT." INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090.

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO POST AND MAINTAIN A CONSUMER ADVISORY.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL WALLS AND CEILINGS IN THE KITCHEN, INCLUDING THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS.

Critical Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

SECOND FLOOR WASHBOWL SINK HAS NO HOT WATER. (FACILITY HAS TWO OTHER WORKING AND ACCESSIBLE WASHROOMS) INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED A SMALL LEAK ON THE FAUCET NECK AT THE BAR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Facility Condition

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN A WORKING THERMOMETER IN THE SECOND FLOOR WALK IN COOLER.

JUL 23

2014

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

REPLACE OR RESURFACE THE RUSTED FOOD STORAGE SHELVES IN THE 3-DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN KITCHEN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

DETAIL CLEAN THE CEILING VENTS IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND REPLACE THE MISSING CEILING DRYWALL LEFT OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.

JUN 6

2013

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations

Serious Other

* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED

FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER ON PREMISES WHILE HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD. (HANDLES, HAMBURGERS,PASTA,ETC.)SERIOUS VIOLATION.CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation

CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY.(MUST STORE INVERTED).

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

FOUND BAR FLOOR DRAINS NOT DRAINED AND FLUSHED.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

WASHCLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED.

show all 9 inspections →

AUG 6

2012

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME

LOW TEMPERATURE CHEMICAL DISH MACHINE NOT DISPENSING SANITIZER WHILE DISHES WERE BEING WASHED.FOUND AT 0PPM AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. MACHINE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED AND PROPERLY DISPENSING SANITIZER TO 100PPM, C.D.P.H. CONTACTED AT 312-746-4240 BY FAX REQUEST FOR INSPECTION AND TAG REMOVAL.CITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030. REPAIR PERSON ARRIVED DURING INSPECTION AND MACHINE NOW DISPENSING SANITIZER TO 100PPM.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

WALL MOUNTED FRY SLICER FOUND DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AFTER EACH USE.

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, DISH MACHINE AND PREP SLICER TABLE WITH SOME DIRT AND DEBRIS ALONG BASEBOARDS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

LEAK AT NOZZLE ON BAR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR.

APR 22

2011

PASS · 0 violations

APR 4

2011

FAIL 8 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

OBSERVED REAR SIDE DOOR MEASURED AI 1/8" ON SIDE TO 1/4" AT BOTTOM SIDE/FRONT DOOR AT 1/4" AT BOTTOM,DOORS NOT RODENT & INSECT PROOF.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED RUSTY SHELVES IN REACH IN COOLERS BEHIND BAR REMOVE OR PAINT SHELVES IN COOLERS./NEED LIDS ON ALL GARBAGE CANS IN PREP AREA WHEN NOT IN USE/NEED SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN EXPOSED HAND BOWL & FRONT COUNTER

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

INSIDE ICE MACHINE TOP AREA,INTERIOR ON SOME COOKING EQUIPMENT NEED DETAIL CLEANING.

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

FLOORS IN KITCHEN AREA /BAR AREA NEED TO RE GROUT./MUST REPAIR FLOOR BETWEEN KITCHEN AREA & COFFEE SERVICE AREA.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

INSTRUCTED MGMT TO INSTALL COVE ALONE THE WALL THROUGHT PREMISES WERE GAPS BETWEEN WALLS & FLOORS,FRONT & REAR OF BUSINESS.

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

MUST INSTALL LIGHT SHIELDS ON LIGHTS OVER PREP AREA, BEHIND BAR,FRONT PREP AREA NEXT TO KITCHEN AREA WERE COFFEE IN MADE

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

MUST INSTALL EXPOSED HAND BOWL IN FRONT SIDE PREP AREA./MUST INSTALL A BACK SIPHONAGE DEVICE ON COFFEE MACHINE

Minor Sanitation

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

INSTRUCTED MGMT TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES OFF PREMISES OR PROPERLY STORE AWAY

MAR 30

2011

FAIL 8 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines.//OBSERVED REAR SIDE DOOR MEASURED AI 1/8" ON SIDE TO 1/4" AT BOTTOM SIDE/FRONT DOOR AT 1/4" AT BOTTOM,DOORS NOT RODENT & INSECT PROOF.

Minor Sanitation

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

All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.//OBSERVED RUSTY SHELVES IN REACH IN COOLERS BEHIND BAR REMOVE OR PAINT SHELVES IN COOLERS./NEED LIDS ON ALL GARBAGE CANS IN PREP AREA WHEN NOT IN USE/NEED SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN EXPOSED HAND BOWL & FRONT COUNTER/

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.//INSIDE ICE MACHINE TOP AREA,INTERIOR ON SOME COOKING EQUIPMENT NEED DETAIL CLEANING.

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.//FLOORS IN KITCHEN AREA /BAR AREA NEED TO RE GROUT./MUST REPAIR FLOOR BETWEEN KITCHEN AREA & COFFEE SERVICE AREA.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.//INSTRUCTED MGMT TO INSTALL COVE ALONE THE WALL THROUGHT PREMISES WERE GAPS BETWEEN WALLS & FLOORS,FRONT & REAR OF BUSINESS.

Minor Sanitation

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces.//MUST INSTALL LIGHT SHIELDS ON LIGHTS OVER PREP AREA, BEHIND BAR,FRONT PREP AREA NEXT TO KITCHEN AREA WERE COFFEE IN MADE.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.//MUST INSTALL EXPOSED HAND BOWL IN FRONT SIDE PREP AREA./MUST INSTALL A BACK SIPHONAGE DEVICE ON COFFEE MACHINE

Minor Sanitation

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

Cleaning equipment shall be properly stored away from food, utensils, equipment, and clean linens.//INSTRUCTED MGMT TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES OFF PREMISES OR PROPERLY STORE AWAY

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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