SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

PRINCETON APARTMENTS GOLDEN DINER.

YOUR CALL. 57/100

4250 S PRINCETON · BACK OF THE YARDS, CHICAGO

Last inspected November 7, 2025 · passed with conditions

12 of 18 inspections passed, 4 failed, 2 passed with conditions. 14 critical violations across the record.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

12 passed · 2 w/ conditions · 4 failed

VIOLATIONS

includes 14 critical

RECORDS COVER

14 YEARS

since Dec 2010

INSPECTION HISTORY

NOV 7

2025

PASS W/ CONDITIONS

4 violations2 CRITICAL

DETAILS

CRITICALDocumentation & Training

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH VALID ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALPest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED DEAD FLIES ON FLOORS IN PREP BEHIND CABINETS AND EQUIPMENT, AND ON TOP OF COUNTER TOPS DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE

MINORSanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED FOOD SPLATTER ON SURFACES OF CABINETS AND MICROWAVE LOCATED INSIDE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF SAID EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED GOLDEN DINER MATERIALS AS WELL AS OTHER MISCELLANEUS ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR THROUGHOUT CLOSET UPON DINING AREA ENTRY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING TO ELEVATE ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR.

JUL 5

2024

PASSED

1 violation

DETAILS

MINORSanitation

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED RUSTED AND DIRTY STORAGE RACKS AND BOTTOMS OF REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER. SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

JUN 5

2023

PASSED

2 violations

DETAILS

MINORFacility Condition

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES STORED ON FLOOR IN DINING ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT AND ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES OFF FLOOR.

MINORPlumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED A SMALL LEAK AT FAUCET ON THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

OCT 25

2022

PASSED

2 violations

DETAILS

MINORSanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FLOOR TO THE RIGHT OF OVEN IN NEED OF CLEANING, AND INTERIOR LOWER CABINET TO THE LEFT OF OVEN IN NEED OF CLEANING. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORPlumbing & Waste

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

FOUND THE MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN THE WOMEN'S RESTROOM OUTSIDE OF DINING AREA IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

NOV 8

2021

PASSED

3 violations

DETAILS

MINOROther

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

MUST PROVIDE A THERMOMETER FOR REFRIGERATOR.

MINORSanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST CLEAN RADIATOR COVERS AND WINDOW SILLS IN DINING AREA.

MINORSanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES OF RADIATORS IN DINING AREA AND KITCHEN.

show all 18 inspections →

JAN 30

2020

PASSED

1 violation

DETAILS

MINORSanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

MUST PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLES FOR WOMEN'S WASHROOM.

FEB 26

2019

PASSED

1 violation

DETAILS

MINORSanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED A SMALL CEILING LEAK IN THE DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN

SEP 14

2018

FAILED

5 violations3 CRITICAL

DETAILS

CRITICALSanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

Observed no kit nor printed clean up procedure for vomit and diarrhea. Must provide written procedure for clean up of vomit and diarrheal events. Must provide clean up kit. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005.

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene

HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED

2-301.12(a) Exposed hand sink in kitchen has been removed. Kitchen does not have an available hand sink to wash hands. Must install an exposed, dedicated hand washing sink, with soap and sanitary means to dry hands, and adequate city pressure. Priority violation 7-38-010.

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

See violation #8

MINORPlumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-202.11(b) Waste water from 3 compartment sink must be routed to an attached grease trap. Must install and maintain same.

MINORFacility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

4-301.14 Observed large oven in kitchen area, without required ventilation hood system installed above. Must install ventilation hood system above oven to prevent grease or condensation from collecting on walls and ceilings. Must maintain same.

SEP 12

2018

FAILED

5 violations4 CRITICAL

DETAILS

CRITICALSanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene

HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

See violation #8

CRITICALPest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

6-501.111 Observed approximately 25 mice dropping in cabinets at back of lunch room. Must detail clean and sanitize. Must eliminate pest issue. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(a).

MINORPlumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-202.11(b) Waste water from 3 compartment sink must be routed to an attached grease trap. Must install and maintain same.

SEP 7

2018

FAILED

8 violations4 CRITICAL

DETAILS

CRITICALSanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene

HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

See violation #8

MINORFood Temperature

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

4-301.11 Found ambient air temperature inside refrigerators @ 52.5F and 51.1F. Instructed all refrigeration must be @ 41F or less at all times. Instructed may not use refrigeration until repaired. Refrigeration has been tagged and held for inspection. Priority violation 7-38-005.

MINORFood Temperature

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

4-302.12 No metal stem thermometers on site during inspection. Must provide metal stem thermometers to measure internal food temperature. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005.

CRITICALPest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

6-501.111 Observed approximately 25 mice dropping in cabinets at back of lunch room. Must detail clean and sanitize. Must eliminate pest issue. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(a).

MINOROther

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

4-301.12 Must provide drain stoppers for 3 compartment sink.

MINORPlumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-202.11(b) Water water from 3 compartment sink must be routed to an attached grease trap. Must install and maintain same.

OCT 18

2017

PASSED

0 violations

APR 1

2016

PASSED

2 violations

DETAILS

MINORSanitation

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

SEAL LOOSE COVING AT FLOOR WHERE MEETS WALL UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.

MINORSanitation

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

SEAL OPENING INTO WALL AT LOOSE COVING UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.

APR 8

2015

PASSED

2 violations

DETAILS

MINORSanitation

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

FLOORS NEED CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNER AROUND THE PREP TABLE.

MINORSanitation

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

MUST CLEAN WALLS AROUND THE PREP TABLE THAT HOLDS THE STEAM TABLE. ALSO MUST REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE DINNING AREA.

JUN 3

2014

PASSED

3 violations

DETAILS

MINORFood Temperature

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

OBSERVED FLOOR NOT CLEAN UNDER HOT HOLDING TABLE, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

MINORFood Temperature

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

OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED AND MISSING CEILING TILES IN DINING ROOM, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE. ALSO CLEAN WALL BEHIND HOT HOLDING UNITS.ALSO CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS.

MINORFacility Condition

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

OBSERVED ONE LIGHT OUT IN KITCHEN OVER OVEN, INSTRUCTED TO REAIR/REPLACE. ALSO REPLACE BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD.

NOV 7

2013

PASSED

1 violation

DETAILS

MINORSanitation

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

WALLS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

JUL 25

2011

PASSED

1 violation

DETAILS

MINORSanitation

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.MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOORS IN PREP,AND DINNING ROOM.

JUL 18

2011

FAILED

3 violations1 CRITICAL

DETAILS

CRITICALPest 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 EVIDENCE OF 3 LIVE ROACHES CRAWLING ON TABLE AND FLOOR IN PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE. RECOMMEND PEST SERVICE. NO CITATION ISSUED

SERIOUSDocumentation & Training

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

A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. NO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. NO VALID FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED,AVAILABLE,OR LETTER FOR ENROLLMENT AT THIS TIME. NO CITATION ISSUED.

MINORSanitation

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. CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOORS IN PREP,DINING AREA.

DEC 7

2010

PASS W/ CONDITIONS

4 violations

DETAILS

SERIOUSDocumentation & Training

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

NO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MGR. ON PREMISES , VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED, OR LETTER OF ENROLLMENT IN CLASS PROVIDED AT TIME OF INVESTIGATION-NO CITATION ISSUED

MINORSanitation

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

DEFROST THE DEEP FREEZER AND REACH-IN TOP FREEZER OF REFRIGERATOR.

MINORSanitation

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

DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASES, AND IN CORNERS THROUGHOUT DINING AREA, STORAGE ROOM AND IN CLOSETS.

MINORSanitation

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

CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS WHERE NEEDED IN DINING/KITCHEN AREAS, AND WINDOW LEDGES IN SAME AREA.

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 →

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