SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

ROOTS HANDMADE PIZZA - SECOND CITY/UTOPIAN TAILGAT.

BEAT. 48/100

1610 N WELLS ST · LINCOLN PARK, CHICAGO

Last inspected February 14, 2025 · passed

Failed 3 of 8 inspections. 4 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
8
3 passed · 2 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
34
includes 4 critical
RECORDS COVER
5 YEARS
since Aug 2019

INSPECTION HISTORY

FEB 14
2025
PASSED
0 violations
FEB 7
2025
FAILED
7 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE COMPONENTS IN ABOVE COMPARTMENT OF THE LARGEST ICE MACHINE IN SIDE STORAGE AREA OFF THE 2ND FLOOR KITCHEN TO BE HEAVILY SOILED AND COVERED WITH A BLACK AND GREY SLIME AND SUBSTANCE, TOUCHING ICE AND DRIPPING ONTO ICE. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN, SANTITIZE, AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND FOOD CONTACT SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED 10 DEAD INSECTS ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA FOR SECOND CITY AND NEAR THE WALK IN COOLERS AREA IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL DEAD INSECTS FROM FACILITY.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED CONTAINERS OF FOOD ITEMS AND BINS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA LOCATED OFF THE 2ND FLOOR KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS, PIZZA BOXES, AND CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE SIDE DRY STORAGE AREA LOCATED OFF THE 2ND FLOOR KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.

SERIOUSSanitation
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN FACILITY NOT FULLY FUNCTIONAL AT TIME OF INSPECTION. ONE OF THREE COMPARTMENTS IS UNABLE TO BE USED WITH HOT AND COLD WATER AS ONE OF TWO FAUCETS IS COMPLETELY MISSING, AND THE SECOND FAUCET IS UNABLE TO REACH THE REMAINING COMPARTMENT TO FILL WITH HOT AND COLD WATER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE A FUNCTIONAL 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WHERE ALL 3 COMPARTMENTS ARE ABLE TO BE USED IS AVAILABLE FOR USE TO WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE UTENSILS AND EQUIPMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.

SERIOUSEmployee Hygiene
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED LEAK FROM DRAIN PIPES OF HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED NEXT TO DISH MACHINE IN KITCHEN PREP AREA ON 2ND FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE SINK AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED HEAVY FOOD DEBRIS AND GRAIN SPILLAGE ON THE FLOORS BELOW DRY STORAGE BINS, SHELVES, AND EQUIPMENT IN THE SIDE DRY STORAGE AREA WITH 4 ICE MACHINES LOCATED OFF THE 2ND FLOOR KITCHEN PREP AREA. OBSERVED SOILED FLOOR FROM SPILLED/STAGNANT WATER IN THE CORNER BELOW/BEHIND THE 3 ICE MACHINES LOCATED IN THE CORNER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS FREE OF EXCESSIVE TRASH, GRAINS, AND SPILLAGE OF FLUIDS IN DRY STORAGE AREAS, BELOW SHELVES AND EQUIPMENT, AND BEHIND THE ICE MACHINES.

MAY 8
2024
PASSED
4 violations
DETAILS
SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

NOTED GREASE BUILD UP AND FOOD DEBRIS UNDER ALL FRYERS IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

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

NOTED CUTTING BOARDS AT SALAD STATION AND COOK LINE WITH DEEP CUTS AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO RESTORE TO SMOOTH CLEANABLE SURFACE OR REPLACE.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

NOTED FLOOR DRAIN IN KITCHEN BETWEEN WALL AND GREASE TRAP AND IN FRONT OF ICE MACHINE WITH FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

NOTED FLOORS UNDERNEATH BOOTHS AT "PROFESSOR PIZZA" WITH DRY FOOD DEBRIS AND DUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

OCT 11
2022
PASSED
6 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

3-304.14 MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREAS IN SANITIZER BUCKETS BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS-CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.

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

4-101.19 MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS.

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

4-501.11 PLATE UNITS ATTACHED TO THE POP GUN UNDER THE BAR COUNTER MUST BE RELOCATED FROM ABOVE ICE BINS IN ALL THE BARS TO MINIMIZE THE SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

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

4-501.12 SOME CUTTING BOARDS IN THE KITCHEN WITH DARK STAINS AND DEEP CUTS MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE SAID CUTTING BOARDS

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-205.15 LEAKING FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AT SECOND FLOOR PREP AREA, REPAIR ISSUE.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-201.12FLOOR DRAINS IN PREP AND AT BARS WITH SLIME SUBSTANCE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

OCT 4
2022
FAILED
7 violations
DETAILS
SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED ICE/FOOD NOT PROTECTED. INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE, WATER RESERVOIR, AND ICE BIN, WITH EXCESSIVE BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE DRIPPING DOWN INTO THE ICE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE THROUGHOUT. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

MINORSanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREAS IN SANITIZER BUCKET BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.

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

SOME CUTTING BOARDS IN THE KITCHEN WITH DARK STAINS AND DEEP CUTS, MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE SAID CUTTING BOARDS

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

MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS.

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

PLATE UNITS ATTACHED AT POP GUN UNDER THE BAR COUNTER MUST BE RELOCATED FROM ABOVE ICE BINS IN ALL THE BARS,TO MINIMIZE SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION. ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

LEAKING FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AT SECOND FLOOR PREP AREA,REPAIR ISSUE.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FLOOR DRAINS IN PREP AND AT BARS WITH SLIME SUBSTANCE,CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

show all 8 inspections →
DEC 1
2020
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OUTER OPENING NOT PROTECTED. PATIO DOOR AT SECOND FLOOR WITH A GAP OF 1/4 TO 1/2" AT BOTTOM AND BETWEEN DOORS.

SERIOUSFood Temperature
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

NOTED NO IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATORS FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR, SUCH AS STRIPS/STICKERS OR THERMOMETER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

BROKEN BLACKENED WALL CAULKING AT HIGH TEMP DISH MACHINE(NORTH WALL). MUST REPLACE.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

STICKY FLOOR AT BAR AREA AT SECOND FLOOR. ALSO BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE INSIDE FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES,CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED A MAN SHIRT HANGING ON WALL IN PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SEPARATE AREA/LOCKER FOR EMPLOYEE PERSONAL ITEMS. NO EMPLOYEE PERSONAL ITEMS MUST BE STORED IN PREP AREA

AUG 15
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
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.

MINOROther
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET. INFORMATION PROVIDED.

AUG 13
2019
FAILED
3 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
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.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

MUST COVER OUTDOOR BAR PREP AREA, NO STATIONARY ROOF COVER PRESENT DURING INSPECTION. During preparation, unPACKAGED FOOD shall be protected from environmental sources of contamination.PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.

MINOROther
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET. INFORMATION PROVIDED.

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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