AUG 26
2025
PASSED
8 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
ROOTSTOCK WINE & BEER BAR.
BEAT. 33/100
954 N CALIFORNIA AVE · WICKER PARK, CHICAGO
Last inspected August 26, 2025 · passed
Failed 3 of 14 inspections. 10 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
14
7 passed · 4 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
64
includes 10 critical
RECORDS COVER
14 YEARS
since Oct 2010
INSPECTION HISTORY
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
6-202.15 : OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM LEFT CORNER OF FRONT DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED AND WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 1 & 2 DOOR PREP COOLERS AND 1- DOOR REACH IN COOLER WITH TAPE.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP INSIDE OF FRYER CABINET,OVEN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
5-204.12 : OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-201.13 : MUST GROUT FLOOR IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED WALL UNDERNEATH 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.13 : MUST CLEAN GREASE BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER FRYER.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
AUG 192025FAILED11 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 19
2025
FAILED
11 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION
OBSERVED NO 90-DAY SHELLFISH TAGS FOR OYSTERS DATED WITH THE LAST DAY SOLD OR SERVED ON SHELLFISH TAGS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. (PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 50 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND, ON WALLS & CEILINGS IN BAR AREA, PREP & DISH WASHING AREA, BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA, LAUNDRY ROOM.ALSO EVIDENCE OF APPX. 2-4 LIVE LARGE FLIES IN BASEMENT. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 8/19/25.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) (CITATION ISSUED)
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM LEFT CORNER OF FRONT DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED AND WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 1 & 2 DOOR PREP COOLERS AND 1- DOOR REACH IN COOLER WITH TAPE.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED INCORRECT CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR 3 3-COMPONENT SINK AND DISH MACHINE TO CHECK SANITIZING SOLUTION PPM'S MUST BE PROVIDED AND MAINTAINED.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP INSIDE OF FRYER CABINET,GRILL TABLE,OVEN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST GROUT FLOOR IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED WALL UNDERNEATH 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST CLEAN GREASE BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER FRYER.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
JUN 172024PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
JUN 17
2024
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED FRYERS WITH SOILAGE ON THE INTERIOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED UNUSED COOLER IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD ANY UNSED EQUIPMENT.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED FLOORS AROUND THE GRIDDLE AREA WITH DEBRIS AND SOIL BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED FILTERS ABOVE GRIDDLE WITH DUST AND GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.
FEB 92023PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
FEB 9
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE EITHER ALL-GENDER TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED A SMALL AMOUNT OF STANDING WATER THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
DEC 262019PASS W/ CONDITIONS11 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
DEC 26
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
11 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. SUPPLIES MUST INCLUDE ADEQUATE SANITIZER THAT ELIMINATES NOROVIRUS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES TO PROPERLY HANDLE BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HAND SINKS OF PREMISE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HANDWASHIGN SIGNAGE AT ALL HAND SINKS.
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY (TCS) FOODS NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE PRODUCT'S NAME AND DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED WITHIN 7 DAYS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING AND DISCARD DATE FOR REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS PLACED IN ALL COLD-HOLDING UNITS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS (STEAKS) THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW AND ADD A REMINDER ON THE MENU THAT READS *THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. CONSUMING UNDERCOOKED OR RAW FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 1 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE GASKET ON THE 1 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMEN RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A COVERED RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMEN RESTROOM.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED HOLES ON THE WALL NEAR THE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL THE HOLES ON WALL NEAR THE DISH MACHINE.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
show all 14 inspections →
APR 172017PASSED1 violationDETAILS
APR 17
2017
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED RIPPED GASKETS AROUND THE DOOR OF THE REACH-IN COOLER UNDER THE CUTTING BOARD. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE GASKETS TO PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL TIMES.
APR 72017FAILED2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
APR 7
2017
FAILED
2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
OBSERVED RODENT ACTIVITY ON PREMISES AT TIME OF INSPECTION: FOUND APPROXIMATELY 12 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT BEHIND THE REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER COMBO AND ICE MACHINE. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE ACTIVITY. ALL AREAS WHERE DROPPINGS WERE OBSERVED MUST BE REMOVED, CLEANED, AND SANITIZED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED RIPPED GASKETS AROUND THE DOOR OF THE REACH-IN COOLER UNDER THE CUTTING BOARD. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE GASKETS TO PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL TIMES.
SEP 212016PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violationsDETAILS
SEP 21
2016
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violationsDETAILS
* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
No Certified food manager on site during inspection. No City of Chicago certified food manager certificates on site. Instructed must have City of Chicago certified food manager certificates posted at all times, and must have a certified food manager on site while prepping or serving potentially hazardous foods. Serious violation 7-38-012.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
Found raw wood shelving in basement dry storage area. Instructed must paint or seal to make smooth and easily cleanable. Must maintain. Found cutting board in kitchen area stained, also with deep groves. Instructed to resurface or replace cutting board.
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
Wiping cloths improperly stored under cutting board in kitchen area. Instructed all wiping cloths must be in a sanitizing solution (in a clean container) when not in use.
AUG 242015PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
AUG 24
2015
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
2 SMALL REACH IN FREEZERS IN NEED OF DEFROSTING TO REMOVE ALL ICE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
FLOORS IN THE BASEMENT, FRONT BAR AND OUTSIDE GARAGE STORAGE AREA IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL SPILLS AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
HOOD VENTILATION UNIT ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
LINEN: CLEAN AND SOILED PROPERLY STORED
SOILED LINEN MUST BE STORED IN A PROPER CONTAINER. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
NO ONE ON SITE WITH FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATES FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
OCT 72014PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
OCT 7
2014
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
CLEAN INTERIOR OF FRYER CABINET.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
CLEAN FLOORS UNDER FRYER(EXCESS OIL).
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
SEAL LOOSE WALL NEAR SOUTH PREP COOLER.
OCT 172013PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
OCT 17
2013
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
Multi use utensils not properly stored. Instructed to invert utensils to prevent contamination before use.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
Floor along wallbae and behind cooking equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
Overhead door not maintained in garage. Instructed to repair and seal door along side.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
Light bulbs not working under exhaust hood. Instructed to replace non-working bulbs. Light bulbs in prep area not shielded or shatter proof. Instructed to install shatter proof bulbs.
OCT 112011PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
OCT 11
2011
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
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. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF METAL PANEL INSIDE ICE MACHINE
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 IN CORNERS OF BASEMENT FLOOR
TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
MUST STORE EMPLOYEES BELONGINGS NICE AND NEATLY, IN ONE DESIGNATED AREA
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 REPAIR BROKEN FAUCET AT MOP SINK IN KITCHEN AREA
OCT 152010PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OCT 15
2010
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
SOURCE SOUND CONDITION, NO SPOILAGE, FOODS PROPERLY LABELED, SHELLFISH TAGS IN PLACE
Shellfish shall be obtained from an approved source and kept in their original package until sold.FOUND NO SHELLFISH TAG ON MUSSELS--PRODUCT DISCARDED,DENATURED-- TOTAL$30.00.
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers.MUST PROVIDE PROPER STORAGE,LABELING FOR EGGS IN BASEMENT REFRIGERATOR INVOICE FOR EGGS ON SITE.
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.ICE MACHINE IN NEED FOR FURTHER CLEANING.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors.REMOVE ALL CLUTTER FROM BASEMENT WINE STORAGE.
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 →