ROOTSTOCK WINE & BEER BAR.

Chicago Health Dept

954 N CALIFORNIA AVE · WICKER PARK, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Aug 2025), 1 critical violation noted.

14 inspections on record since 2010 · Last inspected Aug 2025 · 4 critical violations in the last 12 months.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

AUG 2025

INSPECTION HISTORY

AUG 26

2025

PASS 8 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

6-202.15 : OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM LEFT CORNER OF FRONT DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-204.12 : OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.13 : MUST CLEAN GREASE BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER FRYER.

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

AUG 19

2025

FAIL 11 violations 3 CRITICAL

Critical Other

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)

Critical Pest Activity

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)

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM LEFT CORNER OF FRONT DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Serious Sanitation

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)

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP INSIDE OF FRYER CABINET,GRILL TABLE,OVEN.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST CLEAN GREASE BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER FRYER.

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

JUN 17

2024

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED FRYERS WITH SOILAGE ON THE INTERIOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED UNUSED COOLER IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD ANY UNSED EQUIPMENT.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED FLOORS AROUND THE GRIDDLE AREA WITH DEBRIS AND SOIL BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.

Minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED FILTERS ABOVE GRIDDLE WITH DUST AND GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.

FEB 9

2023

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE EITHER ALL-GENDER TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED A SMALL AMOUNT OF STANDING WATER THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT.

Minor Documentation & Training

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 26

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 11 violations 3 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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.

Critical Sanitation

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.

Critical Employee Hygiene

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.

Serious Food Temperature

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.

Serious Other

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Serious Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Documentation & Training

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 17

2017

PASS 1 violation

Minor Sanitation

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 7

2017

FAIL 2 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 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

Minor Sanitation

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 21

2016

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 3 violations

Serious Documentation & Training

* 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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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 24

2015

PASS 5 violations

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

LINEN: CLEAN AND SOILED PROPERLY STORED

SOILED LINEN MUST BE STORED IN A PROPER CONTAINER. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Documentation & Training

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 7

2014

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

CLEAN INTERIOR OF FRYER CABINET.

Minor Sanitation

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

CLEAN FLOORS UNDER FRYER(EXCESS OIL).

Minor Sanitation

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

SEAL LOOSE WALL NEAR SOUTH PREP COOLER.

OCT 17

2013

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Facility Condition

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 11

2011

PASS 4 violations

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. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF METAL PANEL INSIDE ICE MACHINE

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. MUST CLEAN IN CORNERS OF BASEMENT FLOOR

Minor Food Storage & Handling

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

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 REPAIR BROKEN FAUCET AT MOP SINK IN KITCHEN AREA

SEP 28

2011

FAIL 0 violations

OCT 15

2010

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Chemical Safety

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.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

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.

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.ICE MACHINE IN NEED FOR FURTHER CLEANING.

Minor Sanitation

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.

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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