SAN SOO KOREAN BBQ.

Chicago Health Dept

401-409 N MILWAUKEE AVE · RIVER NORTH, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Mar 2026).

11 inspections on record since 2018 · Last inspected Mar 2026.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

MAR 2026

INSPECTION HISTORY

MAR 30

2026

PASS 3 violations

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED UNCOVERED OUTDOOR BAR ON PATIO. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER MAKE BAR IMPERMEABLE TO ELEMENTS OR REMOVE FROM PATIO.

Serious Food Temperature

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

OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT ISSUES: TORN GASKET ON INTERIOR OF 2 DOOR PREP COOLER LOCATED IN FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA AND DIGITAL SCREEN UNREADABLE AT LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE LOCATED IN BASEMENT DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED UNUSED 2 DOOR FREEZER IN FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION OR REMOVE FROM PREMISES.

MAR 23

2026

FAIL 5 violations

Serious Other

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP

OBSERVED SUSHI RICE PREPARED ON SITE WITHOUT PH METER OR LABORATORY LETTER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE EITHER PH METER OR LABORATORY LETTER INDICATING RICE HAS BEEN RENDERED NON-TCS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED UNCOVERED OUTDOOR BAR ON PATIO. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER MAKE BAR IMPERMEABLE TO ELEMENTS OR REMOVE FROM PATIO.

Serious Food Temperature

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

Minor Sanitation

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

OBSERVED SLIGHT BUILD UP OF TRASH AND DEBRIS ON GROUND IN GARBAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED UNUSED 2 DOOR FREEZER IN FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION OR REMOVE FROM PREMISES.

JAN 30

2025

PASS 3 violations 1 CRITICAL

Serious Employee Hygiene

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED TWO DRAIN LINES DRAINING INTO REAR BAR HANDWASHING SINK ON FIRST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE DRAIN LINES TO FLOOR DRAIN IN FIRST FLOOR REAR BAR.

Critical Sanitation

SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED

OBSERVED NO GREASE TRAP INSTALLED ON THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL GREASE TRAP ON THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT REAR PREP AREA SO THAT IT SHALL BE LOCATED TO BE EASILY ACCESSIBLE FOR CLEANING.

Serious Food Temperature

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED HOLES IN WALL IN FIRST FLOOR DISHWASHING AREAS. OBSERVED HOLE IN WALL NEXT TO HANDWASHING SINK IN DISHWASHING AREA(FIRST FLOOR) AND HOLE IN WALL TO THE LEFT OF RINSE SINK WHERE LARGE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE(FIRST FLOOR) IS LOCATED. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REPAIR HOLES IN WALLS FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.

JAN 24

2024

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 5 violations

Serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

OBSERVED MENU WITH NO ASTERICK IDENTIFYING WHICH ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS ARE COOKED TO ORDER. INSTRUCTED TO ADD ASTERICK IDENTIFYING ALL ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS WHICH ARE COOKED TO ORDER TO MENU. CORRECTED ON SITE ASTERICK IDENTIFYING WHICH ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS ARE COOKED TO ORDER ADDED TO MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED CONTAINERS AND A CRATE USED FOR ELEVATION IN WALK-IN COOLERS UPSTAIRS AND DOWNSTAIRS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NONFOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABLITY.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM.

Minor Pest Activity

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED CLUTTER IN BASEMENT IN LARGE OPEN UNUSED BAR SEATING AREA AND SMALL STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO DECLUTTER, CLEAN AND ORGANIZE SAID AREAS TO PREVENT AREAS FOR PEST HARBORAGE.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP CONDENSOR FAN COVERS IN UPSTAIRS WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN BOTH CONDENSOR FAN COVERS AND MAINTAIN.

OCT 13

2022

PASS 4 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HAND SINK ON PREP LINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Minor Sanitation

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE ON EXTERIOR OF USED COOKING OIL CAN IN OUTDOOR GARBAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED ONE BURNT OUT LIGHTBULB IN HOOD ABOVE COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED 2 CERTIFIED MANAGERS WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES TO COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

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NOV 3

2021

PASS 7 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

HANDWASHING SIGNAGE MISSING FROM BOTH RESTROOM HANDWASHING SINKS. MUST PROVIDE.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED BOXES OF SINGLE-SERVICE ITMES (TO-GO CONTAINERS, ETC.) STORED THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT ON FLOOR. MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR TO ALLOW FOR PROPER CLEANING.

Minor Sanitation

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

MISSING DRAIN HOSE FOR SODA GUN HOLDER IN THE FRONT SIDE PREP ROOM. MUST PROVIDE.

Serious Employee Hygiene

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

WOMENS RESTROOM HANDWASHING SINK IS SLOW DRAINING. MUST REPAIR.

Serious Employee Hygiene

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

THE LEFT HANDWASHING SINK IN THE WOMENS RESTROOM IS NOT PROVIDING HOT WATER. MUST PROVIDE WATER REACHING A MINIMUM OF 100F AND A MAX OF 120F.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FOUND A HOLE IN THE BASEMENT FLOORING NEAR THE BOILER THAT GOES TO THE 2ND BASEMENT THATS UNDER CONSTRUCTION. MUST REPAIR HOLE.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER STORED THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT AREAS. MUST REMOVE ALL EQUIPMENT/ITEMS THAT ARE UNNECESSARY TO THE OPERATION, CLEAN AREAS, ORGANIZE ALL REMAINING ARTICLES, AND THEN STORE ITEMS/ARTICLES ON SHELVING 6" OFF THE FLOOR TO PROVIDE FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY FOR ADEQUATE CLEANING.

OCT 8

2020

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN REAR PREP AREA WITH DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON PREP COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITIONS.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN ALL GENDER RESTROOM LOCATED NEXT TO BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED PRE-FABRICATED PLASTIC WALLS COMING LOOSE AND DISPLAYING MULTIPLE GAPS IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACES OR REMOVE.

MAY 23

2019

PASS 1 violation

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

2-102.13 OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS WITHOUT REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.

MAY 14

2019

FAIL 15 violations 4 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

2-2102.14(N) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND SIGNATURES FOR REVIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED

Critical Employee Hygiene

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO VOMITOUS AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT CLEAN UP POLICY IN PLACE AND KIT (GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS, SANITIZER) ON SITE. KIT MUST MATCH POLICY IN PLACE FOR FACILITY. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED HAND SINK BLOCKED NOT ACCESSIBLE IN REAR PREP AREA OF FACILITY. CLEANING ITEMS STORED INSIDE AND BLOCKED WITH GARBAGE, MOP, MOP BUCKET, PREP TABLE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE FACILITY HAND SINK MUST REMAIN ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIME AND MAINTAIN AT HAND SINK AT ALL TIME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.

Serious Food Temperature

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

3-501.17 OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING DATE MARKING FOR READY TO EAT TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR FOOD SAFETY ITEM,CHICKEN,RICE, KIMCHI, HOUSE-SAUCES ETC. STORED INSIDE REACH IN COOLER LOCATED REAR PREP REFRIGERATOR AND WALK IN COOLER IN FOOD PREP AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE TO ALWAYS DATE MARK FOOD ITEMS STORE MORE THAN 24 HOURS IN FACILITY WITH DISCARD DATE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

3-603.11 OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE STATEMENT FOR FOOD ITEMS/PRODUCTS OFFERED AND REMINDER * STATEMENT FOR THE FOOD PRODUCTS OFFERED. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED FACILITY BULK ITEMS NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER NOT LABEL WITH COMMON NAME; FACILITY SUGAR, FLOUR AND WHEAT ITEMS NOT LABELED INSIDE LARGE CLEAR CONTAINER IN REAR PREP AREA AND DRY STORAGE. MUST LABEL AND MAINTAIN.

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED FACILITY NOT MEETING PEST CONTROL REQUIREMENTS. FACILITY WITHOUT UPDATED LICENSE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ONSITE FOR REVIEW . INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN PEST CONTROL AND LOG BOOK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C) CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

3-305.12 (F) OBSERVED FOOD AND SINGLE USE/ SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES STORED UNDER SEWER LINES AND EXPOSED EXHAUSTED, WASTE WATER LINES IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. MUST ENCASE ALL SEWER LINE AND WASTE WATER LINES IN DRY STORAGE AREA AND INSTALL CEILING.

Minor Sanitation

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

OBSERVED CLEAN LINENS AND SINGLE USE ARTICLES STORED IN BASEMENT UNDER EXPOSED CEILING, WASTE WATER PIPES AND SEWER LINES. MUST REMOVE AND MEET STORAGE REQUIREMENTS AND MAINTAIN

Serious Sanitation

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED FACILITY WITH OUT TEST KIT/TEST STRIPS FOR MEASURING CHEMICAL SANITIZER RESIDUAL FOR CHEMICALS UTILIZED IN FACILITY. FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MISSING FOR UTILITY SINK SPOUT WITH HOSE CONNECTED AND BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE IN DISREPAIR ABOVE UTILITY SINK. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED STAIRS, FLOORS, WALLS AND CEILING IN BASEMENT NOT SMOOTH, NON POROUS, EASILY CLEANABLE ; BARE WOOD, CEMENT WALLS AND EXPOSED CEILING. MUST REPAIR TO MEET REQUIREMENTS AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

2-102.13 OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATION FOR ALL FOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEES. FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ALL REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATION FOR ALL FOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEES ON SITE FOR INSPECTION REVIEW.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

2-102.13 OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS WITHOUT REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training

SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC

OBSERVED FACILITY SUMMARY REPORT NOT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC; SUMMARY REPORT NOT ON PREMISES. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE SUMMARY REPORT MUST REMAIN DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC AT ALL TIME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B) CITATION ISSUED.

JUN 12

2018

PASS · 0 violations

JUN 7

2018

FAIL 3 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA

Observed no exposed hand sink at cook line. Instructed manager to install exposed hand sink with hot and cold running water under city pressure, adjacent to said area. Maintain all times. No citations issued. Critical Violation # 7-38-030

Minor Sanitation

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

Observed raw unfinished brick wall behind ice machine in basement dry storage area area. Instructed manager to seal and ensure surface is smooth and easily cleanable. Maintain at all times.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

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

Observed no back flow preventive device on ice machine in basement dry storage area. Instructed manager to provide. Observed no dump sink at rear service bar. Instructed manager to install dump hand sink, with hot and cold running water under city pressure for bar. Maintain at all times.

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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