MAR 30
2026
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
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SAN SOO KOREAN BBQ.
YOUR CALL. 59/100
401-409 N MILWAUKEE AVE · RIVER NORTH, CHICAGO
Last inspected March 30, 2026 · passed
7 of 11 inspections passed, 3 failed, 1 passed with conditions. 8 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
11
7 passed · 1 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
50
includes 8 critical
RECORDS COVER
7 YEARS
since Jun 2018
INSPECTION HISTORY
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.
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.
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 232026FAILED5 violationsDETAILS
MAR 23
2026
FAILED
5 violationsDETAILS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 302025PASSED3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 30
2025
PASSED
3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
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.
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.
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 242024PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violationsDETAILS
JAN 24
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violationsDETAILS
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
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.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM.
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.
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 132022PASSED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OCT 13
2022
PASSED
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HAND SINK ON PREP LINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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.
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.
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.
show all 11 inspections →
NOV 32021PASSED7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
NOV 3
2021
PASSED
7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
HANDWASHING SIGNAGE MISSING FROM BOTH RESTROOM HANDWASHING SINKS. MUST PROVIDE.
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.
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.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
WOMENS RESTROOM HANDWASHING SINK IS SLOW DRAINING. MUST REPAIR.
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.
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.
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 82020PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
OCT 8
2020
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
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.
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.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN ALL GENDER RESTROOM LOCATED NEXT TO BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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 232019PASSED1 violationDETAILS
MAY 23
2019
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
2-102.13 OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS WITHOUT REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
MAY 142019FAILED15 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 14
2019
FAILED
15 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
2-102.13 OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS WITHOUT REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
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 72018FAILED3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 7
2018
FAILED
3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
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
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.
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.
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 →