Chicago
70
YOUR CALL

Sepia

123 N Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60661 · West Loop · Restaurant · High risk
YOUR CALL
70/100

Mostly clean — 9 of 15 passed, one prior failure

Inspections
15
9 passed
Last Inspected
2025-09-16
Pass Rate
60%
1 failure
Score
70/100
YOUR CALL
3 consecutive passes, most recently 2025-09-16
Failed 1 inspection (2023)
Sanitation issues found across 35 inspections
Employee Hygiene issues found across 6 inspections
Issues were corrected on re-inspection
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🧽
Sanitation critical 35×
🚰
Plumbing & Waste minor
🧼
Employee Hygiene critical
📋
Documentation & Training critical
🌡
Food Temperature critical
🐀
Pest Activity minor
📦
Food Storage & Handling critical
📌
Other minor
🔧
Facility Condition minor
Chemical Safety critical
2025-09-16 Pass Canvass
1
minor Sanitation

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

FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY.MUST STORE INVERTED.

2024-08-15 Pass Canvass
3
minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVER ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE ICE CREAM STORAGE DEEP FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT. MUST DEFROST AND CLEAN.

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED THE FAUCET AT THE 3 COMP SINK WITH A LEAK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED THE WASHROOM DOOR IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA NOT SELF CLOSING. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A SELF CLOSING DEVICE.

2023-08-15 Pass Canvass Re-Inspection
3
minor Sanitation

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

4-101.19 OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE STORAGE AREA LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

4-602.13 OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS IN THE INTERIOR FLOORS OF THE STORAGE AREA WHERE BOTTLES OF LIQUOR ARE STORED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-205.15 OBSERVED A SLOW WATER DRAINING AT THE LEFT-HAND SINK LOCATED IN THE WOMEN PUBLIC TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR ALL PLUMBING.

2023-08-08 Fail Canvass
CRITICAL 7
critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HAND SINK BEHIND THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

serious Sanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA WITH A BUILD-UP OF BLACK AND PINK SLIME SUBSTANCE THROUGHOUT THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE WHERE ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION IS BEING MADE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. P...

serious Sanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED ICE SCOOPER BEING STORED ON A TOP OF THE TOP OF THE ICE MACHINE IN AN OPEN BIN WITH THE FOOD CONTACT SURFACE EXPOSED. INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOP BETWEEN USES.

minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE STORAGE AREA LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS IN THE INTERIOR FLOORS OF THE STORAGE AREA WHERE BOTTLES OF LIQUOR IS BEING STORED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE SPRAYER HEAD LOCATED IN THE DISH AREA. ALSO OBSERVED A SLOW DRAINING OF WATER AT THE LEFT-HAND SINK LOCATED IN THE WOMEN PUBLIC TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR ALL PLUMBING ISSUES LIST ABOVE.

minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

2022-12-07 Pass Canvass

No violations found.

2020-08-19 Pass Canvass
2
minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED CRATES USED FOR ELEVATION AND STORAGE THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS ON PREMISE THAT IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED SLIGHT LEAK ON 3 COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET NECK AS WELL AS THE LEFT WASHBOWL LOCATED IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO USE ADDITIONAL WASHBOWL IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM AS WELL REPAIR 3 COMP. MUST MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION

2019-05-09 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
CRITICAL 7
critical Documentation & 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.

critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

NO CLEAN UP KIT OR PROCEDURES ONSITE FOR VOMITING OR DIARRHEA EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE KIT AND POST PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.

minor Sanitation

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

MUST DISCONTINUE USING MILK CRATES FOR STORAGE RACKS THROUGHOUT PREP AREAS AND WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE PROPER RACKS FOR FOOD AND EQUIPMENT STORAGE.

serious Sanitation

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

Surfaces such as cutting blocks and boards that are subject to scratching and scoring shall be resurfaced if they can no longer be effectively cleaned and SANITIZED, or discarded if they are not capable of being resurfaced. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

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

INSTALL SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN HAND SINK AND BAR UTENSILS BEHIND BAR , (OR MOVE UTENSILS). REPLACE BROKEN SINK STOPPER AT FIRST COMPARTMENT IN THE 3-COMP SINK IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA. REPAIR RUST ON STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK IN COOLER, SURFACES MUST ...

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

MUST REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET AT 2-COMP SINK IN PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.

minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENSE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE.

2018-01-29 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
CRITICAL 7
critical Food Temperature

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

Observed potentially hazardous food at improper temperature in walk in cooler: 50.1f, 4lbs of sweet potato puree, at a value of $10.00: Date: 1/26/18 48.7f, 5lbs beef a au jus/stock, at a value of $50.00: Date: 1/26/18 46.7f, 25lbs of aigo/garl...

critical Employee Hygiene

HANDS WASHED AND CLEANED, GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES; NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS.

Observed food handler touching seared fish/trout dish at front cook line with bare hand contact. Also observed food handler touching thai chicken sandwich with hands, at time of inspection. Instructed manager no bare hand contact with ready to eat fo...

minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

Observed raw wood cage structure in basement dry storage area, across from office and in rear near beverage room. Also observed unfinished drywall/plastered ceiling in rear area adjacent to dry storage area. Instructed manager to seal and ensure surf...

minor Sanitation

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

Observed dust accumulation on light shield above cook line. Instructed manager to detail clean and maintain at all.

minor Sanitation

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

Observed cracked light shield throughout cook line area on main floor. Instructed manager to replace and maintain at all times.

minor Plumbing & Waste

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

Observed slightly slow draining exposed hand sink at front bar area. Instructed manager to repair slow drain. Maintain at all times.

minor Employee Hygiene

APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

Observed food handler with no hair restraint at front cook line. Instructed manager to provide and ensure all food handlers wear proper hair restraints when prepping and serving foods.

2017-05-31 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
CRITICAL 5
critical Employee Hygiene

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

Found exposed hand sink at the bar without soap or paper towels. Must have soap and paper towels available at each exposed hand sink at all times. Operator provided soap and paper towels during inspection. Critical violation 7-38-030.

minor Pest Activity

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

Found two large holes in the wall above employee lockers. Must repair to prevent pest entry. Must maintain same.

minor Sanitation

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

Several lights throughout basement prep (dry storage, hallway, etc.) without light shields. Corner of prep near employee restroom without proper lighting. Must provide adequate lighting to allow for proper cleaning. All lights in prep areas must be s...

critical Food Storage & Handling

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

Observed dry storage (paper products, cups, etc.) stored directly below the sewage waste pipe in basement. Must relocate items stored beneath sewage pipe or completely encase all sewage pipes. Must maintain same.

minor Other

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

must provide proof of food handler training for all employees.

2016-04-06 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
4
serious Documentation & Training

* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED

NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE POSTED WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (POT STICKERS, CHICKEN) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE PO...

minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED HEAVY FROST BUILD UP IN THE ICE CHEST FREEZER AND THE MEAT CHEST FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND MAINTAIN. THE LID ON THE MEAT CHEST FREEZER IS BROKEN AND DOES NOT CLOSE TIGHTLY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE LID.

minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

OBSERVED A MISSING LIGHT SHIELD ON THE LIGHT ABOVE NEAR THE BASEMENT MOP SINK. REPLACE THE LIGHT SHIELD.

minor Plumbing & Waste

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

THE FAN COVER IS MISSING FROM THE FAN ABOVE THE UPSTAIRS MOP SINK. MUST PROVIDE. THE FAUCET ON THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IS LEAKING. MUST REPAIR THE LEAK.

2015-03-30 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
CRITICAL 6
critical Chemical Safety

SOURCE SOUND CONDITION, NO SPOILAGE, FOODS PROPERLY LABELED, SHELLFISH TAGS IN PLACE

NOTED SHELLFISH BEING STORED WITHOUT THE PROPER IDENTIFICATION TAGS. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 3LBS OF CLAMS BEING STORED IN THE WALK IN COOLER WITHOUT THE PROPER IDENTIFICATION TAGS ATTACHED. MUST PROVIDE. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005B

minor Sanitation

CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

MUST PROPERLY INVERT ALL MULTI-USE ITEMS IN THE PREP AREA.

minor Sanitation

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

MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE VENT COVERS IN EACH WASHROOM.

minor Sanitation

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

MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE WALLS UNDER THE DISH MACHINE.

minor Sanitation

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

MUST PROVIDE SANITARY CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY STORE ICE DISPENSING UTENSILS AT THE BAR.

minor Documentation & Training

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

MUST PROVIDE IDPH FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR EMPLOYEES AS REQUIRED.

2014-08-06 Pass Canvass
3
minor Sanitation

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

INTERIOR ICE MACHINE CLOSEST TO KITCHEN STAIRWELL DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

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

MISSING/DAMAGED BASEBOARD COVING BEHIND TALL REACH-IN FREEZER. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.

minor Employee Hygiene

APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING/PREPARING FOODS, IN THE FOOD PREP AREA, MUST WEAR HAT/HAIR RESTRAINT.

2013-09-24 Pass Canvass
3
minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

CLEAN INTERIOR PANEL OF ONE ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. SOME DUST OBSERVED INSIDE BOTTOM OF FRYER; REMOVE IN MAIN KITCHEN.

minor Sanitation

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

CLEAN FLOORS UNDER, AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED.

minor Sanitation

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

CLEAN LOWER WALL UNDER DISHMACHINE IN KITCHEN. CLEAN CEILING VENTS IN BOTH WASHROOMS ON MAIN FLOOR. REATTACH LOOSE WALL COVING AT LOWER WALL IN DRY STORAGE AREA ON RIGHT SIDE UNDER SHELF.

2012-07-11 Pass Canvass
4
minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP/DARK GROOVES MUST BE SANDED/BLEACHED OR REPLACED AS WELL AS CLEANED AND SANITIZED. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE GASKET AT 1 DOOR REFRIGERATOR.

minor Sanitation

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

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WALLBASE COUVING UNDER DRY STORAGE SHELVES AT BASEMENT

minor Plumbing & Waste

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

MUST TIGHTEN FAUCET BASE AT 2COMP SINK IN THE BASEMENT AND AT EXPOSED HANDSINK IN THE KITCHEN. ALSO REPAIR LEAKS AT SAME SINKS MENTIONED ABOVE.

minor Employee Hygiene

APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

ALL FOOD PREP STAFF MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES.

2011-07-26 Pass Canvass
4
minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. THE WALK IN FOOD COOLER HAS A PITTED AND FLAKING CONDENSER CATCH PAN, REPAIR OR REPLACE SAID PAN. THE SOUTH ICE MACH...

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. THE FLOORS ARE DIRTY IN THE CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN AND BAR. THE KITCHEN FLOORS ARE PITTED AND UNSANITARY. CLEAN,RESEAL AND MAIN...

minor Sanitation

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

THE FIRST FLOOR KITCHEN WALL BEHIND THE STOVES HAS OLD PLUMBING HOLES WHICH NEED TO BE FILLED IN. The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.

minor Sanitation

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

THE ICE BUCKETS ARE DIRTY ON THE OUTSIDE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE BUCKETS. THE TUMBLER WITH OUT A HANDLE FOUND IN THE BAR ICE BIN AND THE SCOOP LEFT IN THE WAIT STATION ICE BIN ARE ALLOWING SECONDARY HAND CONTACT WITH EDIBLE ICE, STORE SANITARY SCOOPS IN...

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Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health · Score calculated from inspection outcomes, violation severity & recency. · How we score
View official record on city data portal →
Eat or Beat scores are independent editorial analysis of public records and do not represent official government ratings.