MAR 17
2026
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
SHARKS FISH & CHICKEN.
YOUR CALL. 55/100
2137 S STATE ST · CHINATOWN, CHICAGO
Last inspected March 17, 2026 · passed
12 of 19 inspections passed, 3 failed, 4 passed with conditions. 13 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
19
12 passed · 4 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
55
includes 13 critical
RECORDS COVER
15 YEARS
since Mar 2011
INSPECTION HISTORY
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DUST ON THE CEILING VENT IN THE WASHROOM AND ON OTHER VENTS IN THE PREP AREA; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN TO REMOVE DUST.
SEP 32025FAILED6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
SEP 3
2025
FAILED
6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (CHICKEN,COLESLAW,FRENCH FRIES,ETC) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
OBSERVED THE ICE BIN INTERIOR IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED WATER BACKING UP AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREA. WHEN WATER IS RELEASED FROM 2ND SINK BASIN, WATER BACKS UP INTO 1ST AND 3RD SINK BASINS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR BEFORE RE-INSPECTION DATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
SEP 182024PASS W/ CONDITIONS8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
SEP 18
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP/ DISHWASHING AREA COMPLETELY INACCESSIBLE AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. STACKED BOXES OF SO FLEECE (ABOUT 4), SHELF ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SINK AND A BIN OF PREPACKAGED SAUCES INSIDE OF THE SINK BASIN. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP MENTIONED SINK EASILY ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C), CITATION ISSUED
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR TOILET ROOM AND IN THE REAR DISHWASHING AREA WITHOUT HANDWASHING SIGNAGE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED TWO MASS BINS OF FRIED CHICKEN WINGS (98-107.0F) AND FRIED CHICKEN LEG QUARTERS (68.0F-70.0F) AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES. BOTH BINS WERE FOUND STORED AT ROOM TEMPERATURE IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REFRAIN FROM COOKING TOO MUCH CHICKEN AT ONCE AND LEAVING IT AT ROOM TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED TO PRECOOK SMALLER BATCHES AND STORE IN A HOT HOLDING UNIT TO MAINTAIN A TEMPERATURE OF 135F OR ABOVE. APPROXIMATELY 350LBS AT $650 DISCARED AT THIS TIME. PRIORIRTY 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. FOUND A BIN OF FISH SITTING IN WATER IN THE RINSE COMPARTMENT OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AT 48.9F-55.0F. FOUND CHICKEN WINGS (47.9-50F), FISH FILLETS (49.0F), CHICKEN LEG QUARTERS (50F-51F, SHRIMP (49.8F) IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. FOUND SLICED TOMATOES IN THE PREP COOLER IN THE FRONT PREP ARE AT 46.7F. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. APPROXIMATELY 1,850 LBS AT $3,750 DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATION #21.
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
OBSERVED IMPROPER THAWING METHODS OF TCS FOODS. OBSERVED BINS WITH LIDS OF CHICKEN AND FISH STACKED ON TOP OF EACH OTHER IN THE RINSE COMPARTMENT IN THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER THAWING METHODS SUCH AS COLD RUNNING WATER OR PUT FOOD ITEMS IN THE REFRIGERATOR TO DEFROST THE DAY BEFORE PREP.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE COLD HOLDING UNITS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED THE REAR TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING IN THE DISHWASHING/ PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE DOOR SELF CLOSING AND MAINTAIN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST TAKE THE FOOD HANDLER COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.
MAY 42023PASSED1 violationDETAILS
MAY 4
2023
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED WATER STAINED CEILING TILE IN THE DISH WASHING AREA; INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE TILE WHERE NEEDED.
show all 19 inspections →
JAN 302023PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JAN 30
2023
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED WATER STAINED CEILING TILE IN THE DISH WASHING AREA; INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE TILE WHERE NEEDED.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE VENT FAN ON THE CEILING OF THE WASHROOM TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED ON FAN. CORRECTED ON SITE.
OCT 192022PASSED1 violationDETAILS
OCT 19
2022
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST HAVE HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL LONG HAIR MUST BE TIED BACK AND IN A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
SEP 202022PASSED1 violationDETAILS
SEP 20
2022
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST HAVE HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL LONG HAIR MUST BE TIED BACK AND IN A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
SEP 132022FAILED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
SEP 13
2022
FAILED
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 8-10 FLIES IN REAR PREP AREA. FLIES ON FOOD SUPPLIES, UTENSILS ETC... INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE UTENSIL AND CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE TO ELIMANTE FLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST HAVE HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL LONG HAIR MUST BE TIED BACK AND IN A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
ALL NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FLOORS IN NEED OF CLEANING IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
SEP 222020PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
SEP 22
2020
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
PERSON IN CHARGE (PIC) HAS NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL PICs OBTAIN THE CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE PREPARING/SERVING TCS (I.E. CHICKEN, SHRIMPS, ETC.) FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ONE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN PREPARING/SERVING TCS FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
OBSERVED 2 EMPLOYEES IN THE RESTAURANT NOT WEARING FACE COVERINGS. MUST PROPERLY WEAR FACE COVERINGS. CITATION ISSUED 7-28-060
SEP 162020PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
SEP 16
2020
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
PERSON IN CHARGE (PIC) HAS NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL PICs OBTAIN THE CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE PREPARING/SERVING TCS (I.E. CHICKEN, SHRIMPS, ETC.) FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ONE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN PREPARING/SERVING TCS FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
OBSERVED 2 EMPLOYEES IN THE RESTAURANT NOT WEARING FACE COVERINGS. MUST PROPERLY WEAR FACE COVERINGS. CITATION ISSUED 7-28-060
MAY 132020PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
MAY 13
2020
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINT AND HAVE ALL FOOD HANDLERS OR PERSON IN THE PREP AREAS TO WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS. MAINTAIN SAME.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
INTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAIN UNDER THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK NEEDS TO BE CLEANED. WALLS AROUND THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK NEEDS TO BE CLEANED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAINS AND WALLS.
JUN 192019PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 19
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS CERTIFICATE. THE PERSON IN CHARGE HAS A SERVE SAFE CERTIFICATE ISSUED ON 11/25/18. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO FOLLOW UP WITH SCHOOL/INSTRUCTOR OF CLASS TO OBTAIN HIS CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 ISSUED.
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 ISSUED.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN THE INTERIOR BOTTOM OF THE FRYERS AND THE EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE GRILL TO REMOVE GREASE OBSERVED AND THE EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS AND GARBAGE CANS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOOR IN THE WASHROOM AND UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT. CLEAN FLOOR DRAIN UNDER THE THREE COMP SINK AND MAINTAIN. CLEAN WALLS BEHIND FRYERS.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE VENTS ABOVE THE FRYERS AND MAINTAIN.
NOV 162018PASSED3 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
NOV 16
2018
PASSED
3 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
2-501.11 NO CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE ON PREMISES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
ALL EMPLOYEES IN NEED OF FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
JUL 212014PASSED6 violationsDETAILS
JUL 21
2014
PASSED
6 violationsDETAILS
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS UNDER REAR PREP TABLES NOT LABELED; LABEL CONTAINERS WITH NAME OF PRODUCT INSIDE.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTOMS OF FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE OBSERVED.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
CLEAN FLOOR AROUND LARGE GREASE RECEPTOR NEXT TO STORAGE SHELVES IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
SOME WATER STAINED CEILING TILE OBSERVED; REPLACE WHERE NEEDED.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
THE SET OF LIGHTS ABOVE THE THREE COMP SINK ARE NOT SHIELDED; PROVIDE A SHIELD FOR THIS SET OF LIGHTS.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
THE TOP EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAP AT THREE COMP SINK RUSTED; PAINT AREA.
JUL 92013PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
JUL 9
2013
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
FRYERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP AT BOTTOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
LIGHT SHIELDS NEEDED IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
MUST CLEAN VENTILATION UNIT ABOVE COOKING COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
LEAK IN WALK IN FREEZER AND COOLER IN NEED OF REPAIR. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. GREASE TRAP IN NEED OF CLEANING. MUST CLEAN TO REMOVE ALL ODORS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
ALL WIPING CLOTHES MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
NOV 272012PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
NOV 27
2012
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
FOUND BULK STORAGE CONTAINER AT REAR STORAGE AREA NOT PROPERLY LABELED. ALSO PREPARED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER WITH NO LABELS. MUST PROPERLY LABEL ITEMS WITH NAME AND/OR DATE.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
MUST CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS OF DEAD BUG.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
MUST CLEAN FAN COVER IN BATHROOM OF DUST. ALSO CLEAN FILTERS AND HOOD ABOVE FRYERS OF GREASE AND DEBRIS. MUST MAINTAIN.
LINEN: CLEAN AND SOILED PROPERLY STORED
MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
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 →