Chicago
50
YOUR CALL

Soju BBQ

36 S Ashland, Chicago, IL 60607 · West Loop · Restaurant · High risk
YOUR CALL
50/100

Passed most recently but 3 prior failures on record

Inspections
11
4 passed
Last Inspected
2025-12-18
Pass Rate
36%
3 failures
Score
50/100
YOUR CALL
3 consecutive passes, most recently 2025-12-18
Failed 3 inspections (2023, 2020, 2018)
Sanitation issues found across 32 inspections
Documentation & Training issues found across 7 inspections
Issues were corrected on re-inspection
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Sanitation critical 32×
🚰
Plumbing & Waste minor
📋
Documentation & Training critical
📌
Other critical
🌡
Food Temperature critical
📦
Food Storage & Handling minor
🧼
Employee Hygiene critical
🐀
Pest Activity critical
Chemical Safety minor
2025-12-18 Pass Canvass
4
minor Sanitation

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

ICE SCOOP OBSERVED ON ICE MAKING MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN A CLEAN ICE SCOOP CONTAINER.

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD-UP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED WALLS AND FLOORS OF INDOOR GARBAGE AREA NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

minor Food Storage & Handling

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN ALL AREAS WHERE FOOD IS STORED.

2024-09-11 Pass Canvass
CRITICAL 4
critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED MISSING HANDWASHING SIGNS AT HANDSINKS IN BASEMENT AND KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED MISSING BACKFLOW DEVICE AT UTILITY SINK IN BASEMENT MOP SINK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED LOOSE FAUCET AT HANDSINK IN EMPLOYEE RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAN.

minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE TOILET ROOM EXHAUST VENTILATION. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

2023-08-18 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass Re-Inspection
1
minor Other

SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC

8-304.11(A) OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2579977 DATED 8/11/2023. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.

2023-08-11 Fail Canvass
CRITICAL 9
critical Documentation & Training

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS (RICE) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPA...

critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED OVER 30 LIVE BLACK SMALL FLYING INSECTS, POSSIBLY FRUIT FLIES, IN THE BASEMENT AREA. OBSERVED 10 INSIDE THE LIQUOR STORAGE ROOM, 10 INSIDE THE STORAGE ROOM ADJACENT TO THE BASEMENT STAIRS, AND 10 THROUGHOUT THE PREP/DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED MAN...

minor Employee Hygiene

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

OBSERVED TWO EMPLOYEES PREPARING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

serious Food Temperature

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHEMICAL TEST KIT ON SITE FOR THE SANITIZER (CHLORINE) BEING USED FOR THE LOW-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE OF A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF A SANITIZING SOLUTION MU...

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP INSIDE THE FRYER. OBSERVED HEAVY ICE/FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP INSIDE THE BASEMENT CHEST FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN BOTH AND MAINTAIN.

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED THE BASEMENT 1 COMPARTMENT SINK LEAKING FROM THE FAUCET AND DRAINAGE PIPE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED A HOLE IN THE WALL NEXT TO THE BASEMENT MOP SINK. OBSERVED THE CEILING LEAKING NEXT TO THE BASEMENT LOW TEMP DISH MACHINE. MUST REPAIR ALL AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM ADJACENT TO THE BASEMENT STAIRS. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, RE-ORGANIZE REMAINING ITEMS, AND STORE OFF THE FLOOR TO ALLOW FOR ADEQUATE FACILIT...

minor Sanitation

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 9/15/2022 REPORT #2563697 NOT CORRECTED: VIOLATION #53 (6-202.14) MUST PROVIDE SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON BATHROOM DOOR NEAREST TO FRONT DOOR ENTRANCE. VIOLATION #53 (5-501.17) MUST PROVIDE A LID ON THE TRASH CAN IN...

2022-09-15 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
CRITICAL 6
critical Documentation & Training

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

OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VERIFICATION FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.

serious Food Temperature

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

OBSERVED RAW CHICKEN AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 49.2F INSIDE PREP COOLER. ALSO OBSERVED RIBS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 47.4F INSIDE OF PREP COOLER. TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT PROPER TEMPERATURE AT 41.0F OR BELOW. FOOD HAS BE...

minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

MUST PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON BATHROOM DOOR NEAREST TO FRONT DOOR ENTRANCE.

minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

MUST PROVIDE LID ON TRASH CAN IN BATHROOM LOCATED BY FRONT DOOR ENTRANCE.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST CLEAN HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON VENT IN CUSTOMER BATHROOM.

minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE ON VENTILATION HOOD FILTERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

2020-02-27 Pass Canvass Re-Inspection
3
minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ON EXTERIOR SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED A LEAK FROM THE FIRST FAUCET OF THE THREE COMP SINK IN THE BASEMENT; REPAIR LEAK AT FAUCET NECK OF SINK.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE ON THE FLOORS IN BETWEEN THE FRONT AREA COOKING EQUIPMENT AND ON THE BACK WALL OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. ALSO CLEAN FLOORS IN BASEMENT AREA UNDER THREE COMP SINK AND IN OTHER AREAS OF BASEME...

2020-02-25 Fail Canvass
6
minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ON EXTERIOR SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED A LEAK FROM THE FIRST FAUCET OF THE THREE COMP SINK IN THE BASEMENT; REPAIR LEAK AT FAUCET NECK OF SINK.

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED WASTE WATER COMING UP FROM THE FLOOR DRAIN IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM IN THE BASEMENT WHEN TOILET IS FLUSHED; MUST CORRECT. INSTRUCTED THAT TOILETS MUST BE MAINTAINED IN GOOD REPAIR AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) ISSUED.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF BOXES, CONTAINERS, KITCHENWARE ANS OTHER UNUSED MATERIALS STORED ON FLOOR NEXT TO PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING UNITS ELEVATING ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE ON THE FLOORS IN BETWEEN THE FRONT AREA COOKING EQUIPMENT AND ON THE BACK WALL OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. ALSO CLEAN FLOORS IN BASEMENT AREA UNDER THREE COMP SINK AND IN OTHER AREAS OF BASEM...

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS IN STORAGE AREA NEXT TO FRONT PREP BEHIND 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT ON FLOORS, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.

2019-12-27 Pass w/ Conditions Complaint
CRITICAL 11
critical Documentation & Training

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

OBSERVED PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE PROOF OF CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

critical Food Temperature

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (PORK BELLY, BRISKET, KIMCHI, RICE ). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO ALWAYS HAVE AT LEAST ONE ...

critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO WRITTEN CLEAN UP PROCEDURE OR NECESSARY ITEMS OUTLINED IN THE POLICY AVAILABLE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIAARHEAL EVENTS THAT CAN OCCUR IN THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION ...

serious Food Temperature

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

OBSERVED VARIOUS PREPARED ON SITE, READY TO EAT ,TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS ( KIMCHI, JULIENNE RADISHES, SAUCY TOFU, HOUSE SAUCES), STORED IN REFRIGERATION UNITS (LOCATED IN PREP AREA ON 1ST FL/BASEMENT), AND HELD ON SITE FOR MORE...

serious Documentation & Training

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP

OBSERVED FACILITY NOT MEETING COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS IN FACILITY NOTED REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING IMPROPERLY SEALED WITH BUBBLES AND GAPS. THE COOKED AND RAW BEEF RIBS IN (Rop) WAS STORED IN UPRIGHT FREEZER UNITS LOCATED IN BASEME...

minor Other

VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS

SEE VIOLATION #29.

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ON EXTERIOR SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED ALL PLUMBING FEATURES VERY DIRTY IN EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM LOCATED IN BASEMENT.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS IN STORAGE AREA NEXT TO FRONT PREP BEHIND 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT ON FLOORS, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF BOXES, CONTAINERS, KITCHENWARE ANS OTHER UNUSED MATERIALS STORED ON FLOOR NEXT TO PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING UNITS ELEVATING ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR.

minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE HOLDER SHALL OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.

2019-07-26 Pass w/ Conditions Complaint
CRITICAL 9
critical Documentation & Training

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

OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED.

critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE AND CLEAN-UP KIT FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEA EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.

serious Other

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

OBSERVED TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, BEEF) WITHOUT PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL TCS FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND STORED FOR OVER 24 HOURS MUST HAVE PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITAT...

minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS OF RICE AND FLOUR NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED THAT WHEN OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER, FOOD ITEMS SHOULD BE ;LABELED WITH THE COMMON NAME.

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED THE EXTERIOR OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT KITCHEN/PREP AREA ENCASED WITH GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED 3-COMP SINK IN THE BASEMENT AREA WITH A LEAK IN THE FAUCET. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE ON THE FLOORS IN BETWEEN THE FRONT AREA COOKING EQUIPMENT AND ON THE BACK WALL OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED THE FILTERS IN THE HOOD SYSTEM ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT ENCASED IN GREASE DEPOSITS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL MANAGERS WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING.

2018-06-27 Pass License Re-Inspection
1
minor Sanitation

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

MUST INSTALL SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE HAND SINK AND 1-COMP PREP SINK IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA.

2018-06-08 Fail License
CRITICAL 6
critical Other

ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED NO EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA. MUST INSTALL HAND SINK WITH HOT & COLD RUNNING WATER, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.

minor Sanitation

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

MUST INSTALL SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE HAND SINK AND 1-COMP PREP SINK IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA, AND SEAL OR PAINT RAW WOOD SERVICE COUNTER IN SAID AREA.

minor Sanitation

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

MUST REPAIR CRACKED FLOOR TILES IN DINING AREA, SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. ALSO, CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOOR THROUGHOUT BASEMENT, AND FURNACE CLOSET.

minor Sanitation

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

MUST REPAIR HOLE IN WALL UNDER STORAGE RACKS NEAR OFFICE/STORAGE ROOM IN BASEMENT. ALSO, REPAIR PEELING PAINT FROM CEILING IN BASEMENT, SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

minor Food Storage & Handling

TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS

MUST INSTALL SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM IN BASEMENT.

minor Sanitation

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

MUST PROVIDE HOOKS FOR WET MOPS & BROOM STORAGE.

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Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health · Score calculated from inspection outcomes, violation severity & recency. · How we score
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