SOJU BBQ.
36 S ASHLAND · WEST LOOP, CHICAGO
4 of 11 inspections passed, 3 failed, 4 passed with conditions. 10 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
DEC 182025PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
ICE SCOOP OBSERVED ON ICE MAKING MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN A CLEAN ICE SCOOP CONTAINER.
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD-UP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED WALLS AND FLOORS OF INDOOR GARBAGE AREA NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN ALL AREAS WHERE FOOD IS STORED.
SEP 112024PASSED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED MISSING HANDWASHING SIGNS AT HANDSINKS IN BASEMENT AND KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED MISSING BACKFLOW DEVICE AT UTILITY SINK IN BASEMENT MOP SINK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED LOOSE FAUCET AT HANDSINK IN EMPLOYEE RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAN.
OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE TOILET ROOM EXHAUST VENTILATION. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
AUG 182023PASS W/ CONDITIONS1 violationDETAILS
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.
AUG 112023FAILED9 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
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 PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
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 MANAGEMENT TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE TO ELIMINATE ALL PEST ACTIVITY FROM THE PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED TWO EMPLOYEES PREPARING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
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 MUST BE PROVIDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
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.
OBSERVED THE BASEMENT 1 COMPARTMENT SINK LEAKING FROM THE FAUCET AND DRAINAGE PIPE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
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.
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 FACILITY CLEANING.
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 THE BATHROOM LOCATED BY THE FRONT DOOR ENTRANCE. VIOLATION #55 (6-501.12) MUST CLEAN HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON THE VENT IN THE CUSTOMER BATHROOM. MUST CORRECT PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
SEP 152022PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VERIFICATION FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
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 BEEN DISCARDED AND DENATURED. FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 200 LBS AT A COST OF $600.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
MUST PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON BATHROOM DOOR NEAREST TO FRONT DOOR ENTRANCE.
MUST PROVIDE LID ON TRASH CAN IN BATHROOM LOCATED BY FRONT DOOR ENTRANCE.
MUST CLEAN HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON VENT IN CUSTOMER BATHROOM.
OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE ON VENTILATION HOOD FILTERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
show all 11 inspections →
FEB 272020PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ON EXTERIOR SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED A LEAK FROM THE FIRST FAUCET OF THE THREE COMP SINK IN THE BASEMENT; REPAIR LEAK AT FAUCET NECK OF SINK.
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 BASEMENT AND BASEMENT STORAGE ROOMS.
FEB 252020FAILED6 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ON EXTERIOR SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED A LEAK FROM THE FIRST FAUCET OF THE THREE COMP SINK IN THE BASEMENT; REPAIR LEAK AT FAUCET NECK OF SINK.
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.
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.
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 BASEMENT AND BASEMENT STORAGE ROOMS.
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS IN STORAGE AREA NEXT TO FRONT PREP BEHIND 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT ON FLOORS, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.
DEC 272019PASS W/ CONDITIONS11 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE PROOF OF CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
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 CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. MUST MEET REQUIREMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
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 VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. INSPECTOR PROVIDED DOCUMENTS.
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 THAN 24 HOURS WITHOUT ANY LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD OR USE-BY DATE LABELS (NOT TO EXCEED 7 DAYS) AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
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 BASEMENT PREP AREA.INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT DOCUMENTATION AND PROCEDURES MUST BE SUBMITTED AND APPROVED BY CDPH PRIOR TO PREFORMING SUCH SPECIALIZED FOOD PROCESS. MUST BE MAINTAINED. MACHINE TAGGED . COOKED AND RAW PACKAGED MEAT (APPROXIMATELY 20 LBS) WERE DISCARDED AND DENATURED VOLUNTARILY DURING THIS TIME. TOTAL COST OF FOOD ITEMS WAS ABOUT $60. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
SEE VIOLATION #29.
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ON EXTERIOR SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED ALL PLUMBING FEATURES VERY DIRTY IN EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM LOCATED IN BASEMENT.
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS IN STORAGE AREA NEXT TO FRONT PREP BEHIND 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT ON FLOORS, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.
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.
ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE HOLDER SHALL OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
JUL 262019PASS W/ CONDITIONS9 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED.
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.
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 CITATION ISSUED PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NO CITATION ISSUED
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.
OBSERVED THE EXTERIOR OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT KITCHEN/PREP AREA ENCASED WITH GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED 3-COMP SINK IN THE BASEMENT AREA WITH A LEAK IN THE FAUCET. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
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.
OBSERVED THE FILTERS IN THE HOOD SYSTEM ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT ENCASED IN GREASE DEPOSITS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
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.
JUN 272018PASSED1 violationDETAILS
MUST INSTALL SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE HAND SINK AND 1-COMP PREP SINK IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA.
JUN 82018FAILED6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
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.
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.
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.
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.
MUST INSTALL SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM IN BASEMENT.
MUST PROVIDE HOOKS FOR WET MOPS & BROOM STORAGE.
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 →