THE CONGRESS HOTEL.
520 S MICHIGAN AVE · SOUTH LOOP, CHICAGO
18 of 25 inspections passed, 5 failed, 2 passed with conditions. 11 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
MAR 232026PASSED1 violationDETAILS
OBSERVED SPILLAGE ON FLOOR IN BAR AREA NEXT TO AND IN BETWEEN COMPACT REFRIGERATORS AND ON WALLS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT PEST ACTIVITY.
SEP 222025PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED TORN/DAMAGED RUBBER GASKET ON DOOR OF THE FREEZER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA BY THE HANDSINK ; INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKET.
OBSERVED LEAKY FAUCET AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE PREP AREA. WATER IS STILL LEAKING WHEN FAUCET ITS TURNED OFF.
OBSERVED FLOORS WITH ACCUMULATED GREASE AND DIRT DEBRIS LOCATED ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
SEP 152025FAILED5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT EMPLOYEE MEN AND WOMEN BATHROOM HANDWASHING SINKS. TEMPERATURE OF WATER WAS 74.5F-80.4F AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 100F AT ALL HAND WASH SINKS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C)
INADEQUATE INSECTS CONTROL,FOUND ABOUT 10-20 LIVE FRUIT FLIES SCATTERED THROUGH OUT BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE INSECTS ACTIVITY IN ALL AFFECTED AREAS, PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS RECOMMENDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A)
OBSERVED TORN/DAMAGED RUBBER GASKET ON DOOR OF THE FREEZER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA BY THE HANDSINK ; INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKET.
OBSERVED LEAKY FAUCET AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE PREP AREA. WATER IS STILL LEAKING WHEN FAUCET IKS TURNED OFF.
OBSERVED FLOORS WITH ACCUMULATED GREASE AND DIRT DEBRIS LOCATED ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
APR 292024PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
Ice maker interior surfaces not clean, light grayish film build-up noted, instructed to clean and maintain.
Unable to locate the backflow prevention device for bar ice maker, instructed to install in an exposed location.
Peeling paint noted on ceiling above large dish machine, above clean utensils racks in main kitchen, instructed to remove and maintain.
Grease spills noted under main cook line. Instructed to clean and maintain.
show all 25 inspections →
JAN 62023FAILED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
6-301.14 OBSERVED HAND WASHING SIGNS NEEDED AT THE HAND WASHING SINKS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
4-501.112(A:1&2) OBSERVED THE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING, INSPECTOR USED A HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE TEST STRIP TO CONFIRM AND THE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE TEST STRIP DID NOT CHANGE COLOR. HOT WATER TEMPERATURE AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION WAS 138F CONFIRMED BY A METAL STEM THERMOMETER. HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION BY CDPH AND MAY NOT BE USED. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-025.
3-603.11 OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW (ALL EGG MENU ITEMS AND ALL BEEF MENU ITEMS). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE FOR THE MENU ITEMS BY ASTREKING THESE ITEMS AND PROVIDE AN ASTREIK NEXT TO THE REMINDER ON BOTH THE BREAKFAST AND ALL DAY MENUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
4-904.11 OBSERVED PLATES AND BOWLS NOT INVERTED WHILE STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT.
4-204.115 OBSERVED HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE GAUGES NOT OPERABLE NOR HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE TEST STRIPS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND PROVIDE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE TEST STRIPS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
MAR 152021PASSED1 violationDETAILS
6-501.12 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST DEBRIS ON THE CONDENSER OF THE PREP COOLER LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DIRT AND GLASS DEBRIS BEHIND THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL.
MAR 12019PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO VOMITOUS AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT CLEAN UP KIT (GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS, SANITIZER) ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005.NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED FOOD NOT MEETING TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS, READY TO EAT 1 POUND PAN FOOD ITEMS (CHICKEN, DICED AND SLICE TOMATO, SOFT CHEESE,EGGS ETC.) EACH INSIDE TWO POUND PAN AT 47.9-51.4 DEGREES INSIDE PREP REACH IN COOLER IN REAR PREP KITCHEN NEAR 2 COMPARTMENT SINK. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE COLD HOLDING MUST REMAIN AT 41 DEGREES F OR BELOW REQUIRED TEMPERATURE. PERSON IN CHARGE VOLUNTARY DISCARDED FOOD ITEMS NOT MEETING REQUIREMENTS. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE OF REQUIREMENTS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED. APPROX 14 POUNDS $70.
OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING REQUIRED FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING CERTIFICATES, NOT AVAILABLE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES OR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO MEET REQUIREMENT AND MAINTAIN. SEE VIOLATION #60
PA 100-0367 OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS WITHOUT REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN. SEE VIOLATION #60
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED AT FOR INSPECTION PERFORMED ON 08/27/2018. #57 OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING REQUIRED FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING CERTIFICATES, NOT AVAILABLE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES OR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO MEET REQUIREMENT AND MAINTAIN. #58 PA 100-0367 OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS WITHOUT REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED ON GAZEBO LICENSE FOR FACILITY.
AUG 202018PASS W/ CONDITIONS10 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED A SLITE BROWNISH SUBSTANCE LOCATED INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE BEHIND THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY, REMINDER NOR DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CONSUMER ADVISORY TO POST AND A REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED CHEF WITHOUT THERMOMETER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT VISIBLE ON THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED BEHIND THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE VISIBLE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED FLOORS NEED TO BE RE-GROUTED BY THE COOKING EQUIPMENT LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED FLOORS WITH ACCUMULATED GREASE AND DIRT DEBRIS LOCATED ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES NOT AVAILABLE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT AND MAINTAIN.
JUN 292017PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
ABATED.
FOUND THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAINS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
THE WALLS/CEILING ABOVE THE VENTILATION HOOD HAS DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS/CEILING.
JUN 212017FAILED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
FOUND 20 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE NOZZLE AND BAR GUN HOLDER AT THE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE SMALL FLIES, CLEAN THE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
THE NOZZLES ON THE SODA GUNS AT THE BAR HAS OLD SYRUP BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
FOUND THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAINS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
THE WALLS/CEILING ABOVE THE VENTILATION HOOD HAS DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS/CEILING.
APR 282017PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
FOUND FOIL USED TO COVER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE FOIL AND KEEP SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
THE NOZZLES ON THE SODA GUNS AT THE BAR HAS OLD SYRUP BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
THE TILES IN FRONT OF THE 2-COMPARMENT SINK AREA ARE DAMAGED/BROKEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE FLOOR TILES. MAINTAIN SAME. THE FLOORS NEED TO BE REGROUTED IN FRONT OF THE STOVE AND COOLERS IN THE MAIN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REGROUT AND MAINTAIN.
THE CEILING AND WALLS IN THE REAR ABOVE AND AROUND THE 2-COMPARTMENT SINK HAS DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
SEP 292016PASSED1 violationDETAILS
WALLS AT THE REAR PREP AREA IN POOR REPAIR, DAMAGED WALL BEHIND PREP COOLER AND UNFINISHED WALL BEHIND CLEAN POTS AND PANS RACK, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
FEB 112016PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
ICE MAKER NOT CLEAN INSIDE SURFACES AT BAR, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
WALL NEXT TO FOOD COOKING LINE IN POOR REPAIR, MISSING TILES, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
EMPLOYEES PERSONAL ITEMS STORED ON FOOD SHELVES, INSTRUCTED TO STORE AWAY.
NOV 172014FAILED7 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
FOUND REACH IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 64.9 DEGREES AIR TEMPERATUE. COOLER WAS UNPLUGGED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. COOLER HAS BEEN CONNECTED AND AT 38.5 DEGREES. COOLER IS NOT BEING HELD FOR INSPECTION. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED FACILITIES AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE
FOUND THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE COOKED CHICKEN 68.7 2 POUNDS, RAW HAMBURGER PATTIES 56.3 3 POUNDS ALLFOOD ITEMS WERE DISCARDED HUMMUS, HOT DOGS, MEAT LOAF, SOUR CREAM.... TOTAL VALUE $500.00 50 POUNDS CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A) CITATION ISSUED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMERATURE.
OBSERVED FRUIT FLY ACTIVITY REAR PREP AREA APPROX. 15-20 FLIES NOTED. MICHIGAN AVENUE DOORS NOT RODENT PROOFED 1/4 GAP AT BOTTOMS OF OUTER DOORS. MUST ELIMINATE FRUIT FLIES AND CORRECT DOORS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020 CITATION ISSUED. OUTER OPENINGS NOT PROTECTED.
FLOORS UNDER BAR AND AROUND DISH MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP.
RAW WOOD ON DOORWAY IN NEED OF SEALING, DRY WALL MUST BE SEALED AND COMPLETED. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
ALL LEAKS IN FRONT BAR AREA IN NEED OF REPAIR. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
ALL REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF THERMOMETERS. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
MAR 172014PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP OF FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS. ALL DRINK NOZZLES IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
LEAK AT 2 COMPARTMENT SINK IN WAIT AREA AT FAUCET. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES
ALL ICE UTENSILS MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZED CONTAINER AT ALL TIMES. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
JUL 92013PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE IN THE BASEMENT.
MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS IN ALL CORNERS IN THE BAR AND UNDER/AROUND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT.
OCT 22012PASSED1 violationDETAILS
Violation Codes: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: FOUND SMALL LEAK AT FRONT OF DISHMACHINE.
SEP 252012FAILED6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
FOUND LIVE ROACH ACTIVITY AT PREMISES. OBSERVED ABOUT 2O LIVE ROACHES ON WALLS AT LOWER LEVEL DRY STORAGE AREAS. CITATION ISSUED.
Inspector Comments: FOUND INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLER FLOOR NOT CLEAN AT BASEMENT STORAGE.
Inspector Comments: FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS.
FOUND WALLS NOT CLEAN AT BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS.(SPLATTER)
Inspector Comments: FOUND SMALL LEAK AT FRONT OF DISHMACHINE.
FOUND UNNECESSARY CLUTTER AT BASEMENT STORAGE THAT MUST BE REMOVED BY ICE MACHINE.(OLD UMBRELLAS)
AUG 242012PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
FOUND INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLER FLOOR NOT CLEAN AT BASEMENT STORAGE.
FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS.
FOUND SMALL LEAK AT FRONT OF DISHMACHINE.
NOV 102011PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. OBSERVED DARK PITS ON SURFACE OF COOKLINE CUTTING BOARD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARD.
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN- OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP ON TABLE CAN OPENER, DUST BUILD UP ON CONDENSER OF REACH IN COOLER(BY COOKLINE) AND SLIGHT LIME BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE IN LOWER LEVEL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL UNCLEAN EQUIPMENT.
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. OBSERVED STANDING WATER ON FLOOR AT LOWER LEVEL NORTHEAST CORNER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN/KEEP FLOOR DRY.
MAR 182011PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN- OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON LOWER SIDE OF TABLE TOPS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA, DUST/FOOD BUILD UP ON SHLEVES THROUGHOUT PREP AREA, SLIGHT LIME BUILD UP ON EXTERIOR OF DISHMACHINE AND FOOD BUILD UP IN MEAT SLICER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL UNCLEAN EQUIPMENT.
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. OBSERVED FOOD/DIRT BUILD UP ON FLOOR UNDER DISHMACHINE. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR.
All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. NO THERMOMETER INSIDE ROOM SERVICE REACH IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER FOR COOLER.
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 →