THE GREAT STEAK & POTATO CO..

Chicago Health Dept

500 W MADISON ST · WEST LOOP, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Jun 2026).

20 inspections on record since 2010 · Last inspected Jun 2026.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

JUN 2026

INSPECTION HISTORY

JUN 4

2026

PASS 2 violations

Minor Food Temperature

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED IN-USE SCOOPS STORED IN STILL, ROOM-TEMPERATURE WATER AT THE FRONT AREA CONDIMENT COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN-USE UTENSILS ON A CLEAN, SANITIZED SURFACE OR IN WATER AT 135.0F OR ABOVE BETWEEN USES AND MAINTAIN.

Serious Sanitation

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED NO FAUCET PROVIDED AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. FACILITY HAS SPRAY HOSE NOZZLE AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK USED FOR RINSING EQUIPMENT AS WELL AS FILLING WASH AND SANITIZE BASINS FOR WAREWASHING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FAUCET AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK TO ALLOW FOR QUICK FILLING OF SINK BASINS AND MAINTAIN.

MAR 27

2025

PASS · 0 violations

APR 9

2024

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

Cover panel for ice maker is removed around upper coils, instructed to put back cover to prevent ice contamination.

Minor Sanitation

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Using one of the 3 compartments at dish washing 3-comp sink to store clean utensils, instructed to keep all 3 compartments clear for any time washing needs and use drying rack to hold wet utensils to dry.

APR 4

2023

PASS · 0 violations

MAR 1

2022

PASS · 0 violations

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APR 12

2021

PASS 2 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT PREP AREA HANDSINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Minor Other

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

OBSERVED STYROFOAM TAKEOUT CONTAINERS NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO AVOID CONTAMINATION BY INVERTING CONTAINERS WHILE STORED.

JAN 17

2020

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 3 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Other

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE POSTED OR NECESSARY ITEMS OUTLINED IN THE POLICY AVAILABLE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN OCCUR IN THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005.

Serious Sanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE BLACK AND PINK SLIMY SUBSTANCE BUILT UP ON INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE AND DRIPPING ONTO ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA OF FACILITY. PERSON IN CHARGE CORRECTED DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN CLEAN AND SANITIZED AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED TOOLS (DRILLS, LARGE CORDS, SCREW DRIVERS, SAW,)STORED THROUGHOUT REAR PREP AREA ON SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND DESIGNATE AREA FOR ITEMS TO BE STORED AWAY FROM FOOD ITEMS AND PREP SPACE. MUST MAINTAIN.

FEB 19

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 5 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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

NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH [POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE CITY'S HEALTH POLICY OR SIMILAR DOCUMENTS USED TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

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

Serious Sanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

MUST CLEAN INTERIOR CONTACT PANEL INSIDE ICE MACHINE, PANEL A LITTLE DIRTY, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST REMOVE RUST ON STORAGE RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER, SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENSE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE.

JAN 10

2018

PASS 2 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

Observed pre-portioned condiments, hot sauce, vinegared sliced jalapenos, at front preparation station, for sale to public missing label. Instructed manager to provide labels.

Minor Sanitation

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

Observed bulk food container in rear dry storage, under 1 compartment sink with broken lid. Instructed manager to repair and or replace. Maintain at all times. Observed can opener mounting bracket, on prep table, in prep area with cracked and chipped surface. Informed manager that all surfaces must be smooth and easily cleanable. Instructed manager to replace and ensure surface is smooth and easily cleanable.

JAN 26

2017

PASS 1 violation

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

Found potentially hazardous foods (sliced tomatoes, steak, chicken, etc.) without proper labels. Must label all prepped, potentially hazardous foods with name and date. Must maintain same. Found bulk food items (potatoes) without proper label. Must label all bulk food containers with name. Must maintain same.

MAY 17

2016

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED ACCUMULATION OF OIL AND FOOD DEBRIS IN THE LOWER COMPARTMENT OF THE FRYERS, AND ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE SHELVING UNDER THE FLAT TOP GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED EMPLOYEE BELONGINGS (BAGS, PURSES) BEING STORED ON TOP OF THE SODA RACK. INSTRUCTED TO STORE EMPLOYEE BELONGINGS AWAY FROM FOOD AND FOOD EQUIPMENT, OR IN THE PROVIDED LOCKERS.

MAY 10

2016

FAIL 4 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

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

OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (CHILI) AT 124 DEGREES IN THE STEAM TABLE, WHICH MANAGER STATED HE WAS USING TO REHEAT THE CHILI. THE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROX. 1 LB WORTH $4 OF CHILI. INSTRUCTED THAT THE STEAM TABLE MUST NOT BE USED TO REHEAT POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AND THAT ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MUST BE HOT HELD AT 140 DEGREES OR ABOVE. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-005(A)

Critical Pest Activity

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON SITE. OBSERVED APPROX. 12 MOUSE DROPPINGS UNDER AND AROUND THE SODA RACK/COMPRESSOR. OBSERVED APPROX. 13 SMALL FLIES NEAR THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND THE SODA RACK/COMPRESSOR. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE ALL PEST ACTIVITY AND RECOMMENDED TO OBTAIN THE SERVICES OF A LICENSED PEST CONTROL OPERATOR. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-020

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED ACCUMULATION OF OIL AND FOOD DEBRIS IN THE LOWER COMPARTMENT OF THE FRYERS, AND ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE SHELVING UNDER THE FLAT TOP GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED EMPLOYEE BELONGINGS (BAGS, PURSES) BEING STORED ON TOP OF THE SODA RACK. INSTRUCTED TO STORE EMPLOYEE BELONGINGS AWAY FROM FOOD AND FOOD EQUIPMENT, OR IN THE PROVIDED LOCKERS.

DEC 21

2015

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST REPLACE BROKEN LID AT POTATO BULK FOOD ITEM CONTAINER.

Minor Sanitation

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

DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR TOP PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE TO REMOVE BLACK SUBSTANCE. MUST CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL GREASE, DUST AND FOOD DEBRIS UNDER FRYERS AND GRILL.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST DETAIL CLEAN WALL BEHIND THE COOK LINE. MUST REMOVE GREASE, AND FOOD DEBRIS

JAN 16

2015

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR TOP PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE. MUST ALSO DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYERS AND REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

REPAIR THE LEAK ON THE INTERIOR OF THE SMALL PREP COOLER. (FRY COOLER)

Minor Other

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

MUST PROVIDE THE IDPH FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATION FOR EMPLOYEES AS REQUIRED.

AUG 13

2014

PASS · 0 violations

AUG 11

2014

FAIL 2 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Other

ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED

REAR PREP EXPOSED HAND SINK NOT MAINTAINED. NO COLD WATER. COLD WATER MUST BE TURNED ON AND OFF FROM UNDER SINK. MUST REPAIR SINK SO COLD WATER IS PROVIDED FROM COLD WATER HANDLE. GIVEN 48 HOURS TO CORRECT AND INSTRUCTED TO USE FRONT EXPOSED HAND SINK UNTIL REPAIRED. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

ALL WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.

FEB 26

2013

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE DELI MEAT SLICER TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS. ALSO MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF WALK IN COOLER (FAN COVER AND CEILING)TO REMOVE DUST.

Minor Sanitation

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

FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN FRONT PREP AREA AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND AT REAR AROUND PREP TABLE TO REMOVE DEBRIS.

MAR 7

2012

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.MUST DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR OF FRYERS TO REMOVE EXCESS GREASE.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL FLOORS DRAINS AT REAR PREP AREA.

MAR 9

2011

PASS 2 violations

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. WASHED, RINSED AND SANITIZED. THE TABLE UNDER THE GRILL HAS SOME GREASY BUILDUP WHICH NEEDS TO BE

Minor Sanitation

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

CLEAN GREASE BUILDUP FROM THE FRONT FLOOR DRAIN AND THE DISH SPRAYER HANDLE.

JUN 23

2010

PASS 3 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. Any open #10 cans of food must be transferred to regular containers once opened.

Minor Sanitation

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

All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. Interior ledges of small coolers & door gaskets of same, at front service line, must be free of food debris.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. Must fix leaky faucet at rear prep sink.

Public inspection records from Chicago Department of Public Health. Records current as of 2026-07-05. EatOrBeat reports records and does not rate restaurants. Source dataset →

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