THE KITCHEN CHICAGO.
316 N CLARK ST · RIVER NORTH, CHICAGO
Failed 3 of 17 inspections. 15 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
JUL 92025PASSED1 violationDETAILS
4-101.19--OBSERVED CHIPPED PAINT AND RUST ON THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CHIPPED PAINT AND RUST AND REPAINT OR REPLACE THE SHELVES.
JUL 22025FAILED7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCES ON INTERIOR WATER COMPONENTS OF THE ICE MAKER,DRIPPING INTO ICE "ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION".MANAGEMENT WAS INSTRUCTED TO TURN OFF MACHINE, REMOVE ICE AND HAVE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE CLEANED AND SANITIZED AND MAINTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED MISSING THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE FRONT MAIN PREP LINE COOLERS.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN VISIBLE ACCURATE,WORKING THERMOMETERS IN SAID COOLERS.
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES.APPROXIMATELY 40 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS OBSERVED ON THE WALLS AND CEILING TILES AND EQUIPMENTS IN THE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA ALSO, AT THE REAR 1ST FLOOR DRY STORAGE ROOM.ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A),CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
OBSERVED CHIPPED PAINT AND RUST ON THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CHIPPED PAINT AND RUST AND REPAINT OR REPLACE THE SHELVES.
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT PREP/DISHWASHING AREA ESPECIALLY UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENTS AND FLOOR DRAINS IN NEED FOR A DETAIL CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULBS FOR LIGHT FIXTURE ABOVE THE REAR DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING AT ALL TIMES.
AUG 122024PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
No hands washing signs in staff restrooms, instructed to post.
Low Temp dish washing machine at bar area not sanitizing at final rinse, 0ppm obtained on Cl test strips, instructed manager to provide proper sanitizer concentration at final rinse. Priority violation 7-38-025.
Fly trap installed above clean utensils in dish washing area, instructed to move away from above clean utensils.
Deli cups not air dried after washing, instructed to air dry all multi-use utensils.
show all 17 inspections →
JUL 62023FAILED4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
THE PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A CITY CERTIFICATION OR DOCUMENTATION OF PENDING CITY CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS RAW CHICKEN IS BEING COOKED AND SERVED ON-SITE. NO OTHER ORIGINAL AND VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE WAS POSTED NOR PROVIDED ON-SITE FOR THE PRESENT MANAGER ON DUTY. NO VALID DOCCUMENTATION ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A LEAST ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN FOOD IS COOKED AND SERVED ON SITE. DURING EXIT INSPECTION, NEW MANAGER IN CHARGE HAD SIGNED UP FOR A MANAGER COURSE/EXAM THROUGH SERVSAFE ONLINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
HOT WATER RINSE AT HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IS LESS THAN 180F AND IS MEASURED AT 144.5F. FACILITY MUST REPAIR UNIT SO THAT HOT RINSE IS MAINTAINED BETWEEN 180-194F. UNIT WAS TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. FACILITY MUST MANUALLY WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE ALL DISHWARE AND UTENSILS UNTIL REPAIRED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY OVER 50 SMALL BLACK FLYING INSECTS IN THE BACK DRY-STORAGE FOOD AREA AND DISH AREA. FACILITY MUST MINIMIZE PEST ACTIVITY IN THE FACILITY USING PROPER LICENSE PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (a) CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED CLEAN UTENSILS SUCH AS FORKS AND KNIVES OUT ON DISPLAY IS NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION AT CUSTOMER TABLES. UTENSILS MUST BE COVERED AND/OR WRAPED CLEAN UTENSILS SHALL BE HANDLED, DISPLAYED, AND DISPENSED SO THAT FOOD AND LIP CONTACT SURFACES ARE PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION.
MAR 292023PASS W/ CONDITIONS15 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
THE PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A CITY CERTIFICATION OR DOCUMENTATION OF PENDING CITY CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS VARIOUS RAW MEATS IS BEING COOKED AND SERVED ON-SITE. NO OTHER ORIGINAL AND VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE WAS POSTED NOR PROVIDED ON-SITE FOR THE PRESENT MANAGER ON DUTY. NO VALID DOCCUMENTATION ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A LEAST ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN FOOD IS COOKED AND SERVED ON SITE. DURING EXIT INSPECTION, PERSON IN CHARGE HAD SIGNED UP FOR A MANAGER COURSE/EXAM THROUGH 360 TRAINING ONLINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD EMPLOYEE USED BARE HANDS TO HANDLE READY TO EAT FOODS (GRILLED BREAD FOR SANDWICHES ON COOKLINE). FOOD EMPLOYEES SHALL USE SUITABLE UTENSILS SUCH AS DELI TISSUE, SPATULAS/TONGS, DISPENSING EQUIPMENT OR SINGLE USE GLOVES WHEN HANDLING READY TO EAT FOODS. DISCUSSED IMPORTANCE OF WEARING GLOVES WHEN HANDLING READY TO EAT FOODS WITH EMPLOYEE AND MANAGER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
THE DATE WHEN THE LAST SHELLSTOCK WAS SOLD IS NOT RECORDED ON ALL SHELLSTOCK TAGS THAT WERE PROVIDED ON SITE. THE FACILITY MUST RECORD THE DATE WHEN THE LAST SHELLSTOCK WAS SOLD. FACILITY MANAGER WENT THROUGH ALL INVOICE RECEIPTS IN HOUSE TO VERIFY WHEN LAST SHELLSTOCK ITEMS WERE SOLD PER TAG. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
HOT WATER RINSE AT HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IS LESS THAN 180F AND IS MEASURED AT 144.3F. FACILITY MUST REPAIR UNIT SO THAT HOT RINSE IS MAINTAINED BETWEEN 180-194F. WHILE ON SITE, AN ECO LAB REP. ARRIVED ON SITE TO REPAIR DISH MACHINE. DISH MACHINE IS NOW MAINTAINING A TEMPERATURE OF 180F THROUGH RINSE CYCLE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
DOUGH, RAW TUNA, RAW SALMON, PEPPERONI, AND MORTADELLA IS PREPARED WITH REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING, FOUND IN BASEMENT FREEZER. DID NOT OBSERVE DISCARD DATE LABELS. A HACCP PLAN WAS NOT SUBMITTED TO THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO ENGAGING IN A ROP OPERATION WITHOUT A VARIENCE. DISCUSSED WITH MANAGER ON SITE. ALL ITEMS HAVE BEEN DISCARDED ON SITE AT AN APPROXIMATE COST OF $313 AND AN ESTIMATED WEIGHT VALUE OF 38 POUNDS. ROP MACHINE HAS BEEN TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. FACILITY MUST REACH OUT TO HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO INQUIRE MORE INFORMATION AT CDPHFOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
DRY STORAGE FOOD CONTAINERS DOES NOT HAVE A LABEL NEAR THE COOKLINE. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE.
SINGLE-USE PLASTIC CUPS WITHOUT A HANDLE IS USED AS A SCOOP IN DRY STORAGE FOODS IN THE SEASONING SHELF. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE A SCOOP WITH A HANDLE.
DID NOT OBSERVE A BARRIER BETWEEN HANDSINK AND ICE BIN IN COFFEE AREA NEAR BAR. ICE BIN MUST BE PROTECTED BY CONTAMINATION. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD SO THAT PREP AREA IS; 1) WHERE IT IS NOT EXPOSED TO SPLASH, DUST OR OTHER CONTAMINATION;
IN-USE WIPING CLOTHS ARE NOT STORED PROPERLY. FOUND ON PREP COUNTERS IN COOKLINE AND BAKERY AREA. CLOTHS USED TO WIPE SURFACES AND EQUIPMENT SHALL BE HELD IN A PROPER SANITIZER SOLUTION. CLOTHS IN-USE FOR WIPING SURFACES IN CONTACT WITH RAW ANIMAL FOODS SHALL BE KEPT SEPARATE FROM CLOTHS USED FOR OTHER PURPOSES. IN-USE CLOTHS MUST BE LAUNDERED DAILIY.
OBSERVED DRY STORAGE FOOD HANDLES OF SCOOPS STORED DIRECTLY ON TOP OF DRY PRODUCTS MUST BE STORED: 1) IN THE FOOD WITH THE HANDLE UP AND OUT OF THE FOOD ITEM
OBSERVED SPOON FOOD CONTACT SURFACE FACING UPWARD IN CONTAINER NEAR DISH AREA. UTENSILS MUST BE INVERTED.
CLEAN DISHWARE STORED ON SHELVES HAVE NOT BEEN AIR DRIED PROPERLY AFTER SANITIZING. AFTER CLEANING AND SANITZING ALL EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS SHALL BE AIR DRIED BEFORE USE. CLOTH DRYING OF EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS IS NOT APPROVED.
OBSERVED SMALL CUTTING BOARDS THAT ARE SERVERELY SCRATCHED WHICH PREVENTS PROPER CLEANING AND SANITIZING OF EQUIPMENT. FOUND HUNG NEAR DISH AREA. FACILITY MUST RESURFACE BOARD OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARD.
OBSERVED HAND WATER FAUCET LEAKING IN BAR AREA. FACILITY MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
ALLERGEN CERTIFICATIONS NOT PROVIDED ON SITE. ALL CITY/PENDING CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN A VALID FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION.
APR 12022PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO RECEIVE CERTIFICATE AND POST ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE REFRIGERATOR NEAR ESPRESSO MACHINE USED TO STORE MILK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
OBSERVED ONE BURNT OUT LIGHTBULB IN HOOD OVER COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
JAN 272020PASSED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO HAND WASH SIGN AT EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK IN BAR ON SIDE FACING CLARK STREET. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED A TORN GASKET ON A 2 DOOR PREP COOLER LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA NEAR DOORWAY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS THROUGHOUT THE MAIN LINE WITH DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH CLEANABLE SURFACES.
OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME IN CAULK AROUND HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN, SANITIZE, RE-CAULK, AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EMPLOYEES MAINTAINING A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORD ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
JAN 172020PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE. SEE VIOLATION #2. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE WITH A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO HAND WASH SIGN AT EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK IN BAR ON SIDE FACING CLARK STREET. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED A TORN GASKET ON A 2 DOOR PREP COOLER LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA NEAR DOORWAY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS THROUGHOUT THE MAIN LINE WITH DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH CLEANABLE SURFACES.
OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME IN CAULK AROUND HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN, SANITIZE, RE-CAULK, AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EMPLOYEES MAINTAINING A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORD ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
JAN 102019PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.
NO REFRIGERATION THERMOMETER FOUND IN SEVERAL COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLERS WITH LONG BEARDS NO WEARING BEARD RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR RESTRAINTS
NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.
JAN 112018PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED DINING ROOM TABLES PRE-SET WITH SILVERWARE UNCOVERED AND CUPS OPEN SIDE UP. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL PRE-SET DISHWARE MUST BE STORED COVERED OR INVERTED.
OBSERVED THE PLASTIC COATING ON THE WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNSMOOTH AND CHIPPING. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE SHELVES.
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE RESTROOM DOOR NO SELF-CLOSING. MUST PROVIDE SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON RESTROOM DOOR.
OBSERVED MOPS AND BROOMS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE EMPLOYEE RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL MOPS AND BROOMS MUST BE STORED INVERTED OR AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
AUG 142017PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
FOUND SQUIRT BOTTLES OF DIFFERENT OILS AND OTHER DRESSINGS NOT LABELED. ALSO FOUND LARGE PLASTIC BULK FOOD CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN THE REAR KITCHEN AREA. All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers.MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES.
FOUND GRIME AND GREASE ACCUMULATION AT INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYER AT MAIN COOKING LINE.MUST CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
FOUND LEAKING WATER COMING FROM THE REAR PART OF THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED ACROSS FROM THE MAIN COOKING LINE. MUST REPAIR SO AS TO PREVENT PUDDLE OF WATER ON THE FLOOR.
FEB 192016PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED REACH IN PREP COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED ALONG FRONT PREP LINE. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE ALL DAMAGED COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKETS.
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST BUILD UP ON PREP AREA REACH IN COOLERS CONDENSERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT.
BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM FLOOR LITTERED ALONG WALLS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN STORAGE ROOM FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
MAY 62015PASSED1 violationDETAILS
ALL CLEAN UTENSILS,POTS,PANS, TRAYS,FOOD CONTAINERS,MUST BE STORED UPSIDE DOWN/INVERTED TO PREVENT POSSIBLE DUST BUILD-UP AND CONTAMINATION.
APR 272015FAILED6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
FOUND FRESH RAW SHELLFISH ON DISPLAY COOLER COMMINGLING EACH OTHER, CLAMS AND OYSTER COMMINGLING EACH OTHER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL FRESH RAW SHELLFISH MUST BE SEPARATED WITH EACH OTHER BY A DIVIDER DURING DISPLAY,STORAGE ON DISPLAY COOLER. MANAGER DISCARDED THE SAID PRODUCTS WORTH 200.00 DOLLARS ,TOTAL 20 LBS. CITATION ISSUED CRITICAL 7-38-005)(B)
PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #1497441 DATED 10/2/14. #35-BY THE FRONT ENTRANCE. NOTED CRACKS AND HOLE ON WALLS OF WINE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL CRACKS AND HOLE ON THE WALLS. MAKE THE WALLS SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE. CITATION ISSUED SERIOUS 7-42-090.
ALL CLEAN UTENSILS,POTS,PANS, TRAYS,FOOD CONTAINERS,MUST BE STORED UPSIDE DOWN/INVERTED TO PREVENT POSSIBLE DUST BUILD-UP AND CONTAMINATION.
INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL OR PROVIDE LIDS FOR THE 2 BIG ICE BINS BEHIND THE FRONT BAR CLOSE TO THE SHELLFISH DISPLAY COOLER.
SUPPORT BEAM CLOSE TO THE SEAFOOD DISPLAY COOLER AND WINE COOLER MUST BE SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE. WALLS BY THE FRONT CLOSE TO THE SEAFOOD DISPLAY COOLER WITH HOLES ,CRACKED WALLS. MAKE THE WALLS SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE. SEAL THE HOLES AND REPAIR THE CRACKED WALLS.
ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED ON A SEPARATE CONTAINER (NOT INSIDE THE ICE BIN ON TOP OF THE ICE) TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
OCT 22014PASSED1 violationDETAILS
BY THE FRONT ENTRANCE.NOTED CRACKS AND HOLE ON WALL OF WINE ROOM INSTRUCTED TO SEAL CRACKS AND HOLE ON WALL AND MAKE THEM EASILY CLEANABLE.
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 →