THE PONY INN.

Chicago Health Dept

1638 W BELMONT AVE · LAKEVIEW, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Apr 2025).

15 inspections on record since 2011 · Last inspected Apr 2025.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

APR 2025

INSPECTION HISTORY

APR 17

2025

PASS 5 violations

Minor Facility Condition

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

ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT CLOSET (SOUTH) MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOOR.

Minor Sanitation

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

METAL BACKSPLASH OF THE 1ST FLOOR MENS AND WOMENS WASHROOM HAND BLOWERS WITH EXCESSIVE RUST AND DECAYED. MUST REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS LINER FOR SHELVING INSIDE THE COOKS LINE COOLER.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST NOT USE CLOTH TOWELS AS LINER FOR SHELVING BEHIND THE 1ST FLOOR BAR.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FLOOR UNDER THE DISH MACHINE WITH ACCUMULATED DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.----DAMAGED CEILING IN THE 1ST FLOOR MEN'S WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.

FEB 9

2024

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED ICE BUILD UP ON REAR OF RIGHT SIDE CONDENER IN BEER WALK IN COOLER. MUST REMOVE ICE BUILD UP AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED ONE DAMAGED/CRACKED CEILING LIGHT COVER ABOVE PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING LIGHT BULB COVER.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

SOME FOOD MANAGERS WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES.

APR 19

2023

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

BROKEN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE DOOR OF THE MACHINE/ICE BIN IN BASEMENT AREA. HANDLES IS NEEDED AT TWO DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE KITCHEN ACROSS FROM COOKING EQUIPMENT. BROKEN LINER INSIDE THE WHITE CHEST FREEZERS TOP DOOR,IN THE BASEMENT.REPAIR ISSUES FOR ALL OF THEM

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

LOW TEMP DISHMACHINE WITH MINERAL BUILD-UP.INSTRUCTED TO DELIMER UNIT

Serious Employee Hygiene

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

NEED TO PROVIDE EXTRA WATER FLOW AT HANDWASHING SINK AT SECOND FLOOR BAR AREA. ALSO AT SAME AREA HANDWASHING SINK SLOWLY DRAINING. REPAIR ISSUE

APR 13

2022

PASS 5 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

NOTED DOOR TO THE REAR EXIT DOOR ON THE SECOND FLOOR NOT RODENT PROOF WITH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF DOOR (ABOUT 1/4 INCH). INSTRUCTED TO SEAL GAPS TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.

Minor Pest Activity

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

NOTED FOIL PAPER USED TO LINE SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD BOXES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS AT THE FIRST FLOOR LADIES BATHROOM.. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAINS ESPECIALLY UNDERNEATH THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND DISH WASHER.

Minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

NOTED VERY DIRTY LIGHT BULB SHIELDS INSIDE THE BEER WALK IN COOLER THUS REDUCING THE INTENSITY OF THE LIGHT AT THE BASEMENT FOOD DRY STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE.

AUG 18

2020

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLES IN 2ND FLOOR WASHROOMS. MUST PROVIDE.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED SOME VENTILATION HOOD FILTERS MISSING ABOVE PIZZA PREP OVEN. MUST PROVIDE FILTERS.

show all 15 inspections →

APR 25

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 9 violations

Serious Sanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

BOTH INTERIOR OF ICE BINS DRAINS WITH BEGINNING OF PINK AND WHITE SLIME SUBSTANCE AT BOTH BARS,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

Serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

MENU DOESN'T DISCLOSE WHICH FOOD ITEMS ARE OR CAN BE UNDER COOKED.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION:7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

WASTE WATER PIPE AT FOOD STORAGE ABOVE FOOD PRODUCTS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA, MUST BE ENCASED.

Minor Sanitation

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

UTENSILS FOR CUSTOMERS(FORK,SPOON ETC)MUST BE PROPERLY STORED INVERT UP SIDE DOWN,INCLUDED PLASTIC UTENSILS

Minor Sanitation

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

OBSERVED WASTE WATER PIPE ABOVE EQUIPMENT,UTENSILS FOOD DISPOSABLE UTENSILS ETC.INSTRUCTED TO ENCASE SAID PIPE.

Minor Sanitation

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

BROKEN STOPPERS FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AT BAR,FIRST FLOOR.PROVIDE. RUBBER GASKET AT TWO CHEST FREEZER LIDS ARE BROKEN RE-TAPED WITH TAPE,INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE,(BASEMENT AREA) BOTH DEEP FRYERS WITH EXCESS GREASE INSIDE THE CABINETS,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

VENT COVERS ON HALLWAY BY THE ELECTRICAL ROOM AT SECOND FLOOR WITH EXCESS DUST. BLACK WRAPS ON BEER LINE, NOT CLEANABLE AT SECOND FLOOR BAR AREA.REPLACE.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

CEMENT WALLS AT LIQUOR STORAGE AND CEMENT WALL AT STORAGE AREA UNEVEN,UNABLE TO CLEAN.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL FLOOR IN THE KITCHEN WITH GREASE AND DEBRIS UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND DISH MACHINE AREA,CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. BASEBOARD WALL BESIDE THE DEEP FRYER ARE NOT SEAL,REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS,CLEAN AND SEAL.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

NO HOOD PROVIDED ABOVE THE PIZZA OVEN IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL OR MOVE OVEN UNDER HOOD OR PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION FROM DEPT OF BUILDINGS/VENTILATION VERIFYING HOOD IS NOT REQUIRED.

SEP 10

2018

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 5 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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

2-201.11 FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AT PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-012(A)MUST PROVIDE.

Critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

2-501.11 FOUND NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEANUP PROCEDURE. PRORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005. MUST PROVIDE.

Serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

3-603.11 FOUND NO REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE STATEMENT FOR MENU FOR UNDERCOOKED FOOD(HAMBURGERS).7-38-005 PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.MUST PROVIDE.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-204.12 FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT SODA MACHINE WATERLINE. BACKFLOW PREVENTION MUST BE INSTALLED SO THAT IT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

FOUND CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER ON PREMISES WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE.

JAN 12

2017

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

THE COLD WATER HANDLE ON THE 2ND FLOOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IS LOOSE AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO TURN ON THE COLD WATER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE HANDLE.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED THE FLOOR IN DISREPAIR TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE 1ST FLOOR MOP SINK. A FLOOR TILE IS MISSING, THE GROUT IS CRACKED AND THE COVING IS DETACHING FROM THE WALL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE FLOOR TO BE SMOOTH, DURABLE AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

THE LIGHT IS BURNT OUT AT THE LEFTMOST FIXTURE ABOVE THE COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE BULB.

MAY 18

2016

PASS 6 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

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

ALL BULK FOODS MUST BE LABELED OF CONTENTS.

Minor Sanitation

CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

DIRTY TABLE TOP CAN OPENER. MUST CLEAN AFTER EACH USE.

Minor Sanitation

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

EXTERIOR LID OF THE KITCHEN BOX FREEZER AND INTERIOR DOOR OF THE COOKS LINE TWO DOOR COOLER IN POOR REPAIR WITH EXPOSED INSULATION.COOLER DOOR REPAIRED WITH TAPE. MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR TO MAKE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE. MUST INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE KITCHEN EXPOSED HAND SINK AND CLEAN DISH AREA FOR CLEAN DISHES. MUST NOT USE TIN CANS AND RAW WOOD AS PROPS AND SHELVING INSIDE THE BASEMENT FOOD WALK-IN COOLER. MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING IN THE KITCHEN.

Minor Sanitation

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

MISSING FLOOR TILE AT THE 1ST FLOOR BAR EXPOSED HAND SINK. MUST REPLACE.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

TOILET IN THE MIDDLE STALL OF THE 1ST FLOOR WOMANS WASHROOM NOT FLUSHING. MUST REPAIR. TWO WORKING TOILETS AVAILABLE.

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

MUST PROVIDE ACCURATE INTERNAL THERMOMETERS FOR THE KITCHEN COOLERS.

JUL 29

2015

PASS 1 violation

Minor Sanitation

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

FOUND SLIGHT DIRT ACCUMULATION ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT AROUND THE CHEST FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

AUG 20

2014

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST CLEAN FLOOR IN BASEMENT NEXT TO ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRY AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Employee Hygiene

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

FRONT EXPOSED HANDWASH SINK IN FRONT BAR AREA IS DRAINING SLOW. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

ICE SCOOP STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT. MUST PROPERLY STORE IN A CLEAN CONTAINER.

SEP 13

2013

PASS 1 violation

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST REPAIR/REPAIR GASKET AT THE KITCHEN 2 DOOR FOOD PREP COOLER,REMOVE RUSTY SHELVINGS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER.

SEP 10

2013

FAIL 8 violations 1 CRITICAL

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 LIVE FRUIT FLIES IN THE BAR AREAS. APPROXIMATELY 15 LIVE FRUIT FLIES WERE OBSERVED ON THE BAR GUN EQUIPMENTS, BEHIND COUNTERS,WALL AND DINING ROOM.ALSO,5 LIVE HOUSE FLIES IN KITCHEN,DINING ROOM.THE 2 FRONT DOORS MUST BE TIGHT FITTING ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOMS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY AND PEST PROOF SAID DOORS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.

Minor Chemical Safety

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

All food stored in coolers must be dated & labeled.

Minor Sanitation

CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

MUST PROPERLY STORE,INVERT ALL CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS,DISHWARE IN KITCHEN AREAS,BASEMENT DRY STORAGE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST REPAIR/REPAIR GASKET AT THE KITCHEN 2 DOOR FOOD PREP COOLER,REMOVE RUSTY SHELVINGS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER.

Minor Sanitation

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

BAR GUNS AND HOUSINGS ATTACHED,INTERIOR COMPARTMENTS TO KITCHEN DEEP FRYERS REQUIRE A DETAIL CLEANING.

Minor Sanitation

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

FLOOR DRAINS IN THE KITCHEN REQUIRE A DETAIL CLEANING.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

REMOVE DUSTS ACCUMULATIONS ON THE VENTILATION COVERS IN THE TOILET ROOMS.

Minor Food Temperature

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

MUST PROVIDE,MAINTAIN A VISIBLE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR MONITORING FOOD TEMPERATURES.

AUG 11

2011

PASS · 0 violations

FEB 10

2011

FAIL 4 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. REPLACE BROKEN LID OF CHEST FREZEER,IN BASEMENT AREA.

Minor Sanitation

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

The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.SWEEP FLOOR IN BASEMENT AREA, AND SPRINKLER ROOM,ALSO ELEVATE ITEMS NEEDED 6" OFF THE FLOOR UNDER AND SIDE OF THE STAIRCASE THAT GOES IN BASEMENT (NORTH STAIRCASE).

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. REPLACE BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD IN KITCHEN, ABOVE THE PREP AREA, ALSO REPAIR THE FRAME OF SAME LIGHT.

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. OBSERVED PIZZA OVEN IN KITCHEN(8.2KW)NOT UNDER THE VENTILATION,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VENTILATION, REMOVE UNIT OR PROVIDE A UNIT THAT IS A 7.5KW,WHICH NO VENTILATION IS NEEDED.

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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