THE PUBLICAN.
837 W FULTON MARKET · WEST LOOP, CHICAGO
Failed 6 of 25 inspections. 13 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
OCT 202025FAILED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED SEVERAL ITEMS (RANCH DRESSING, COOKED CABBAGE AND BACON, CHICKPEAS) STORED IN THE WALK-IN COOLER BEYOND THE 7-DAY MAXIMUM USE BY DATE AND MULTIPLE ITEMS (PORK RAGU, COOKED SWEET POTATOES, SAUCES) WITHOUT AN EXPIRATION DATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DATE MARK ALL TCS FOODS STORED MORE THAN 24 HOURS WITH A MAXIMUM USE BY DATE NOT EXCEEDING 7 DAYS WITH THE DAY OF PREPARATION COUNTED AS DAY #1. ALL DATE MARKED FOODS MUST BE DISCARDED IF NOT USED WITHIN THE 7 DAY PERIOD. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED APPROX. 25 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA, STORAGE AREA, UTILITY CLOSET, BEHIND THE BAR AND IN THE DISHWASHING AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
CLEAN THE INTERIOR SURFACES OF THE ICE MACHINES.
OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.
JUL 242025PASS W/ CONDITIONS1 violationDETAILS
8-404.13(B)(3) PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2620810 ON 7/17/25 NOT CORRECTED: 38 - OBSERVED APPROX. 50 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS BEHIND THE BAR AREA, ON THE BOXES OF STOCK IN THE BEVERAGE SERVICE STATION BEHIND THE BAR, IN THE FOOD PREP AND DISH WASHING AREA AND IN THE CUSTOMER WASHROOMS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
JUL 172025FAILED8 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE TOUCH READY-TO-EAT FOODS (LETTUCE AND PICKLES) WITH THEIR BARE HANDS WHILE PREPARING A PLATE FOR A HAMBURGER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT NO BARE HAND CONTACT IS ALLOWED WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLER ACRROSS FROM THE GRILL. OBSERVED HAM AT 47F, HAMBURGERS AT 51F, FISH DIP AT 54F, GREEN BEANS AT 52F, AND CHEESE AT 51F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD TCS FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO EXPIRATION DATES ON READY-TO-EAT TCS FOODS (COOKED PORK, ONION DIP, AIOLI, SLAW DRESSINGS, ETC.) STORED FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS IN THE COOLERS. ALSO OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT TCS FOODS STORED PAST THE 7-DAY MAXIMUM USE BY DATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DATE MARK ALL COLD TCS FOODS STORED MORE THAN 24 HOURS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED AN INCOMPLETE CONSUMER ADVISORY AND DISCLOSURE ON ALL PRINTED MENUS FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE AND DESCRIBE ALL FOODS WHICH CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED WITH AN ASTERISK OR OTHER MEANS, AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO THE REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. SOME FOOD ITEMS WERE MISSING THE ASTERISK, AND ALL MENUS WERE MISSING THE FULL REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON ALL MENUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
OBSERVED APPROX. 50 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS BEHIND THE BAR AREA, ON THE BOXES OF STOCK IN THE BEVERAGE SERVICE STATION BEHIND THE BAR, IN THE FOOD PREP AND DISH WASHING AREA AND IN THE CUSTOMER WASHROOMS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK FROM A LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY WITH AT LEAST 2 PEST CONTROL SERVICE REPORTS FOR EACH YEAR MAINTAINED IN THE LOG BOOK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C). CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED MULTIPLE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE A VALID FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
OBSERVED THE PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY NOT DISPLAYED IN THE PUBLIC VIEW. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN VIEW OF THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
AUG 22024PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED MISSING HANDWASH SIGNAGE AT FRONT BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT THE HAND-SINK IN THEP BAR AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT PAPER TOWELS MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED PAPER TOWELS FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED THE ICE BIN INTERIOR IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE FRONT PREP COLD HOLDING UNIT, SUCH AS 3LBS OF EGGS AT 52.5F, 3LBS OF SLICED MEATS AT 51.3F AND 3LBS OF SLICED VEGETABLES AT 52.1F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 9LBS AT $150. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW . PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
OBSERVED FACILITY EQUIPMENT FOR COLD HOLDING IN DISREPAIR. NOTED COLD HOLDING UNIT FOR TCS FOOD TO BE IMPROPER AT 52F. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE FOR PROPER COLD HOLDING OF 41 DEGREES F OR BELOW. TAGGED UNIT. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE COLD HOLD UNIT THAT IS TAGGED. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED BROKEN DOOR HANDLE AT MOP SINK CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
show all 25 inspections →
APR 12024PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES NOT INVERTED AND SERVICE AREA AND STORED ON FLOOR IN FRONT STORAGE AREA NEAR RESTROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT AND ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES OFF FLOOR.
OBSERVED CLUTTER STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE RESTROOM UTILITY CLOSET. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
MAR 12023PASSED6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED A 1 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR (EAST SIDE) EXIT DOOR. MUST SEAL GAP TO PREVENT RODENT/PEST ENTRY AND MAINTAIN.
FOUND HEAVY DIRT AND DEBRIS BUILD UP ON THE CLEAN DISH METAL STORAGE RACKS IN THE DISH ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO DETAIL CLEAN RACKS AND MAINTAIN.
FOUND THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM HANDWASHING SINK DRAINAGE PIPE LEAKING ONTO THE FLOOR. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
FOUND NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
OBSERVED MILK CRATES STACKED IN THE DUMPSTER STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN DUMPSTER STORAGE AREA FREE OF ANY UNNECESSARY ITEMS.
OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON THE VENTILATION FAN COVERS INSIDE ALL CUSTOMER WASHROOMS, AND ON THE CEILING VENT ABOVE THE PREP AREA CLOSEST TO THE 2-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST CLEAN AND REMOVE DUST FROM ALL VENTS AND MAINTAIN.
FEB 42022PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK IN PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE.
OBSERVED NO SHELLSTOCK TAG ATTACHED TO CONTAINER IN WHICH MUSSELS WERE BEING STORED INSIDE PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SHELLSTOCK TAG ATTACHED TO THE CONTAINER. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD. FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 5 POUNDS AT A COST OF $17.00. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED SLIGHT PINK MINERAL BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED HOLE ABOVE 2-COMPARTMENT SINK IN PREP AREA. MUST SEAL.
DEC 42019PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED UNCOVERED TABLEWARE ON ALL TABLES IN DINING AREA. MUST COVER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
OBSERVED HANDSINK LOCATED IN FRONT OF PREP AREA WITH A SCREW DRIVER USED AS HANDLE TO TURN ON HOT WATER. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SYSTEM.
OBSERVED BURNED OUT LIGHT BULB IN DISH AREA CEILING. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
JUL 162019FAILED5 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE PINK AND BLACK SLIMY MOLD- LIKE SUBSTANCE BUILD UP ON THE INSIDE INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE DRIPPING ONTO ICE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. MUST REMOVE ICE, REMOVE BUILD UP, CLEAN AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED VARIOUS TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS IN THE WALK IN COOLER IN PREP AREA AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. THEY ARE AS FOLLOWS.. APPROXIMATELY 3LBS OF COOKED DUCK @ 46.8F, 12 LBS OF CHICKEN JUS @51.9F, 40 LBS OF METWURST SAUSAGE 49.7F, 50LBS OF PICKLED CABBAGE @48.0F, 13LBS OF RANCH @48.9F, 15LBS OF AIOLI @54.9F ,RIB MARINADE @46.6F, 4LBS OF SQUASH @51.2F, 15LBS OF PICKLED ASAPRAGUS @ 48.2F, 35 LBS OF PORK @53.0F, ETC. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO KEEP ALL COLD HELD FOODS @41F OR BELOW. ALL SAID FOOD VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED INADEQUATE REFRIGERATION FOR THE FACILITY. IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF WALK IN COOLER IN PREP AREA DURING TIME OF INSPECTION AT 45.6F WITH TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE. APPROXIMATELY 3LBS OF COOKED DUCK @ 46.8F, 12 LBS OF CHICKEN JUS @51.9F, 40 LBS OF METWURST SAUSAGE 49.7F, ETC., WERE DISCARDED DURING THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCONTINUE USE OF WALK IN COOLER UNTIL THE COOLER IS MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DIRT, GREASE AND DUST ACCUMULATED ON VENTS THROUGHOUT PREP DIRECTLY ABOVE PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED ALL LIGHTING IN MAIN PREP AREA WITH EXCESSIVE DUST AND GREASE ON ALL LIGHT SHIELDS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND INCREASE LIGHTING IN SAID AREA AND MAINTAIN.
JUL 162019PASSED1 violationDETAILS
VIOLATION CORRECTED. ICE MACHINE NOW CLEANED AND SANITIZED.
AUG 82018FAILED7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MUST DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR PANEL OR LARGE ICE MACHINE IN REAR, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 25 LIVE SMALL FLIES IN FOOD PREP AREA; (ON THE UPPER WALL BEHIND THE BAR.) INSTRUCTRED TO REMOVE FLIES, CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREA, AND CONTACT PEST CONTROL PROVIDER FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
MUST INSTALL SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN COUNTER HAND-SINK (FACING NORTH) AND STOVE IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
MUST REPLACE ALL CUTTING BOARDS IN PREP AREA, THAT HAVE DEEP DARK GROOVES AND STAINS PRESENT, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
MUST DETAIL CLEAN DUST AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM LOWER SHELVES ON PREP TABLES IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
MUST REPAIR LEAKY PIPE UNDER DISH MACHINE SINK IN DISH ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
MUST DETAIL CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS (CORNERS) UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT, THROUGHOUT PREP AREA.
AUG 152017PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
VACUUM PACKAGED MEATS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER NOT DATED AND LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL,
VENTS ABOVE DISH MACHINE, CEILING VENTS IN KITCHEN PREP AREA AND WALL BY DISH MACHINE NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DAILY,
AUG 72017FAILED3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
SIDE DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF, APPROX., 1/4 GAP OPENING AT BOTTOM OF DOORS, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND PROPERLY MAINTAIN, SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-38-020
VACUUM PACKAGED MEATS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER NOT DATED AND LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL,
VENTS ABOVE DISH MACHINE, CEILING VENTS IN KITCHEN PREP AREA AND WALL BY DISH MACHINE NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DAILY,
MAY 252017FAILED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
FRONT AND SIDE DOORS NOT RODENT PROOF, APPROX., 1/4 GAP OPENING AT BOTTOM OF DOORS, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND PROPERLY MAINTAIN, SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-38-020
NO SPLASH GUARD AT EXPOSED HAND SINK NEXT TO DRAIN BOARD AT BAR AREA, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL,
VENTS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DAILY,
CLUTTER IN STORAGE AREAS, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND BETTER ORGANIZE,
JUL 252016PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED VARIETY OF DIFFERENT SPECIES OF CLAMS AND OYSTERS COMINGLED AND TOUCHING IN LARGE BUS PAN IN WALK IN COOLER. (COUNT NECK CLAMS, IRISH POINT ATLANTIC OYSTERS, ISLAND CREEK OYSTERS, WELLFLEET OYSTERS, AUNT DOTTY OYSTERS, CAPITAL OYSTERS. ABOVE NOTED WITH DIFFERENT HARVEST DATES, LOTS, ETC. INSTD TO STORE EACH SPECIES WITH DIFFERENT HARVEST DATES, LOTS, ETC SEPARATELY. ALL PRODUCT DISCARDED AND DENATURED. APPROX 30LBS. $ 800 VALUE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005B2 CRITICAL.
EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTD TO CORRECT SAME.
STOCK ON FLOOR. INSTD TO ELEVATE SAME.
MAR 252015PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
PAINT WOODEN SHELVES IN WAIT STATION AREA IN NORTH SECTION OF DINING ROOM.
CLEAN THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF LARGE ICE MACHINE IN FOOD PREP AREA, SINKS BEHIND THE BAR, AND DUST BUILD-UP ON FANS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER.
CLEAN FLOORS ALONG THE BASES OF THE WALLS AND IN CORNERS WHERE NEEDED.
ALL STOCK AND ARTICLES STORED IN 2ND FLOOR STORAGE AREA MUST BE ELEVATED 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR. ELIMINATE CLUTTER IN MOP CLOSET, SINK MUST BE ACCESSIB LE FOR USE.
ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING OPEN FOODS MUST WEAR HAIR AND/OR BEARD RESTRAINTS WHERE APPLICABLE.
DEC 112014PASS W/ CONDITIONS1 violationDETAILS
NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED. ALSO NO PROOF OF CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED & SERVED. MUST PROVIDE. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
SEP 122014PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
INVERT STORED DISHES WHERE NECESSARY TO PROTECT FROM THE ELEMENTS.
REMOVE EXCESS WATER ON FLOOR IN DISHWASHING AREA.
CLEAN VENT COVER AT CEILING ABOVE WALK-IN COOLER, AND IN EMPLOYEES WASHROOM OF DUST BUILD-UP.
DEC 102013PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
REMOVE DUST FROM FAN COVERS IN WALK-IN COOLERS. CLEAN EXTERIOR SURFACE OF DISHMACHINE TO REMOVE LIME BUILD UP.
REMOVE STANDING WATER FROM FLOOR UNDER BAR. KEEP AREA DRY.
CLEAN WALL BEHIND DISHMACHINE TO REMOVE BUILD UP FROM MOISTURE.
MAY 92013PASSED1 violationDETAILS
MUST CLEAN WALLS AND CEILING AT BAR AREA TO REMOVE DUST AND DEBRIS.
SEP 82011PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
THE ICE CREAM AND OTHER MULTI-USE UTENSILS NEED TO BE STORED IN A DIPPING WELL IN BETWEEN USE, NOT IN STANDING LIQUIDS.
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. THE BACK OF THE MEAT SLICER BLADE IS DIRTY. THE DISH MACHINE HOOD DUCT IS FULL OF DUST. THE ICE MACHINE HAS SOME SURFACE RUST ON THE DOOR AREA; WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE ALL OF THE FOOD DISPENSING UTENSILS AND EQUIPMENT UNTIL IT IS CLEAN, SANITARY AND MAINTAINED ON A DAILY BASIS.
The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. THE WALLS IN THE KITCHEN ARE DIRTY, SCRUB THE WALLS UNTIL THEY ARE CLEAN AND SANITARY IN APPEARANCE. REMOVE THE DIRTY STRING FROM THE KITCHEN CEILING.
SEP 72010PASSED1 violationDETAILS
All employees shall be required to use effective hair restraints to confine hair.
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 →