JAN 3
2025
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
THE VIOLET HOUR.
YOUR CALL. 59/100
1520 N DAMEN AVE · WICKER PARK, CHICAGO
Last inspected January 3, 2025 · passed
12 of 15 inspections passed, 3 failed. 2 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
15
12 passed · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
49
includes 2 critical
RECORDS COVER
14 YEARS
since May 2010
INSPECTION HISTORY
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED SHELVING IN COOLER WITH RUSTING WITH CHIPPED PAINT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE SHELVING.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED SEVERAL AREAS OF FLOORING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND DISHWASHING AREA THAT ARE NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SEAL THE FLOOR SO IT IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. OBSERVED SECTIONS OF THE WALL AND CORNERS NEAR THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND ICE MACHINE THAT ARE IN DISREPAIR AND NOT SEALED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND SEAL ALL WALL SECTIONS IN DISREPAIR. VIOLATION PREVIOUSLY NOTED IN REPORT #2609470 DATED DECEMBER 19 2024
DEC 192024FAILED2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
DEC 19
2024
FAILED
2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED APPROX. 25 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS BEHIND THE BAR ON THE LIQUOR STORAGE SHELVES AND FLYING AROUND THE BAR AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED SEVERAL AREAS OF FLOORING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND DISHWASHING AREA THAT ARE NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SEAL THE FLOOR SO IT IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. OBSERVED SECTIONS OF THE WALL AND CORNERS NEAR THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND ICE MACHINE THAT ARE IN DISREPAIR AND NOT SEALED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND SEAL ALL WALL SECTIONS IN DISREPAIR.
JUL 312023FAILED7 violationsDETAILS
JUL 31
2023
FAILED
7 violationsDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED LEAK COMING FROM BOTTOM OF 2-DOOR COOLER USED TO STORE SYRUPS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED NO CHLORINE TEST STRIPS ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED LOOSE FAUCET AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED ON COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
OBSERVED OUTDOOR DUMPSTERS IN ALLEY OVERFLOWING WITH GARBAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN DUMPSTERS WITH TIGHT-FITTING LIDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED UNUSED CHEST FREEZER AT THE BAR AND SEVERAL PIECES OF UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR HALLWAY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM PREMISES.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED BUILD-UP OF DUST AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FILTERS OF HOOD OVER COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED 2 BURNT-OUT LIGHTBULBS IN THE REAR ABOVE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
OCT 112018PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
OCT 11
2018
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
3-305.12 OBSERVED BEVERAGES STORED UNDERNEATH SEWER LINES IN THE BASEMENT. MUST SHIELD THE LINES OR REMOVE THE BEVERAGES FROM THIS AREA.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.11 REPLACE THE CORNER WALL MOLDING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.12 CLEAN THE CEILING TILES IN THE BEVERAGE PREPARATION AREA.
show all 15 inspections →
JUN 262017PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
JUN 26
2017
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED RIPPED GASKETS AROUND THE DOORS OF THE 2-DOOR REACH-IN REFRIGERATOR TO THE LEFT OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT ACROSS FROM THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE GASKETS TO PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AROUND THE DOORS AT ALL TIMES.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE IS BEING HELD TOGETHER BY BLUE MASKING TAPE. INSTRUCRTED TO PERMANENTLY REPAIR THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE BOTTOM SHELF OF THE 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR AND THE GASKETS AROUND THE DOOR TO REMOVE LIQUID AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
OCT 42016PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
OCT 4
2016
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
WHITE CONTAINERS FOR DRY FOOD MUST BE LABELED(KITCHEN).ALSO ANY FOOD PRODUCTS OR NON-FOOD PRODUCTS REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL CONTAINER/PACKAGE MUST BE LABELED.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
SPLASH GUARD IS NEEDED AT EXPOSED HAND SINK BETWEEN THE EXPOSED HAND SINK AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND ICE BIN.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
GREASE INSIDE THE FLOOR DRAIN UNDER THE 10 BURNER STOVE ALSO GREASE ON FLOOR UNDER THE SAME UNIT.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. ITEMS NEEDED AND STORED ON FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT MUST BE ELEVATED 6"OFF THE FLOOR.
DEC 42015PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
DEC 4
2015
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
SMALL BOTTLES MUST BE REPLACED WITH A WIDER MOUTH OPENING TO PROPERLY WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
WALLS NEAR ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST AND SPLATTER BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
LIGHT SHEILDS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DEBRIS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
AUG 272014PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
AUG 27
2014
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
CLEAN FAN GUARDS IN REACH-IN COOLERS.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
CLEAN ALL FLOOR DRAINS.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.
APR 242013PASSED1 violationDETAILS
APR 24
2013
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
Exposed handsinks in bar area not protected. Instructed to install shield on sides of sink.
APR 162013FAILED8 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
APR 16
2013
FAILED
8 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
Evidence of rodent activity found on premises. Observed rat droppings in basement storage/mechanical room-approximately 30-50 on ground around hot water tank. Also, double rear exit door and front wooden door not rodent proofed. Instructed to rodent proof doors to prevent rodent and insect entry. Serious citation issued 7-38-020.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
Ice bins in bar area not covered. Instructed to provide cover for bins. Exposed handsinks in bar area not protected. Instructed to install shield on sides of sink.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
Interior ice machine bin, ventilation covers, storages shelves in prep area and cooking equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize daily.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
Floor along wallbase and under equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
Ceiling not maintained in basement or side hallway. Instructed to replace all missing or damaged drop ceiling panels. Walls along wallbase in side hallway, vestibule, bar area not maintained. Instructed to repair and/or replace and seal/repaint walls and ceiling.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
Exposed handsink slow draining in bar area. Instructed to repair to prevent slow drain.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
Thermometer not provided in bar coolers and not conspicuous inside prep coolers. Instructed to provide thermometers inside coolers and have all thermometers conspicuous inside.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
Unnecessary articles in basement and side hallway. Instructed to remove all unused articles and detail clean areas.
MAY 32011PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
MAY 3
2011
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
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 CLEAN INTERIOR SHELVES OF REACH-IN COOLER
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. MUST CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND ALL EQUIPMENT IN KITCHEN AREA
MAY 212010PASSED6 violationsDETAILS
MAY 21
2010
PASSED
6 violationsDETAILS
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
MUST LABEL AND DATE ALL COOKED FOODS IN WALK-IN-COOLER,BULK FOOD CONTAINERS TO IDENTIFY PRODUCTS STORED. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
GASKET AT CHEST FREEZER IS BROKEN-MUST REPAIR,PROVIDE MISSING ICE BINS BEHIND BAR ALSO SINK STOPPER MISSING SAME AREA.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
FLOORS IN KITCHEN NOT SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE,FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT REQUIRE DETAIL CLEANING.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
LIGHT BULBS IN WALK-IN-COOLER NOT SHIELDED
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
VENTILATION IN TOILET ROOMS,ABOVE HOT COOKING EQUIPMENTS NOT CLEAN. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
REMOVE ALL CLUTTER FROM PREMISES.
MAY 172010PASSED6 violationsDETAILS
MAY 17
2010
PASSED
6 violationsDETAILS
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.MUST LABEL AND DATE ALL COOKED FOODS IN WALK-IN-COOLER,BULK FOOD CONTAINERS TO IDENTIFY PRODUCTS STORED.
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.GASKET AT CHEST FREEZER IS BROKEN-MUST REPAIR,PROVIDE MISSING ICE BINS BEHIND BAR ALSO SINK STOPPER MISSING SAME AREA.
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.FLOORS IN KITCHEN NOT SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE,FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT REQUIRE DETAIL CLEANING.
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.LIGHT BULBS IN WALK-IN-COOLER NOT SHIELDED.
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.VENTILATION IN TOILET ROOMS,ABOVE HOT COOKING EQUIPMENTS NOT CLEAN.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors.REMOVE ALL CLUTTER FROM PREMISES.
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 →