THE WOODLAWN.

Chicago Health Dept

7857 S WOODLAWN AVE · CHATHAM, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (May 2025), 1 critical violation noted.

9 inspections on record since 2018 · Last inspected May 2025.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

MAY 2025

INSPECTION HISTORY

MAY 9

2025

PASS 5 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND WASHING SINKS IN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHNG SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED RAW WOOD SHELVING AND SURFACES IN BOTH PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL RAW WOOD SURFACES TO MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN EAST PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED CEILING NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED MISSING OUTLET COVERS ALONG WALLS IN PREP AND DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED FOOD SPILLS AND SPLATTER ON WALLS IN PREP AREA, DUST, DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOORS IN PREP AREA, AND IN CEILING OF BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

NOV 2

2023

PASS 5 violations

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES IN THE TOILET ROOMS AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED THE WALLS IN THE KITCHEN NOT FINISHED(DRY WALL) AND AT THE REAR DOOR WAY IN THE KITCHEN ALSO NOT FINISHED. MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOORS ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS IN THE KITCHEN AND IN THE BASEMENT TO REMOVE SPILLS,DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE.

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

INSTRUCTED THE PIC TO COMPLY WITH THE IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN THE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CITY SANITATION CERTIFICATE HOLDLERS.

JUL 23

2021

PASS 6 violations

Serious Sanitation

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

OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD AT THE COLD PREP STATION BADLY STAINED. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE EVERY TWO HOURS UNTIL CUTTING BOARD IS REPLACED.

Serious Sanitation

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

OBSERVED A POTATO CUTTER FRAMED WITH RAW WOOD EXPOSED. INSTRUCTED TO PAINT OR STAIN TO MAKE EASY TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES IN THE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Serious Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED BUILD UP OF DUST AND OIL ON THE HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE FOOD CONTAMINATION. Edit Delete

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR FOOD SERVICE WORKERS. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE COPY ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRANING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE ON SITE.

JUL 16

2021

FAIL 15 violations 3 CRITICAL

Critical Other

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO SUPPLIES ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS THAT MAY HAPPEN IN THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ONSITE DURING INSPECTION WITH EVIDENCE OF PEST THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ON SITE AND HAVE ACCESIBLE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C)

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST AND INSECT ACTIVITY. APPROX 20 DROPPINGS INSIDE AND UNDER THE DEEP FRYERS. ANOTHER 15 DROPPINGS NEAR THE WALL OF THE TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR JUST LEFT OF THE DEEP FYERS AND ANOTHER 10 DROPPINGS ALONG THE WALL NEAR THE WOODLAWN STREET SIDE. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL TO HAVE SERVICE AND PROOF OF SERVICE BEFORE RETURN DATE. CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020 (A) PRIORITY FOUNDATION.

Serious Sanitation

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

OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD AT THE COLD PREP STATION BADLY STAINED. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE EVERY TWO HOURS UNTIL CUTTING BOARD IS REPLACED.

Serious Sanitation

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

OBSERVED A POTATO CUTTER FRAMED WITH RAW WOOD EXPOSED. INSTRUCTED TO PAINT OR STAIN TO MAKE EASY TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP ON THE INSIDE OF THE REFRIGERATION UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED COLD WATER TURNED OFF AT THE VALVE, WHEN TURNED ON ACCESSIVE LEAKING FROM DRAIN PIPES. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C) PRIORITY

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES IN THE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Serious Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF DIRT,FOOD DEBRIS AND OIL ON FLOORS, WALLS AND UNDER EQUIPMENT IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED WALL IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA NEAR TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR WITH MISSING DRY WALL COVERING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN THE FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Serious Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED BUILD UP OF DUST AND OIL ON THE HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE FOOD CONTAMINATION.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR FOOD SERVICE WORKERS. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE COPY ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRANING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE ON SITE.

Minor Sanitation

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT 2463996 NOT CORRECTED. 6-201.11 C 03/11/2021 FOUND BASEMENT USED AS STORAGE AND IS NOT FINISHED. OBSERVED CEMENT/BRICK WALLS AND A WOOD UNSEALED CEILING IN SAID AREA. OBSERVED FOOD (PACKAGED PASTA ETC.) AND SINGLE SERVICE UTENSILS STORED IN SAID AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE FLOORS WALLS AND CEILINGS IN ALL STORAGE AREAS.

DEC 21

2020

PASS 1 violation

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FOUND BASEMENT USED AS STORAGE AND IS NOT FINISHED. OBSERVED CEMENT/BRICK WALLS AND A WOOD UNSEALED CEILING IN SAID AREA. OBSERVED FOOD (PACKAGED PASTA ETC.) AND SINGLE SERVICE UTENSILS STORED IN SAID AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE FLOORS WALLS AND CEILINGS IN ALL STORAGE AREAS.

show all 9 inspections →

DEC 11

2020

FAIL 4 violations 3 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

FOUND NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

FOUND 10 FLIES IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. FOUND 10 - 15 MOUSE DROPPINGS IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA BEHIND BLACK STORAGE RACK UNDER FOOD PREPARATION TABLE NEXT TO FOOD PREPARATION COOLER. THE PREMISES MUST BE MAINTAINED FREE FROM RODENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE, CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN SAID AREAS. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Food Temperature

HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE

FOUND NO HOT WATER ON SITE. FOUND WATER TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 89F - 91F LOCATED AT: 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, ALL HAND WASHING SINKS, AND UTILITY SINK. HOT WATER GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS SHALL BE SUFFICIENT TO MEET THE PEAK HOT WATER DEMANDS THROUGHOUT THE RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

DEC 18

2019

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED KITCHEN FLOOR TILES IN POOR REPAIR (CRACKED). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTIAN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

Minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED THE FILTER ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT DUSTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

OCT 26

2018

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 7 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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

OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012(A)

Critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP POLICY AVAILABLE FOR VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005

Minor Food Temperature

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR INTERNAL TEMPERATURES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED NO SHELVING FOR FOOD STORAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING. ALL FOOD SHALL BE STORED 6 INCHES ABOVE FLOOR.

Serious Employee Hygiene

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED OPENINGS IN WALLS AROUND PIPE FITTINGS UNDER HAND WASHING SINKS IN PREP AND WASHROOM AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND PIPE FITTINGS AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.

OCT 15

2018

FAIL 9 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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

OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012(A)

Critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP POLICY AVAILABLE FOR VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005

Minor Food Temperature

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

OBSERVED ONLY ONE REFRIGERATOR ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE REFRIGERATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005

Minor Food Temperature

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR INTERNAL TEMPERATURES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED NO SHELVING FOR FOOD STORAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING. ALL FOOD SHALL BE STORED 6 INCHES ABOVE FLOOR.

Minor Sanitation

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED SMALL 3-COMPARTMENT SINK INSTALLED IN PREP AREA. SINK COMPARTMENTS SHALL BE LARGE ENOUGH TO ACCOMMODATE IMMERSION OF LARGEST EQUIPMENT AND UTENSIL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025

Serious Employee Hygiene

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED OPENINGS IN WALLS AND CEILINGS AROUND DUCT EQUIPMENT AND OUTLETS IN PREP AREA, AROUND PIPE FITTINGS UNDER HAND WASHING SINKS IN PREP AND WASHROOM AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OPENINGS IN WALLS AND CEILINGS, AROUND PIPE FITTINGS, ELECTRICAL OUTLETS, ETC AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.

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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