SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

TRUE FOOD KITCHEN.

BEAT. 40/100

1-9 W ERIE ST · RIVER NORTH, CHICAGO

Last inspected July 16, 2025 · passed

Failed 3 of 11 inspections. 6 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
11
8 passed · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
30
includes 6 critical
RECORDS COVER
7 YEARS
since Feb 2018

INSPECTION HISTORY

JUL 16
2025
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

4-602.11(B-E)--OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ENCRUSTED ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.MUST REMOVE DEBRIS, DETAIL CLEAN INSIDE ICE MACHINE/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE AT ALL TIMES.

JUL 8
2025
FAILED
11 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID DOCUMENTATION ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS (CHICKEN,HUMMUS ETC.) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED TO CUSTOMERS.INSTRUCTED PERSON-IN-CHARGE THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON THE PREMISES AT ALL TIMES WHEN (TCS FOODS)ARE PREPARED,HANDLED,AND/OR SERVED.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY AND POST ORIGINAL CERTIFICATES AS REQUIRED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012,CITATION ISSUED.

SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ENCRUSTED ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.MUST REMOVE DEBRIS, DETAIL CLEAN INSIDE ICE MACHINE/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE AT ALL TIMES.

MINORChemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR WITHOUT A LABEL. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES.APPROXIMATELY 30 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS OBSERVED ON THE WALLS AND CEILING TILES IN THE REAR DISHWASHING ROOM AND IN THE UTILITY MOP SINK AREA.ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED.

MINORSanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.

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

OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE MAIN FRONT PREP AREAS.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND TO MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE DISHMACHINE WITH DRIED UP DEBRIS AND TO MAINTAIN.

MINORPest Activity
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE REAR STORAGE ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE STOCK ITEMS, AT LEAST 6" INCHES OFF THE FLOOR TO FACILITATE CLEANING AND TO MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS OF THE DISHWASHING ROOM AND REAR STORAGE ROOM AND UTILITY MOP SINK AREA INCLUDING ALL FLOOR DRAINS IN BAR AREAS AND TO MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN CEILING VENTILATION COVERS INSIDE THE WASHROOMS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF DUSTS AND TO MAINTAIN.

MINORFacility Condition
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2597228 DATED:07/09/2024 #44---4-904.13: OBSERVED EXPOSED PRESET KNIFE AND FORK ON TABLES IN INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DINING AREAS.INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL PRESET TABLEWARE SHALL BE PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION BY BEING WRAPPED, COVERED OR INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH NOTED VIOLATION AND TO MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090, CITATION ISSUED.

JUL 9
2024
PASSED
3 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

6-202.15: OBSERVED OPENING IN MIDDLE OF FRONT ENTRANCE OUTER DOUBLE DOORS AND OPENING ON LEFT CORNER AT BASE OF GARAGE LIKE DOOR IN DUMPSTER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.

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

4-903.12: OBSERVED CONDENSATION FROM CEILING DRIPPING ONTO CLEAN EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS ON SHELVES ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISH ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS IN SAID AREA TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION DURING STORAGE.

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

4-904.13: OBSERVED EXPOSED PRESET KNIFE AND FORK ON TABLES IN INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL PRESET TABLEWARE SHALL BE PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION BY BEING WRAPPED, COVERED OR INVERTED.

JUL 1
2024
FAILED
5 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
SERIOUSFood Temperature
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

OBSERVED COLD TCS FOOD, ROASTED CORN, HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 50.9F . INSTRUCTED ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD VALUED AT $5 WEIGHING 1.4LBS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

SERIOUSOther
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE ON MENU STATING ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK ARE SERVED RAW, UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER . INSTRUCTED TO ADD DISCLOSURE STATING THAT ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK ARE SERVED RAW, UNDERCOOKED, OR COOKED TO ORDER TO MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED OPENING IN MIDDLE OF FRONT ENTRANCE OUTER DOUBLE DOORS AND OPENING ON LEFT CORNER AT BASE OF GARAGE LIKE DOOR IN DUMPSTER AREA INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.

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

OBSERVED CONDENSATION FROM CEILING DRIPPING ONTO CLEAN EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS ON SHELVES ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISH ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS IN SAID AREA TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION DURING STORAGE.

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

OBSERVED EXPOSED PRESET KNIFE AND FORK ON TABLES IN INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL PRESET TABLEWARE SHALL BE PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION BY BEING WRAPPED, COVERED OR INVERTED.

DEC 14
2023
PASSED
0 violations
show all 11 inspections →
DEC 12
2023
FAILED
3 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

No certified food service manager on site, no certificate posted while handling and serving TCS foods ( chicken, fish...) instructed to obtain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012.

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

No hot running water at men's toilet room hand wash sinks, 56f. Instructed to provide 100-120f water temp range at all hand wash sinks. Priority violation 7-38-030(C)

SERIOUSOther
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

No heat strips/ dish machine thermometer for high temps dish machine, instructed to obtain, Priority foundation violation 7-38-005. No citation issued.

NOV 30
2022
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED LOCK IS BROKEN ON FAMILY RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

SERIOUSFood Temperature
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED SLIGHT LEAK COMING FROM HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

MAY 25
2021
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

FOUND LEAKY FAUCET BASE ON MULTIPLE SINKS (3-COMP), INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED BURNED OUT LIGHT IN HOOD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

JAN 24
2020
PASSED
0 violations
JAN 18
2019
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINOREmployee Hygiene
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

FOOD HANDLERS WITH LONG BEARD NOT WEARING BEARD RESTRAINTS, INSTRUCTED TO WEAR.

FEB 20
2018
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED CLEAN DISHES STORED DIRECTLY NEXT TO THE BAR HAND SINK WITHOUT PROPER SPLASH GUARD IN PLACE. ALSO OBSERVED FOOD PREP SINK DIRECTLY NEXT TO HAND SINK IN WALK IN COOLER WITHOUT PROPER SPLASH GUARD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SPLASH GUARDS AT THESE HAND SINKS TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF CLEAN DISHWARE STORAGE AND FOOD PREP ACTIVITIES.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED HOOD ABOVE DISH MACHINE WITH SOME AIR FLOW ISSUES: THE LEFT SIDE VENT IS NOT PULLING AIR OUT AS HARD AS IT SHOULD (RIGHT SIDE FUNCTIONING REGULARLY). INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR HOOD SO THAT AIR IS EXHAUSTED PROPERLY.

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 →

NEARBY IN RIVER NORTH