VEGETARIAN EXPRESS, INC..

Chicago Health Dept

3109 N HALSTED ST · LAKEVIEW, CHICAGO

Last inspected 2019.

12 inspections on record since 2011 · Last inspected Mar 2019.

Last inspected Mar 2019. Records may not reflect current conditions.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

MAR 2019

INSPECTION HISTORY

MAR 11

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 13 violations 4 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED (EGGS, TAMALES, HAMBURGERS ETC ). INSTRUCTED TO HAVE THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-012.

Critical Documentation & Training

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

NOTED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION FOLLOWING THE NEW CODE AND GUIDELINES. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE VERIFICATION OF POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE ONE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY

Critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

MANAGEMENT UNABLE TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR CLEANING UP VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ONE INCLUDING THE CHEMICALS AND SUPPLIES NEEDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED

Critical Employee Hygiene

HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED

NOTED EMPLOYEE WITHOUT WASHING HANDS OR WEARING GLOVES PICK UP VEGETABLES AND OTHER FOOD ITEMS FROM THE SERVICE PREP COOLER AND PLACE IT ON A CUSTOMERS HAMBURGER BUN AND CONTINUED PREPARING FOOD STILL WITHOUT WASHING HANDS OR WEARING GLOVES. FINALLY THE EMPLOYEE CONTINUED TO WIPE THE PREP TABLE WITH WASH CLOTH THEN CONTINUED TO PREP STILL WITH OUT WEARING GLOVES. DISCUSSED WITH MANAGEMENT THE NO BARE HAND CONTACT POLICY WITH READY TO EAT FOODS. MUST WEAR GLOVES, USE SPOONS, TONGS ETC. PRIORITY VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010.

Serious Food Temperature

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

NOTED TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER AND REFRIGERATION UNITS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL READY TO EAT FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME AND USED BY DATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY

Serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

3-603.11 NOTED ESTABLISHMENT SERVING UNDERCOOKED FOOD ITEMS (EGGS) WITH NO CONSUMER ADVISORY, DISCLOSURE OR REMINDERS TO THE CUSTOMERS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU WITH A DISCLOSURE NOTICE AND REMINDER STATEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY.

Minor Sanitation

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

NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT AT THE KITCHEN PREP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE

Minor Sanitation

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

NOTED DIRT AND OLD FOOD PARTICLES INSIDE THE POTATO CUTTER ABOVE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO DISASSEMBLE, DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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

NOTED DEEP CUTS AND DIRT INSIDE THE CUTTING BOARD AT THE JUICE COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH SURFACE

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY UNDERNEATH THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND AT THE JUICE PREP AREA.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

NOTED DIRTY AND HEAVY DUSTY CEILING FANS AT THE REAR AND FRONT PREP AREAS. ALSO NOTED HEAVY STAINED CEILING TILES AT SAME. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

NOTED NO EMPLOYEES AT WORK WITH NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL EMPLOYEES ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES AND ONE MONTH (30 DAYS) GRACE PERIOD FOR NEW HIRES

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION

MAR 8

2018

PASS 3 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

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

FOUND BULK FOOD WITH NO LABELS. MUST PROVIDE.(FLOUR, CEREAL,ETC.)

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT MOP SINK FAUCET. MUST PROVIDE.

Minor Documentation & Training

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

FOUND FOODHANDLER AT PREMISES WITH NO FOODHANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE.

JUN 2

2017

PASS 3 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

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

MUST PROVIDE LABELS FOR BULK GOODS LIKE FLOUR, PANCAKE MIX, RICE, ETC.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED RAW WOOD FRAME BEING USED TO SUPPORT SHELVING ABOVE THE PREP TABLE. MUST PAINT OR SEAL. MUST NOT USE FOIL OR CARDBOARD AS A LINER FOR SHELVING OR CONTAINERS. MUST MAINTAIN ALL EQUIPMENT AND FOOD STORAGE SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH, NON-ABSORBENT AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST CLEAN MINERAL DEPOSITS AND FOOD DEBRIS FROM RESEVOIR OF STEAM TABLE. MUST CLEAN DUST AND OIL ACCUMULATING IN THE LOWER COMPARTMENT OF THE FRYER.

JUL 29

2016

PASS 5 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED TORN REFRIGERATION GASKET AT THE 2-DOOR REACH-IN COOLER. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS IN THE INTERIOR SURFACES OF UPRIGHT REFRIGERATOR LOCATED IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

OBSERVED GREASE AND DEBRIS ON WALL BEHIND MOP SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER NEEDED AT THE FRONT DISPLAY AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHES IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.

NOV 12

2015

PASS · 0 violations

show all 12 inspections →

NOV 4

2015

FAIL 7 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 AT THE REAR DISHWASH AREA AND AT THE FRONT FRESH JUICE AREA. APPROXIMATELY 40 LIVE FRUIT FLIES WERE OBSERVED ON THE WALLS, CEILING AND EQUIPMENT IN THESE AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.

Minor Chemical Safety

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

OBSERVED PACKAGED PREPARED FOODS FOR CUSTOMER "GRAB & GO" WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO LABEL EACH INDIVIDUAL ITEM WITH NAME, INGREDIENTS, NAME AND ADDRESS OF FACILITY WHERE PRODUCED, AND TO MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED TORN REFRIGERATION GASKETS ON THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER NEXT TO THE COOKING LINE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING USED AS SHELVING LINERS AND AS FLOOR LINERS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN SO ALL SURFACES ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

Minor Sanitation

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

DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SHELVINGS THROUGHOUT THE DISHWASHING AREAS,FAN COVERS INSIDE THE COOLERS,MANUAL POTATO PEELER,CUTTING BOARDS,

Minor Sanitation

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

FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES REQUIRE A DETAIL CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

OBSERVED DUST ACCUMULATION ON ON THE CEILING VENTS AND SURROUNDING AREAS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Other

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

OUT OF COMPLIANCE. INFORMATION GIVEN, INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY AND MAINTAIN.

AUG 10

2015

PASS 4 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

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

Minor Sanitation

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

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

OBSERVED DUST ACCUMULATION ON ON THE CEILING VENTS AND SURROUNDING AREAS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Other

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

OUT OF COMPLIANCE. INFORMATION GIVEN, INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY AND MAINTAIN.

OCT 1

2014

PASS 4 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

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

MUST LABEL AND DATE ALL PREPARED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE PREP COOLERS.

Minor Sanitation

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

DETAIL CLEAN VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT.REMOVE GREASE BUIL-UP. DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR PANELS OF ICE MACHINE IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. DETAIL CLEAN REAR FOOD STORAGE SHELVING. REMOVE DIRT.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

DETAIL CLEAN WALL IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA REMOVE DIRT AND DEBRIS. DETAIL CLEAN VENTILATION FANS, LIGHT SHIELDS AND CEILING IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF DUST

Minor Facility Condition

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

MUST PROVIDE VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER AT THE TWO DOOR PREP REFRIGERATOR.

JAN 15

2014

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

WATER DAMAGE CEILING TILES AT FRONT SELLING AREA. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE.

Minor Employee Hygiene

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

LEAKY FAUCET AT REAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR/MAINTAIN. REAR EXPOSED HANDWASH SINK IS DRAINING SLOW. MUST REPAIR/MAINTAIN.

FEB 28

2013

PASS 3 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

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

FOUND PACKAGED FOOD NOT LABELED INSIDE FRONT REACH IN COOLER.

Minor Sanitation

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

FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY.MUST STORE INVERTED.

Minor Sanitation

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

FOUND CLOTHES STORED ON FOOD SHELVING UNITS.

SEP 1

2011

PASS · 0 violations

AUG 29

2011

FAIL 4 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

All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines.OUTER OPENING NOT PROTECTED, INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OPENING AT THE TOP OF MAIN DOOR(1" OF GAP).SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-38-020. NO CITATION ISSUED NOT OPERATING.

Minor Sanitation

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.DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR OF DEEP FRYERS(GREASE BUILD-UP).CLEAN UNDER THE TABLE IN DISH ROOM.DETAIL CLEAN GREASE TRAP UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, AND PAINT IT. DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE.MUST PROVIDE A RECEIPT OR INVOICE OF PROFESSIONALLY CLEANED, EXCESS OF BLACK SLIME BUILD-UP.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. CLEAN WALL UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK(BOTTOM PART).SEAL WALL THROUGHOUT, INCLUDED THE WASHROOM.

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.PROVIDE UNTHREAD FAUCET AT MOP SINK, OR A BACK FLOW PREVENTER.

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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