WHITE CASTLE #21.
3132 N HARLEM AVE · PORTAGE PARK, CHICAGO
Failed 5 of 21 inspections. 10 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
NOV 52025FAILED2 violationsDETAILS
6-201.11 NOTED EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT KITCHEN UNDER EQUIPMENT, BEHIND ICE MACHINE, UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, AND HANDSINKS. ALSO NOTED BROKEN FLOOR TILES. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND REPAIR ALL BROKEN FLOOR TILES
OBSERVED PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED WITHIN SPECIFIED TIME FRAME ON THE INSPECTION REPORT#2626135 DATED 10/27/2025: (54) 5-501.13 - OBSERVED OUTSIDE DUMPSTER WITH BROKEN LIDS INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN TO ENSURE TIGHT-FITTING LIDS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT THE VIOLATION SHALL NOW BE CLASSIFIED AS A PRIORITY ITEM DUE TO PREVIOUS NONCOMPLIANCE. MUST CORRECT BEFORE RE-INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED
OCT 272025FAILED2 violationsDETAILS
(54) 5-501.13 - OBSERVED OUTSIDE DUMPSTER WITH BROKEN LIDS INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN TO ENSURE TIGHT FITTING LIDS.
NOTED EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT KITCHEN UNDER EQUIPMENT,BEHIND ICE MACHINE, UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND HANDSINKS. ALSO NOTED BROKEN FLOOR TILES. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN, SANITIZE AND REPAIR ALL BROKEN FLOOR TILES
DEC 262024PASSED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED DAMAGED AUTOMATIC FAUCET WATER SENSOR IN RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
NOTED LITTER SURROUNDING DUMPSTERS OUTSIDE IN DUMPSTER ENCLOSURE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN REAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER AREA.
OBSERVED THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE FRYERS IN MAIN PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
show all 21 inspections →
DEC 42023FAILED2 violationsDETAILS
2-102.13--OBSERVED NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING COMPLETION FOR EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 11-20-2023, REPORT #2585451. #10-OBSERVED WATER TEMPERATURE AT HAND WASHING SINK IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM AT 145F. WATER TEMPERATURE AT HAND WASHING SINK IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM FOUND AT 149F. BOTH ARE AUTOMATIC HAND SINKS. A HANDWASHING SINK shall have maximum hot water temperature of 49°C (120°F) through a mixing valve or combination faucet. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
NOV 202023FAILED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED WATER TEMPERATURE AT HAND WASHING SINK IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM AT 145F. WATER TEMPERATURE AT HAND WASHING SINK IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM FOUND AT 149F. BOTH ARE AUTOMATIC HAND SINKS. A HANDWASHING SINK shall have maximum hot water temperature of 49°C (120°F) through a mixing valve or combination faucet. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN LITTER ON GROUND SURROUNDING OUTDOOR DUMPSTER AREA.
OBSERVED NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING COMPLETION FOR EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 8/11/2021, REPORT #2523885. #47-4-501.11--OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 3 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER(MIDDLE DOOR). INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET. #55-6-201.17--INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN HALLWAY LEADING TO WASHROOMS. #55-6-501.12--OBSERVED DIRTY FLOORS WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD UP UNDERNEATH THE FRYERS.MUST CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
AUG 112021PASSED7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
6-301.14-- INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS (3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA).
4-501.11--OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 3 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER(MIDDLE DOOR). INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.
6-201.17--INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN CUSTOMER DINING AREA AND HALLWAY LEADING TO WASHROOMS.
6-501.12--OBSERVED DIRTY FLOORS WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD UP UNDERNEATH THE FRYERS.MUST CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
6-201.13--OBSERVED LOOSE COVING TILES BEHIND THE ICE MACHINE.MUST REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
4-202.18--INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS ABOVE THE FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD UP.
6-202.11--INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD FOR LIGHT FIXTURE AT REAR ABOVE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.
AUG 42021FAILED10 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS (3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA).
OBSERVED GAP OPENING APPROX:1/4" AT BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER OF REAR EXIT DOOR.MUST PEST PROOF SAID DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE WALLS AND CEILING OF THE FOOD PREP AREA AND REAR DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A),CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 3 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER(MIDDLE DOOR). INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.
OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THE FAR LEFT COMPARTMENT OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN CUSTOMER DINING AREA AND HALLWAY LEADING TO WASHROOMS.
OBSERVED DIRTY FLOORS WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD UP UNDERNEATH THE FRYERS.MUST CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED LOOSE COVING TILES BEHIND THE ICE MACHINE.MUST REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD FOR LIGHT FIXTURE AT REAR ABOVE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS ABOVE THE FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD UP.
JUN 112020PASS W/ CONDITIONS8 violationsDETAILS
FOUND TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE INSIDE REACH-IN COOLER (AIR TEMPERATURE OF 46.8F). NOTED SLICED CHEESE INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF 48.7F/47.5F/46.4F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER, TCS FOODS MUST MAINTAIN COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41.0F OR BELOW AND HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF ABOVE 135.OF. MANAGER DISCARDED THE SAID FOOD PRODUCTS. TOTAL VALUE $100.00, TOTAL WEIGHT 15 LBS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
FOUND REACH-IN COOLER WITH TCS FOODS NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE (AIR TEMPERATURE OF 46.8F). INSTRUCTED MANAGER COOLERS WITH TCS FOODS MUST MAINTAIN COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41.0F. INSTRUCTED TO FIX. ALSO NOTED UNABLE TO CLOSE THE DOOR PROPERLY DUE TO BROKEN RUBBER GASKET. MUST REPAIR. REACH-IN COOLER IS TAGGED "HELD FOR INSPECTION". INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED. SEE COMMENTS BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING KITCHEN HOOD FILTERS ABOVE FRYER AND GRILL.
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN COUNTER TOP BEHIND HEATING EQUIPMENT WITH GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS.
INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR HEAVY LEAKY FAUCET NECK AT ONE COMPARTMENT SINK (NEXT TO HAND SINK) IN PREP/COOKING AREA.
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN REAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER AREA. NOTED SOME LITTER ON GROUND.
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS, UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION.
AUG 62019PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE/KIT ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE CLEAN UP PROCEDURE/KIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK ACCESSIBLE AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INSTALL AN EXPOSED HAND SINK AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(c) NO CITATION ISSUED
OBSERVED GASKETS AT ALL COOLER DOORS WEARING AWAY.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE GASKETS AT ALL COOLER DOORS. CORE VIOLATION
INTERIOR OF THREE DOOR REACH IN COOLER HAS FOOD PARTICULATES AT BASE OF UNIT.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN INTERIOR OF THREE DOOR REACH IN COOLER.
OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICES AT MOP SINK AND ICE MAKER.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INSTALL BACK FLOW DEVICES AT ICE MAKER AND MOP SINK. CORE VIOLATION
OBSERVED HOLES IN CEILING PANELS AT REAR .INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR OR REPLACE CEILING PANELS. CORE VIOLATION
OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHT BULBS AT REAR OF RESTAURANT.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE LIGHT BULBS. CORE VIOLATION
SEP 232016PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
TOPS AND SIDES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AND INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE DOOR NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DAILY,
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ALONG WALLS, UNDER AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT PREP AND STORAGE AREAS,
LOW WATER PRESSURE AT FAUCET OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR,
CLUTTER OUTSIDE STORAGE AREA, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND BETTER ORGANIZE, PROVIDE SHELVING TO BETTER STORE WANTED ITEMS,
DEC 282015PASSED1 violationDETAILS
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD OR SHATTERPROOF LIGHT BULB INSIDE HOT HOLDING (FRIES) UNIT IN PREP AREA.
DEC 102015PASSED1 violationDETAILS
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD OR SHATTERPROOF LIGHT BULB INSIDE HOT HOLDING (FRIES) UNIT IN PREP AREA.
NOV 202015PASS W/ CONDITIONS8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
FOUND FACILITIES (BREAKFAST PREP COOLER) WITH POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 53.6F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER, COOLER WITH POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MUST MAINTAIN COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR BELOW. ALL EQUIPMENT THAT HOLDS HOT/COLD FOODS MUST BE MAINTAINED AT THE APPROPRIATE TEMPERATURES TO MAKE SURE FOOD IS KEPT AT SAFE TEMPERATURES. THE SAID COOLER WAS TAGGED "HELD FOR INSPECTION". INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005 (A)
FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS DURING STORAGE INSIDE BREAKFAST PREP COOLER. NOTED BREAKFAST SAUSAGE INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF 52.5F AND RAW EGGS INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF 50.4F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER, POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MUST MAINTAIN COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR BELOW AND HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 140F OR ABOVE. MANAGER DISCARDED BREAKFAST SAUSAGE AND RAW EGGS. APPROXIMATE TOTAL AMOUNT OF 8 LBS AND APPROXIMATE TOTAL VALUE OF $70.00. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005 (A).
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, COOLERS AND FREEZERS WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS, STORAGE AND PREP SHELVES THROUGHOUT, BEVERAGE COUNTER IN DINING AREA.
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT PREP AND STORAGE AREA.-------MUST RESEAL UNSEALED BASEBOARD TILES WITH GAP/OPENING BEHIND ICE MACHINE.
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALLS WITH DRIED FOOD SPILLAGE AROUND PREP AREA.
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD OR SHATTERPROOF LIGHT BULB INSIDE HOT HOLDING UNIT IN PREP AREA.
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
NO EMPLOYEE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
OCT 32014PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
Found some food items not properly dated in coolers, must properly date food items in coolers.
Caulk around sink in state of disrepair, shall be repaired/replaced.
FEB 252014PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
Gasket at (1) door cooler near front grill(loose).Instructed to repair gasket.
Hood/filters above grill not cleaned.Instructed to clean and remove grease build up and maintain.
Floors along walls and in all corners in need for further cleaning and repair coving(loose) along baseboards throughout.
Provide hair restraints for all food handlers when working around open foods.
JUN 272013PASSED6 violationsDETAILS
Found some food items not dated/labeled in reach in coolers, must date and label food items in reach in coolers.
Reach in cooler shelving/racks that had peeling paint/rust, shall be repaired/replaced. Reach in coolers door gaskets that were in state of disrepair, shall be replaced/repaired.
Non food contact surfaces of cooler shelving/racks not clean, need cleaning(detailed).
Floors under heavy equipment, cooking equipment not clean, need detailed cleaning(had excess grease build up).
Ceiling tiles in kitchen prep area, rear kitchen area not clean, need cleaning.
Exhaust vents(ventilation) in kitchen prep area, rear kitchen areas, and bathrooms not clean, need detailed cleaning.
APR 242012PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. INTERIOR PANEL OF THE SODA MACHINE UNCLEAN MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. FLOORS AT THE REAR AREA,BOILER,MOPSINK,CORNER OF 3 DOOR COOLER UNCLEAN MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. BASE WALLS AROUND MOPSINK,ENTRANCE DOOR TO PREP AREA ,UNDER HAND SINK IN BAD REPAIR ,INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE/APPLY SEALANT
Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. 2 BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD IN DISH AREA AND PREP AREA MUST BE REPLACED;UNCLEAN LIGHT FIXTURES IN FRONT PREP MUST BE CLEANED AND MAINTAINED
JUN 242011PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
Ice build-up inside reach-in freezer. Instructed to remove ice build-up from unit.
Interior deep fryer cabinets not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize.
Floor behind equipment and under deep fryers not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily.
Stock stored on floor in rear. Instructed to elevate supplies 6 inches or higher off floor and away from wall.
JUL 202010PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. INTERIOR OF 1 PREP COOLER NEAR CASHIER UNCLEAN-AIR FAN,WALLS -INSTRUCTED TO KEEP CLEAN ALL THE TIME
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. FLOOR BEHIND ICE MACHINE,WALKIN FREEZER,FLOOR DRAINS MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. CEILING TILES ABOVE 1 COMPARTMENT SINK UNCLEAN,MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
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 →