SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

WILLIE LILL'S.

BEAT. 48/100

433 W DIVERSEY PKWY · LINCOLN PARK, CHICAGO

Last inspected February 24, 2026 · passed

Failed 3 of 8 inspections. 9 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
8
4 passed · 1 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
46
includes 9 critical
RECORDS COVER
3 YEARS
since Feb 2023

INSPECTION HISTORY

FEB 24
2026
PASSED
7 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
MINORChemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

BULK FOOD MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

NOTED THE REAR EXIT DOOR WITH AN OPEN 1 INCH GAP ON THE BOTTOM THRESHOLD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL ON THE DOOR.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE 2ND FLOOR STORAGE AREAS MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.

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

MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER INSIDE THE WAFFLE FRY BOX FREEZER.

MINORPest Activity
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

NOTED PILED WOODEN 2X4"S ON THE REAR PATIO GARBAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FLOORS UNDER THE DISH MACHINE, THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, WALK-IN FREEZER WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. MANAGER CLEANED DURING THE INSPECTION.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

NO CURRENT VALID CERTIFICATES FOR SEVERAL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

SEP 30
2025
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
1 violation1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED ESTABLISHMENT PROVIDING FOOD FROM THEIR KITCHEN FOR LIVE DOGS ON THEIR WEBSITE. FOOD SUCH AS CHICKEN BREAST, CARROTS, HAMBURGER PATTY AND WHIPPED CREAM. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DOG MENU FROM WEBSITE. INSTRUCTED STAFF CANNOT PREPARE OR SERVE FOOD TO LIVE ANIMALS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-40-060. OPERATOR REMOVED DOG MENU FROM WEBSITE DURING INSPECTION.

SEP 25
2024
PASSED
6 violations
DETAILS
MINORChemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

3-302.12//NOTED WET AND DRY BULK INGREDIENTS AT COOKS LINE AND PREP STATION WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS OF COMMON NAME AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

3-304.14//NOTED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD.

SERIOUSSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

4-601.11(C)//NOTED COMPARTMENTS UNDER ALL KITCHEN FRYERS WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

SERIOUSSanitation
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

5-501.116//NOTED TOP OF GREASE RECEPTACLE AND THE GROUND UNDERNEATH ALL RECEPTACLES IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

SERIOUSSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-201.11//NOTED FLOORS IN DISHROOM, IN KITCHEN AT COOKS LINE AND IN DRY STORAGE/ ICE MACHINE ROOM NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

2-102.13//NOTED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.

SEP 17
2024
FAILED
12 violations3 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED HANDSINK AT BAR AND IN DISHROOM NOT STOCKED WITH HAND SOAP. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT HAND SOAP MUST BE AVAILABLE AT ALL HANDSINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

NOTED NO HANDWASH SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDWASH SINKS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

CRITICALFood Storage & Handling
FOOD IN GOOD CONDITION, SAFE, & UNADULTERATED

NOTED TWO DEAD MOSQUITOS ON ROTTING TOMATOES IN FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER AT COOKS LINE COLD-HOLDING UNIT. PERSON IN CHARGE DISCARDED AND DENATURED PRODUCT. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-40-050(A) CITATION ISSUED

SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED KITCHEN ICE MACHINE WITH A BUILD-UP OF BLACK AND PINK SLIME SUBSTANCE, DRIPPING ONTO ICE CUBES STORED AT BELOW ICE BIN. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED

SERIOUSFood Temperature
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

OBSERVED IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOODS SLICED CHEESE 44.0 F, SLICED TOMATOES 48.8 F, SHREDDED LETTUCE 48.7 F, MAYO 48 F, COOKED PASTA 56.9, IN COOKS LINE COLD-HOLDING UNIT AND COOKED SHREDDED CHICKEN AT 53.3 IN WALK-IN COOLER. AT APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS VALUED $500 DISCARDED AND DENATURED BY THE PERSON IN CHARGE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

SERIOUSOther
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE DIGITAL MENUS POSTED AT ALL TABLES FOR ALL ANIMAL FOOD PRODUCTS THAT CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS (EGGS ANY STYLE, STEAK, BEEF BURGERS, ETC.) THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW AND ADD A REMINDER ON THE MENU THAT READS: THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. CONSUMING UNDERCOOKED OR RAW FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS. (REFER TO CDPH CONSUMER ADVISORY HANDOUT) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED."

MINORChemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

NOTED WET AND DRY BULK INGREDIENTS AT COOKS LINE AND PREP STATION WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS OF COMMON NAME AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

NOTED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD.

SERIOUSSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

NOTED COMPARTMENTS UNDER ALL KITCHEN FRYERS WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

SERIOUSSanitation
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

NOTED TOP OF GREASE RECEPTACLE AND THE GROUND UNDERNEATH ALL RECEPTACLES IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

SERIOUSSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

NOTED FLOORS IN DISHROOM, IN KITCHEN AT COOKS LINE AND IN DRY STORAGE/ ICE MACHINE ROOM NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

NOTED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.

SEP 22
2023
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-205.15--- THE SODA GUN HOLDER AT THE SOUTH END OF THE BAR IS NOT CONNECTED TO A DRAINAGE LINE. MUST PROVIDE DRAINAGE TO A FLOOR DRAIN.

show all 8 inspections →
SEP 15
2023
FAILED
16 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES OR SUCH A PERSON ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.

SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

UPPER PLASTIC SHOOT INSIDE BOTH THE ICE MACHINES IN NEED OF CLEANING. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORChemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

ALL BULK FOODS NOT STORED IN THEIR ORIGINAL CONTAINERS: SALT ETC. MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.

MINOREmployee Hygiene
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

COOK NOTED WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL FOOD PREPARERS.

MINORSanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

WIPING CLOTHS THROUGHOUT ALL PREP AREAS MUST BE HELD IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.

MINORSanitation
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

ICE SCOOP AT THE ICE MACHINE MUST BE HELD IN A CLEAN CONTAINER. NOT ON TOP OF THE MACHINE.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES, IN HALLWAYS, PREP AREAS, UNDER THE STAIRWELL, AND UPSTAIRS STORAGE MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.

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

MUST PROVIDE LIDS FOR ALL BAR ICE BINS.

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

MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS. FLOORS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR CLEANING AND MONITORING.

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

NO QUATERNARY CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON PREMISES FOR THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK SANITIZER BEING USED. ALSO, CHLORINE TEST PAPERS ON SITE WITHOUT THE INDICATOR LEVEL GUIDE. MUST PROVIDE BOTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

THE SODA GUN HOLDER AT THE SOUTH END OF THE BAR IS NOT CONNECTED TO A DRAINAGE LINE. MUST PROVIDE DRAINAGE TO A FLOOR DRAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FLOORS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS WITH DEBRIS, FOOD, AND GREASE ACCUMULATION: UNDER THE DISH MACHINE, UNDER COOKS LINE PREP TABLES, COOKING EQUIPMENT AND COOLERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORPest Activity
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES THROUGHOUT THE 2ND FLOOR STORAGE MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES AND ALL OTHER NEED ITEMS STORED ELEVATED AND ORGANIZED TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

NOTED EMPLOYEE HANDBAG BEING STORED IN THE HALLWAY TO THE KITCHEN WITH FOOD CONTACT ITEMS MUST PROVIDE A DESIGNATED EMPLOYEE PERSONAL STORAGE AREA AWAY FROM FOODS AND FOOD CONTACT ITEMS.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.

FEB 22
2023
PASSED
0 violations
FEB 21
2023
FAILED
3 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

NO HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MUST INSTALL A HAND WASHING SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER THAT PROPERLY DRAINS. SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK OR REQUIRED SERVICE/DOCUMENTATION ON THE PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

SERIOUSEmployee Hygiene
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

NOTED ROUGH, RAW WOOD BEHIND BAR WHERE DRINKS ARE PREPARED/SERVED. ALSO AT THE HAND WASHING STATIONS IN THE WASHROOMS.----WALL AT THE NORTH SIDE OF THE BAR WITH OPEN/UNSEALED PLASTER. MUST SEAL TO BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT.

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 →

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