Aquarius Club & Restaurant

No violations were recorded at this inspection.

1. Mar 17, 2025 No Entry

   Non-Inspection · No Entry

   No violations

2. Dec 31, 2024 No Entry

   Non-Inspection · No Entry

   No violations

3. Jun 29, 2023 Conditional

   Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

   4 general Show violations

   • GeneralFood handling

     In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

     Inspector’s note: Observed ice scoop stored directly in ice bin. Instructed to store ice scoops in clean container when not in use.

     Official wording (code 43)

     In-use utensils: properly stored

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no sink stoppers used for 3-compartment sink in kitchen. Must provide.

     Official wording (code 47)

     Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

     Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean particles off ground surrounding outside dumpster area.

     Official wording (code 54)

     Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

   • GeneralRepeat violation

     A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

     Inspector’s note: Previous core violation not corrected from 2/24/22, report #2552223. #58--unable to verify proof of allergen training. Instructed management that all city of chicago certified food managers must show proof of allergen training. Priority foundation violation. 7-42-090. Citation issued.

     Official wording (code 60)

     Previous core violation corrected

4. Feb 24, 2022 Conditional

   Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

   3 critical5 general3 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

     Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no handwashing soap at the dish, bar, and cooks line handwashing sinks. Instructed management all handwashing sinks must be equipped with hand cleaning liquid at all times. Instructed manager to provide. Priority foundation 7-38-030-(c). Citation issued.

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

     Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

     Inspector’s note: Found no paper towels at the handwashing sinks located in the womens washroom, the bar, and in the kitchen. Instructed management to provide. Priority foundation 7-38-030(c), consolidated with above citation.

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • CriticalFood temperature

     Prepared food wasn’t date-marked, or was kept past its discard date.

     Inspector’s note: Observed tcs foods (cooked rice and beans, chicken soup) held for over 24 hours with out discard dates. Instructed facility to provide discard date for any tcs foods held for over 24 hours. Priority foundation 7-38-005. Citation issued.

     Official wording (code 23)

     Proper date marking and disposition

   • GeneralFood temperature

     Frozen food was thawed the wrong way.

     Inspector’s note: Found fish, sour cream, and buttermilk thawing on a prep table at room temperature. Instructed management tcs foods must be thawed according to food code, such as under refrigeration that maintains 41f or below or under running water (70f or below).

     Official wording (code 35)

     Approved thawing methods used

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

     Inspector’s note: Found a leak coming from a pipe in the basement next to the 1- compartment sink. Must repair and maintain.

     Official wording (code 51)

     Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no covered receptacle (waste can with lid) inside the womens washroom. Instructed to provide covered waste receptacle for feminine hygiene products.

     Official wording (code 53)

     Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed unnecessary articles and clutter stored throughout the basement area. Must remove all equipment/articles that are unnecessary to the operation, detail clean area, and organize all remaining articles - storing them on shelving 6" off the floor to ensure adequate facility cleaning.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

     Inspector’s note: Instructed management to clean the dust build up on the ceiling vent cover in the mens washroom.

     Official wording (code 56)

     Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no city of chicago certified food manager on the premises nor valid, non-expired certificate posted while tcs foods (chicken) were being prepared and served. Instructed management that a city of chicago certified food manager must be present at all times while tcs foods are being prepared or served. Priority foundation 7-38-012. Citation issued.

     Official wording (code 2)

     City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Not all food employees had food-handler training.

     Inspector’s note: Found all food handler certificates on site expired. Management instructed that all employees must show a valid proof of training.

     Official wording (code 57)

     All food employees have food handler training

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: Unable to verify proof of allergen training. Instructed management that all city of chicago certified food managers must show proof of allergen training.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

5. Feb 1, 2019 Pass

   Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

   No violations

6. Jan 28, 2019 Fail

   Canvass Re-Inspection · Fail

   3 critical2 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalFood temperature

     Prepared food wasn’t date-marked, or was kept past its discard date.

     Inspector’s note: 3-501.17 observed ready-to-eat, tcs foods (salsas) not date marked to indicate the date in which the food must be consumed or discarded. Management instructed to date mark all ready-to-eat, tcs foods and use them within 7 days of preparation with the date of preparation counting as day 1. Priority foundation 7-38-005. No citation issued.

     Official wording (code 23)

     Proper date marking and disposition

   • CriticalFood handling

     No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.

     Inspector’s note: 3-603.11 observed no consumer advisory disclosure and reminder statement on the menu. Management instructed to disclose which foods can be ordered raw or undercooked and link those food items to a reminder statement which states that eating raw or undercooked foods can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Priority foundation 7-38-005. No citation issued.

     Official wording (code 25)

     Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food

   • CriticalRepeat violation

     A previously cited serious violation still wasn’t fixed.

     Inspector’s note: 8-404.13(b)(3) previous priority foundation violation #38 was not corrected from report #2252753 on 1/17/19: 38 - observed evidence of rodent activity on the premises. Observed approximately 60 mouse droppings in the basement on the floor next to the furnace, under and inside the cavity of the chest freezer and on the floor of the liquor storage room. Management instructed to clean and remove rodent droppings from all affected areas. Additional pest control service is needed to minimize or eliminate the pest activity. Priority 7-42-090. Citation issued.

     Official wording (code 59)

     Previous priority foundation violation corrected

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Repair the openings in the drywall in the kitchen and in the basement. Scrape and repaint the chipped paint on the ceiling of the kitchen.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Clean the floor throughout the basement.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: Pa 100-0367 observed the certified food manager without an allergen training certificate. Must show proof of training for all certified food managers.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

7. Jan 17, 2019 Fail

   Canvass · Fail

   4 critical5 general2 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalManagement & training

     Staff weren’t trained on, or didn’t follow, the rules for reporting illness.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no written employee health policy on the premises. Management instructed to provide a signed employee health policy for each employee. Priority foundation 7-38-010. No citation issued.

     Official wording (code 3)

     Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting

   • CriticalManagement & training

     No written plan or kit for cleaning up vomit or diarrhea.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no clean up procedure on the premises for vomit and diarrheal events. Management instructed to provide a clean up procedure. Priority foundation 7-38-005. No citation issued.

     Official wording (code 5)

     Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

   • CriticalFood temperature

     Prepared food wasn’t date-marked, or was kept past its discard date.

     Inspector’s note: Observed ready-to-eat, tcs foods (salsas) not date marked to indicate the date in which the food must be consumed or discarded. Management instructed to date mark all ready-to-eat, tcs foods and use them within 7 days of preparation with the date of preparation counting as day 1. Priority foundation 7-38-005. No citation issued.

     Official wording (code 23)

     Proper date marking and disposition

   • CriticalFood handling

     No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no consumer advisory disclosure and reminder statement on the menu. Management instructed to disclose which foods can be ordered raw or undercooked and link those food items to a reminder statement which states that eating raw or undercooked foods can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Priority foundation 7-38-005. No citation issued.

     Official wording (code 25)

     Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food

   • GeneralPests

     Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

     Inspector’s note: Observed evidence of rodent activity on the premises. Observed approximately 100 mouse droppings in the basement and hvac closet next to the washrooms. Observed mouse droppings on the floor and shelves of the liquor storage area, on the floor behind the chest freezer and on the shelf below the meters. Also observed droppinsg on the floor of the hvac closet next to the washrooms. Management instructed to clean and remove droppings from all affected areas. Additional pest control service is needed to minimize or eliminate the pest activity. Priority foundation 7-38-020(a). Citation issued.

     Official wording (code 38)

     Insects, rodents, & animals not present

   • GeneralFood handling

     Single-use items weren’t stored or used properly.

     Inspector’s note: Observed single use utensils and take out containers improperly stored. Management instructed to store all utensils with handles up and containers inverted to prevent contamination.

     Official wording (code 45)

     Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

     Inspector’s note: No chemical test strips were available to measure the sanitizer concentration at the 3 compartment sink. Management instructed to provide the correct test strips for the sanitizer being used. Priority foundation 7-38-005. Citation issued.

     Official wording (code 48)

     Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Clean the interior of the chest freezer in the basement.

     Official wording (code 49)

     Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

     Inspector’s note: No covered waste receptacle was provided in the women's washroom. Management instructed to provide.

     Official wording (code 53)

     Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Not all food employees had food-handler training.

     Inspector’s note: Observed a food handling employee without a food handler certificate. Must show proof of training.

     Official wording (code 57)

     All food employees have food handler training

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: Observed the certified food manager without an allergen training certificate. Must show proof of training for all certified food managers.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

8. Sep 13, 2017 Conditional

   Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

   1 critical5 general Show violations

   • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

     Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.

     Inspector’s note: Observed food handler prepping/touching sliced, peeled avocado at cook line, with bare hands. Instructed manager no bare hand contact with ready to eat foods. Use tongs, gloves or utensils to prevent bare hand contact with ready to eat foods. Also, observed food handler assembling mixed drinks at bar. While assembling mixed drink, food handler dispensed a small amount of beverage into palm of hand, with straw and licked the beverage from their palm. The food handler then went to the kitchen to retrieved chips and salas for a customer at bar. The food handler did not wash, clean and sanitize their hands. Manager corrected violation during inspection. Critical violation # 7-38-010 (a)

   • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

     Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

     Inspector’s note: Observed debris inside both light shields above kitchen cook line area. Instructed manager to clean and maintain. Also observed slight buildup of debris on internal ice curtain of ice machine in basement. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

   • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

     Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

     Inspector’s note: Observed excessive debris and dust on floors throughout basement dry storage area. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

   • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

     Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

     Inspector’s note: Observed stained ceiling tile throughout dining room area. Instructed manager to repair and maintain at all times. Observed unfinished wall, in room between dining room and kitchen, with unfinished plastering. Instructed manager to seal surface and ensure services is smooth and easily cleanable. Observed left wall, in basement dry storage area with excessive chipped paint. Instructed manager to reseal and repair. Ensure surface is smooth and easily cleanable. Maintained at all times.

   • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

     Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

     Inspector’s note: Observed small leak at hand sink, at front bar area. Instructed manager to repair and maintain.

   • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

     Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

     Inspector’s note: Observed clutter in the basement throughout. Instructed facility to remove any unnecessary items, organize remaining, store 6 inches off floors and walls, and maintain. Instructed to clean, organize and/or remove all unnecessary articles to prevent hiding places for pest.

9. Jun 15, 2016 Pass

   Consultation · Pass

   5 general Show violations

   • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

     Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

     Inspector’s note: Observed raw wood doors, instructed to seal.

   • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

     Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

     Inspector’s note: Observed the bar cutting boards, and bar gun holder not clean, instructed to clean and sanitize, also clean stove top.

   • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

     Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

     Inspector’s note: Observed the floor in the ladies room not finished, instructed to finish the tiles.

   • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

     Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

     Inspector’s note: Observed new walls not sealed, walls open for final plumbing inspection. Instructed to seal and close up walls in restrooms, and new storage area.

   • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

     Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

     Inspector’s note: Observed light hanging from ceiling in mens room, instructed to repair/properly attach.

10. Jun 10, 2016 Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    5 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Observed raw wood doors, instructed to seal.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: Observed the bar cutting boards, and bar gun holders not clean, instructed to clean and sanitize. Alsoclean stove top.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Observed the floor in the ladies room not finished, instructed to finish the tiles.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: Observed new walls not sealed, walls open for final plumbing inspection, instructed to seal and close up walls in restrooms, and new storage area.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

      Inspector’s note: Observed light hanging from ceiling in mens room, instructed to repair/properly attach.

11. Jun 8, 2016 Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    1 critical5 general Show violations

    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Observed the bar hand sink in poor repair not working at this time. Instructed to repair/replace. Critical violation 7-38-030.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Observed raw wood doors, instructed to seal.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: Observed the bar cutting board, and bar gun holders not clean, instructed to clean and sanitize. Also clean stove top.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Observed the floor in the ladies room not finished, instructed to finish the tiles. Also remove standing water from floor.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: Observed new walls not sealed, walls open for final plumbing inspection, instructed to seal and close up walls. In restrooms, new storage area.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

      Inspector’s note: Observed light hanging from the ceiling in mens room, instructed to repair/properly attach.

12. Sep 25, 2015 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Found floors not clean at basement. Must mop and sweep.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Found no backflow prevention device at mop sink. Must provide backflow prevention device at mop sink faucet.

13. Sep 9, 2014 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    3 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: Must clean the bottom shelf inside the 2 door cooler to remove spills.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Floors need cleaning in the basement along the wall base and in corners to remove debris and webs.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Noted a leak at the base of the cold water knob at the exposed hand sink behind the bar. Must repair and maintain.

14. Oct 17, 2013 Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    2 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Must re caulk around the washbowl sink in both washrooms. Caulking worn out. Instructed to install a splash guard between the metal drain board of the 3 compartment sink and exposed hand sink behind the bar.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Faucet handle(cold and hot )of the womens washroom broken. Instructed to repair and maintain.

15. Oct 10, 2013 Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    8 general Show violations

    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

      Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090

      Inspector’s note: Previous minor violation not corrected from report #1277334 dated 08/27/2012.#33- interior panel of the ice machine not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize. Citation issued serious, 7-42-090.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

      Inspector’s note: All dry food container with salt,sugar,rice and beans must have a label/name of the product outside the container. All ready to eat foods in a container inside the reach in cooler and prep cooler, must have a label and date.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Must re caulk around the washbowl sink in both washrooms. Caulking worn out. Instructed to install a splash guard between the metal drain board of the 3 compartment sink and exposed hand sink behind the bar.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Missing floor tiles under the one door reach in cooler in the kitchen, must repair/replace floor tiles. Floor behind the deep fryer, stoves, along the wall base all corner ,thru-out the basement needs detail cleaning and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: Fan guard in both washrooms, one door reach in cooler and 2 door reach in cooler with dust accumulated. Must clean in detail and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

      Inspector’s note: Broken solid light shield above the prep area/kitchen. Must replace broken light shield.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Faucet handle(cold and hot )of the womens washroom broken. Instructed to repair and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

      Inspector’s note: Ice scoop must be stored in a separate container(not on top of the ice inside the ice bin)behind the bar.

16. Aug 27, 2012 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    4 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Grease trap attached to three compartment sink not maintained. Instructed to apply non-toxic sealant to surface. Ice bins not properly covered. Instructed to provide covers for ice bins.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: Interior panel of ice machine not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: Light covers in prep area not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean. Coving not installed in dining areas. Instructed to seal gaps with coving.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Faucet not maintained in men's toilet room. Instructed to replace broken handles on faucet. Soda dispenser not provided with drainline. Instructed to install drainline.