Red Pepper's Lounge

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

Inspector’s note: Noted rear vertical chest freezer with excessive ice build up. Instructed to remove ice build up.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Noted slow drain at all compartments of 3 compartment sink in kitchen. Instructed to unclog and maintain.

In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Ice scoop not properly stored when not in use at the front west bar. Instructed to store in a clean bin/container or in the ice handle up when not in use. Maintain same.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Bar gun holder in the front east bar with pinkish build up. -interior of the ice machine in the rear with a black and pinkish build up on the white panel. -interior of the mop sink with black stains. -rear reach in freezer with thick ice build up. Instructed to detail clean and maintain all.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Hot water pressure at the rear 3-compartment sink is low. Instructed to increase and maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Mop sink in rear closet has no backflow prevention device. Instructed to provide and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Floors in the corners and under/around all heavy equipment in the bar, storage and prep areas with food, dirt and debris. Instructed to clean and maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: The mechanical ventilation in the toilet rooms not working. Instructed to fix and maintain working ventilation.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed pallets and crates being used for storing items on top of. Instructed to remove and provide proper shelving that would make the surface easy to clean and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed raw exposed wood in rear bar area and dj booth. Instructed to paint or stain wood to make easy to clean and sanitize.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed the handle on refrigerator located in the rear food prep area broken and the gasket seal needing repair. Also observed the gasket seal on the warming unit in the rear food service area broken. Instructed to repair and maintain all in good working order.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the beer coolers at small and big bar with a build up of dirt and debris inside coolers. Instructed to clean, sanitize and maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed three leaks. One located at the drain pipe of the three compartment sink located behind the big bar. Another other located at the the drain pipe of the utility sink in the rear food prep area and the other one located at the cold faucet knob of the sink located in the rear bar. Instructed to repair, clean, sanitize and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed no covered receptacles in womens toilet rooms. Instructed to provide and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed foil being used as a lining on the stove area under the flat top grill. Instructed to remove any and all foil as a means of preventing harboring of insects. Informed that card board should be used either.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed standing water behind the warming unit in rear food service area located across from ice machine(clean, sanitize and maintain) observed floor in rear where ice machine is located with a build up of dirt and stains. (instructed to paint or stain to make easy to clean and sanitize.)

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed standing water under large bar area with broken and cracked flooring. Instructed to clean, sanitize and maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed a build up of oil on the hood ventilation system. Instructed to clean and sanitize as a means of preventing possible contamination of food.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed dirty shelves with black debris/food debris inside refrigerator in food prep area. Instructed to clean, sanitize and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed encrusted syrup inside soda guns at bars. Instructed to remove, clean, sanitize, and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed accumulated dirt/dust on floor under the 3-compartment sinks at bars, under the hand sinks at bars, under the shelving in food prep area, under the stairs inside kitchen closet in food prep area, behind stove, behind refrigerators in food prep areas, and damaged/broken floor tiles under the ice bin and 3-compartment sink at bar. Instructed to clean and maintain floor in good repair.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed missing ceiling tiles by the men's restroom. Instructed to repair/replace and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed missing light shield above refrigerator in rear food storage room behind kitchen. Instructed to install and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed minor water leaking under the 3-compartment sink at bar, under the hand sink at bar, and minor water leaking at faucet base at hand sink located in women's toilet room and 3-compartment sink at bar. Instructed to repair/replace and maintain in good repair.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: Idph food handler requirement not met. Provided instructions.

No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors

Inspector’s note: Observed approximately 50 mice droppings on the floor in these following areas: inside kitchen closet under the stairs attached to food prep area, under the counter tables at bars, inside cabinets at bar, inside dj room, and under the shelving in food prep areas. Instructed to clean, sanitize and provide an additional pest control to eliminate the pest activity. Serious violation 7-38-020

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

Inspector’s note: Observed dirty shelves with black debris/food debris inside refrigerator in food prep area. Instructed to clean, sanitize and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed encrusted syrup inside soda guns at bars. Instructed to remove, clean, sanitize, and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed accumulated dirt/dust on floor under the 3-compartment sinks at bars, under the hand sinks at bars, under the shelving in food prep area, under the stairs inside kitchen closet in food prep area, behind stove, behind refrigerators in food prep areas, and damaged/broken floor tiles under the ice bin and 3-compartment sink at bar. Instructed to clean and maintain floor in good repair.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed missing ceiling tiles by the men's rest room. Instructed to repair/replace and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed missing light shield above refrigerator in rear food storage room behind kitchen. Instructed to install and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed minor water leaking under the 3-compartment sink at bar, under the hand sink at bar, and minor water leaking at faucet base at hand sink located in women's toilet room and 3-compartment sink at bar. Instructed to repair/replace and maintain in good repair.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: Idph food handler requirement not met. Provided instructions.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed rust on storage shelves in the reach in prep cooler, missing drain board for 3 comp sink, discontinue use of cardboard and garbage bags in kitchen and behind bars. Instructed to maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed dirty floors, broken floor tiles and ripped carpet throughout the premises. Instructed to clean, repair and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed stained ceiling tiles in rear party room bar area, office, and kitchen. Peeling paint on walls and hole on east wall (bottom) in party room. Also huge hole in ceiling in upstairs storage area needs to be repaired. Instructed to repair and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed missing light sheilds in prep area. Instructed to install shatter proof lights or light sheilds, and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed clutter in the upstairs storage area, and liquor closets, instructed to organize, clean and maintain. Remove items six inches off floor to prevent rodent harborage.

No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors

Inspector’s note: Observed approximately 50 rodent droppings throughout the premises in the following areas, liquor closet on the 2nd floor, on east wall on the 2nd floor storage area, and storage cabinet under the bar in the party room. Instructed to remove droppings. Contact pest control provider for service. Also rear exit door has a 1/4 inch hole on the side of the door and the front door has a 1/4 inch gap at the bottom. Instructed to fix hole and install proper theshold to prevent rodent entry. Serious violation 7-38-020.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed rust on storage shelves in the reach in prep cooler, missing drain board for 3 comp sink, discontinue use of cardboard and garbage bags in kitchen and behind bars. Instructed to maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed dirt and grease build up on all heavy equipment in the kitchen and interior of all food and liquor coolers. Instructed to clean, sanitize and mantain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observes dirty floors, broken floor tiles and ripped carpet throughout the premises. Instructed to clean, repair and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed stained ceiling tiles in rear party room bar area, office, and kitchen. Peeling paint on walls and hole on east wall (bottom) in party room. Also huge hole in ceiling in upstairs storage area needs to be repaired. Instructed to repair and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed missing light sheilds in prep area. Instructed to install shatter proof lights or light sheilds, and maintain.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Install thermometers in all coolers, and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed clutter in the top storage, liquor closets, instructed to organize, clean and maintain. Remove items six inches off floor to prevent rodent harborage.

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

Inspector’s note: Continue to detail clean all floors along all wall bases, in corners, underneath and behind all heavy equipment behind and underneath all bars, 2nd floor storage rooms, mop closet room, behind all cooking equipment in food prep area, dj booth, rear walk-in cooler area, and throughout.

* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served

Inspector’s note: No valid city of chicago food sanitation certificate posted or provided at time of investiation. Citation issued-serious 7-39-012.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean the following: interiors of all beer coolers behind all 3 bars, sinks( in food prep area and behind the rear bar)food deris and dirty dishes, interiors and exteriors of deep fryers, interior and exterior of reach-in cooler in food prep area, shelves and storage racks in kitchen, cabinet interiors under washbowls in washrooms, and all other unclean surfaces throughout.

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

Inspector’s note: Detail clean all floors along all wall bases, in corners, underneath and behind all heavy equipment behind and underneath all bars, 2nd floor storage rooms, mop closet room, behind all cooking equipment in food prep area, dj booth, rear walk-in cooler area, and throughout.

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

Inspector’s note: Replace all stained ceiling tiles throughout. Clean all dusty ceiling vents. Clean walls throughout where needed.

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

Inspector’s note: Mop sink in rear in poor repair. Stopped up with dirty mop water and has a section of the right side missing. Must replace it. 3 compartment sink behind west bar stopped up and not in use. Waste line pipe for soda dispenser behind west bar must be long enough to extend into floor drain. Repair leaky pipe underneath mop sink. Plumber on premises at time of investigation. Replace or repair broken exhaust fan in women's washroom. Must install back flow preventive device(s) to fresh water line(s) connected to soda dispensers at bars and to ice machine.

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

Inspector’s note: Massive clutter observed in second floor storage area. A variety of different items found all over the floor throughout entire area, which makes it difficult to inspect, clean, and to have area serviced by pest control company. Instructed to organize entire area by elevating all articles 6 inches off floor and away from walls. Also instructed to remove all unnecessary articles stored in this area which will eliminate pest harborage areas.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean the can opener & holster connected to the prep table, and interior cabinet of deep fryer, and interior cabinets of wash bowls in both wash rooms.

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

Inspector’s note: Detail clean all floors along all wall bases, in corners, underneath and behind all heavy equipment throughout.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean walls in rear by exit door. Install mesh screen to outer rear door if inner door is opened daily.

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

Inspector’s note: Waste line pipe for soda dispenser behind west bar must be long enough to extend into floor drain. Repair leaky pipe underneath mop sink.

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

Inspector’s note: The following previous minor violations noted 10-14-08 not corrected: -32-remove rust from interior of ice machine.-34- floor in mop closet and on 2nd floor needs cleaning. -38- repair leaky pipe underneath 3 compartment sink. -41-remove clutter from 2nd floor, & throughout to prevent rodent & insect harborage. Store all items 6 inches off floor. Citation issued-serious for non compliance with existing violations -742-090

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

Inspector’s note: See violation #29

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

Inspector’s note: Clean the can opener & holster connected to the prep table, and interior cabinet of deep fryer, and interior cabinets of wash bowls in both wash rooms.

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

Inspector’s note: Detail clean all floors along all wall bases, in corners, underneath and behind all heavy equipment throughout.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean walls in rear by exit door.

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

Inspector’s note: Waste line pipe for soda dispenser behind west bar must be long enough to extend into floor drain.

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

Inspector’s note: See violation #29.