Wolverine Cafe
175 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604
Restaurant ZIP 60604 Risk 1 (High)
Passed · as of Jan 27, 2026
Wolverine Cafe was last inspected on January 27, 2026 with a result of “Pass”. Inspectors found 2 violations.
Latest inspection
January 27, 2026 · Canvass
Result: Pass
2 general-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed wall fan in kitchen in prep area with excessive dust. Instructed to clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: Observed grease accumulation on surfaces above stove in kitchen. Instructed to clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 56)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspection history
25 inspections on record
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Conditional
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass w/ Conditions
1 paperwork Show violations
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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 duty while tcs foods are being prepared,handled and served such as (chicken, pork, eggs,etc) must be on site at all times.(priority foundation 7-38-012)(citation issued)
Official wording (code 2)
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
1 critical1 general Show violations
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: Observed no hot running water at men and women employee and customers bathroom handwashing sinks. Temperature of water was 76.5f-77.7f at the time of inspection. Instructed to have hot and cold running water at a minimum temperature of 100f at all hand wash sinks. Priority violation 7-38-030(c)
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.
Inspector’s note: Found the three compartment sink not maintained; sink is leaking when water from one compartment is drained; waste water is been collected with bus pan to prevent waste water from getting on floor. Instructed management to get drainage system serviced. Priority foundation 7-38-025. Citation issued.
Official wording (code 48)
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
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No Entry
Non-Inspection · No Entry
No violations
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Pass
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass
No violations
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Pass
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass
No violations
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
4 critical1 general Show violations
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: Found no handwashing signage at handwashing sink that is located next to dish and self service buffet and prep area. Must provide.
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: Found customer and employee women's toiletroom handwashing sink without hot water. Found water temperature at 76f. Must provide hot water temperature of 100f at all times. Must repair and maintain. Priority violation. 7-38-030(c). Citation issued
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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CriticalFood handling
Specialized processes (curing, vacuum-packing, etc.) didn’t follow the approved plan.
Inspector’s note: Found vacuum packaged cooked chicken thawing in reach in cooler with a date mark of 11/29, also noted approx 10 lbs of vacuum packaged chicken located in reach in freezer. A haacp & variance is required for all tcs foods held for over 48 hours. Instructed manager to provide. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-005. Citation issued.
Official wording (code 29)
Compliance with variance/specialized process/haccp
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CriticalFood temperature
Not enough equipment, or the wrong method, to cool and hold food at safe temperatures.
Inspector’s note: Observed reach in cooler at an improper cold holding temperature of 53f at time of inspection. Found chicken thawing and eggs at 47f. Instructed to move all food items to another cooler. Reach in cooler tagged and held for inspection by cdph.instructed to not use reach in cooler until it maintains a cold holding temperature of 41f or below and is re-inspected by the chicago department of public health. Priority violation. 7-38-005. Citation issued.
Official wording (code 33)
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
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GeneralFood handling
No approval obtained for a specialized processing method.
Inspector’s note: Found no haccp or variance on site. Approved haccp and variance is required for vacuum packaged food held for over 48 hours. Instructed manager to provide. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-005. Citation consolidated with violation #29.
Official wording (code 32)
Variance obtained for specialized processing methods
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
1 general Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
Inspector’s note: 4-101.19 observed floor around the grease trap is concrete. Instructed to replace floor tiles and make said surface smooth and easily cleanable.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
1 general Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed exposed service lines and pipes in dry storage area where food is being held. Instructed to replace missing ceiling tiles.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
1 critical3 general Show violations
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: weak hot water pressure at main kitchen hand wash sink, instructed to provide under city pressure.
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.
Inspector’s note: food containers in walk-in cooler ( cream cheese ) not labeled, instructed to label and maintain.
Official wording (code 37)
Food properly labeled; original container
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: ceiling fan in kitchen with heavy dust build-up, instructed to clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: food containers shelves too close to mop sink, instructed to install a barrier.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Conditional
Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
1 critical2 general Show violations
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CriticalFood temperature
Prepared food wasn’t date-marked, or was kept past its discard date.
Inspector’s note: Observed ready to eat, temperature control for safety foods (sliced deli products)not properly dated , stored longer than 24 hours in coolers. Instructed to provide proper date marking with disposition date for rte foods prepared on site and held over 24 hours in cold holding unit. Priority foundation violation. No citation issued. 7-38-005
Official wording (code 23)
Proper date marking and disposition
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Must clean and maintain clean caulking around 3 compartment sink covered with black slimy substance
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: Observed that light bulbs in food prep area and above dish washing area are not properly shielded . Must provide and maintain
Official wording (code 56)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
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Conditional
Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
2 critical2 general1 paperwork Show violations
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CriticalManagement & training
Staff weren’t trained on, or didn’t follow, the rules for reporting illness.
Inspector’s note: No employee health policy . Instructed employee to provide employee health policy.
Official wording (code 3)
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
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CriticalManagement & training
No written plan or kit for cleaning up vomit or diarrhea.
Inspector’s note: No employees health policy procedure for clean up policy. Instructed to provide.
Official wording (code 5)
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.
Inspector’s note: Any foods not in original container or prepared foods, salads,tuna,etc) inside coolers must be labeled.
Official wording (code 37)
Food properly labeled; original container
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Wall area above 3- comp sink and by dish machine not clean of debris,food liquids,etc. Instructed to clean/maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: No proof of allergen training for manager. Instructed to provide. Priority foundation violation
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
3 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Additional shelf unit needed inside walk in cooler for food storage. Instucted to provide.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Pan storage rack not clean in dish machine area. Instructed to clean/maintain.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: Floor area around grease trap ain dish machine area not clean of debris. Instructed to clean/ maintain.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
4 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: The floors around the coolers, storage racks and mop sink in the rear storage area has dirt/debris under/around the equipment. Instructed to clean and maintain.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector’s note: The walls and ceiling tiles have food splatter and dirt in the rear dish washing area and the food preparation by the dish washing area. Instructed to clean and maintain. -the openings around the top area of the pipes/conduits needs to be sealed. Instructed to seal and maintain.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector’s note: Observed a food handler not wearing a beard restraint. Instructed to have food handler wear a beard restraint. Maintain same.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food handler requirements met
Inspector’s note: Proof that all food handlers have met the illinois department of public health requirements were not provided. Instructed to provide proof for the food handlers on shift. Maintain same.
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Pass
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass
No violations
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Conditional
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass w/ Conditions
1 critical1 general Show violations
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CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)
Previous serious violation corrected, 7-42-090
Inspector’s note: Previous serious violation not corrected from last inspection dated 6-29-2016/report#1937762,violation#16. Upon reinspection observed self serve salad bar being used by customers with inadequate sneeze guards not long enough for adequate food protection of foods. Instructed manager must close salad bar at this time. Premises was previously instructed not to use equipment .salad bar will be tagged held for inspection. Must contact cdph for tag removal once adequate sneeze guards are installed,cdi.critical violation issued 7-42-090
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GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector’s note: See violation #14
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
1 critical2 general Show violations
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CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector’s note: Found potentially hazardous food,(chicken noodle soup) inside walk in cooler (food manager stated was prepared yesterday,6-28-2016), maintain at improper temperature of 45.7f.must maintain cold foods at 40f or below.approx 4- 4olb containers removed and discarded by manager -cdi.cost approx $75.00.critical violation issued 7-38-005a
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GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector’s note: Observed inadequate food protection of foods,ie self serve salad bar installed with inadequate sneeze guards,not long enough for adequate food protection.premises not using equipment at this time.must install effective sneeze guards. Premises must not use this equipment until reinspected by the health dept.no citation issued. Serious violation 7-38-005a
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Leaky pipe behind ice machine.must repair.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector’s note: Must properly label all foods not in original containers at all times. Found 3 large plastic containers holding beans, pasta and flour not labeled. Also found in reach-in 2dr cooler many plastic containers not properly dated and labeled. Must provide.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: Must detail clean the floor under the dish machine area and all corners in dry storage rooms to remove dust and debri.
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Pass
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: Must clean floors and corners behind all equipment. Must repair tile and coving in storage room by hot water tank and mop sink.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector’s note: Must install light shields on all lighting in kitchen area.
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
1 critical6 general Show violations
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CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector’s note: Observed food items at improper temperatures. 2 pounds of Mushrooms at 47F, 4 pounds of hardboiled eggs at 47.1F, and 6 pounds of roasted beets at 46.8F. Instructed to dispose of immediately. Estimated value of food was $30 as stated by chef. All cold food must be stored at 40F or below CRITICAL VOLATION 7-38-005(A) CITATION ISSUED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE.
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GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector’s note: Previous minor violations not corrected from 7-31-13 report #1114950 insp#333. #33 must detail clean and maintain the can opener, the interior of the cabinets and the interior/exterior of all cooking equipment. #34 must repair/eliminate the bubble in the floor tile at the entrance (between the cooking equipment and dishmachine) of the prep area. #34 must clean and maintain floors in corners and under/around all heavy equipment. Instructed to correct and maintain violations. Serious violation 7-42-090 citation issued previous minor violations not corrected.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector’s note: Observed multi-use utensils in kitchen that were stored on dusty prep table after wash. Must store bowls and eating utensils upside down. Must store in clean fashion so as to prevent contamination from air, dust, and elements.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Must detail clean all food and non-food contact surfaces including soda machine ice chute, soda and coffee machine nozzles, soda and coffee machine surfaces, under all countertop equipment, and behind equipment on walls and equipment itself. Must perform routine cleaning and maintenance on refrigeration units to prevent accumulation of dust.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: Must clean floors and corners behind all equipment. Must repair tile and coving in storage room by hot water tank and mop sink.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector’s note: Must install light shields on all lighting in kitchen area.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector’s note: Must enforce use of proper hair restraint for all employees' hair and facial hair.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
3 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Must detail clean and maintain the can opener, the interior of the cabinets and the interior/exterior of all cooking equipment.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: Must repair/eliminate the bubble in the floor tile at the entrance (between the cooking equipment and dishmachine) of the prep area.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: Must clean and maintain floors in corners and under/around all heavy equipment.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
3 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Must detail clean and maintain interior of stoves.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: Must detail clean and maintain interior of all floor drains, floors under dishmachine, in all corners and in storage area.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector’s note: Must detail clean and maintain walls and ceiling tiles around dishmachine.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
3 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. OBSERVED INTERIOR OF CABINET FLOOR IN POOR REPAIR(CRACKING/PEELING) UNDER STEAMTABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN CABINET.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN- OBSERVED SYRUP BUILD UP ON EXTERIOR OF SODA MACHINE AND MACHINE NOZZLES AND FOOD DEBRIS ON EXTERIOR OF DISHMACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN UNCLEAN EQUIPMENT.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. OBSERVED FOOD/DIRT BUILD UP ON FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND DISHMACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN- OBSERVED FOOD ACCUMULATED ON EXTERIOR OF DISHMACHINE, INTERIOR OF WARMER, SHELVES AT FRONT COUNTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL UNCLEAN EQUIPMENT.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND EQUIPMENT/ALONG CORNERS IN PREP AREA AND SODA STORAGE ROOM ALSO OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES (X2) AT PREP AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR THROUGHOUT AND REPAIR DAMAGED FLOOR TILES.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
3 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector’s note: Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use. Found containers not stored properly.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. Found exterior of dishmachine not wiped down.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector’s note: All employees shall be required to use effective hair restraints to confine hair. Observed food handler not wearing hair restraint.
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More in ZIP 60604
Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 9 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.