Polish Bistro

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed debris and spills on floor around cooking equipment. Must clean and maintain.

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 on the floor in basement in various locations: under dry food and supply storage racks, on wooden pallets and in metal food storage containers stored on a pallet in the southeast corner of the basement, and between the ceiling and drop ceiling attached to the stairway leading to the basement. Management instructed to remove all droppings, clean and sanitize all affected areas. Additional pest control service is needed to eliminate the pest activity. Priority foundation #7-38-020(a). Citation issued.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed food splatters inside of all microwaves. Must clean and maintain.

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: Must label bulk food containers in basement with common name.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.14-- instructed to detail clean kitchen exhaust hood/filters to remove accumulation of grease build-up and maintain.

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to provide and maintain visible,accurate working thermometers in all coolers located in basement dry storage area.

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: Observed bulk containers in rear without a label.instructed to provide the common name on all bulk containers to properly identify item (salt, sugar, flour etc.).

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Wiping cloths must be stored in a clean container with sanitizing solution in prep area and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed stained cutting boards in the kitchen prep area and bar.instructed to resurface or replace the cutting boards and maintain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean the kitchen prep tables/storage racks, food storage containers, interior and exterior of the chest freezer and coolers and deep fryer.

Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING WITH TRASH AND BOXES AND LIDS WIDE OPEN WITH TRASH ABOVE RIM.MUST KEEP OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER AREA MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES WITH LIDS/COVER MUST BE KEPT CLOSED TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (b),CITATION ISSUED.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to replace damaged ceiling tiles in the basement dry storage room and maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean kitchen exhaust hood/filters to remove accumulation of grease build-up and maintain.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Previous core violatons not corrected from inspection report#2561772 dated:08/05/2022 #53--observed no covered waste receptacle provided in the unisex washroom located in kitchen prep area. Must provide and maintain. #55--instructed to seal hole opening on wall behind the west 2 door stand-up cooler in kitchen prep area and maintain. #57--food handler (s) with no proof of food handler training. Instructed to provide. Instructed to comply with noted violation and maintain as required. #58--allergen training is required for all employees that have a city of chicago food sanitation certificate. Instructed to complete training and keep certificate on site.must provide and maintain. Instructed to correct noted violations and maintain by 8/21/2023. Priority foundation violation 7-42-090,citation issued.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed no covered waste receptacle provided in the unisex washroom located in kitchen prep area. Must provide and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to seal hole opening on wall behind the west 2 door stand-up cooler in kitchen prep area and maintain.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Previous core violation not corrected from inspection report 2386915 dated: 9--8-20 #57--food handler (s) with no proof of food handler training. Instructed to provide. Instructed to comply with noted violation and maintain as required. Priority foundation violation 7-42-090. 1 citation issued for two non compliance violations.

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

Inspector’s note: 6-501.19--observed unisex washroom door in the kitchen prep area not self closing. Instructed to provide a self closing device at the door and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: 5-501.17--observed no covered waste receptacle provided in the unisex washroom located in kitchen prep area. Must provide and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-201.13--instructed to seal hole opening on wall behind the west 2 door stand-up cooler in kitchen prep area and maintain.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2386915 DATED: 09/08/2020 #57--FOOD HANDLER (S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. Dec 8, 2020 INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH NOTED VIOLATION AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed no covered waste receptacle provided in the unisex washroom located in kitchen prep area. Must provide and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed unisex washroom door in the kitchen prep area not self closing. Instructed to provide a self closing device at the door and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to seal hole opening on wall behind the west 2 door stand-up cooler in kitchen prep area and maintain.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2386915 DATED: 09/08/2020 #10--INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HAND SINKS (PREP/BAR) Dec 8, 2020 #49--INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SIDES/SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT (STOVE/OVEN, GRILL, FRYERS ETC) WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION. Dec 8, 2020 #49--INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF REACH-IN COOLER IN PREP/COOKING AREA AND IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. Dec 8, 2020 #55--INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN KITCHEN HOOD AND FILTERS WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE ACCUMULATION IN PREP/COOKING AREA. Dec 8, 2020 #55--INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT KITCHEN ESPECIALLY UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH GREASE ACCUMULATION AND FLOORS BEHIND BAR. Dec 8, 2020 #55--INSTRUCTED TO…

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to properly label food storage containers/bins identified with common name (salt, flour, sugar etc)

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

Inspector’s note: Instructed to provide lid/cover for ice bin behind bar.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean and maintain interior and exterior sides/surfaces of cooking equipment (stove/oven, grill, fryers etc) with excessive grease and dried food debris accumulation.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean and maintain interior surfaces of reach-in cooler in prep/cooking area and in basement storage area.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean and maintain kitchen hood and filters with excessive grease accumulation in prep/cooking area.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean and maintain floors along the walls and in all corners throughout kitchen especially under and around cooking equipment with grease accumulation and floors behind bar.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean and remove unnecessary articles in basement storage area to prevent pest harborage.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to replace missing and water stained ceiling tiles in basement storage area.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean and maintain light shields with dust, grease and dead insects above prep/cooking area.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to replace inoperable light bulb inside reach-in freezer in the kitchen area.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed no backflow device at ice machine.instructed management to install a backflow device at ice machine. Core violation

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

Inspector’s note: No certified food manager on site while preparing and serving potentially hazardous foods such baked chicken, cabbage roll, dumpling etc. One city of chicago certificate of sanitation is posted on the wall,but the said person is not on site. Serious violation -7-38-012.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed no label and date on cooked food items inside cooler in kitchen. Instructed to label and date. Also label all dry food containers in the prep area ist floor and basement storage area.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed grocery bags and garbage bags used for food storage at all freezers in basement. Instructed to provide proper food grade storage bags/containers.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed cracked floor tiles in food prep area, damaged floor tile at bar, hole on floor in basement. Instructed to repair/seal said area. Observed excessive food debris on floor under cooking equipment in kitchen and accumulated dirt on floor in basement. Instructed to clean and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed opening above freezer in food prep area, openings and holes in ceiling in basement, and stained ceiling tiles in basement. Instructed to repair/seal or replace all ceiling tiles. Observed dusty pipe lines above 3-compartment sink in kitchen. Instructed to clean and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed no back flow preventer device at mop sink faucet. Instructed to install.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed clutters at corner of bar area and near by ice machine in basement. Instructed to remove/ organize. To prevent pest harborage.

Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation

Inspector’s note: Observed black and pink moldy like substance inside ice machine surfaces. Ice are used for human consumption. Instructed to clean and sanitize. Instructed not to use ice machine until the violation is corrected. Serious violation 7-38-005 (a)

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

Inspector’s note: No city of chicago sanitation certificate posted on the wall in plain view. Instructed to provide city of chicago certificate on site. Halina sedelmaier passed sanitation exam on 07-19-2016. Serious violation 7-38-012

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

Inspector’s note: Observed grocery bags and garbage bags used for food storage at all freezers in basement. Instructed to provide proper food grade storage bags/containers. Observed no label and date on cooked food items inside cooler in kitchen. Instructed to label and date. Also label all dry food containers in the prep area ist floor and basement storage area.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed raw wood being used as a pallet for the beer bottles inside reach in cooler in the basement. Instructed to remove.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed food debris inside cooler, under rolling cart and under food prep table in kitchen. Instructed to clean and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed cracked floor tiles in food prep area, damaged floor tile at bar, hole on floor in basement. Instructed to repair/seal said area. Observed excessive food debris on floor under cooking equipment in kitchen and accumulated dirt on floor in basement. Instructed to clean and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed opening above freezer in food prep area, openings and holes in ceiling in basement, and stained ceiling tiles in basement. Instructed to repair/seal or replace all ceiling tiles. Observed dusty pipe lines above 3-compartment sink in kitchen. Instructed to clean and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed no back flow preventer device at mop sink faucet. Instructed to install.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed clutters at corner of bar area and near by ice machine in basement. Instructed to remove/ organize. To prevent pest harborage.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Observed ice scoop stored in ice inside the ice bin behind the bar. Instructed to provide separate container for ice scoop.

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

Inspector’s note: First floor three compartment sink not large enough to emerge largest piece of equipment, instructed to invest in a three compartment sink where you can emerge largest piece of equipment,

Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters

Inspector’s note: Bathroom door in kitchen area not self-closing, instructed to provide a self-closing device at door,

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

Inspector’s note: No three sink stoppers for three compartment sink, instructed to provide, mop sink in basement area must be used for mops only,

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

Inspector’s note: Found no certified manager on duty when potentially hazardous foods (ie beef, pork, chicken,soup, sandwiches etc.) are being prepared and served. Instructed person in charge, a certified food manager with city of chicago food service sanitation certificate must be present when handling potentially hazardous foods. Serious violation 7-38-012

Dish machines: provided with accurate thermometers, chemical test kits and suitable gauge cock

Inspector’s note: No chemical test stripes provide for testing sanitizing solution, at this time of inspection, previously noted on last report, instructed to provide chemical sanitizing strips upon next inspection, serious citation issued: 7-38-030

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

Inspector’s note: Continued non compliance on previous order issued, dated 07/02/2015, report #1559849, violation listed below: 34 instructed to detail clean and maintain floors along the walls and in all corners in prep/cooking area especially underneath stove and fryers with grease and food debris and floors in basement area. 35 instructed to clean and maintain kitchen hood and filters with dust and grease accumulation.--------must replace missing ceiling tiles in basement storage area. 41 instructed to clean and reorganize basement storage to prevent pest harborage. Usable items must be stored 6" off the floor for easy access on cleaning. 45 no employee food handler training certificates on premise. Instructed to provide. Serious citation: 7-42-090

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

Inspector’s note: Prepared soup inside cooler not dated or label, instructed to do so,

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

Inspector’s note: First floor three compartment sink not large enough to emerge largest piece of equipment, instructed to invest in a three compartment sink where you can emerge largest piece of equipment,

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

Inspector’s note: Light shields not clean in kitchen prep area, instructed to clean daily,

Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters

Inspector’s note: Bathroom door in kitchen area not self-closing, instructed to provide a self-closing device at door,

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

Inspector’s note: No three sink stoppers for three compartment sink, instructed to provide, mop sink in basement area must be used for mops only,

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

Inspector’s note: Found no certified manager on duty when potentially hazardous foods (ie beef, pork, chicken,soup, sandwiches etc.) are being prepared and served. Instructed person in charge, a certified food manager with city of chicago food service sanitation certificate must be present when handling potentially hazardous foods. Serious violation 7-38-012

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

Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean and maintain the following: interior and exterior surfaces of all coolers and freezers, exposed hand sink in prep area and behind bar, interior surfaces of ice machine (behind upper panel) in basement, sides of all cooking equipment with grease and dried food debris, soda gun holder with syrup/sticky build-up behind bar, prep and storage shelves in prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean and maintain floors along the walls and in all corners in prep/cooking area especially underneath stove and fryers with grease and food debris and floors in basement area.

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

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean and maintain kitchen hood and filters with dust and grease accumulation.--------must replace missing ceiling tiles in basement storage area.

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

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean and reorganize basement storage to prevent pest harborage. Usable items must be stored 6" off the floor for easy access on cleaning.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: No employee food handler training certificates on premise. Instructed to provide.

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

Inspector’s note: Bsmt storage shelving that had exposed raw wood, shall be repaired/sealed.

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

Inspector’s note: Non food contact surfaces of cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning, display cooler door tracks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices).

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

Inspector’s note: Floors under heavy equipment, cooking equipment in kitchen area not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners), floors in bsmt storage areas under shelving not clean, need cleaning(corners).

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

Inspector’s note: Missing light shields in bsmt storage area shall be provided.

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

Inspector’s note: Display cooler shelving that had peeling paint/rust shall be repaired/replaced.

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

Inspector’s note: Reach in cooler shelving/ racks not clean, need cleaning(crevices), display cooler shelving/racks not clean, need cleaning.

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

Inspector’s note: Floors in front of bar area 1st floornot clean, need detailed cleaning(corners).

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

Inspector’s note: Damaged, stained ceiling tiles in bsmt storage areas, shall be repaired/provided.

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

Inspector’s note: Found some food items not properly dated/labeled in reach in freezer, must date and label food items in reach in freezer.

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

Inspector’s note: Non food contact surfaces of cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices).

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

Inspector’s note: Floors in bsmt storage area under shelving not clean, need cleaning.

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

Inspector’s note: Walls that had exposed plaster in kitchen area, shall be repaired sealed, damaged/stained ceiling tiles in bsmt storage area shall be replaced/repaired.

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

Inspector’s note: Light shields in kitchen prep area not clean, need detailed cleaning.

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

Inspector’s note: Exhaust vents(ventilation) in kitchen area, reach in cooler, and bathroom not clean, need detailed cleaning.

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

Inspector’s note: For next regular inspection

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

Inspector’s note: Must provide cover/tight fitting lid at ice bin behind bar

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

Inspector’s note: Must clean floors along the walls and in all corners under and around 3 compartment sink behind bar and floors throughout basement

Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters

Inspector’s note: Must install self closing device at employee toilet room next to kitchen

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

Inspector’s note: Must repair leaky drainpipe under mopsink in the basement; must install ventilation inside employee toilet room

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

Inspector’s note: Instructed to remove all unnecessary articles stored in basement to prevent rodent and insect harboring