Taco Bell
500 W Madison, Chicago, IL 60661
Restaurant ZIP 60661 Risk 1 (High)
Pass with Conditions · as of May 21, 2026
Taco Bell was last inspected on May 21, 2026 with a result of “Pass w/ Conditions”. Inspectors found 4 violations, 1 of them critical.
Latest inspection
May 21, 2026 · Canvass
Result: Pass w/ Conditions
1 critical2 general1 paperwork-
CriticalManagement & training
No one in charge was present who knew the food-safety rules.
Inspector’s note: Observed no person-in-charge on-site with city of chicago certified food manager training or original certificate at time of inspection. Instructed to provide at least one person-in-charge with city of chicago certified food manager training and maintain original certificate(s) displayed on-site at all times. Priority foundation violation.
Official wording (code 1)
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
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GeneralFood handling
Clean utensils, equipment, or linens weren’t stored and handled properly.
Inspector’s note: Observed food employee utilizing clean linen to manually dry clean utensil in the warewashing area. Instructed to allow utensils that have been properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized to air dry prior to use and maintain.
Official wording (code 44)
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed equipment mounts and beverage hose lines behind soda machine to be heavily soiled with dust debris. Instructed to clean nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment at adequate frequency to prevent build up of dust debris and other soils and maintain.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
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PaperworkManagement & training
No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.
Inspector’s note: Observed no food employee on-site with city of chicago certified food manager training or original certificate while facility is preparing tcs food items (proteins, dairy, fried foods) at time of inspection. Instructed to provide at least one food employee with city of chicago certified food manager training and maintain original certificate(s) displayed on-site at all times. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-012 citation issued.
Official wording (code 2)
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspection history
23 inspections on record
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Pass
Suspected Food Poisoning · Pass
1 paperwork Show violations
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: Found no allergen training for sanitation manager.must provide.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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Conditional
Suspected Food Poisoning · Pass w/ Conditions
2 critical1 paperwork Show violations
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CriticalManagement & training
No one in charge was present who knew the food-safety rules.
Official wording (code 1)
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hands weren’t washed properly or when required.
Inspector’s note: Observed a food handler wiping a spill on floor then changing gloves to return to food production station without washing hands before putting on gloves. Instructed manager to have food handlers wash hands when required. Priority violation 7-38-010.
Official wording (code 8)
Hands clean & properly washed
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PaperworkManagement & training
No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.
Inspector’s note: No certified food service manger on site, No certificate posted while handling and serving TCS foods ( beef, chicken...) instructed to obtain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012.
Official wording (code 2)
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
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Conditional
Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
1 critical2 general2 paperwork Show violations
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CriticalManagement & training
No one in charge was present who knew the food-safety rules.
Inspector’s note: Observed the pic without his city sanitation certificate as required.
Official wording (code 1)
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: Observed multiple leaks at the 3 comp sink faucet and pipes underneath. Must repair and maintain.
Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Floors need cleaning along the wall base and in corners thought out to remove spills and debris.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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PaperworkManagement & training
No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.
Inspector’s note: Observed no valid city of chicago certified manager on duty while tcs foods are being prepared, handled and served such as chicken and ground beef. Instruced pic a city certified manager must be on duty/site at all times. Priority foundation citation issued #7-38-012.
Official wording (code 2)
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: Instructed manager to comply with the allergen training for all city certified managers as required or citations will follow.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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Conditional
Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
1 critical1 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: Observed no employee health policy on site. Instructed to provide an employee health policy that includes a signed acknowledgement from each employee. Priority foundation. 7-38-010. Citation issued
Official wording (code 3)
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: Observed expired food handler certificates. Instructed to maintain records at all times.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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Conditional
Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions
1 critical3 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: Observed no employee health policy on site. Instructed to provide an employee health policy that includes a signed acknowledgement from each employee. Priority foundation. 7.38.010. Citation issued.
Official wording (code 3)
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
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GeneralFood handling
Miscellaneous public health order.
Inspector’s note: Found dine in restaurant without a written protocol for implementing and enforcing the requirements of this order. Such written record shall be available for inspection upon request of any city official authorized to enforce this order. Public health order. 2021-2.
Official wording (code 64)
Miscellaneous / public health orders
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GeneralFood handling
Miscellaneous public health order.
Inspector’s note: Premises has no written record of employee vaccination or testing status per osha standards. Management instructed to provide a written record upon the next inspection.
Official wording (code 64)
Miscellaneous / public health orders
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GeneralFood handling
Miscellaneous public health order.
Inspector’s note: Found no vaccination signage posted. Facility allows dine in seating. Instructed manager to provide.
Official wording (code 64)
Miscellaneous / public health orders
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PaperworkManagement & training
No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.
Inspector’s note: Found no valid city of chicago food service sanitation manager on site while time/temperature control for safety foods (beef) are being prepared and served to the public. A valid city of chicago food service sanitation manager certificate must be on site at all times while tcs foods are prepared and served to the public. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-012. Citation issued.
Official wording (code 2)
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
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Conditional
Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
2 critical1 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: Observed no written employee health policy on site. Instructed facility to establish an appropriate employee health policy and maintain with verifiable signed copies on site for all food employees in acknowledgment of reporting agreement. Priority foundation violation #7-38-010.
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: Observed no written procedures or supplies for responding to vomiting or diarrheal events. Supplies must include adequate sanitizer that eliminates norovirus. Instructed facility to provide clean up policy and supplies to properly handle bodily fluid spills on site. Priority foundation violation #7-38-005.
Official wording (code 5)
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: Observed ventilation hood filters above fryer unit in need of cleaning due to dust buildup. Instructed to detail clean and maintain at all times.
Official wording (code 56)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
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PaperworkManagement & training
Not all food employees had food-handler training.
Inspector’s note: Observed no proof of training for food handlers. Instructed to provide and maintain records at all times.
Official wording (code 57)
All food employees have food handler training
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralHygiene & sanitation
Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: Observed food handler without effective hair restraint. Instructed to provide and maintain.
Official wording (code 40)
Personal cleanliness
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed interior surfaces of hot holding unit with excessive food debris inside. Instructed to clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
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Pass
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass
No violations
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
2 critical1 general2 paperwork Show violations
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CriticalManagement & training
No one in charge was present who knew the food-safety rules.
Inspector’s note: Observed person in charge without city of chicago certified food managers certificate. Instructed to obtain. Priority foundation violation.
Official wording (code 1)
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
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CriticalFacility upkeep
Hot or cold water wasn’t available, or water pressure was too low.
Inspector’s note: Observed no hot running water throughout facility during time of inspection. Noted water temperature @ handsink in rear prep temperature @84.0f, 3 compartment sink located in rear prep/dish area temperature @ 86.4f, and front prep area handwashing sink @80.9f. Instructed to provide hot water @ all handsinks @ at least 100f and at least 110f at the 3 compartment sink. Must maintain at all times while open and operating.priority violation. 7-38-030 (c). Citation issued.
Official wording (code 50)
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed excessive grease and food debris build up on exterior surfaces of equipment near 2 door freezer and frying station. Instructed to clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
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PaperworkManagement & training
No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.
Inspector’s note: Observed no certified food manager on site during time of inspection while preparing and serving time/temperature control for safety foods (pico, cooked beef, cooked chicken, beans, cheese,etc). Instructed to have at least one city of chicago certified food manager on site at all times with valid original certificate posted. Must maintain. Priority foundation violation.7-38-012.citation issued.
Official wording (code 2)
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: Observed no proof of allergen training certificates for all city of chicago certified food managers on site for review. Instructed to meet requirement.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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Pass
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass
No violations
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
2 critical1 general1 paperwork Show violations
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CriticalManagement & training
No written plan or kit for cleaning up vomit or diarrhea.
Inspector’s note: No clean up kit or procedures onsite for vomiting or diarrhea events. Instructed to provide kit and post procedures for employees to follow. Priority foundation 7-38-005 no citation issued.
Official wording (code 5)
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
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CriticalFacility upkeep
Hot or cold water wasn’t available, or water pressure was too low.
Inspector’s note: Observed no hot water at the 4-comp sink (67f) or at the hand sinks (54f) in the prep areas at the time of inspection. Instructed to contact plumber to have hot water restored. Adequate hot water is to be maintained at all times, including the capacity to provide hot water at peak hot water demand. Priority violation 7-38-030(c) citation issued.
Official wording (code 50)
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Must clean debris and water from floors in front and rear prep areas. Instructed to maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: Allergen certificates are required for employees that have a city of chicago food sanitation license. Instructed to complete the online course and keep the certificate onsite.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
No violations
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Conditional
Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
4 general Show violations
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GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector’s note: Observed no City of Chicago food sanitation manager certification posted in facility. Observed no Chicago certified food manager on site while potententially hazardous foods (eggs, beef, etc.) are being prepped/served. Instructed must post City of Chicago food sanitation manager certification in plain view of customers. Instructed must have a city of Chicago certified food manager on site while all potentially hazardous foods are being prepped, cooked, and/or served. Serious violatio 7-38-012.
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GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector’s note: Observed previous inspection report summary # 1995746, dated 3/17/17, not posted in facility. Instructed must have most recent inspection report summary posted in plain view of customers at all times. Printed and posted new summary during inspection. Serious violation 7-42-010(b).
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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: Observed excessive debris on floor in corner under 3 compartment sink. Must detail clean and sanitize. Must maintain same.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food handler requirements met
Inspector’s note: Operator could not provided proof of food handler training for employees handling food. Instructed must provide proof of food handler training for all food handling employees. Must maintain records on site at all times.
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Pass
Short Form Complaint · 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: Found small amounts of orange and brown, slimy, mold-like substances on upper interior of ice machine. Must remove, detail clean and sanitize machine. Must maintain same.
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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: Found excessive dust and grease build up on all floor under and behind cooking equipment and coolers in kitchen area. Must pull equipment out from the walls and remove debris, detail clean and sanitize areas. Found cracked baseboard tile along rear wall of kitchen, behind heat cabinet. Must repair. Must maintain same.
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Conditional
Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
3 general Show violations
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GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector’s note: Observed no city of Chicago certified food manager on site while potentially hazardous foods (beef, chicken, etc.) being prepped, cooked and served. Must have a city of Chicago certified food manager on site at all times while potentially hazardous foods are being prepped, cooked and/or served. Must have original city of Chicago certified food manager certificate posted at all times. Serious violation 7-38-012.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector’s note: Found bulk food items (rice, pasta, etc.) not properly labeled. Must label all dry foods/bulk food containers with name. Operator corrected during inspection. Must maintain same.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Found small amounts of orange and brown, slimy, mold-like substances on upper interior of ice machine. Must remove, detail clean and sanitize machine. Must maintain same.
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Pass
Complaint · Pass
No violations
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
No violations
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Pass
Complaint · 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 the interior top panel of the ice machine.
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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 floors under the three compartment sink.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Must repair the leak underneath the rear hand sink.
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Conditional
Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
1 critical3 general Show violations
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CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector’s note: Inadequate hand washing facilities. No paper towels at front prep exposed hand sink. Critical citation issued 7-38-030.
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GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector’s note: No summary report given from 5-16-14 posted in plain view of the establishments customers. Summary was found inside binder along with business license and and other documents. Given todays summary and posted. Serious citation issued 7-42-010(b).
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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: Interior walls of the walk-in cooler dirty with black dirt/debris. Must clean and maintain.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector’s note: Walk-in coolers external thermometer broken. Must repair or provide an internal thermometer.
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Pass
License Re-Inspection · Pass
No violations
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Fail
License · Fail
1 critical2 general Show violations
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CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector’s note: Must provide additional hand washing facilities in front prep area.(no citation issued)
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GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector’s note: Noted evidence of insects on site. Noted approximately 15 live small flies resting on walls and flying in rear dishwashing/prep area. Must remove flies,sanitize affected areas and have the pest control company service areas. Serious citation issued 7-38-020
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Must install a backflow device at the coffee maker,the soda dispenser and all equipment directly connected to the water supply.
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Fail
License · Fail
No violations
More in ZIP 60661
Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 6 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.