Pass

El Che Steakhouse & Bar

845 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607

Restaurant ZIP 60607 Risk 1 (High)

Passed · as of Jul 28, 2026

El Che Steakhouse & Bar was last inspected on July 28, 2026 with a result of “Pass”. Inspectors found 3 violations.

Latest inspection

July 28, 2026 · Canvass Re-Inspection

Pass

Result: Pass

3 general
  • GeneralFood handling

    In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

    Inspector’s note: 3-304.12 ice scoops improperly stored in open wire rack touching wall. Instd to store in a clean, protected manner and maintain

    Official wording (code 43)

    In-use utensils: properly stored

  • GeneralFood handling

    Clean utensils, equipment, or linens weren’t stored and handled properly.

    Inspector’s note: 4-903.11 (a;b;d) multi use utensils not inverted during storage. Instd to invert (handle up) and maintain.

    Official wording (code 44)

    Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

    Inspector’s note: 6-201.11: unsealed surface, missing covers on support beams under service counter in front prep area. Instd to repair, replace covering so as to be smooth, even, and easily cleanable. Missing ceiling tiles above rear warewashing unit. Instd to replace and maintain. Blue tape being used to hold edging/wall connector on walls in rear near warewashing area. Instd to remove tape and properly repair surface.

    Official wording (code 55)

    Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

Inspection history

21 inspections on record

  1. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    1 critical3 general Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: No handwash sink in basement prep area where food hanlder actively working with grinder to prepare chimichurri. Also has meat slicer, sausage stuffer, mixer- and other food prep related items. Instdt to install handwash sink with hot/cold running water under city pressure or remove all food prep equipment and related items. Citation issued 7-38-030(c) priority foundation

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • GeneralFood handling

      In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: Ice scoops improperly stored in open wire rack touching wall. Instd to store in a clean, protected manner and maintain

      Official wording (code 43)

      In-use utensils: properly stored

    • GeneralFood handling

      Clean utensils, equipment, or linens weren’t stored and handled properly.

      Inspector’s note: Multi use utensils not inverted during storage. Instd to invert (handle up) and maintain.

      Official wording (code 44)

      Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Unsealed surface, missing covers on support beams under service counter in front prep area. Instd to repair, replace covering so as to be smooth, even, and easily cleanable. Missing ceiling tiles above rear warewashing unit. Instd to replace and maintain. Blue tape being used to hold edging/wall connector on walls in rear near warewashing area. Instd to remove tape and properly repair surface.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  2. No Entry

    Non-Inspection · No Entry

    No violations

  3. No Entry

    Non-Inspection · No Entry

    No violations

  4. Pass

    Short Form Complaint · Pass

    No violations

  5. No Entry

    Complaint · No Entry

    No violations

  6. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    1 general Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: Observed handsink front panels in the rear dishwash prep area held together with blue tape. Instructed to repair and maintain.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

  7. No Entry

    Non-Inspection · No Entry

    No violations

  8. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    2 critical3 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no handwashing signage at exposed handwashing sink located in rear dish area. Instructed to provide.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalFood temperature

      Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

      Inspector’s note: Observed the following tcs items held at the stated improper temperature in basement walk-in cooler: beef fat at 50.2f. Management discarded approximately 200lbs of product valued at approximately $500. Instructed to maintain all tcs items at or below 41f at all times. Priority violation 7-38-005. Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 22)

      Proper cold holding temperatures

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed torn gaskets on 2 door prep cooler in rear prep area. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain in good condition.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no covered trash receptacle inside unisex employee toilet room. Instructed to provide.

      Official wording (code 53)

      Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

    • GeneralRepeat violation

      A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

      Inspector’s note: Observed the following core violation not corrected from report #2552384 dated 3/2/2022: #58 "observed no allergen training certificate on site. Must provide for all certified food managers." instructed to correct and come into compliance. Priority foundation violation 7-42-090. Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 60)

      Previous core violation corrected

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Not all food employees had food-handler training.

      Inspector’s note: Observed most food hanlder certificates on site expired. Instructed all food employees must complete food handler training and maintain records thereof on site at all times.

      Official wording (code 57)

      All food employees have food handler training

  9. No Entry

    Non-Inspection · No Entry

    No violations

  10. Conditional

    Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • GeneralRepeat violation

      A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

      Inspector’s note: Previous core violation not corrected from 3/2/2022, report #2552384. #58-observed no allergen training certificate on site. Must provide for all certified food managers. Priority foundation violation. 7-42-090. Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 60)

      Previous core violation corrected

    • PaperworkManagement & training

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

      Inspector’s note: No person on site with an original city of chicago food sanitation certificate posted. Must have a person on site with an original city of chicago food sanitation certificate posted at all times. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-012. Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 2)

      City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

  11. Closed

    Canvass · Out of Business

    The inspector found this business closed.

    No violations

  12. Conditional

    Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions

    2 critical2 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no employee hand washing signage at hand sinks at bar and main prep area. Must provide.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalFood source

      Required records (shellfish tags, parasite-destruction logs) were missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no shellstock tag attached to container in which oysters were being stored inside walk in cooler. Instructed to have shellstock tag attached to the container. Manager discarded and denatured food. Food weighing approximately 10 pounds at a cost of $20.00. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-005. Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 14)

      Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction

    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

      Inspector’s note: Observed waste water pipe over to go containers and cleaning supplies. Instructed to shield waste water pipe or move to-go containers and supplies from underneath waste water pipe.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed lid broken on chest freezer in basement storage area. Must repair.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no allergen training certificate on site. Must provide for all certified food managers.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  13. No Entry

    Non-Inspection · No Entry

    No violations

  14. No Entry

    Canvass Re-Inspection · No Entry

    No violations

  15. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    2 critical3 general Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: OBSERVED HANDSINK LOCATED IN EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM WITHOUT HOT RUNNING WATER. NOTED WATER TEMPERATURE @ 57.4F. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE HOT RUNNING WATER @ AT LEAST 100F AND MAINTAIN TO ENSURE ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES PROPERLY WASH HANDS WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-030 (c). CITATION ISSUED.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalFood temperature

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

      Official wording (code 23)

      Proper date marking and disposition

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: Observed cold water handle on hand sink in rear prep spinning around. Instructed to repair and maintain.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed excessive trash (used wood, broken liquor bottles, bags and food debris outside on ground around and in between garbage receptacles. Instructed to maintain receptacle area free of garbage and clutter.

      Official wording (code 54)

      Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed excessive dirt and dust debris on ceiling tile/walls and on vents above prep areas. Instructed to clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

  16. No Entry

    Canvass · No Entry

    No violations

  17. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical8 general Show violations
    • CriticalManagement & training

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

      Inspector’s note: No employee health policy on-site available on-site during the inspection for review. Instructed to provide form 1b1 or similar documents used for compliance. Priority foundation 7-38-012(a)

      Official wording (code 3)

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

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Must label all bulk food containers in basement dry storage area. Instructed to maintain.

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralFood handling

      Clean utensils, equipment, or linens weren’t stored and handled properly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed utensils stored in dining room not properly stored, must cover and/or invert utensils to prevent contamination. Instructed to maintain.

      Official wording (code 44)

      Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Must repair broken door gasket on 2-door reach in cooler on the west wall in the rear prep area. Instructed to maintain .

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Must adjust threshold at rear exit door, door must be in tact and tight fitting. Instructed to maintain.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must detail clean dried food debris from lower shelves of prep tables throughout, also discontinue using crates as storage racks throughout prep areas, install proper racks for food & equipment storage. Instructed to maintain.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: Must repair leak at detergent/sanitizer dispenser above 3-comp sink on the rear prep area. Instructed to maintain.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must detail dust from vent covers in walk in cooler in basement. Instructed to maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must detail clean dried food debris from floor corners throughout prep area. Also, clean dust from walls and ceilings in rear area. Instructed to maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  18. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    7 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

      Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: MUST COVER SILVERWARE ON DINING TABLE.MUST INVERT MULTIUSE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELF.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: MUST REMOVE OR PROVIDE A BARRIER FROM PLACE SETTINGS STORED IN WALK WAY FROM PUBLIC

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM EXTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA,LOWER SHELVES OF PULL OUT DRAWER COOLERS AND FREEZER,INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Comments: MUST CLEAN FLOOR UNDER ,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES IN PREP AREAS

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE WALL AND WINDOW SILL PANEL BEHIND DISH MACHINE IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA.MUST SEAL GAP IN BETWEEN FLOOR AND WALL BASE IN DINING AREA.MUST ADJUST THRESHOLD AT FRONT AND DOUBLE REAR DELIVERY DOORS.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE AND STOPPER HANDLE AT 3- COMP SINK .MUST SHORTEN CHEMICAL LINES AT 3- COMP SINK

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AND LIQUOR ROOM.

  19. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    8 general Show violations
    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Previous minor violation from report #1946459 7/13/16 not corrected #38- splashguard in between exposed handsink and ice bin at bar area. Instd to provide same.(serious 7-42-090)

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

      Inspector’s note: Must cover silverware on dining table.must invert multiuse utensils on dish storage shelf.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must remove or provide a barrier from place settings stored in walk way from public.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must clean food debris from exterior of cooking equipment in front prep area,lower shelves of pull out drawer coolers and freezer,interior panel of ice machine.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must clean floor under ,around,along wall bases in prep areas.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace loose wall and window sill panel behind dish machine in rear dish washing area.must seal gap in between floor and wall base in dining area.must adjust threshold at front and double rear delivery doors.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace leaky pipe and stopper handle at 3- comp sink .must shorten chemical lines at 3- comp sink .

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must elevate articles off of floor and away from walls in basement storage and liquor room

  20. Pass

    License · Pass

    3 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Unfinished walls and ceiling in basement storage area. Instd to finish same.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Inadequate lighting in basment storage area. Instd to provide same.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Splashguard inbetween exposed handsink and ice bin at bar area. Instd to provide same.

More in ZIP 60607

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 3 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.