Burger Bull
5736 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60646
Restaurant ZIP 60646 Risk 1 (High)
Passed · as of Jun 16, 2026
Burger Bull was last inspected on June 16, 2026 with a result of “Pass”. Inspectors found 3 violations, including signs of pests.
Latest inspection
June 16, 2026 · Complaint
Result: Pass
3 general-
GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.
Inspector’s note: Observed salt out of the original containers without labels containing the product name. Instructed to label all foods and spices with common name that are out of the original containers.
Official wording (code 37)
Food properly labeled; original container
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GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: Noted rear exit door to the building not rodent proof with gap at the bottom of door (about 1/4 inch). Instructed to seal gaps to prevent entry points for pests
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
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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: Observed cardboard used as liner on shelving units in prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to remove all cardboard from shelving units. All food and non-food contact surfaces must be smooth and easily cleanable.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspection history
15 inspections on record
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Pass
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass
1 paperwork Show violations
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PaperworkManagement & training
Not all food employees had food-handler training.
Inspector’s note: Observed no current food handler certificates on site at time of inspection. Instructed all 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
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
4 general1 paperwork Show violations
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.
Inspector’s note: Observed ice scoop stored inside ice bin. Instructed to store outside of ice to prevent contamination.
Official wording (code 39)
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: Observed 3 compartment sink draining very slowly. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain in good condition.
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: Observed old ice machine being used to store dry goods in rear prep and dish area. Instructed to remove from premises.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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GeneralRepeat violation
A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.
Inspector’s note: Observed the following repeat core violations not corrected from report #2590185 dated 2/27/2024: #38 "noted rear exit door to the building not rodent proof with gap at the bottom of door (about 1/4 inch). Instructed to seal gaps to prevent entry points for pests." #58 "noted certified food managers on duty with no allergen training certification. Instructed management that all food service managers are required to have the allergen training certification." instructed to correct and come into compliance. Priority foundation violaiton 7-42-090. Citation issued.
Official wording (code 60)
Previous core violation corrected
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PaperworkManagement & training
Not all food employees had food-handler training.
Inspector’s note: Observed no current food handler certificates on site at time of inspection. Instructed all 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
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
6 general1 paperwork Show violations
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GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: Noted rear exit door to the building not rodent proof with gap at the bottom of door (about 1/4 inch). Instructed to seal gaps to prevent entry points for pests.
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
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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: Noted heavy ice build up inside the ice cream chest freezer. Instructed to defrost, clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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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: Noted some use of milk crates for elevation at the rear dry storage area. Instructed not to use milk crates for elevation to prevent hiding places for pest. Must provide appropriate shelving for storage. All food items must also be stored 6" away from the wall.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean and maintain floors along wall base, underneath milk crates especially at the rear dry storage area, underneath the 3 compartment sink and the rear dry storage area.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Instructed to seal holes, cracks and openings especially underneath the prep sink.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: Noted employee belongings on shelves at the dry storage area and prep area with food items. Instructed to provide a designated area for employees to store their belongings.
Official wording (code 56)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: Noted certified food managers on duty with no allergen training certification. Instructed management that all food service managers are required to have the allergen training certification.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Found unused ice machine at kitchen areas.must remove/repair.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: Found inoperable light fixture at kitchen areas.must repair.
Official wording (code 56)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
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Conditional
Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
7 general1 paperwork Show violations
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GeneralFood handling
Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.
Inspector’s note: Observed wiping cloths stored on top of prep tables in rear food preparation area. Must properly store wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution when not in use.
Official wording (code 41)
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed dirt and food debris inside coolers and freezers located in rear side of premises. Must clean and maintan.
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: Observed milk crates being used as storage of items in rear prep area and rear side storage area. Must remove crates from premises must use approved shelving for easy of cleaning. Must remove cardboard boxes and unnecessary items from rear storage room to prevent rodent harborage.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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GeneralFood handling
Miscellaneous public health order.
Inspector’s note: Premises is open for indoor dining at this time. Must have a written record for describing protocol for checking proof of vaccination in public places.
Official wording (code 64)
Miscellaneous / public health orders
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GeneralFood handling
Miscellaneous public health order.
Inspector’s note: Observed no posting of signage for covered entities entrance and inside premises.
Official wording (code 64)
Miscellaneous / public health orders
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GeneralFood handling
Miscellaneous public health order.
Inspector’s note: Premises did not have sign posted on front door and inside requiring all customers to wear mask regardless of the vaccination status.
Official wording (code 64)
Miscellaneous / public health orders
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GeneralFood handling
Miscellaneous public health order.
Inspector’s note: Observed no records of employee vaccination status or weekly testing per osha on premises. Must provide records of employee vaccination status or weekly testing per osha.
Official wording (code 64)
Miscellaneous / public health orders
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: Observed one certified food manager missing food allergen training certificate. Instructed above that all city of chicago certified food managers must have allergen training certificates on premises.
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
1 critical Show violations
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CriticalFood handling
No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.
Inspector’s note: Observed no disclosure statement written at bottom of menu for consumer advisory for burgers that are cooked to order. Must add the following disclosure statement to bottom of menu, "**these food items are cooked to order." priority foundation violation. 7-38-005. No citation issued.
Official wording (code 25)
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
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Pass
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass
No violations
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
2 critical1 general Show violations
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CriticalManagement & training
No written plan or kit for cleaning up vomit or diarrhea.
Inspector’s note: Observed incomplete clean up kit on site.instructed management to have a complete clean up kit on site. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 no citation issued
Official wording (code 5)
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
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CriticalFood handling
No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.
Inspector’s note: Comments: INSTRUCTED TO POST REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE ON THE WALLS AND ON THE MENU FOR THE UNDERCOOKED ITEMS/FOOD BEING SERVED ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.FIRST INFORMED ON 2/26/2019 SEE REPORT#2268585
Official wording (code 25)
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
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GeneralRepeat violation
A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.
Inspector’s note: Previous core violation not corrected violation #58 not corrected-no allergen certification on site-first informed on 2/26/2019 see report #2268585 priority foundation violation 7-42-090 citation issued
Official wording (code 60)
Previous core violation corrected
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Conditional
Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
4 critical13 general2 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 on site. Must provide. Priority foundation 7-38-010 no citation issued.
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 clean up procedure for vomiting and diarrheal events. Must provide clean up procedure and maintain cleaning materials kit. Priority foundation 7-38-005 no citation issued
Official wording (code 5)
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
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CriticalFood temperature
Prepared food wasn’t date-marked, or was kept past its discard date.
Inspector’s note: All ready to eat tcs foods inside the reach in coolers must be labeled and dated properly. Priority foundation 7-38-005 no citation issued.
Official wording (code 23)
Proper date marking and disposition
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CriticalFood handling
No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.
Inspector’s note: Instructed to post reminder and disclosure on the walls and on the menu for the undercooked items/food being served on site. Priority foundation 7-38-005 no citation issued
Official wording (code 25)
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.
Inspector’s note: All dry bulk food containrs in the storage area on the shelves must be labeled with common name of the product.
Official wording (code 37)
Food properly labeled; original container
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GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: Exit door with 1/4 of an inch gap on the bottom of the door. Instructed to rodent/insect proof the door.
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.
Inspector’s note: Instructed to provide raised shelvings to store all food supplies in the storage area which are all stored on the bare floor. All food supplies must be stored 6" off the floor.
Official wording (code 39)
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.
Inspector’s note: Instructed to install a pysical barrier on the entrance to the prep area in the front where they make smoothie/serve coffee.
Official wording (code 39)
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
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GeneralFood handling
Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.
Inspector’s note: Wiping cloth for wiping the prep tables,chopping boards, must be stored on bucket with sanitizing solution in between uses.
Official wording (code 41)
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
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GeneralFood handling
Clean utensils, equipment, or linens weren’t stored and handled properly.
Inspector’s note: All clean utensils,pots,pans must be stored upside down/inverted to prevent possible contamination and dust build-up.
Official wording (code 44)
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
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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: Ice cream freezer and chest freezer with heavy ice accumulated. Instructed to defrost and 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: Prep table in the prep/kitchen area not clean,and with clutter. Instructed to organize,clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: Leaking on the faucet connector arm of the 3 compartment sink faucet. Must repair to stop the leak and maintain.
Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: Backflow prevention device of the ice maker and coffee machine not located. Instructed to install to be able to locate, serviced and maintained.
Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.
Inspector’s note: Instructed to adjust the self closer device of the washroom door, not closing all the way.
Official wording (code 53)
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.
Inspector’s note: Instructed to provide cover/lid for the garbage can inside the washroom.
Official wording (code 53)
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Water stained ceiling tiles above the reach in freezer in the rear storage area. Must repair/replace and maintain. Must repair/replace peeling wall paper inside the customer's washroom and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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PaperworkManagement & training
Not all food employees had food-handler training.
Inspector’s note: No food handler training certificate for two food handler employees. Must provide.
Official wording (code 57)
All food employees have food handler training
-
PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: Certified food service manager must obtain an allergen training certificate.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
-
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
6 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: Found some food items not properly dated in kitchen reach in coolers, must properly date food items in reach in coolers in kitchen prep area.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Caulk around exposed hand sink in front prep area in state of disrepair, shall be repaired/replaced. rear storage shelving that had exposed raw wood, shall be repaired/sealed.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Prep tables lower shelving in kitchen area not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices).
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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 tiles under ice machine that were damaged/broken, shall be repaired/replaced.
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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: Walls by prep table had food splattering not clean, need detailed cleaning, food splattering removed.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector’s note: Missing light shields in rear kitchen area, shall be provided.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
4 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: Observed cardboard being used on kitchen equipment, also defrost deep freezer in rear storage. Instructed that cardboard is prohibited, discontinue use, and detail clean deep freezer and maintain.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Observed the following food and non food contact equipment not clean; mounted can opener on prep table. Storage shelves in the dry storage room. Interior surface of the 2-door reach in cooler in rear, and the interior and exterior surface of the ice machine (not excessive)behind the front counter. Instructed to detail clean all and 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: Observed floors in the prep kitchen and large storage room connected to the restaurant, not clean. Instructed to detain clean all 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: Observed stained ceiling tile in the staff toilet room. Peeling paint on walls in the dining area. Also, kitchen hood and filters have excessive grease and dust accumulation. Instructed to detail clean all and maintain.
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Pass
License Re-Inspection · Pass
1 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Noted missing overflow tube/pipe in ice cream dipper well in front service prep area. Instructed to provide.
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Fail
License · Fail
1 critical8 general Show violations
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CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector’s note: Found 2 door reach in cooler in rear prep area not maintaining proper temperature with an air temperature of 42.8f. Instructed to repair. Instructed manager, cooler must maintain cold holding temperature of 40f or below. Critical violation 7-38-005 (a)
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GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector’s note: Found ice not protected during storage inside ice machine. Interior surfaces and tubings of ice machine not clean with black mold like build-up. Instructed to detail clean wash and sanitize the affected areas. Serious violation 7-38-005 (a)
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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: Found approximately over 30 mice droppings in rear storage and some in prep area especially along the walls. Instructed to remove, clean and sanitize the affected areas.--------must rodent proofed bottom of door in rear storage leading to another business. Serious violation 7-38-020
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GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean and maintain exterior top/cover of grease container in rear outside area with excessive grease and food debris. Serious violation 7-38-020
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean and repaint exterior surfaces of grease box with rust build-up underneath 3 compartment sink in rear prep area.----- instructed to transfer food products from an open original can container into food grade container for proper food storage.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean and maintain prep and storage shelves in rear storage 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: Instructed to seal gap/opening between floor and wall underneath prep sink in rear prep 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: Instructed to seal hole on wall around drainpipe underneath exposed hand sink in front prep area.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean and remove unnecessary articles in rear area. Must provide proper raised shelves for easy access on cleaning.
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More in ZIP 60646
Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 5 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.