The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant

No violations were recorded at this inspection.

1. Jul 2, 2025 Conditional

   Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

   1 critical Show violations

   • CriticalFood temperature

     Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

     Inspector’s note: Observed tcs foods held at improper internal temperatures in the front prep cold holding unit, such as 3lbs of cooked mushroom at 52.2f-54f, and 3lbs of bone marrow at 46f-48f. Manager discarded and denatured a total 6lbs at $150. All cold tcs food must maintain 41f or below . Priority violation. Citation issued 7-38-005.

     Official wording (code 22)

     Proper cold holding temperatures

2. Jun 18, 2025 No Entry

   Non-Inspection · No Entry

   No violations

3. Mar 21, 2024 Conditional

   Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

   3 critical1 general Show violations

   • CriticalFood handling

     Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

     Inspector’s note: Found high temperature dish machine rinse water temperature at 156f. Must provide final rinse temperature of 180f. High temperature dish machine serviced at time of inspection. High temperature dish machine now providing a rinse temperature of 180f. 7-38-025. Priority violation. Citation issued.

     Official wording (code 16)

     Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

   • CriticalFood temperature

     Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

     Inspector’s note: Observed time/temperature control for safety foods (milk, ranch, remoulade, cocktail sauce ) at improper cold holding temperatures ranging from 60f - 64f located in the reach in cooler located under cofee dispensor. Manager voluntarily discards and denatures all said tcs foods, approx 2 gallons at $40. Instructed to maintain a minimum cold holding temperature of 41f. Priority violation. 7-38-005. Citation issued.

     Official wording (code 22)

     Proper cold holding temperatures

   • CriticalFood temperature

     Not enough equipment, or the wrong method, to cool and hold food at safe temperatures.

     Inspector’s note: Observed reach in cooler at an improper cold holding temperature of 55f located under coffee station at time of inspection. Instructed to discard all tcs foods and not use reach in cooler. Manager discards said cooler and purchases new cooler at time of inspection. Priority violation. 7-38-005. Citation issued.

     Official wording (code 33)

     Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

     Inspector’s note: Found water service prep sink on 1st floor without hot water when hot water knob is turned on. Instruted to repaire and maintain.

     Official wording (code 51)

     Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

4. Mar 13, 2024 No Entry

   Non-Inspection · No Entry

   No violations

5. Jul 5, 2023 Pass

   Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

   No violations

6. Jun 21, 2023 Fail

   Canvass · Fail

   2 critical5 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

     Inspector’s note: 5-205.11 observed a hand washing sink blocked with a tool chest in front of the hand washing sink in the dessert food prep area. Instructed to remove item and never block hand washing sinks, all hand washing sinks must be accessible at all times. Manager removed said item during the inspection. Priority foundation. Citation issued 7-38-030(c).

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • CriticalFood handling

     Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

     Inspector’s note: 4-601.11(a) observed a pinkish/black substance in the interior of the ice machine on the ice maker door and a minor black substance on the interior panel. Instructed to clean and sanitize. Priority violation. Citation issued 7-38-005.

     Official wording (code 16)

     Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: 3-302.12 observed a container of flour without a label containing the product name. Instructed to provide labels with the product name for all items that are out of the original packaging. Employee labeled the container during the inspection.

     Official wording (code 37)

     Food properly labeled; original container

   • GeneralPests

     Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

     Inspector’s note: 6-501.111 observed evidence of pest activity on site. Observed about 15 live small flies and large insects in the rear food prep area, about 2 live small flies in basement bar area and about 5 live small flies by the knife rack in the food prep area. Instructed to eliminate small flies activity. Clean and sanitize affected areas and recommended contacting pest control for a service

     Official wording (code 38)

     Insects, rodents, & animals not present

   • GeneralFood handling

     Single-use items weren’t stored or used properly.

     Inspector’s note: 4-904.11 observed glassware not inverted at the bar in the basement bar area. Instructed to invert all glassware to protect from possible contamination.

     Official wording (code 45)

     Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: 5-501.17 observed no covered receptacles inside of the toilet rooms located in the basement. Instructed to provide.

     Official wording (code 53)

     Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: 6-501.114 observed boxes of liquor stored directly on the ground in the basement liquor dry storage area. Instructed to elevate everything at least 6 inches from the ground.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: 2-102.13 observed some city of chicago food service sanitation manager's without a allergen training certificate. Instructed to meet requirement.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

7. Mar 15, 2023 Pass

   Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

   No violations

8. Mar 8, 2023 Fail

   Canvass · Fail

   1 critical1 general Show violations

   • CriticalFood handling

     No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.

     Inspector’s note: 3-603.11 observed no consumer advisory posted nor a disclosure (with footnote) on the menu for all items that can be ordered undercooked or raw (beef steaks, beef burgers, shellfish (oysters)). Instructed to post a consumer advisory for public view and add a disclosure (with footnote) that refers to the reminder on the menu for all items that can be ordered undercooked or raw. Manager posted a consumer advisory during the inspection. Priority foundation 7-38-005.

     Official wording (code 25)

     Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food

   • GeneralFood handling

     Single-use items weren’t stored or used properly.

     Inspector’s note: 4-904.11 observed plates not inverted by the serving/prep area, wine glasses not inverted by the bar area and tables being preset with silverware and glassware not protected nor inverted. Instructed to invert all tableware and protect all silverware/glassware at all times in order to protect from possible contamination.

     Official wording (code 45)

     Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used

9. Mar 1, 2023 No Entry

   Non-Inspection · No Entry

   No violations

10. Sep 2, 2020 Pass

    Complaint · Pass

    1 general Show violations

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean the vent above the large dishmachine in the main kitchen.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

11. Aug 6, 2019 Conditional

    Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass w/ Conditions

    4 critical4 general Show violations

    • CriticalManagement & training

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

      Inspector’s note: 2-102.14(o) observed no employee health policy on site. Must provide employee health policy and signatures for review. Priority foundation violation 7-38-010 no citation issued

      Official wording (code 3)

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

    • CriticalManagement & training

      No written plan or kit for cleaning up vomit or diarrhea.

      Inspector’s note: 2-501.11 observed no vomitous and diarrheal incident clean up policy in place and kit (gloves, face masks, disposable mops, sanitizer) on site. Kit must match policy in place for facility. Must provide and maintain. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-005.no citation issued.

      Official wording (code 5)

      Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: 5-203.11 observed facility without hand sink in upstairs prep area bakery kitchen; only a prep one compartment prep sink. Facility must obtain, install hand sink connected to city hot and cold water pressure. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c). No citation issued

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalFood handling

      No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.

      Inspector’s note: 3-603.11 observed facility missing consumer advisory disclosure statement for food items/products offered and reminder * statement for the food products offered. Must obtain and maintain on menu. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005. No citation issued.

      Official wording (code 25)

      Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: 3-305.12 (f) observed food and single use/ single service articles stored under sewer lines in downstairs in basement dry storage area. Must encase all sewer line and waste water lines in dry storage area and maintain.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

      Inspector’s note: 4-204.115 observed facility not meeting ware washing requirements; no temperature measuring device for high temperature ware washing machine internal surface of dish. Informed person in charge facility must meet requirements, obtain measuring device and maintain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 no citation issued.

      Official wording (code 48)

      Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 6-501.16 observed facility not meeting mop storage requirements, mops stored down inside utility sink and on floor (condition for pest harborage). Must store properly to meet requirements and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 6-201.11 observed floors, wall, stairs bare cement porous not easy cleanable. Floors and stairs leading to and inside basement dry storage, prep area including dry storage closet. Must repair and maintain for smooth non porous easy to clean.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

12. Jul 30, 2019 Fail

    Complaint · Fail

    8 critical6 general1 paperwork Show violations

    • CriticalManagement & training

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

      Inspector’s note: 2-102.14(o) observed no employee health policy on site. Must provide employee health policy and signatures for review. Priority foundation violation 7-38-010 no citation issued

      Official wording (code 3)

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

    • CriticalManagement & training

      No written plan or kit for cleaning up vomit or diarrhea.

      Inspector’s note: 2-501.11 observed no vomitous and diarrheal incident clean up policy in place and kit (gloves, face masks, disposable mops, sanitizer) on site. Kit must match policy in place for facility. Must provide and maintain. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-005.no citation issued.

      Official wording (code 5)

      Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed facility with out hand soap at hand sink in basement prep area. Must obtain and maintain hand soap at hand sink in facility at all time. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030 (c) citation issued

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed facility not meeting hand sink requirements; no hand drying provision in front bar prep area hand sink. Informed person in charge hand drying provision (paper towels) are required at hand sink at all time. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c) citation consolidated with above.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed facility without hand sink in upstairs prep area bakery kitchen; only a prep one compartment prep sink. Facility must obtain, install hand sink connected to city hot and cold water pressure. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c). No citation issued

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalFood handling

      Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

      Inspector’s note: 4-501.114 (a, b, c, d, e, f: 1 & 2) observed low temperature ware washing machines located in the front bar ware washing area not properly sanitizing.the sanitizing residual concentration at 0ppm at time of inspection. Instructed person in charge to repair to meet sanitizing requirements of 50-100ppm. Tag remains on machine. Priority violation. Citation issued 7-38-025.

      Official wording (code 16)

      Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

    • CriticalFood temperature

      Hot food was held below a safe temperature.

      Inspector’s note: Observed facility food not meeting temperature requirements; mashed potatoes at 121 degrees f inside hot holding unit in rear prep kitchen area (cook line). Informed person in charge of hot holding requirements and facility must meet and maintain. Priority violation 7-38-005 citation issued.

      Official wording (code 21)

      Proper hot holding temperatures

    • CriticalFood handling

      No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.

      Inspector’s note: 3-603.11 observed facility missing consumer advisory disclosure statement for food items/products offered and reminder * statement for the food products offered. Must obtain and maintain on menu. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005. No citation issued.

      Official wording (code 25)

      Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food

    • GeneralPests

      Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

      Inspector’s note: Observed small flies through out facility 40 small flies in ware washing area/ , 50 small flies in front bar,rear prep, basement prep, hall way and utility sink area. Informed person in charge facility must contact pest control service to remove pest(small flies) from facility and maintain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(a) citation issued.

      Official wording (code 38)

      Insects, rodents, & animals not present

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: 3-305.12 (f) observed food and single use/ single service articles stored under sewer lines in downstairs in basement dry storage area. Must encase all sewer line and waste water lines in dry storage area and maintain.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed facility with out test kit/test strips for measuring chemical sanitizer residual for chemicals utilized in facility. Facility must obtain and maintain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 citation issued. Facility obtained test strips 7/31/19.

      Official wording (code 48)

      Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

      Inspector’s note: 4-204.115 observed facility not meeting ware washing requirements; no temperature measuring device for high temperature ware washing machine internal surface of dish. Informed person in charge facility must meet requirements, obtain measuring device and maintain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 no citation issued.

      Official wording (code 48)

      Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 6-201.11 observed floors, wall, stairs bare cement porous not easy cleanable. Floors and stairs leading to and inside basement dry storage, prep area including dry storage closet. Must repair and maintain for smooth non porous easy to clean.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 6-501.16 observed facility not meeting mop storage requirements, mops stored down inside utility sink and on floor (condition for pest harborage). Must store properly to meet requirements and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • PaperworkFood handling

      The inspection summary report wasn’t posted for the public.

      Inspector’s note: Observed facility summary report not displayed and visible to the public. Informed person in charge summary report must remain displayed and visible to the public at all time. Priority foundation violation 7-42-010(b) citation issued.

      Official wording (code 61)

      Summary report displayed and visible to the public

13. Jan 29, 2018 Pass

    Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

14. Jan 24, 2018 Fail

    Complaint Re-Inspection · Fail

    2 general Show violations

    • 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: Observed 1st floor side exit doors not rodent proofed with 1 inch gap in between said doors. Instructed to make side exit doors rodent proofed and maintain. Serious violation 7-38-020.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed silverware and glassware not protected and being preset on tables. Instructed to invert glassware and cover silverware or do not preset tables and set tables upon guest arrival.

15. Jan 22, 2018 Fail

    Complaint · Fail

    2 critical2 general Show violations

    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time

      Inspector’s note: Observed 1st floor bar low temperature dish machine not properly sanitizing and at a sanitizing concentration level of 0ppm during the inspection. Instructed to maintain low temperature dish machine at 50-100ppm at all times. Low temperature dish machine tagged and held for inspection by the chicago department of public health. Critical violation 7-38-030.

    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Observed exposed hand sink at an improper hand washing hot water temperature. Temperature of the hot water at exposed hand sink at the time of the inspection was 43.3f. Instructed to repair so that exposed hand sink hot water maintains a temperature of at least 85f at all times. Critical violation 7-38-030.

    • 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: Observed 1st floor side exit doors not rodent proofed with 1 inch gap in between said doors. Instructed to make side exit doors rodent proofed and maintain. Serious violation 7-38-020.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed silverware and glassware not protected and being preset on tables. Instructed to invert glassware and cover silverware or do not preset tables and set tables upon guest arrival.

16. Jul 27, 2017 Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    3 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed 2 bulk containers in basement storage, not properly labeled. Instructed manager to properly label all food bulk containers with common name of product, once they are out of original containers.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed food drain under the 3 compartment sink area in the main prep kitchen, with excessive food and debris. Instructed manager to clean and maintain area, to prevent pest harborage.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed leak underneath the hand sink in the main prep kitchen. Instructed manager to service and maintain.

17. Jul 19, 2017 Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    4 general Show violations

    • 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: Observed a total of 20 small live flies in the following area: -rear door, pastry room and bar. Instructed to eliminate small flies, clean the affected areas and recommended contacting pest control for assistance. Observed rear door not rodent/insect proofed, a 1/4 inch gap noted. Instructed to seal and maintain, to prevent pest harborage. Serious violation # 7-38-020

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed 2 bulk containers in basement storage, not properly labeled. Instructed manager to properly label all food bulk containers with common name of product, once they are out of original containers.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed food drain under the 3 compartment sink area in the main prep kitchen, with excessive food and debris. Instructed manager to clean and maintain area, to prevent pest harborage.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed leak underneath the hand sink in the main prep kitchen. Instructed manager to service and maintain.

18. Jan 5, 2017 Pass

    License Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

19. Dec 27, 2016 Fail

    License · Fail

    2 general Show violations

    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Inadequate food protection, found large waste water cast iron pipes running above 3-comp sink, prep table and bar in basement. Instructed to install a ceiling or a barrier.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: 1st floor kitchen walls behind prep table with tiles not grouted and holes. Also basement bar and prep area with rough and unfished waslls. Instructed to provide smooth easily cleanable walls. Also exposed insulation around pipes behind prep table, instructed to seal.