Eto'o
1373 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
Restaurant ZIP 60615 Risk 1 (High)
Passed · as of Mar 3, 2026
Eto'o was last inspected on March 3, 2026 with a result of “Pass”. Inspectors found 4 violations.
Latest inspection
March 3, 2026 · Canvass
Result: Pass
4 general-
GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.
Inspector’s note: Observed food storage containers without labels containing the common name of foods. Instructed to provide.
Official wording (code 37)
Food properly labeled; original container
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GeneralFood handling
Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.
Inspector’s note: Observed wet wiping cloths on several prep surface areas. Instructed to properly store wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution between uses to prevent contamination of equipment & food. Must maintain.
Official wording (code 41)
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.
Inspector’s note: Observed no covered receptacle for proper disposal of sanitary napkins in employee washroom. Instructed to provide covered waste receptacle.
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: Observed loose debris, dirt and dust buildup on the floors and corners throughout the facility. Instructed to detail clean and increase cleaning frequency of floors. Must maintain at all times.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspection history
13 inspections on record
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
1 general1 paperwork Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed a heavy build up of dust, dirt, food debris and food splatter on the walls in the rear dish washing area, in the food prep area, and in the three compartment sink area. Instructed to clean all walls and floors under and around all cooking and non cooking equipment and maintain as a means of preventing possible pest and or insect issues.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: Observed the city certified manager on duty without his allergen training as required. Instructed to provide and maintain.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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Pass
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass
5 general Show violations
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.
Inspector’s note: Observed no splash guard at the front hand washing sink next to dishes sitting on a metal rack. Instructed to install splash guard as a means of preventing possible contamination.
Official wording (code 39)
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed the inside of the cold hold units with a build up of food debris on bottom floors, linings and doors. Instructed to clean and maintain all cold hold units.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Sewage or wastewater wasn’t disposed of properly.
Inspector’s note: Observed a build up of grease, dirt and food dbris on and around both grease trap also noted smell coming from the grease traps instructed to contact service and have units cleaned.
Official wording (code 52)
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed a build up of clutter on the shelving units under the front service counter. Instructed to clear, clean and maintain 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: Observed a heavy build up of dust, dirt, food debris and food splatter on the walls in the rear dish washing area, in the food prep area, and in the three compartment sink area. Instructed to clean all walls and floors under and around all cooking and non cooking equipment and maintain as a means of preventing possible pest and or insect issues.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
8 general Show violations
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GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: Observed approx 30 droppings along the wall under storage area in the hall leading to the rear where the rest room is located. Observed another 20 droppings under the front food service counter. Instructed to contact pest control and have service prior to return inspection. Clean and maintain all areas as needed. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(a) citation issued.
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: Observed no splash guard at the front hand washing sink next to dishes sitting on a metal rack. Instructed to install splash guard as a means of preventing possible contamination.
Official wording (code 39)
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
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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 card board being used a liner on shelving throughout the rear food service area. Istructed to remove from all areas as a means of preventing possible pest and or insect harboring.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed the inside of the cold hold units with a build up of food debris on bottom floors, linings and doors. Instructed to clean and maintain all cold hold units.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Sewage or wastewater wasn’t disposed of properly.
Inspector’s note: Observed a build up of grease, dirt and food dbris on and around both grease trap also noted smell coming from the grease traps instructed to contact service and have units cleaned.
Official wording (code 52)
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed a heavy build up of dust, dirt, food debris and food splatter on the walls in the rear dish washing area, in the food prep area, and in the three compartment sink area. Instructed to clean all walls and floors under and around all cooking and non cooking equipment and maintain as a means of preventing possible pest and or insect issues.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed a build up of clutter on the shelving units under the front service counter. Instructed to clear, clean and maintain area.
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 PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS #57 FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE AND #58 FOOD ALLERGEN NOT CORRECTED AS REQUIRED FROM REPORT #2583972 DATE 10/24/23. Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: FOUND EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES; INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL FOOD HANDLERS OBTAIN VALID CERTIFICATES. Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES; INSTRUCTED TO HAVE MANAGERS OBTAIN VALID FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES. PRIORITY FOUNDTION CITATION ISSUED #7-42-090
Official wording (code 60)
Previous core violation corrected
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
5 general2 paperwork Show violations
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.
Inspector’s note: Found bulk storage containers on the bottom of the prep tables with no labels; instructed to label container with the name of the product inside of the container.
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: Found dead mice on a glue board in the area leading to the washroom on the floor by a storage shelf; instructed to remove. Corrected on site.
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean the interior panel of the ice machine and maintain. Instructed to clean exterior surfaces of cooking equipment where needed in kitchen. Instructed to clean the exterior surfaces of the bulk storage containers under prep tables and maintain.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.
Inspector’s note: The washroom door is not self closing as required; instructed to provide a self closing device on door.
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: Instructed to clean the floors around and under kitchen equipmet where needed. Instructed to clean the walls around and behind sinks and other kitchen equipment to remove splatter, cob webs and dust.
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: Found expired food handler training certificates; instructed to have all food handlers obtain valid certificates.
Official wording (code 57)
All food employees have food handler training
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: Observed expired food allergen training certificates; instructed to have managers obtain valid food allergen certificates.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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Pass
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass
3 general1 paperwork Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.
Inspector’s note: No self closing device found on washroom door; must install a self closing device.
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: Instructed to clean walls around and behind sinks in kitchen, cooking equipment and mop sink area where needed.
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: Observed water stained ceiling tile in kitchen; instructed to replace tile where needed. Observed peeling paint on the ceiling of the dining area; instructed to remove and repaint area.
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: Found expired food handler training certificates; instructed that all food handlers must obtain valid food handler training certificates.
Official wording (code 57)
All food employees have food handler training
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Conditional
Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
1 critical6 general1 paperwork Show violations
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CriticalFood handling
Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.
Inspector’s note: Found no chemical sanitizer dispensing at the low temp dishmachine as required, 0 ppm obtained; instructed to correct. Machine must dispense chemical sanitizer at 100 ppm. Priority violation 7-38-025 issued machine tagged held for inspection. Instructed to manually wash rinse and sanitize in the three comp sink until machine is repaired and a reinspection made by cdph.
Official wording (code 16)
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
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GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: Found evidence of mice on premises. 60-70 mouse droppings found on the floor under storage shelves in the hallway area, on floor next to storage cart by the ice machine and underneath the front counter on the shelf. Instructed to clean all areas and have pest control company service prior to reinspection next week. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(a) issued.
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
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GeneralHygiene & sanitation
Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: Found all food handlers without proper hair restraints; 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: Instructed to clean and maintain the following equipment: exterior surfaces of bulk storage containers at prep tables, exterior surfaces of refrigeration units, backsplash on rear of stove, exterior surfaces of stove, fryer and grill and bottom area of fryer. Also clean interior panel of ice machine behind front counter.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.
Inspector’s note: No self closing device found on washroom door; must install a self closing device.
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: Instructed to clean the floors under around and behind all kitchen equipment and storage shelves where needed. Instructed to clean walls around and behind sinks in kitchen, cooking equipment and mop sink area where needed.
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: Observed water stained ceiling tile in kitchen; instructed to replace tile where needed. Observed peeling paint on the ceiling of the dining area; instructed to remove and repaint area.
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: Found expired food handler training certificates; instructed that all food handlers must obtain valid food handler training certificates.
Official wording (code 57)
All food employees have food handler training
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
3 general1 paperwork Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean the exterior surfaces of refrigeration units and cooking equipment to remove splatter and residue from oil and food.
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 some water stained ceiling tile in the prep area; replace tile where needed. Observed some peeling paint on the ceiling in the dining area; remove peeling paint.
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 clean the floors and walls around and under kitchen equipment and in dishwashing area. Instructed to clean all floor drains where needed 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: Found expired food handler training certificates; instructed that all food handlers must obtain valid food handler training certificates.
Official wording (code 57)
All food employees have food handler training
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Conditional
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass w/ Conditions
2 critical2 general Show violations
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CriticalManagement & training
No written plan or kit for cleaning up vomit or diarrhea.
Inspector’s note: Observed inadequate supplies for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events. Instructed manager to provide clean up supplies and maintain. Prioirity foundation 7-38-005
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: Observed no consumer advisory and disclosure statement on menu. Instructed manager to provide consumer advisory and disclosure statement on menu. Priority foundation 7-38-005
Official wording (code 25)
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed dirt and food debris on prep tables, counters, cooking equipment, shelving units in prep, dish washing and storage areas. Instructed manager to clean and maintain/
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 grease buildup on floors under fryers, accumulated dirt and debris under all equipment, along walls and in all corners in prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
5 critical5 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: Observed no employee health policy available. Instructed manager to provide in a verifiable manner employee responsibility to report any illness transmissible through food. Priority foundation citation issued 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 procedures and supplies for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events. Instructed manager to provide clean up policy and supplies. Prioirity foundation 7-38-005
Official wording (code 5)
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: Hand washing sinks not accessible in prep and dishwashing areas. Observed multi-use pitcher, multi-use container, and container filled with cooked rice stored in three hand washing sinks in prep area. Instructed manager to remove all items from hand washing sinks and maintain. Priority foundation citation issued 7-38-030(c)
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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CriticalFood handling
Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.
Inspector’s note: Observed black mold like substance on interior panel of ice machine in front beverage area. Instructed manager to clean, sanitize, and maintain ice machine. Priority foundation citation issued 7-38-005
Official wording (code 16)
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
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CriticalFood handling
No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.
Inspector’s note: Observed no consumer advisory and disclosure statement on menu. Instructed manager to provide consumer advisory and disclosure statement on menu. Priority foundation 7-38-005
Official wording (code 25)
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
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GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: Observed over 50 mice droppings on bottom shelf of prep table, 20 mice droppings on drainboard of dish machine, 10 mice droppings on floor along walls and corners in dish washing area, 10 mice droppings on bulk containers, 10 mice droppings on front counter in beverage area, 10 mice droppings on cardboard boxes on shelving units in hallway. Instructed manage to call an exterminator for service, clean and sanitize all areas. Priority foundation citation issued 7-38-020(a)
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
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GeneralFood handling
Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.
Inspector’s note: Observed soiled wiping cloths stored on prep tables. Instructed manager to store wiping cloths in sanitizing solution between uses.
Official wording (code 41)
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
-
GeneralFood handling
Clean utensils, equipment, or linens weren’t stored and handled properly.
Inspector’s note: Observed preset forks not covered or inverted on dining room tables. Instructed manager to cover forks or reset upon customer seating to prevent contamination.
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 food debris on prep tables, counters, cooking equipment, shelving units. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed grease buildup on floors under fryers, accumulated dirt and debris under all equipment, along walls and in all corners in prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
PaperworkManagement & training
Not all food employees had food-handler training.
Inspector’s note: Observed no food handler training available. All food handlers must have food handler training.
Official wording (code 57)
All food employees have food handler training
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PaperworkFood handling
The inspection summary report wasn’t posted for the public.
Inspector’s note: Observed previous inspection report summary not displayed and visible to customers. Priority foundation citation issued 7-42-010(b)
Official wording (code 61)
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
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Conditional
Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
3 critical5 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: Observed no employee health policy on premises during inspection. Instructed to have said policy and maintain. Priority foundation violation. 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: Observed no clean-up of vomit and diarrhea procedure and clean-up kit on premises during inspection. Instructed to have said policy along with required clean-up kit and maintain. Priority foundation violation. No citation issued.
Official wording (code 5)
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
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CriticalFood temperature
Cold food was held above a safe temperature.
Inspector’s note: Observed ready to eat time/temperature for control safety foods at improper temperatures (eggs, 57.8 f, tofu, 70.1 f) in the two door cold holding unit. Employee voluntarily discarded and denatured said food. Approx. 4 lbs, $30 value. Priority violation. Citation issued. 7-38-005
Official wording (code 22)
Proper cold holding temperatures
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GeneralFood temperature
Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.
Inspector’s note: Observed no metal stem thermometers on premises during inspection. Instructed to provide and maintain. Priority foundation violation. No citation issued.
Official wording (code 36)
Thermometers provided & accurate
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GeneralFood handling
Clean utensils, equipment, or linens weren’t stored and handled properly.
Inspector’s note: Observed in use equipment improperly stored. Instructed that all in use equipment must be stored inverted to ensure proper air drying.
Official wording (code 44)
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.
Inspector’s note: Observed no test strips for the high temperature warewashing machine located in the rear area. Instructed to provide and maintain. Priority foundation violation. Citation issued. 7-38-005
Official wording (code 48)
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed cooking equipment encased with grease and debris throughout the kitchen. Instructed to clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed excessive grease and debris on the floors throughout the kitchen. Instructed to clean and maintain.
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 certified city of chicago sanitation manager on premises during inspection while preparing and serving ready to eat time/temperature control for safety foods. Priority foundation violation. 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: Observed no proof of allergen training certification on premises during inspection. Instructed that all managers with a city of chicago sanitation certificate must comply with allergen training.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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Pass
License Re-Inspection · Pass
No violations
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Fail
License · Fail
1 critical1 general Show violations
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CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector’s note: No exposed hand wash sinks found in the center prep (cooking area) or the area where the three comp sink is located. Must install an exposed hand sink in both areas for hand washing with hot and cold running water soap and hand towels. Critical violation 7-38-030.
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GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector’s note: Found no physical barrier restricting access to the front prep area; must install a barrier to restrict access to the prep area from customers. Serious violation 7-38-005 (a)
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More in ZIP 60615
Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 8 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.