Red Barrel
5214-5220 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60632
Restaurant ZIP 60632 Risk 1 (High)
Passed · as of Feb 13, 2026
Red Barrel was last inspected on February 13, 2026 with a result of “Pass”. Inspectors found 7 violations, including signs of pests.
Latest inspection
February 13, 2026 · Canvass Re-Inspection
Result: Pass
6 general1 paperwork-
GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: 6-202.15: observed openings on entrance and exit doors of facility. Observed openings on rightside of front entrance outer door, observed opening in middle of both doors and at base of right door of double exit door leading to dumpster area and observed opening at base of left corner of exit door in banquet hall. Instructed to seal all outer openings to prevent pest entrance.
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: 4-101.19: observed boxes, containers and racks stored on floor or on milk crates in facility. Observed boxes, containers or racks stored on floor or on milk crates in dry storage/dishwashing area and archer rear exit door in hallway next to prep area. Instructed to provide adequate shelving to elevate all food and non food items at least six inches off floor for ease of cleanability.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: 4-301.16: observed no prep/dump sink in beverage station. Instructed to install a prep/dump sink in beverage station a minimum of one sink used for food preparation, obtaining water and discarding liquid waste is required in any preparation area.
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: 5-205.15: observed right handwashing sink in men's washroom at improper temperature of 76.8f. Instructed a handwashing sink shall be equipped to provide water at a temperature of at least 100f through a mixing valve or combination faucet. Note: there is one other properly functioning handwashing sink in the men's washroom.
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: 6-501.11: observed damaged floor tiles and missing grout in between floor tiles in area near broiler and oven. Instructed to smoothly repair floor tiles and regrout in between floor tiles where grout is missing in said area for ease of cleanability. Observed stained or dusty ceiling tiles throughout facility. Observed stained or dusty ceiling in prep/dishwashing area and storeroom with hot water tank instructed to replace all stained or dusty ceiling tiles throughout facility and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: 6-303.11: observed non working lights in hood. Instructed to replace/repair non working lights in hood and maintain.
Official wording (code 56)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: 2-102.13: at time of inspection facility provided no proof of allergen awareness training certificates for one employee with city of chicago food service sanitation certificate. Instructed to provide proof of allergen training for all employees with city of chicago food service sanitation certificates.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
Inspection history
15 inspections on record
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
5 critical6 general1 paperwork Show violations
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CriticalManagement & training
No written plan or kit for cleaning up vomit or diarrhea.
Inspector’s note: Observed all necessary items not on premises for complying with procedure available on site when employees respond to vomitting or diarrheal events. Instructed to obtain and maintain on premises all necessary items to follow written procedure for employees to follow when responding to vomitting or diarrheal events. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 citation issued
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: Observed no exposed sinks for handwashing located in barista prep area and in banquet hall bar. Instructed to install exposed handwashing sinks in barista prep area and in banquet hall bar for convenient use by employees. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c)
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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CriticalFood temperature
Hot food was held below a safe temperature.
Inspector’s note: Observed hot tcs food(bacon) held at improper temperature of 128.3f. Instructed all hot tcs food must be held at 135f or above. Corrected on site manager voluntarily discarded and denatured food valued at $10 weighing 0.25lbs. Consolidated with violation below priority violation 7-38-005 citation issued
Official wording (code 21)
Proper hot holding temperatures
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CriticalFood temperature
Cold food was held above a safe temperature.
Inspector’s note: Observed cold tcs foods, held at improper temperatures ranging between 46.2-50.2f. Observed cold tcs foods, shrimp(46.2f) and heavy whipping cream(50.2f) held at improper temperature. Instructed all cold tcs food must be held at 41f or below. Corrected on site manager voluntarily discarded and denatured food valued at $5 weighing 1lbs. Consolidated with violation above priority violation 7-38-005 citation issued
Official wording (code 22)
Proper cold holding temperatures
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CriticalFood handling
No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.
Inspector’s note: Observed some animal derived foods that can be served raw, undercooked, cooked to order or contain raw or undercooked ingredients with no asterisk identifying them as such. Instructed to add an asterisk to all animal derived foods that can be served raw, undercooked, cooked to order or contain raw or undercooked ingredients. Observed disclosure on menu not stating that asterisked animal derived foods are served raw, undercooked or contain raw or undercooked ingredients. Instructed to update disclosure on menu to state that asterisked animal derived foods are served raw, undercooked, cooked to order or contain raw or undercooked ingredients. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 no citation issued.
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 openings on entrance and exit doors of facility. Observed openings on rightside of front entrance outer door, observed opening in middle of both doors and at base of right door of double exit door leading to dumpster area and observed opening at base of left corner of exit door in banquet hall. Instructed to seal all outer openings to prevent pest entrance.
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 boxes, containers and racks stored on floor or on milk crates in facility. Observed boxes, containers or racks stored on floor or on milk crates in dry storage/dishwashing area and archer rear exit door in hallway next to prep area. Instructed to provide adequate shelving to elevate all food and non food items at least six inches off floor for ease of cleanability.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: Observed no prep/dump sink in beverage station. Instructed to install a prep/dump sink in beverage station a minimum of one sink used for food preparation, obtaining water and discarding liquid waste is required in any preparation area.
Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: Observed right handwashing sink in men's washroom at improper temperature of 76.8f. Instructed a handwashing sink shall be equipped to provide water at a temperature of at least 100f through a mixing valve or combination faucet. Note: there is one other properly functioning handwashing sink in the men's washroom.
Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed damaged floor tiles and missing grout in between floor tiles in area near broiler and oven. Instructed to smoothly repair floor tiles and regrout in between floor tiles where grout is missing in said area for ease of cleanability. Observed stained or dusty ceiling tiles throughout facility. Observed stained or dusty ceiling in prep/dishwashing area and storeroom with hot water tank instructed to replace all stained or dusty ceiling tiles throughout facility and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: Observed non working lights in hood. Instructed to replace/repair non working lights in hood and maintain.
Official wording (code 56)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: At time of inspection facility provided no proof of allergen awareness training certificates for one employee with city of chicago food service sanitation certificate. Instructed to provide proof of allergen training for all employees with city of chicago food service sanitation certificates.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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Pass
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: 5-205.15: air conditioning drain line improperly draining into middle basin of 3-compartment sink. Instd to properly route drain and maintain
Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.
Inspector’s note: 5-501.17: missing cover for receptacle in employee unisex toilet room. Instd to provide cover and maintain
Official wording (code 53)
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
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Conditional
Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
1 critical2 general Show violations
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CriticalFood handling
Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.
Inspector’s note: Main low temperature warewashing unit in use and unable to sanitize, 0ppm of sanitizer after complete cycle. Unit tagged and held for inspection at this time. Instd not to use until repaired and reinspected by cdph. Citation issued 7-38-025 priority. Instd to use 3-compartment to wash, rinse and sanitize all multi use equipment
Official wording (code 16)
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: Air conditioning drain line improperly draining into middle basin of 3-compartment sink. Instd to properly route drain and maintain
Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.
Inspector’s note: Missing cover for receptacle in employee unisex toilet room. Instd to provide cover and maintain
Official wording (code 53)
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
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Pass
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass
1 general Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed hole in floor of walk-in cooler causing water to pool. The person in charge instructed me to repair the floor to make the surface smooth and easily cleanable.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Conditional
Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
1 critical2 general Show violations
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CriticalFood handling
Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.
Inspector’s note: Observed low-temperature dish washing machine in use not properly sanitizing in bar area. The sanitizing strength of the sanitizer (chlorine) at the time of inspection was 0 ppm. Equipment must be properly sanitized at a minimum of 50 ppm. Instructed not to use unit until reinspected by chicago department of health (cdph). Tagged unit. (alternative warewashing available on site). Priority violation #7-38-025. Citation issued.
Official wording (code 16)
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed white painted wooden shelves in rear dry storage room and in coffee room near washrooms to have peeling paint on shelves. Instructed person in charge to repair and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed hole in floor of walk-in cooler causing water to pool. The person in charge instructed me to repair the floor to make the surface smooth and easily cleanable.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
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Pass
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass
1 general1 paperwork Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: 6-201.11: worn coating/varnish on brick walls in customer toilet rooms. Instd to seal brick wall so as to be a non porous, smooth, even and easily cleanable surface
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: 2-102.13: missing allergen training as required for city of chicago certified manager. Intd to obtain training and maintain certification on site.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
1 critical1 general1 paperwork Show violations
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CriticalFood handling
No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.
Inspector’s note: MISSING DISCLOSURE FOR CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU. INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE ON THE MENU WHICH FOODS ARE UNDERCOOKED (COOKED TO ORDER) (EX. HAMBURGERS, EGGS, STEAK, PORK CHOP) WITH AN ASTERISK NEXT TO THOSE SPECIFIC ITEMS; AND THEN BY ASTERISKING THEM TO A FOOTNOTE THAT STATES THESE ITEMS ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED/COOKED TO ORDER; IN ADDITION TO A REMINIDER STATEMENT SUCH AS "Consuming raw undercooked MEATS, POULTRY, seafood, shellfish, or EGGS may increase your RISK of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions" PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
Official wording (code 25)
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Worn coating/varnish on brick walls in customer toilet rooms. Instd to seal brick wall so as to be a non porous, smooth, even and easily cleanable surface
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: Missing allergen training as required for city of chicago certified manager. Intd to obtain training and maintain certification on site.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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Conditional
Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
2 critical2 general Show violations
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: Missing handwash signage at handwash sink in bar area. Instd to provide signage and maintain
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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CriticalFood temperature
Prepared food wasn’t date-marked, or was kept past its discard date.
Inspector’s note: THE FOLLOWING TCS REFRIGERATED FOODS IN WALK IN COOLER ARE PAST THE USE BY DATE: CONTAINER OF SALSA (6/10/21), CALAMARI MIX 6/19/21, IN HOUSE MADE MEDITERRANIAN DRESSING 6/6/21, GARLIC/OIL MIXTURE 5/23/21, HOUSE MADE PESTO 6/23/21. ALL ABOVE DISCARDED AND DENATURED. ALL TCS REFRIGERATED FOODS HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS SHALL BE CLEARLY MARKED TO INDICATE THE DAY OR DATE by which the FOOD shall be consumed on the PREMISES, sold, or discarded when held at a temperature of 5ºC (41ºF) or less for a maximum of seven (7) days. The day of preparation shall be counted as Day 1. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY FOUNDATION
Official wording (code 23)
Proper date marking and disposition
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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: Cutting boards discolored and stained. Instd to repair or replace cutting boards and maintain
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: Bar prep sink, handwash sink, soda guns, and nozzles not clean, excessive residue. Instd to clean and maintain
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
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No Entry
Non-Inspection · No Entry
No violations
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Conditional
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass w/ Conditions
5 critical1 general1 paperwork Show violations
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CriticalManagement & training
Staff weren’t trained on, or didn’t follow, the rules for reporting illness.
Inspector’s note: 2-102.14(o): no employee health policy in place. Instd to provide acknowledged policy and maintain on site. Priority foundation 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: 2-501.11: no procedure in place for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events. Instd to provide procedure and necessary supplies effective against norovirus. Priority foundation 7-38-005.
Official wording (code 5)
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
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CriticalFood source
Required records (shellfish tags, parasite-destruction logs) were missing.
Inspector’s note: 3-402.11 no written agreement from supplier stating fish is stored at required time and temperature for parasite destruction (fish used for ceviche). Instd to obtain and maintain on site
Official wording (code 14)
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
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CriticalFood temperature
Prepared food wasn’t date-marked, or was kept past its discard date.
Inspector’s note: 3-501.17: variety of foods (cooked rice, cooked pasta, cooked chicken, etc, ranch and blue cheese dressing (prepared on site) not properly labeled, dated. Refrigerated, ready to eat tcs food prepared and held for more than 24 hours shall be clearly marked to indicate the day or date by which food shall be sold or discarded for a maximum of 7 days. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005.
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: Codes: 3-402.11 Inspector Comments: NO WRITTEN AGREEMENT FROM SUPPLIER STATING FISH IS STORED AT REQUIRED TIME AND TEMPERATURE FOR PARASITE DESTRUCTION (FISH USED FOR CEVICHE). INSTD TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON SITE
Official wording (code 25)
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: 5-205.15: small leak at pipe underneath 3-compartment sink. Instd to repair and maintain
Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
-
PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: 2-102.13: missing allergen training as required. Instd to obtain and maintain verification for all city of chicago certified certificate holders
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
-
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Conditional
Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
6 critical1 general1 paperwork Show violations
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CriticalManagement & training
Staff weren’t trained on, or didn’t follow, the rules for reporting illness.
Inspector’s note: No employee health policy in place. Instd to provide acknowledged policy and maintain on site. Priority foundation 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: No procedure in place for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events. Instd to provide procedure and necessary supplies effective against norovirus. Priority foundation 7-38-005.
Official wording (code 5)
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
-
CriticalFood source
Required records (shellfish tags, parasite-destruction logs) were missing.
Inspector’s note: No written agreement from supplier stating fish is stored at required time and temperature for parasite destruction (fish used for ceviche). Instd to obtain and maintain on site
Official wording (code 14)
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
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CriticalFood handling
Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.
Inspector’s note: Low temperature warewashing machine in main warewashing area unable to sanitize properly, 0ppm of chlorine when tested. Premises currently using 3-compartment sink to properly wash, rinse and sanitize multi use equipment. Unit tagged and held for inspection at this time. Priority 7-38-005.
Official wording (code 16)
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
-
CriticalFood temperature
Prepared food wasn’t date-marked, or was kept past its discard date.
Inspector’s note: Variety of foods (cooked rice, cooked pasta, cooked chicken, etc, ranch and blue cheese dressing (prepared on site) not properly labeled, dated. Refrigerated, ready to eat tcs food prepared and held for more than 24 hours shall be clearly marked to indicate the day or date by which food shall be sold or discarded for a maximum of 7 days. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005.
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: Missing consumer advisory with disclosure and reminder (hamburgers and steak cooked to order, fish ceviche). Instd to provide and maintain. Priority foundation 7-38-005.
Official wording (code 25)
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: Small leak at pipe underneath 3-compartment sink. Instd to repair and maintain
Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
-
PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: Missing allergen training as required. Instd to obtain and maintain verification for all city of chicago certified certificate holders.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
-
-
Conditional
Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
2 critical4 general Show violations
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CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector’s note: Prep cooler in use unable to maintain proper temperature, internal air temperature 49.5f. Unit tagged and held for inspection at this time. Instd to be able to maintain product temperature of 40f or below at all times. Violation issued critical 7-38-005a.
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CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector’s note: The following potentially hazardous foods at improper storage temperatures in prep cooler: salsa 45.9f, chicken 51.9f, beans 44.2f, cut tomatoes 48.9f, steak 45.9f. Grilled onions, 51.1f. All product voluntarily discarded and denatured at this time. Approx 30lbs $200 value. Violation 7-38-005a critical.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector’s note: Cooked foods in walk in cooler not labeled or dated. Instd to properly label.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector’s note: Knives improperly stored in prep cooler. Instd to store in designated area.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Aluminum foil on storage shelves. Instd to remove foil so as surface to be smooth even, and easily cleanable.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Cutting boards with stains. Instd to clean and maintain.
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Pass
License Re-Inspection · Pass
No violations
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Fail
License · Fail
2 critical1 general Show violations
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CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector’s note: Observed no 3 compartment sink in the bar area. Two 3 compartment sinks on order pre. Manager need to install in bar area.
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CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector’s note: Observed the two bar handsinks not installed yet, instructed to properly install with hot and cold running water and to proper drain connection.
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GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)
Dish machines: provided with accurate thermometers, chemical test kits and suitable gauge cock
Inspector’s note: Observed no chemical test strips at this time, instructed to provide.
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More in ZIP 60632
Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 9 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.