Pass

Lotus Banh Mi

166 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602

Restaurant ZIP 60602 Risk 1 (High)

Passed · as of Apr 16, 2026

Lotus Banh Mi was last inspected on April 16, 2026 with a result of “Pass”. Inspectors found 10 violations, 1 of them critical.

Latest inspection

April 16, 2026 · Canvass

Pass

Result: Pass

1 critical8 general1 paperwork
  • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

    Inspector’s note: Observed low hot water pressure at hand sink in customers toilet room must repair or replace.

    Official wording (code 10)

    Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

  • GeneralFood handling

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

    Inspector’s note: Must label food storage containers when food is not in original package with common name(squeeze bottles, shakers,etc)

    Official wording (code 37)

    Food properly labeled; original container

  • GeneralFood handling

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

    Inspector’s note: Must provide a barrier at mopsink next to dish storage rack to prevent cross contamination.

    Official wording (code 39)

    Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

  • GeneralFood handling

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

    Inspector’s note: Must store plastic wear with handles in upright position at self service station for customers to prevent cross contamination .

    Official wording (code 45)

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

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

    Inspector’s note: Observed raw wood storage shelves in front prep area must apply a sealant or paint.must repair or replace worn door gasket on 1- door reach in cooler in rear prep area.

    Official wording (code 47)

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

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

    Inspector’s note: Must clean grease and food debris build up from grill table,storage shelves,prep tables,fryer cabinets.

    Official wording (code 49)

    Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

    Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace damaged epoxy flooring in storage area/office,rear storage area,customer's and staff toilet rooms.

    Official wording (code 55)

    Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

    Inspector’s note: Must replace burntout light at hood of cooking equipment.

    Official wording (code 56)

    Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

    Inspector’s note: Must clean debris build up on filters at hood of cooking equipment.

    Official wording (code 56)

    Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

  • PaperworkManagement & training

    Not all food employees had food-handler training.

    Inspector’s note: Must provide missing food handlers training for new employees and maintain.

    Official wording (code 57)

    All food employees have food handler training

Inspection history

13 inspections on record

  1. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    2 general Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 6-501.11: observed hole in wall stuffed with aluminum foil to the right of one door stainless steel refrigerator in walkway leading to front prep area. Instructed to smoothly seal hole in wall to the right of one door stainless steel refrigerator in walkway leading to front prep area for ease of cleanability.

      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 non smooth lower wooden wall covering in between handwashing sink in rear prep and utility sink. Instructed wall coverings shall be designed, constructed and installed so they are smooth and easily cleanable.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  2. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    3 critical2 general Show violations
    • CriticalFood temperature

      Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

      Inspector’s note: Observed cold tcs foods, held at improper temperatures ranging between 51.8-57.7f. Observed cold tcs foods, chopped romaine(51.8f), sliced tomatoes(53.2f) and bean sprouts(57.7f) 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 $25 weighing 4lbs. Priority violation 7-38-005 citation issued.

      Official wording (code 22)

      Proper cold holding temperatures

    • CriticalFood handling

      No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no asterisk on menu identifying animal derived foods that are served undercooked or cooked to order, observed no disclosure on menu stating animal derived food with an asterisk is served undercooked or cooked to order and observed no reminder statement on menu. Instructed to add asterisk to menu identifying animal derived foods as being served undercooked or cooked to order, instructed to add disclosure to menu stating animal derived foods with an asterisk are served undercooked or cooked to order and instructed to add reminder statement to menu stating consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 no citation issued

      Official wording (code 25)

      Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food

    • CriticalFood temperature

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed two counter top cold holding units in front prep area at improper ambient temperatures ranging between 49.8-53.2f. Instructed all cold holding units must be maintained at 41f or below. Corrected on site held for inspection tags placed on two counter top cold holding units in front prep area. Priority violation 7-38-005 citation issued

      Official wording (code 33)

      Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed hole in wall stuffed with aluminum foil to the right of one door stainless steel refrigerator in walkway leading to front prep area. Instructed to smoothly seal hole in wall to the right of one door stainless steel refrigerator in walkway leading to front prep area for ease of cleanability.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed non smooth lower wooden wall covering in between handwashing sink in rear prep and utility sink. Instructed wall coverings shall be designed, constructed and installed so they are smooth and easily cleanable.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  3. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: Observed a slow drainage at the handwashing sink in the rear prep/dishwashing area. Instructed to repair and maintain.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must clean debris from floors along the walls underneath the three compartment sink in rear dry storage area.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  4. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    3 general Show violations
    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Obsereved single service trays stored facing up at the serving line. Instructed to invert trays and plastic bowls to protect from overhead contamination.

      Official wording (code 45)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed ice build up at the bottom of reach-in freezer in the rear storage room/office. Instructed to defrost ice, clean, and maintain.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: Observed low water pressure for hot water in the employee restroom. Instructed to repair and maintain.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

  5. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Leaky pipe under 3-comp sink, Instructed to repair and maintain.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Missing sink stoppers for 3-comp sink, Instructed to provide.

      Official wording (code 48)

      Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

  6. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical8 general2 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed pan placed in the exposed handwashing sink in the front and soap dispenser place in the exposed handwashing sink in rear rendering it inaccessible. Instructed to maintain all exposed hand washing sinks open and accessible for hand washing. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c). Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • GeneralFood temperature

      Frozen food was thawed the wrong way.

      Inspector’s note: Observed frozen meat left seating outside to thaw in the food prep area. Management instructed to thaw tcs foods under cold running water, in the refrigerator or in the microwave as part of a continuous cooking process.

      Official wording (code 35)

      Approved thawing methods used

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed food items stored on floor in rear prep area. Instructed manager to elevate all food six inches off floor.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • 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 in sanitizing solution between uses.

      Official wording (code 41)

      Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Noted assorted food items inside freezer units with food stored inside plastic grocery bags. Instructed to properly store all food items inside approved food grade containers

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed accumulated grease and food debris on interior and exterior surfaces of cooking equipment, prep tables, coolers, freezers. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed debris around the dumpster. Instructed to clean and maintain

      Official wording (code 54)

      Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed unused equipment in back prep area. Instructed manager to remove all unused, unnecssary equipment and articles to prevent pest harborage.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed excessive dust on the vents throughout the facility. Instructed to clean and maintain

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Not all food employees had food-handler training.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no food handler certificates on site at time of inspection due to all expired. 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

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no allergen training on site at time of inspection due to expired. Instructed all employees holding city of chicago foodservice manager certificates must complete allergen training and maintain records thereof on site at all times.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  7. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical1 general Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: No hand wash soap provide at rear kitchen hand wash sink, instructed to provide. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c)

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: No covered receptacles in toilet rooms, instructed to provide.

      Official wording (code 53)

      Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

  8. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    2 critical1 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: Found no handwashing signage at handwashing sink located in employee washroom. Must provide.

      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: Observed asterisk disclosure and reminder on menu. Instructed to provide a disclosure on the menu for all items (sunnyside eggs) that can be ordered undercooked or raw and add a reminder on the menu that reads *these items can be ordered undercooked or raw. Consuming undercooked or raw foods can increase your risk of foodborne illness. Priority foundation violation #7-38-005. No citation issued.

      Official wording (code 25)

      Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: : observed water stained ceilings tile panels near the washroom and the rear of the prep area. Instructed to replace the water damaged stained ceiling tiles.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • PaperworkManagement & training

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

      Inspector’s note: Found no valid city of chicago food service manager on site while time/temperature control for safety foods are prepared and served to the public. Instructed manager to provide valid city of chicago food service manager and valid certificate at all times time/ temperature control for safety foods are prepared, stored, and served. Priority foundation violation. No citation issued.

      Official wording (code 2)

      City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

  9. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    3 critical5 general Show violations
    • CriticalManagement & training

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no written employee health policy on site. Instructed facility to establish an appropriate employee health policy and maintain with verifiable signed copies on site for all food employees. 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: Observed no procedures or supplies for responding to vomiting or diarrheal events. Instructed facility to provide clean up policy and supplies to properly handle bodily fluid spills on site. Note: adequate sanitizer *must eliminate norovirus* priority foundation violation #7-38-005. No citation issued.

      Official wording (code 5)

      Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

    • CriticalFood handling

      No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no disclosure and reminder on the menu for all items that can be ordered raw or undercooked. Instructed to provide a disclosure on the menu for all items (sunnyside eggs) that can be ordered undercooked or raw and add a reminder on the menu that reads *these items can be ordered undercooked or raw. Consuming undercooked or raw foods can increase your risk of foodborne illness. Priority foundation violation #7-38-005. No citation issued.

      Official wording (code 25)

      Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food

    • GeneralFood temperature

      Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

      Inspector’s note: Noted no thermometers inside refrigeration units conspicuously posted to monitor the ambient air temperature of equipment. Instructed to equip all refrigeration units with accurate and working thermometers.

      Official wording (code 36)

      Thermometers provided & accurate

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no splashguard between front exposed hand sink and counter used to store coffee service products. Must install a washable splashguard.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no covered receptacle for sanitary napkins in unisex washroom. Instructed to provide covered waste receptacle.

      Official wording (code 53)

      Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed water stained ceilings tile panels near the washroom and the rear of the prep area. Instructed to replace the water damaged stained ceiling tiles.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed an accumulation of dirt/debris buildup on the vent fans above the pre table in the main kitchen area. Must detail clean and maintain

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

  10. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

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

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

      Inspector’s note: Utensils in use stored in standing water container, instructed to keep in a dry clean container

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn

      Inspector’s note: Ice scoop stored on ice cubes in ice maker. Instructed to keep off cubes.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food handler requirements met

      Inspector’s note: Food handlers requirement not met, instructed to have all food handlers obtain ill food handlers certificate.

  11. Pass

    License · Pass

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

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed drain board needed above 3 compartment sink. Instructed to provide and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed a pinkish substance inside of the ice machine by the panel and in the interior located by the ice maker. Instructed to clean and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no light shields on light bulbs located over the front food prep area. Instructed to provide light bulb shields and maintain.

  12. Not Ready

    License · Not Ready

    No violations

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 7 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.