Conditional

Cedar Palace

655 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Restaurant ZIP 60614 Risk 1 (High)

Pass with Conditions · as of Apr 9, 2026

Cedar Palace was last inspected on April 9, 2026 with a result of “Pass w/ Conditions”. Inspectors found 16 violations, 5 of them critical.

Latest inspection

April 9, 2026 · Canvass

Conditional

Result: Pass w/ Conditions

5 critical11 general
  • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

    Inspector’s note: Observed the rear prep/dishwashing hand sink not accessible for use. A bucket of water being held inside the sink and buckets on the floor with soiled mops stored inside in front of the sink on the floor. Dishes being washed and foods being prepped at this time. Instructed the hand washing sinks must be accessible for use at all times. Owner removed during the inspection. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c) citation issued.

    Official wording (code 10)

    Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

  • CriticalFood handling

    Raw and ready-to-eat foods weren’t kept apart.

    Inspector’s note: Observed raw meats being improperly stored over cooked ready to eat foods and fresh produce in two separate coolers. In a garage tall reach-in cooler raw beef being stored on the top shelving over prepared foods and produce. In the walk-in cooler noted raw meat kabobs on top shelving stored directly over containers of cooked ready to eat chicken, beef and other assorted prepared foods. All removed. Reviewed proper food storage of raw and ready to eat foods. Priority violation 7-38-005 citation issued.

    Official wording (code 15)

    Food separated and protected

  • CriticalFood temperature

    Hot food was held below a safe temperature.

    Inspector’s note: Noted cooked stuffed grape leaves on stove top being held hot at 131f. Instructed to reheat to 165.f. Reviewed hot holding requirements. Priority violation. See violation #22 for citation.

    Official wording (code 21)

    Proper hot holding temperatures

  • CriticalFood temperature

    Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

    Inspector’s note: Noted the following tcs foods being held at improper cold holding temperatures in the cooks line two door cooler: baba ganoush at 51f & 47.3f, feta cheese at 47.8f, hummus at 55.4f. Also noted cooked chicken in the cooks line tall reach-in cooler at 49.4f. All discarded. Reviewed cold holding temperature requirements. Priority violation 7-38-005 citation issued.

    Official wording (code 22)

    Proper cold holding temperatures

  • CriticalFood temperature

    Prepared food wasn’t date-marked, or was kept past its discard date.

    Inspector’s note: Observed several containers of ready to eat hummus, cooked chicken and cooked beef from the previous days preparation in the walk-in cooler and the cooks line tall reach-in cooler not date labeled. No labels. Reviewed the required date labeling of prepared tcs foods with an expiration date no longer than 7 days. All foods discarded. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 citation issued.

    Official wording (code 23)

    Proper date marking and disposition

  • GeneralFood handling

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

    Inspector’s note: All bulk foods not stored in the original containers must labeled with the product common name.

    Official wording (code 37)

    Food properly labeled; original container

  • GeneralFood handling

    Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

    Inspector’s note: All prep area wiping cloths must be held in a container with a sanitizing solution.

    Official wording (code 41)

    Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

  • GeneralFood handling

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

    Inspector’s note: Must not store potatoes, onions and other stored items on the floor in the lower level prep area.

    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: Must not use milk crates as a means of elevation for stored items throughout the garage storage and kitchen areas.

    Official wording (code 47)

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

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

    Inspector’s note: Noted torn rubber door gaskets on the cooks line two door small cooler and the garage tall reach-in cooler. Instructed to replace.

    Official wording (code 47)

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

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

    Inspector’s note: Noted broken door handle being repaired with tape. Instructed to replace/repair to be smooth and cleanable.

    Official wording (code 47)

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

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

    Inspector’s note: Excessive rust on the bottom shelving of the metal prep table in the lower level prep area. Instructed to remove.

    Official wording (code 49)

    Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

    Inspector’s note: Interior of the garage storage reach-in freezer with excessive ice instructed to clean and remove ice build up.----excessive rust on the metal rack shelving inside the garage storage walk-in cooler. Instructed to remove.

    Official wording (code 49)

    Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

    Inspector’s note: Soiled mop heads being improperly stored in buckets on the floor. Instructed to store inverted at the utility mop sink when not in use.

    Official wording (code 55)

    Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

    Inspector’s note: Must not use cardboard under prep table legs on floors to stabilize.

    Official wording (code 55)

    Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

    Inspector’s note: Noted employees personal belongs ie: backpacks being stored in the food prep area. Must provide a designated storage area for employees belongs.

    Official wording (code 56)

    Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

Inspection history

9 inspections on record

  1. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations
    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed plates facing up in kitchen prep area. Instructed to store inverted to prevent sources of contamination.

      Official wording (code 45)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed minor grease spills on floor under cooking fryer. Must clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  2. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    2 critical3 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalManagement & training

      No one in charge was present who knew the food-safety rules.

      Inspector’s note: Person in charge unable to provide food service sanitation certificate. Priority foundation violation. No citation issued.

      Official wording (code 1)

      Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no hand washing sign or poster near hand washing sink in the employee washroom located in the lower level. Must provide and maintain.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • GeneralFood temperature

      Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

      Inspector’s note: Must provide a visile and working thermometer in the 2-door prep cooler.

      Official wording (code 36)

      Thermometers provided & accurate

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Must not use milk crates as a means of elevation for stored items in the outside food storage area. Must use approve shelving. Must elevate items from the floor and maintain.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      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: Observed no city of chicago food service sanitation certificate posted on premises while tcs foods area being prepared and served such as soups, salads, cooked rice etc. Instructed above to opearte with a certified food service manager on site at all times food is being prepared and served. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012 citation issued.

      Official wording (code 2)

      City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

  3. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 critical13 general Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: Lower level prep hand sink soap and mounted towel dispenser must be removed from the utility mop sink and relocated to be closer to the hand sink.

      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: Ice shoot of soda dispensing ice machine dirty. Must clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 16)

      Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

    • GeneralFood temperature

      Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

      Inspector’s note: Missing thermometer inside the walk-in cooler. Must replace.

      Official wording (code 36)

      Thermometers provided & accurate

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: All bulk food containers including spice containers must be labeled with the product common name.

      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: Cars must not be stored inside the same garage being used for dry food storage. Must remove vehicle of remove all foods.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFood handling

      Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: Prep area wiping cloths must be held in a container with a sanitizing solution.

      Official wording (code 41)

      Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

    • GeneralFood handling

      In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: Knives noted improperly stored between metal surfaces of the cooks line cooler. Must provide a proper knife holder or store on a clean surface.

      Official wording (code 43)

      In-use utensils: properly stored

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: All stored dry foods and togo food containers must be elevated from the floors in the garage dry food storage room.

      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: Raw wooden splash guard between the lower level prep area hand washing and utility mop sink must be painted/sealed.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Torn rubber door gaskets repaired with duct tape on the garage two door reach-in cooler. Must replace gaskets.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Exterior/top of dish machine with dirt and debris. Must clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Excessive rust on lower shelving of prep table in the lower level prep area. Must remove rust to be smooth and cleanable.----peeling plastic as a sealant on metal shelving in upper kitchen must be removed.----metal shelving under the flat top grill with excessive grease and food debris. Must clean and maintain.----must not use cardboard as liner for prep shelving, interior cooler lining or splash guard at clean dish storage.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must install smooth, cleanable ceiling and walls throughout the rear garage cooler and dry food storage room.---missing wall tile at the three compartment sink. Must replace.----excessive grease on the wall mounted fan above the cooks line window with grease dripping down into the window. Must clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Noted dirty, greasy plastic hanging from wiring above the cooks line two door tall reach-in cooler. Must remove.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Baseboard floor coving under the three compartment sink cracked, missing damaged with open seam/gap between wall and floor. Must repair.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  4. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    5 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • GeneralFood handling

      Clean utensils, equipment, or linens weren’t stored and handled properly.

      Inspector’s note: Utensils stored on top of the tableware must be properly covered to protect from contamination

      Official wording (code 44)

      Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Rusted shelf under prep table at lower level prep area. Must restore to a smooth, easily cleanable surface or replace must not use milk crates as a means of elevation for stored items.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Must not use duct tape as a means of repair on wall between handwashing sink and mop sink lower level. The surface must be smooth and cleanable.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Mineral build-up at exterior of ice chute at self serve soda dispenser/coca-cola unit.clean, sanitize, and maintain

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: Mop sink slowly draining, repair issue

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Not all food employees had food-handler training.

      Inspector’s note: No food handler certificate provided on site,instructed to obtain.

      Official wording (code 57)

      All food employees have food handler training

  5. Conditional

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical2 general Show violations
    • CriticalManagement & training

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

      Inspector’s note: Found no procedure/plan and kit for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events. Instructed facility to develop and maintain a procedure/plan and to maintain any appropriate supplies on site. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005.

      Official wording (code 5)

      Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Containers with dry food must be labeled with common name

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: No back flow prevention device provided at ice machine water line at self serve area. Must install so back flow prevention device may be located to be serviced and maintain.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

  6. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    4 critical4 general Show violations
    • CriticalManagement & training

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

      Inspector’s note: Found no procedure/plan and kit for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events. Instructed facility to develop and maintain a procedure/plan and to maintain any appropriate supplies on site. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005.

      Official wording (code 5)

      Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

    • CriticalFood temperature

      Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

      Inspector’s note: Found cooked tcs food at improper temperature: mashed eggplants at temp of 46.8f to 50f; hummus at temp of 48.6f to 49.8f, feta cheese at temp of 48.7f. Food discarded and denatured. Pounds 8,value 20. Priority violation: 7-38-005

      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: Inadequate air temperature inside two door prep cooler: 45.7f to 46.7f. Cold unit must maintain air temp of 41f and below, tagged unit "held for inspection" do not use . Priority violation: 7-38-005

      Official wording (code 33)

      Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

    • CriticalFacility upkeep

      Hot or cold water wasn’t available, or water pressure was too low.

      Inspector’s note: Hot water temperature at wash bowl inside the staff washroom at temp of 70.2f to 71.1f. Hot water provided at said sink must maintain provided a minimal of 100f . Instructed to use second washroom. Two days given. Priority violation:7-38-030(c)

      Official wording (code 50)

      Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Containers with dry food must be labeled with common name

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Must not use milk crates as a means of elevation for stored items.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Must not use plastic grocery bags as food containers inside the reach-in freezers. Must use food grade disposable plastic bags or food containers with lids.

      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: No back flow prevention device provided at ice machine water line at self serve area. Must install so back flow prevention device may be located to be serviced and maintain.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

  7. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    3 critical5 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no hand washing signage at hand sink at: -hand sink in front kitchen prep area -shared employee/customer restrooms instructed manager to provide signage in said areas. Maintain at all times.

      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 no paper towels at hand washing sink located in rear prep area. Informed manager that paper towels are required at hand washing sinks. Manager corrected violation during inspection. Priority foundation violation #7-38-030(c) citation issued

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalFood temperature

      Hot food was held below a safe temperature.

      Inspector’s note: Observed time and temperature control for safety foods stored at improper temperature at: cook line vertical broiler: 67.5f, 30lbs marinated beef, $180 at room temperature. 67.8f, 5lbs marinated chicken, $9.00 at room temperature. Informed manager that tcs foods must be 41f or less for cold foods and 135f or more for hot foods. Manager voluntarily discarded and denatured 35lbs of cooked chicken, at a total of $189.00 priority violation #7-38-005 citation issued.

      Official wording (code 21)

      Proper hot holding temperatures

    • GeneralFood temperature

      Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no internal thermometer measuring device inside all cold holding units. Instructed manager to provide. Maintain at all times.

      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 splash guard on left side of hand sink at in rear prep area adjacent to 1 compartment sink. Instructed manager to provide splash guard at hand sink. Maintain at all times.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: Unable to identify backflow preventer/vacuum break device on beverage/ice machine in dining room area. Instructed manger to identify and or install backflow preventer/vacuum break device in said area. Maintain at all times.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no lidded trash can receptacle for sanitary items, in all employee/customer shared restrooms on site. Instructed manager to provide lidded trash can receptacle for sanitary items in addition to room trash can. Maintain at all times.

      Official wording (code 53)

      Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed excessive grease build up on exterior surface of hood filters above cook line area. Instructed manager to detail clean and maintain at all times.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed allergen awareness certificate not maintained for certified food manager. Instructed manager to obtain allergen awareness certificates.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  8. Conditional

    License · Pass w/ Conditions

    4 critical3 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalManagement & training

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

      Inspector’s note: The person in charge unable to provide employee health policy. Instructed to provide employee health policy and maintain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012. 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: The person in charge unable to provide procedure for employee to followed when responding to vomiting or diarrheal event. Priority founation 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 no handwashing signs or posters near hand washing sinks in prep areas and dishwashing areas. Must provide hand washing signs or posters and maintain.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalFood temperature

      Prepared food wasn’t date-marked, or was kept past its discard date.

      Inspector’s note: Observed ready to eat food items not properly labeled inside prep coolers and walk-in cooler. Must properly label food items with product name prepared by date and or use by date.

      Official wording (code 23)

      Proper date marking and disposition

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed food storage containers not labeled. Must label food storage containers when food is not in the original package.

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed a few floor tiles broken in kitchen food prep area by cooking equipment and upright refrigerator. Must repair/replace and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must regrout floor in main kitchen area lower level dishwashing area. Must regrout and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no certified food managers on site with required allergen training. Instructed that all certified food managers must complete allergen training requirements. Priority foundation violation, in accordance with pa 100-0367.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

More in ZIP 60614

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