String's
1453 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
Restaurant ZIP 60615 Risk 1 (High)
Pass with Conditions · as of May 19, 2026
String's was last inspected on May 19, 2026 with a result of “Pass w/ Conditions”. Inspectors found 9 violations, 2 of them critical.
Latest inspection
May 19, 2026 · Canvass
Result: Pass w/ Conditions
2 critical6 general1 paperwork-
CriticalManagement & training
No one in charge was present who knew the food-safety rules.
Inspector’s note: Observed no person in charge with valid chicago food sanitation certificate.
Official wording (code 1)
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
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CriticalFood handling
Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.
Inspector’s note: Observed the ice bin interior in need of cleaning. Instructed to remove ice, clean and maintain at all times.
Official wording (code 16)
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
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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
Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.
Inspector’s note: Observed food containers stored on the floor in the prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to properly store and protect food items from contamination while stored by elevating at least six inches from the floor on raised shelving units.
Official wording (code 39)
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
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GeneralHygiene & sanitation
Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: Observed food handlers prepping food without hair restraints. Instructed person in charge that all food handlers must wear a hair restraint.
Official wording (code 40)
Personal cleanliness
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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
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed grease buildup on cooking equipment, walls, surrounding floors and shelving units in the kitchen/prep areas. Instructed to degrease, clean and sanitize.
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, food debris, and dirt on floor under cooking equipment, along walls and in all corners in prep, dish washing, and storageareas. Instructed manager to clean floors under all equipment, along walls and in all corners in all areas.
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 valid city of chicago food service manager on duty/ premises as required while tcs foods are being prepared, handled and served such as chicken and seafood. Must maintain at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012 issued.
Official wording (code 2)
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspection history
12 inspections on record
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Conditional
Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
2 general1 paperwork Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Must clean and maintain the deli meat slicer in the rear prep area.
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: Must clean the floors, floor drains, wall and ceiling in the rear prep and dish washing areas.
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 valid city of chicago food service manager on duty/ premises as required while tcs foods are being prepared, handled and served such as chicken and seafood. Must maintain at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012 issued.
Official wording (code 2)
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
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Pass
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass
4 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 the interior screen door with 1/4" gaps at the bottom,side and top. Must repair and maintain to prevent entry point for pests.
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Must clean the interior of the reach in cooler to remove spills and/or debris. Also clean the top interior of prep coolers.
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 mops not properly store while damp on the floor and in buckets. Must hang up to air dry to prevent breeding source for flies.
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: Must detail clean the floors, floor drains, wall and ceiling through out premises.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
5 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 the interior screen door with 1/4" gaps at the bottom,side and top.
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
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GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: Observed 30 small live flies scattered on the walls, ceiling and boxes in the rear storage area, also noted 20 small live flies scattered in the mop sink area. Priority foundation citation issued #7-38-020(a).
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Must clean the interior of the reach in cooler to remove spills and/or debris. Also clean the top interior of prep coolers.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Must detail clean the floors,wall and ceiling through out premises to prevent futher fly issues.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed mops not properly store while damp on the floor and in buckets. Must hang up to air dry.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
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Pass
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass
4 general Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean and maintain the following: exterior surfaces of cooking equipment, interior bottom of fryers, interior panel of ice machine, interiors of refrigeration units.
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 doors are not self closing as required; must install self closing devices at both doors.
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 kitchen equipment, clean walls around and behind kitchen equipment where needed. Instructed to clean the ceiling ventilation fans in both washrooms to remove dust observed on them. Also instructed to clean the light shields in the kitchen to remove dust observed.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed one light shield above the cooler in kitchen is cracked in two places; instructed to replace shield.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
6 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 rodent activity on premises. Found 70 or more mouse droppings on premises in the following areas: on the floor under the dishmachine table, on the floor by the ice machine, on the floor in the utility closet and in the rear kitchen pantry on the floor underneath the storage shelves. Instructed to clean all areas and have pest control company service prior to reinspection next week. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(a) citation issued.
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 and maintain the following: exterior surfaces of cooking equipment, interior bottom of fryers, interior panel of ice machine, interiors of refrigeration units.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.
Inspector’s note: The washroom doors are not self closing as required; must install self closing devices at both doors.
Official wording (code 53)
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed unnecessary items in the utility closet area; instructed to remove to avoid clutter.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean the floors under around and behind kitchen equipment, clean walls around and behind kitchen equipment where needed. Instructed to clean the ceiling ventilation fans in both washrooms to remove dust observed on them. Also instructed to clean the light shields in the kitchen to remove dust observed.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed one light shield above the cooler in kitchen is cracked in two places; instructed to replace shield.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Closed
Canvass · Out of Business
The inspector found this business closed.
No violations
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Conditional
Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
1 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: No vomit and diarrhea clean up kit on premises as required; must provide and maintain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 issued.
Official wording (code 5)
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
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GeneralHygiene & sanitation
Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: Some food handlers without hair restaints; instructed to provide and wear at all times.
Official wording (code 40)
Personal cleanliness
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean the exterior surfaces of all cooking equipment in both prep areas, clean interiors of all refrigeration and freezer units, clean prep tables.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean floors and walls around and behind equipment where needed. Instructed to clean all floor drains at sinks.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: A floor drain cover is needed for the floor drain in the utility closet; must provide.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Found some unnecessary items in the utility closet and storage closet; instructed to remove items to avoid clutter. Organize and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: Must remove dust from the hooded system above the cooking equipment in the rear prep area and in hood above the dishmachine.
Official wording (code 56)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
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PaperworkManagement & training
No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.
Inspector’s note: No city of chicago food service manager on premises as required; must maintain at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012 issued.
Official wording (code 2)
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
3 general Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean the exterior surfaces of cooking equipment, interior of ice machine, top and bottoms of prep tables.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: Observed leaking from the dishmachine when machine in use at the area where the soap is dispensed into unit; repair leak.
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: Instructed to clean the floor drains at sinks where needed. Instructed to clean the walls around and behind cooking equipment where needed. Instructed to clean ceiling vents in dining area and washrooms to remove dust observed.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Conditional
Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions
3 critical7 general Show violations
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Staff were eating, drinking, or smoking where food is prepared.
Inspector’s note: Observed two employees eating and drinking from open cup in front prep area. Instructed manager to provide designated area for eating outside prep area.
Official wording (code 6)
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
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CriticalFood source
Required records (shellfish tags, parasite-destruction logs) were missing.
Inspector’s note: Observed no records or statement for parasite destruction of raw fish from supplier on premises. License holder shall provide statement from supplier identifying that fish sold as raw, raw-marinated, or undercooked is frozen for parasite destruction. Priority violation 7-38-005
Official wording (code 14)
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
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CriticalFood handling
Specialized processes (curing, vacuum-packing, etc.) didn’t follow the approved plan.
Inspector’s note: Observed no approved procedures or lab records for sushi rice. Instructed manager to provide and maintain. Priority violation 7-38-005
Official wording (code 29)
Compliance with variance/specialized process/haccp
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GeneralFood temperature
Frozen food was thawed the wrong way.
Inspector’s note: Observed raw pork belly improperly thawing in standing water in prep sink. Instructed manager to properly thaw under cold running water, in refrigerator or part of cooking process.
Official wording (code 35)
Approved thawing methods used
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.
Inspector’s note: Observed items stored on floor under front counter. Instructed manager to elevate all food and drink six inches off floor.
Official wording (code 39)
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
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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
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GeneralFood handling
Single-use items weren’t stored or used properly.
Inspector’s note: Observed single service cups, bowls, plates and containers stored on floor in rear storage area. Instructed manager to elevate all single service articles off floor.
Official wording (code 45)
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: Observed loose faucet on hand washing sink and leaking faucet on 3-compartment sink in dish washing area. Instructed manager to repair and maintain.
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: Observed ceiling tiles missing near ventilation hood in rear prep area. Insructed manager to 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: Observed dudt buildup on ceiling vents and ceiling tiles in rear prep area. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Closed
Canvass · Out of Business
The inspector found this business closed.
No violations
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Pass
License · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralFood handling
Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.
Inspector’s note: Must store unused wiping cloths in adequate chemical sanitizing solution.
Official wording (code 41)
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Clean floor at rear prep area of food spills and debris. Clean floors along wallbase and at corners, under shelving at rear.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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More in ZIP 60615
Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 6 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.