Cajun Boil & Shake
5500 S Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637
Restaurant ZIP 60637 Risk 1 (High)
Out of business · as of Mar 11, 2025
Cajun Boil & Shake was last inspected on March 11, 2025 with a result of “Out of Business”. Inspectors found no violations.
Latest inspection
March 11, 2025 · Canvass
Result: Out of Business
No violationsThe inspector found this business closed.
No violations were recorded at this inspection.
Inspection history
14 inspections on record
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Pass
Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass
1 critical4 general Show violations
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: Observed no hand washing sign at south hand washing sink in bar. Instructed manager to provide hand washing signs at all hand washing sinks used by employees.
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.
Inspector’s note: Observed no splash guard on south hand washing sink in bar area. Instructed manager to provide and maintain.
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 not wearing hair restraints in prep and bar areas. All food handlers must wear effective hair restraints.
Official wording (code 40)
Personal cleanliness
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: Observed leaking drainpipe under 3-compartment sink in bar area and rear hand washing sink near walk-in cooler in prep 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 damaged baseboard near cooler in bar area, missing grout and damaged floor tiles in prep and dish washing areas. Instructed manager to repair and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Fail
Complaint · Fail
2 critical5 general Show violations
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: Observed no hand washing sign at south hand washing sink in bar. Instructed manager to provide hand washing signs at all hand washing sinks used by employees.
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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CriticalFood handling
Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.
Inspector’s note: Observed low temperature dish machine in prep and bar area not sanitizing food equipment and utensils chemical ppm 0. Instructed manager to repair and maintain 100 ppm. Dish machines are tagged held for inspection and must not be used until reinspected by chicago department of health. Priority 7-38-025 citation issued
Official wording (code 16)
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
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GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: Observed over 50 mice droppings scattered on floor in bar area, 30 mice droppngs scattered on floor under shelving units, on top of hot water tank and floor around hot water tank, 20 mice droppings scattered on floor and shelves in dry storage and liquor storage areas in basement. Observed numerous flying insects in dining, bar, prep, storage and basement areas. Instructed manager to call an exterminator for service, clean and sanitize all areas. Priority foundation 7-38-020(a) citation issued.
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.
Inspector’s note: Observed no splash guard on south hand washing sink in bar area. Instructed manager to provide and maintain.
Official wording (code 39)
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
-
GeneralHygiene & sanitation
Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: Observed food handlers not wearing hair restraints in prep and bar areas. All food handlers must wear effective hair restraints.
Official wording (code 40)
Personal cleanliness
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: Observed leaking drainpipe under 3-compartment sink in bar area and rear hand washing sink near walk-in cooler in prep 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 damaged baseboard near cooler in bar area, missing grout and damaged floor tiles in prep and dish washing areas. Instructed manager to repair and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Pass
Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass
4 general Show violations
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.
Inspector’s note: Observed plastic bowl used as scoop in dry food storage containers. Instructed to discard and replace with multi-use utensil with handle to avoid hand contact with food and maintain.
Official wording (code 39)
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
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GeneralFood handling
In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.
Inspector’s note: Observed knives stored between coolers at kitchen prep line and scoop handle stored in the food in dry food storage containers. Instructed to store multi-use utensils on a clean and sanitized surface or scoops stored within the food item in-between uses and maintain
Official wording (code 43)
In-use utensils: properly stored
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: Water knob on handwashing sink near ice machine in poor repair. Instructed to repair plumbing fixtures and maintain in good repair.
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 base coving on wall behind coolers in kitchen area missing or in poor repair. Instructed to repair or replace base coving on wall behind coolers and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Fail
Complaint · Fail
3 critical7 general1 paperwork Show violations
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CriticalFood temperature
Hot food was held below a safe temperature.
Inspector’s note: Observed container of gumbo on kitchen area steam table at 100.6f. Instructed to discard and hot hold tcs foods at 135.0f or above and maintain. Person-in-charge discarded gumbo and denatured with bleach on-site. Approximately 10 lbs valued approximately $20 discarded. 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 bowl of raw fish in the walk-in cooler at 60.1f. Instructed to discard and cold hold tcs foods at 41.0f or below and maintain. Person-in-charge discarded raw fish and denatured with bleach. Approximately 15 lbs valued at $40 discarded. Priority violation. Citation consolidated with above violation.
Official wording (code 22)
Proper cold holding temperatures
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CriticalRepeat violation
A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.
Inspector’s note: Observed the following core violation from inspection 11/2/2023 not corrected: #58 no allergen certificate on site at time of inspection. Instructed to obtain and maintain. Priority violation foundation. 7-42-090 citation issued.
Official wording (code 60)
Previous core violation corrected
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GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: Observed approximately 70 rodent droppings in areas throughout facility: beneath fryers in the kitchen area, on ledge in rear of kitchen area, beneath shelves in liquor storage area, behind containers beneath stairs in the basement, in single-service storage area. Instructed to remove droppings and clean and sanitize affected area and maintain. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-020(a) citation issued.
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.
Inspector’s note: Observed plastic bowl used as scoop in dry food storage containers. Instructed to discard and replace with multi-use utensil with handle to avoid hand contact with food and maintain.
Official wording (code 39)
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
-
GeneralFood handling
In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.
Inspector’s note: Observed knives stored between coolers at kitchen prep line and scoop handle stored in the food in dry food storage containers. Instructed to store multi-use utensils on a clean and sanitized surface or scoops stored within the food item in-between uses and maintain.
Official wording (code 43)
In-use utensils: properly stored
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GeneralFood handling
Single-use items weren’t stored or used properly.
Inspector’s note: Observed single-service utensils and containers stored directly on the floor in the basement dry storage area. Instructed to relocate single-service items at least 6 inches above the floor and maintain.
Official wording (code 45)
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Hot or cold water wasn’t available, or water pressure was too low.
Inspector’s note: Observed hot water handwashing sink in men's customer restroom max temperature of 85.1f and handwashing sink in basement employee restroom 48.9f. Instructed to repair all handwashing sinks to provide hot water at 100.0f or above minumum and maintain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c) citation issued. The handsink in the mens washroom on the first floor was corrected on site.
Official wording (code 50)
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: Observed small leak at kitchen handwashing sink piping (near boiler) and cold water knob on handwashing sink near ice machine in poor repair. Instructed to repair plumbing fixtures and maintain in good repair.
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 base coving on wall behind coolers in kitchen area missing or in poor repair. Instructed to repair or replace base coving on wall behind coolers and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: See violation #60.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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Pass
Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass
4 general1 paperwork Show violations
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GeneralFood temperature
Frozen food was thawed the wrong way.
Inspector’s note: Observed frozen fish thawing in a metal container in the food prep area. Management instructed to thaw tcs foods under cold running water or in the refrigerator instructed to correct and maintain.
Official wording (code 35)
Approved thawing methods used
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GeneralFood handling
Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.
Inspector’s note: All wiping cloths must be stored in clean sanitizing solution when not in use. Instructed to correct in all areas and maintain.
Official wording (code 41)
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: All reach in coolers, sinks and liqour bottle rails in need of cleaning in front bar area to remove all splatter and build up. All shelves in basement liqour storage area in need of cleaning to remove activity. Instructed to clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Floors throughout in need of detail cleaning in all areas. Instructed to clean, sanitize and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: No allergen certificate on site at time of inspection. Instructed to obtain and maintain.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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Fail
Complaint · Fail
5 critical7 general1 paperwork Show violations
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: Hand washing sink in employee washroom with no hot water. Instructed to correct and maintain water at 100-110 degrees at all times. Manager adjusted water heater hot water now available priority 7-38-030(c) citation issued
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: No soap or paper towels at handsink in prep area and front bar area. Instructed manager to provide and maintain soap and towels at all times. Priority foundation 7-38-030(c) citation issued
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: All handsinks in need of signage regarding handwashing. Instructed to install and maintain.
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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CriticalFood handling
Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.
Inspector’s note: Interior of ice machine in need of detail cleaning to remove all build up of black color substance at ice chute and sides of machine. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize. Priority foundation 7-38-005 citation issued
Official wording (code 16)
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
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CriticalFood handling
Toxic chemicals weren’t labeled, stored, or used safely.
Inspector’s note: Observed open rodent poision pettels on a deli plastic lid in liqour storage shelf and in paper storage area in basement manager removed. Priority violation 7-38-015 citation issued
Official wording (code 28)
Toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used
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GeneralFood temperature
Frozen food was thawed the wrong way.
Inspector’s note: Observed frozen fish thawing in a metal container in the food prep area. Management instructed to thaw tcs foods under cold running water or in the refrigerator instructed to correct and maintain.
Official wording (code 35)
Approved thawing methods used
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.
Inspector’s note: All bulk food containers in need of labeling with commodity name. Instructed to correct and maintain.
Official wording (code 37)
Food properly labeled; original container
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GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: Observed rodent activity in basement liqour storage, basement chemical area, under stairs, in corner of prep area by ice machine, in front bar area, under all dining room booths, in corners of dining area. Approx. 100-125 droppings noted. Priority foundation 7-38-020(a) citation issued
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
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GeneralFood handling
Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.
Inspector’s note: All wiping cloths must be stored in clean sanitizing solution when not in use. Instructed to correct in all areas and maintain.
Official wording (code 41)
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: All reach in coolers, sinks and liqour bottle rails in need of cleaning in front bar area to remove all splatter and build up.all shelves in basement liqour storage area in need of cleaning to remove activity. Instructed to clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.
Inspector’s note: Employee washroom in need of covered garbage can. Instructed to install and maintain.
Official wording (code 53)
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Floors throughout in need of detail cleaning in all areas. Instructed to clean, sanitize and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: No allergen certificate on site at time of inspection. Instructed to obtain and maintain.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
-
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Pass
Complaint · Pass
2 general Show violations
-
GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.
Inspector’s note: Interior of ice machine in need of cleaning to remove minor build up. Instructed to detail clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 39)
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Shelving unit in liqour room in of cleaning to remove debris. Instructed to detail clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
-
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No Entry
Complaint · No Entry
No violations
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Pass
Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass
4 general Show violations
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.
Inspector’s note: All bulk food containers in need of labeling with commodity name. Instructed to correct.
Official wording (code 37)
Food properly labeled; original container
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: All cooking equipment in need of cleaning to remove all build up of grease and dust. Instructed to detail clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: All storage shelves in need of cleaning to remove all food spills. Instructed to detail clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Floors throughout premises in need of cleaning to remove all debris. Instructed to clean under and around all equipment, and walls bases clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
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Fail
Complaint · Fail
2 critical5 general Show violations
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CriticalManagement & training
No written plan or kit for cleaning up vomit or diarrhea.
Inspector’s note: Observed no adequate supplies on site to properly respond to vomit and/or diarrheal events. Instructed to provide. Priority foundation 7-38-005. Citation issued
Official wording (code 5)
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
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CriticalFood handling
Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.
Inspector’s note: Observed excessive black and pink slimy substance build up on inside interior panel of ice machine and dripping onto ice for human consumption. Must remove build up, clean, and sanitize. Priority foundation 7-38-005 citation issued
Official wording (code 16)
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
-
GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.
Inspector’s note: All bulk foodmcontainers in need of labeling with commodity name. Instructed to correct.
Official wording (code 37)
Food properly labeled; original container
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GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: Observed rodent activity in basement, and 1st floor prep area. Observed 40-50 droppings under stairs and on water heater, observed 10-15 droppings under dish machine, observed 20-25 droppings between reach in coolers and walk in cooler. Instructed manager to contact pest control for service, clean and sanitize all areas. Priority foundation 7-38-020 citiation issued
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: All cooking equipment in need of cleaning to remove all build up of grease and dust. Instructed to detail clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: All storage shelves in need of cleaning to remove all food spills. Instructed to detail clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Floors throughout premises in need of cleaning to remove all debris. Instructed to clean under and around all equipment, and walls bases clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
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Conditional
Suspected Food Poisoning · Pass w/ Conditions
5 general1 paperwork Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean the interior bottom of the fryers to remove grease observed.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: Observed leaking from the pipe under the exposed handsink near the steamer; repair leak at pipe.
Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.
Inspector’s note: The waste receptacle in the womens washroom has no cover; instructed to provide a waste receptacle with a cover for feminine product disposal.
Official wording (code 53)
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean floor under fryer and corner area under dishmachine and corner area by the three comp sink.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
GeneralRepeat violation
A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.
Inspector’s note: Previous core violation not corrected from march 22, 2022 as required. No food handler certificates for employees on site at time of inspection. Instructed person in charge to provide and maintain on site. The manager on duty could not provide the certificates. A priority foundation citation was issued 7-42-090.
Official wording (code 60)
Previous core violation corrected
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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 provide and 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
License Re-Inspection · Pass
1 paperwork Show violations
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PaperworkManagement & training
Not all food employees had food-handler training.
Inspector’s note: Observed no food handler certificates for employees on site at time of inspection. Instructed person in charge to provide and maintain on site. New employees have 30 days to comply.
Official wording (code 57)
All food employees have food handler training
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Fail
License · Fail
3 critical4 general3 paperwork Show violations
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CriticalManagement & training
Staff weren’t trained on, or didn’t follow, the rules for reporting illness.
Inspector’s note: Observed no employee health policies on-site at time of inspection. Instructed person in charge to provide and retain on site at all times for review. Priority foundation violation #7-38-010.
Official wording (code 3)
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
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CriticalManagement & training
No written plan or kit for cleaning up vomit or diarrhea.
Inspector’s note: Observed no procedures or materials on site at time of inspection for responding to vomit and diarrhea events. Instructed person in charge to provide and maintain as required. Proirity foundation violation #7-38-005.
Official wording (code 5)
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
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CriticalFood handling
No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.
Inspector’s note: Premises will provide raw oysters. Instructed manager to provide and maintain a consumer advisory(reminder & discloser) for raw and/or under cook food items as required on the menus. Priority foundation violation #7-38-005.
Official wording (code 25)
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
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GeneralFood temperature
Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.
Inspector’s note: Observed no internal thermometers in multiple coolers throughout facility. Instructed person in charge to obtain and retain internal thermometers in all coolers throughout facility.
Official wording (code 36)
Thermometers provided & accurate
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GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: Observed 1/4in" gap at the bottom of front two exterior doors. Instructed person in charge to repair and make tight fitting for the prevention of rodent activity and/or entry point.
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.
Inspector’s note: Observed no test strips on hand for sanitizer solution (chlorine) for dish machine and 3-comp sinks. Instructed person in charge to provide and maintain on site. Priority foundation violation #7-38-005.
Official wording (code 48)
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.
Inspector’s note: Observed no dumpster or contract for dumpster service on site as required priority foundation violation #7-38-020(b).
Official wording (code 54)
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
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PaperworkManagement & training
No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.
Inspector’s note: Observed no original valid city of chicago certificate on site at time of inspection. Instructed person in charge to provide original valid city of chicago certificate on site at all times. Priority foundation violation #7-38-012.
Official wording (code 2)
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
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PaperworkManagement & training
Not all food employees had food-handler training.
Inspector’s note: Observed no food handler certificates for employees on site at time of inspection. Instructed person in charge to provide and maintain on site.
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 certificates on site for certified food managers. Instructed person in charge to provide and maintain on site.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
-
More in ZIP 60637
Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 20 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.