Almost Home Tavern & Grill

No violations were recorded at this inspection.

1. Oct 30, 2025 Fail

   Canvass · Fail

   5 critical5 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 a valid city of chicago food service sanitation certificate. Priority foundation violation

     Official wording (code 1)

     Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties

   • 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 premises. Management instructed to provide a signed employee health policy for each employee. Priority foundation violation 7-38-010 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 clean up procedure or supplies on premises to respond to vomit and diarrheal events. Instructed to provide and maintain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 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 hand washing signs or posters near hand washing sinks in front bar area. Must provide hand washing signs and maintain.

     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: Observed excessive amount of black slimy substance in the interior contact surfaces of ice machine dripping down into ice. Ice is used for human consumption. Instructed management to turn off ice machine remove ice and have interior of ice machine clean and sanitize. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 citation issued.

     Official wording (code 16)

     Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

   • GeneralFood temperature

     Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

     Inspector’s note: Visible and working thermometer needed in prep coolers in kitchen food prep area. Must provide and maintain.

     Official wording (code 36)

     Thermometers provided & accurate

   • 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 the original container.

     Official wording (code 37)

     Food properly labeled; original container

   • GeneralPests

     Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

     Inspector’s note: Outer openings not protected. Observed rear exit side door with 1/2 inch opening on bottom door. Must make door rodent proof to prevent pest entry.

     Official wording (code 38)

     Insects, rodents, & animals not present

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed heavy accumulation of dust and dirt build up on walls and ceilings above prep tables and coolers. Also observed dust build up inside light shields covers above food storage shelving and prep coolers. Must clean dust and dirt and maintain. Observed dirt and food debris on floor under around and behind cooking equipment and refrigeration units in the kitchen food prep area. Also observed accumulated food debris on floor throughout basement food storage area. Must clean and maintain. Observed openings into floor walls and ceiling on basement by ice machine and rear dry storage area. Must seal and maintain. Must be smooth and easily cleanable surfaces.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed excessive amount of clutter throughout basement. Must remove clutter clean and organize area to prevent rodent harborage. Must elevate all items 6 inches of the floor.

     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: Person in charge unable to provide a valid city of chicago food service sanitation certifiecate while food is being prepared and served such as hamburgers, chicken wings soups etc. Instructed to operate with a city of chicago certified food service manager and provide a valid city of chicago food service sanitation certificate 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

2. Jun 17, 2024 Pass

   Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

   No violations

3. Jun 13, 2024 Fail

   Canvass Re-Inspection · Fail

   1 critical5 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalRepeat violation

     A previously cited serious violation still wasn’t fixed.

     Inspector’s note: Previous priority foundation violation not corrected from 6-6-24 report #2595818. #60- 8-404.13(b:4) previous core violations from report #2580075 on 8-14-23 not corrected.#55- 6-501.12-- instructed to detail clean and maintain floors along wall base and underneath equipment especially underneath the dish washing area, at the rear dry storage and throughout the basement food/dry storage area.#55- 6-501.114-- noted heavy clutter throughout the basement food/dry storage area. Instructed to detail clean, organize and/or remove all unnecessary articles to prevent hiding places for pest.priority violation 7-42-090 citation issued.

     Official wording (code 59)

     Previous priority foundation violation corrected

   • GeneralPests

     Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

     Inspector’s note: Noted at this reinspection approximately over 300 small drain flies swarming the bar flo0r drain and three compartment sink area at drain area. Instructed to eliminate all flies, clean and sanitize all affected areas and recommend having pest co. Service for flies. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(a)

     Official wording (code 38)

     Insects, rodents, & animals not present

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: 3-307.11--- must provide a smooth, cleanable ceiling above the two basement box freezers or move to an area with a smooth, cleanable ceiling.

     Official wording (code 39)

     Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

   • GeneralHygiene & sanitation

     Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

     Inspector’s note: Noted cook on site without a hair or beard restraint. Must provide at all times while preparing and handling foods.

     Official wording (code 40)

     Personal cleanliness

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: 4-903.11 (a;b;d)--- all pots, pans, serving bowls, to go containers must be stored inverted/protected from contamination.

     Official wording (code 44)

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

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: 6-201.11--- dirt and debris behind and around the kitchen dish washing machine and kitchen three compartment sink grease trap.----all floor drains throughout the bar noted dirty with debris and black slime substance.----floors throughout the basement walk-in cooler with food spillage. Must clean and maintain all.-----blackened, moldy wall caulking at the kitchen three compartment sink. Must replace.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: 2-102.13---- must provide proof of allergen training or certificates for all the city of chicago certified food managers.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

4. Jun 6, 2024 Fail

   Canvass · Fail

   1 critical11 general2 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalFood handling

     Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

     Inspector’s note: Noted the kitchen chlorine chemical dish washing machine not properly dispensing sanitizer. Noted 0 ppm chlorine. Machine tagged held for inspection and must not use until repaired and properly dispenses chlorine, c.d.p.h contacted for re-inspection and tag removal. Instructed to use the bar dish washing machine or the three compartment sink to wash, rinse and sanitize. Priority violation 7-38-025 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 food containers must be labeled with the product common name.

     Official wording (code 37)

     Food properly labeled; original container

   • GeneralPests

     Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

     Inspector’s note: Noted a one inch gap along the bottom threshold of the kitchen exit door leading to the outside. Must provide a tight fitting seal on the bottom of the door.

     Official wording (code 38)

     Insects, rodents, & animals not present

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: Must provide a smooth, cleanable ceiling above the two basement box freezers or move to an area with a smooth, cleanable ceiling.

     Official wording (code 39)

     Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: All pots, pans, serving bowls, to go containers must be stored inverted/protected 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: Must remove from premises the porous stone pestle and mortar bowl used for foods. Unable to properly wash, rinse and sanitize the stone bowl.

     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: No chlorine chemical test strips on site for the dish washing machines. No quaternary chemical test strips on site for the sanitizer being used at the three compartment sinks. Must provide both. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 citation issued.

     Official wording (code 48)

     Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Raw wooden shelving at the server station must be painted/sealed.----women's washroom door repaired with duct tape. Must not use duct tape as a means of repair. Must be smooth, cleanable surface.

     Official wording (code 49)

     Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Missing floor drain cover at the bar. Must replace.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: All clutter and unnecessary articles stored at the outdoor soiled linen container must be removed from the premises to prevent rodent/pest activity.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Dirt and debris behind and around the kitchen dish washing machine and kitchen three compartment sink grease trap.----all floor drains throughout the bar noted dirty with debris and black slime substance.----floors throughout the basement walk-in cooler with food spillage. Must clean and maintain all.-----blackened, moldy wall caulking at the kitchen three compartment sink. Must replace.

     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 VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2580075 ON 8-14-23 NOT CORRECTED.#55- 6-501.12-- INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY UNDERNEATH THE DISH WASHING AREA, AT THE REAR DRY STORAGE AND THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT FOOD/DRY STORAGE AREA.#55- 6-501.114 Inspector Comments: NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT FOOD/DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND/OR REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

     Official wording (code 60)

     Previous core violation corrected

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Not all food employees had food-handler training.

     Inspector’s note: Noted numerous expired food handler certificates. Must provide updated food handler certificates for all required employees.

     Official wording (code 57)

     All food employees have food handler training

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: Must provide proof of allergen training or certificates for all the city of chicago certified food managers.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

5. Aug 14, 2023 Pass

   Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass

   5 general Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Sewage or wastewater wasn’t disposed of properly.

     Inspector’s note: Noted heavy grease accumulation on and aroung the grease trap at the basement food/dry storage area. Instructed to dtail clean and maintain.

     Official wording (code 52)

     Sewage & waste water properly disposed

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Noted heavy clutter throughout the basement food/dry storage area. Instructed to detail clean, organize and/or remove all unnecessary articles to prevent hiding places for pest.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Noted multiples holes and openings at the basement food/dry storage area. Instructed to seal all holes and openings to prevent entry places for pest.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean and maintain floors along wall base and underneath equipment especially underneath the dish washing area, at the rear dry storage and throughout the basement food/dry storage area.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

     Inspector’s note: Noted dirt and grease accumulation inside, on pipes/conduits, and edges of the exhaust hood and filters above cooking equipment. Instructed to detail clean and maintain hood, filters, and pipes/conduits.

     Official wording (code 56)

     Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

6. Aug 9, 2023 Fail

   Complaint · Fail

   4 critical9 general Show violations

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

     Inspector’s note: Noted no paper towels at prep hand washing sink. Instructed to have soap and paper towels at all hand washing sinks. Priority foundation violation#7-38-030(c). Citation issued.

     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: Noted hand wash sink at the dishwashing area in poor repairs with missing knob at the cold water faucet(water therefore turned off).instructed to always have hot and cold running water at the hand wash sink all times with soap and paper towels. Instructed to repair and maintain. Priority violation#7-38-030(c).citation issued.

     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: Noted no hand washing signage at the bar hand washing sinks. Instructed to have hand washing sign at ll hand washing sinks.

     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: Noted inner lining of the ice machine was not cleaned. Instructed to clean, sanitize and maintain.

     Official wording (code 16)

     Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

   • GeneralFood temperature

     Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

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

     Official wording (code 36)

     Thermometers provided & accurate

   • GeneralFood handling

     In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

     Inspector’s note: Noted serving plates on shelves at the kitchen prep area not properly stored. Instructed to invert all serving plates at the prep area and dining tables to prevent dust accumulation.

     Official wording (code 43)

     In-use utensils: properly stored

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Noted ice scoop stored inside ice bin on ice at the bar. Instructed to remove and provide an ice scoop holder.

     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: Noted leaking faucet at the sprayer of the 3-compartment sink. Instructed to repair and maintain. Also noted low water pressure at the 3-compartment sink. Instructed to repair and maintain to meet the water pressure of the food code.

     Official wording (code 51)

     Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Sewage or wastewater wasn’t disposed of properly.

     Inspector’s note: Noted heavy grease accumulation on and aroung the grease trap at the basement food/dry storage area. Instructed to dtail clean and maintain.

     Official wording (code 52)

     Sewage & waste water properly disposed

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Noted heavy clutter throughout the basement food/dry storage area. Instructed to detail clean, organize and/or remove all unnecessary articles to prevent hiding places for pest.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Noted multiples holes and openings at the basement food/dry storage area. Instructed to seal all holes and openings to prevent entry places for pest.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean and maintain floors along wall base and underneath equipment especially underneath the dish washing area, at the rear dry storage and throughout the basement food/dry storage area.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

     Inspector’s note: Noted dirt and grease accumulation inside, on pipes/conduits, and edges of the exhaust hood and filters above cooking equipment. Instructed to detail clean and maintain hood, filters, and pipes/conduits.

     Official wording (code 56)

     Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

7. Nov 17, 2022 Pass

   License Re-Inspection · Pass

   2 general Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

     Inspector’s note: 5-205.15 two leaks at the three-compartment sink behind the bar area. Instructed repair of said leaks and maintenance.

     Official wording (code 51)

     Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: 6-202.18 benches on the outdoor patio are not under the overhead protection source. Instructed to provide appropriate overhead protection for all the seats not protected on the outdoor patio and maintain.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

8. Nov 10, 2022 Fail

   License · Fail

   1 critical2 general Show violations

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed a drink dispensing station near the bar area without a handwashing sink in this area. Instructed to install an additional handwashing sink with soap and paper towels and the required temperatures for hot and cold water that is accessible to the said area. Priority violation #7-38-030(c), no citation issued at this time.

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

     Inspector’s note: Observed two leaks at the three-compartment sink behind the bar area. Instructed repair said leaks and maintain.

     Official wording (code 51)

     Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed benches on the outdoor patio are not under the overhead protection source. Instructed to provide appropriate overhead protection for all the seats taht are not protected on the outdoor patio and maintain.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean