The Cliff Dwellers
200 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60604
Restaurant ZIP 60604 Risk 1 (High)
Passed · as of Jun 25, 2026
The Cliff Dwellers was last inspected on June 25, 2026 with a result of “Pass”. Inspectors found 3 violations.
Latest inspection
June 25, 2026 · Canvass
Result: Pass
3 general-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
Inspector’s note: Observed milk crates used for storage for coffee mugs and creamer pitchers. Instructed to used containers that are smooth and easily cleanable.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed excessive grease build up on sides of flat top grill, and excessive grease buildup and food debris inside salamander in kitchen. Instructed manager to detail clean and maintain free of excessive grease buildup and food debris.
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 the hot water handle at the handwashing sink with an active leak in kitchen prep area. Instructed to repair and maintain.
Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspection history
19 inspections on record
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: The interior of the coolers in the food prep area with food debris and dirt. Instructed to clean and maintain .
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 minor leak at 3 compartment sink. Instructed to repair and maintain.
Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
3 general1 paperwork Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: The exterior/interior of the ovens in the food prep area with charred food, grease and dirt. Instructed to clean and maintain ovens.
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: Toilet closest to the hand washing sink in the women's toilet room needs to be recaulked. Instructed to recaulk 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: Mop in storage room not properly stored. Instructed to store hanging up for proper air drying. Maintain same.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: The certified food manager on duty has no allergen training certificate. Instructed to obtain and maintain a valid allergen training certificate.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
1 general Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: 6-501.13 observed minor dirt debris under the low temperature dish machine. Instructed to clean.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Pass
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass
No violations
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
3 critical1 general1 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 policy on site informing employees of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities as they relate to diseases that are transmissible through food. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-010. Instructed to keep a employee health policy on-site at all times. Citation issued.
Official wording (code 3)
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: Observed no handwashing signage at hand sinks located in the men and women's toilet rooms. Instructed to ensure that handwashing signage is posted at all handwashing sinks in the establishment.
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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CriticalFacility upkeep
Hot or cold water wasn’t available, or water pressure was too low.
Inspector’s note: Observed handwashing sink water temperature range from 93f - 91f located in the following areas: men and women's washroom, food preparation/dish area sink. Must provide a minimum hot water temperature of 100f.also noted 3 comp sink water temperature at 80f. Instructed manager to maintain a 3 comp sink water temperature of 110f. Hot water generation and distribution systems shall be sufficient to meet the peak hot water demands throughout the retail food establishment. Priority violation. 7-38-030(c). Citation issued.
Official wording (code 50)
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
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GeneralFood handling
Clean utensils, equipment, or linens weren’t stored and handled properly.
Inspector’s note: Observed tableware such as knives, spoons, and forks sitting out uncovered on tables throughout the dining room. Instructed to keep tableware covered to prevent contamination.
Official wording (code 44)
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: Observed no food allergen certification on-site at the time of inspection. Instructed to ensure that any city of chicago food sanitation certificate holder completes allergen training and receives the allergen certification and remains on the premises at all times.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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Conditional
Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
5 critical1 general1 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 health policy on site. Instructed to maintain copies of the verifiable health policy signed by all employees on site at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-38-010. No citation issued.
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 procedure and kit on site for responding to vomit and diarrhea on site. Instructed to maintain a kit with all necessary supplies including a sanitizer effective against norovirus and procedure on site at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005. No citation issued.
Official wording (code 5)
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: Observed no hand wash signage at hand wash sink in bar. Instructed to install and maintain.
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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CriticalFood temperature
Prepared food wasn’t date-marked, or was kept past its discard date.
Inspector’s note: Observed improper date marking system. Instructed all time/temperature control for safety foods to be date labeled with the discard date. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005. No citation issued.
Official wording (code 23)
Proper date marking and disposition
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CriticalFood handling
No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.
Inspector’s note: Observed potentially undercooked items on the menu such as steaks and hamburgers not marked with disclosure and reminder statements. Instructed to mark all items served raw or undercooked with disclosure and reminder statement. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005. No citation issued.
Official wording (code 25)
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
Inspector’s note: Observed a torn gasket on tall standing prep cooler in kitchen prep area. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: Observed employees with city of chicago foodservice manager certificates without allergen training. Instructed all employees holding a city of chicago foodservice manager certificate must complete allergen training and maintain records on site.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: Floor around dish machine not clean of debris. Instructed to clean/maintain.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector’s note: Broken wall tile in prep area by dish machine. Instructed to replace.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
3 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: The exterior of the grease trap underneath the dish machine and the exterior of the cooking equipment has food, dirt, dust and oil build up. Instructed to clean and maintain all.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: The floors under/around the dish machine, cooking equipment, 3-compartment sink and coolers have thick dirt, food and dust build up. Instructed to clean and maintain.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector’s note: The ceiling tiles above the cooking food preparation area has food splatter and dirt/dust build up. Instructed to clean and maintain all.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector’s note: Foods not labeled and dated not in original container in freezer.must install.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector’s note: Ceiling light shield covers in prep area not clean of debris and vent cover in prep area not clean and damaged.must replace vent cover and clean light shields.
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Pass
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Interior of liquor storage cabinet not clean of debris/dust.must clean/maintain.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: The neck of faucet at 3- compartment sink very leaky.must repair
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Conditional
Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
2 critical3 general Show violations
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CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector’s note: Premises reach in cooler in kitcken not maintained.air temperature maintained at 45.4f.must maintain proper temperature required of 40f or below.cooler will be tagged held for inspection.must not use cooler until reinspected by cdph. Must use additional cooler on premises thats 40f or below,-cdi. Critical violation issued 7-38-005a.
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CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector’s note: Found potentially hazardous foods inside reach in cooler maintained at improper temperatures.approx 5lbs cooked chicken breast at 46.2f, 4-raw shell eggs-45.8f,7-lbs milk-48.5f, 5-lbs smoked salmon-48.f,18-lbs of new york strip steaks-49.2f, 3lbs-raw chicken-46.8f,3lbs of crab cakes-48.0f.must maintain foods at 40f or below. All foods removed and discarded by manager- approx 40lbs food at cost of approx $300.00.critical violation issued 7-38-005a.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Interior of liquor storage cabinet not clean of debris/dust.must clean/maintain.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: The neck of faucet at 3- compartment sink very leaky.must repair.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector’s note: Ice scoop on wall open for ice machine not properly stored free from dust..must provide clean,sanitize container or holder.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
6 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Observed build up in the interior of the ice machine in the kitchen. Instructed to clean and maintain the interior of the ice machine.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Observed accumulated dus on the exterior of the ice machine and 4 door refrigerator. Instructed to clean and maintain the exterior of equipment.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: Observed the floor in the corners with accumulated food debris at the server station. Instructed to clean and maintain the floors.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector’s note: Observed the ceiling vent above the low temperature dish machine with accumulated dust. Instructed to clean and maintain the ceiling vents.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector’s note: Observed a wet mop stored in the mop bucket in dry storage. Instructed to store all wet mops hanging or inverted.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food handler requirements met
Inspector’s note: Observed food handlers with no proof of food handler education. Instructed to provide proof of food handler education.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
3 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: Floors through out prep area in need of cleaning to remove large amount of build under and around all equipment. Must clean and maintain at all times.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector’s note: Wall behind all cooking equipment in need of cleaning to remove large amounts of dust and grease. Must clean and maintain at all times
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Hood ventilation unit in need of cleaning to remove grease and dust build up. Must clean and maintain at all times.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
4 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Must sand or replace cutting boards in the prep area with deep, dark grooves.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Must clean the interior/exterior of all cooking equipment.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: Must clean and maintain floors in all corners and under/around all heavy equipment.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector’s note: All food handlers must wear a hair restraint.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
3 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. OBSERVED SLIGHT LIME BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector’s note: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING LIGHT BULB COVERS ABOVE PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL UNCLEAN COVERS.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET AND WOMENS WASHROOM LEFT SIDE HANDWASH BOWL LEAKING AT BASE OF SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINKS.
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Pass
Tag Removal · Pass
No violations
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Conditional
Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
1 critical1 general Show violations
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CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector’s note: Equipment and utensils should get proper exposure to the sanitizing solution during the rinse cycle. Bactericidal treatment shall consist of exposure of all dish and utensil surfaces to a rinse of clean water at a temperature of not less than 180F. FOUND HIGH TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE NOT SANITIZING PROPERLY.(160F FINA IL RINSE). CRITICAL VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED. Tagged dishmachine.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Found shelving units not wiped down at main kitchen.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector’s note: Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use. Found food containers not stored properly on shelving units.(must store inverted)
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector’s note: Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination. Found wash cloths not properly stored.
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More in ZIP 60604
Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 4 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.