House of Blues

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

Inspector’s note: 3-307.11---splash guard is needed between ice bin and handwashing sink in the 1st floor bar area.surface must be smooth, cleanable and non-absorbent surface and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: 4-501.11---observed a torn door gasket inside of the 2-drawer prep line cooler underneath the cooking grill.instructed to replace the torn door gasket and maintain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: 4-602.13---instructed to detail clean the grease buildup inside of the deep fryers and the sides of hot cooking equipments and hot holding equipments, prep line coolers, storage racks inside the walk-in-coolers to remove food splashed debris and maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: 5-205.15---observed water leak at drainpipe underneath the far-right compartment of the 1st floor main kitchen prep dishwashing area.instructed to repair plumbing leaks and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-201.11---instructed to detail clean floor with spilled food debris underneath the dry storage racks in the dry storage room located in the basement kitchen prep area and detail clean ceiling tiles to remove accumulation of dusts in the same area also, floors in bar areas in need for a detail cleaning and maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: 6-303.11---observed burnt-out light bulbs for light fixtures above the kitchen exhaust hoods in the 1st floor main kitchen prep and the foundation room kitchen prep areas.instructed to replace burnt-out light bulbs and maintain adequate lighting at all times.

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

Inspector’s note: Splash guard is needed between ice bin and handwashing sink in the 1st floor bar area.surface must be smooth, cleanable and non-absorbent surface and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed a torn door gasket inside of the 2-drawer prep line cooler underneath the cooking grill.instructed to replace the torn door gasket and maintain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean the grease buildup inside of the deep fryers and the sides of hot cooking equipments and hot holding equipments, prep line coolers, storage racks inside the walk-in-coolers to remove food splashed debris and maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed water leak at drainpipe underneath the far-right compartment of the 1st floor main kitchen prep dishwashing area.instructed to repair plumbing leaks and maintain.

Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed litter debris and pools of standing water around the outside garbage dumpster and large garbage compactor unit in same areas.instructed to detail clean and better maintain said areas to prevent pest harborage.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean floor with spilled food debris underneath the dry storage racks in the dry storage room located in the basement kitchen prep area and detail clean ceiling tiles to remove accumulation of dusts in the same area also, floors in bar areas in need for a detail cleaning and maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed burnt-out light bulbs for kight fixtures above the kitchen exhaust hoods in the 1st floor main kitchen prep and the foundation room kitchen prep areas.instructed to replace burnt-out light bulbs and maintain adequate lighting at all times.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Previous core violations are not corrected from inspection report#2602719 dated:09/13/2024 #38---6-202.15: observed openings at base in middle of all three main front entrance double doors. Instructed to seal all outer openings to prevent pest entrance. #48---4-204.113: observed no data plate on high temperature dish machine in first floor dishwashing area. Instructed to provide an easily accessible and readable data plate affixed to the machine by the manufacturer that indicates the machine's design and operation specifications. Instructed to comply with noted violations and maintain by 10/27/2025. Priority foundation violation 7-42-090, citation issued.

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

Inspector’s note: 6-202.15: observed openings at base in middle of all three main front entrance double doors. Instructed to seal all outer openings to prevent pest entrance.

Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

Inspector’s note: 4-204.113: observed no data plate on high temperature dish machine in first floor dishwashing area. Instructed to provide an easily accessible and readable data plate affixed to the machine by the manufacturer that indicates the machine's design and operation specifications.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: 5-205.15: observed water dripping from base of large dish machine onto booster heater. Instructed to repair leak from said area of large dish machine and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed last inspection reports in pest control log book dated 2/27/2023 and 3/20/2023. Instructed a record of all visits describing all pest control related activities conducted, including inspections and applications of pesticides or other methods to control pests to the retail food establishment shall be contained in pest control log book and maintained on the premises. Corrected on site inspection reports dated 8/23/2023-5/13/2024 printed and placed in pest control log book before conclusion of inspction. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(c) citation issued.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed openings at base in middle of all three main front entrance double doors. Instructed to seal all outer openings to prevent pest entrance.

Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

Inspector’s note: Observed no data plate on high temperature dish machine in first floor dishwashing area. Instructed to provide an easily accessible and readable data plate affixed to the machine by the manufacturer that indicates the machine's design and operation specifications.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed cold water turned off at first floor bar westside handwashing sink. Instructed to turn on cold water at said handwashing sink and maintain. Observed water dripping from base of large dish machine onto booster heater. Instructed to repair leak from said area of large dish machine and maintain.

Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed waste water on ground in front garbage compactor. Instructed to remove waste water from ground around said area of garbage compactor and maintain. Observed grease on ground surrounding grease container. Instructed to clean ground around grease container and maintain.

Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed grease on top of grease container. Instructed to clean top of grease container and maintain.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Observed previous core violations from inspection report #2585114 dated 11/14/2023 not corrected. Instructed to correct. Priority foundation violation 7-42-090 citation issued. Ice build-up noted on walk in freezer cooling lines, instructed to remove. Missing grout on first floor kitchen tiles, instructed to grout tiles and maintain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Ice build-up noted on walk-in freezer cooling lines, Instructed to remove.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Missing grout on first floor kitchen tiles, instructed to grout tiles and maintain..

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

Inspector’s note: OBSERVED AN APPROXIMATE TOTAL OF 35 SMALL BLACK FLYING INSECTS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS; FOUNDATION KITCHEN DISH AREA, MAIN KITCHEN DISH AREA AND SMALL STORAGE SECTION ACROSS. FACILITY MUST MINIMIZE SMALL BLACK FLYING INSECT ACTIVITY USING A LICENSE PEST CONTROL COMPANY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (c) CITATION ISSUED.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Previous core violation not corrected from previous inspection dated on 1/28/22. Report #: 2547091 #51) 5-204.12: unable to locate backflow preventers at ice machines throughout facility. Instructed to install in accordance with all relevant laws, rules, and regulations. Priority foundation violation 7-42-090 citation issued.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed no labels on bulk containers of flour etc. Instructed to correct.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed torn gasket on prep cooler in main first floor kitchen and walk-in beer cooler. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain in good condition.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Unable to locate backflow preventers at ice machines throughout facility. Instructed to install in accordance with all relevant laws, rules, and regulations.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed build up of dirt and grime on baseboards in dry storage area and heavy build up of food debris on wall behind bag-in-a-box set up in foundation kitchen. Instructed to detail clean and maintain in good condition.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed burnt out light bulbs in walk-in cooler used to store proteins. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain in good condition.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed filters in downstairs prep area covered in dust. Instructed to detail clean and maintain in good condition.

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

Inspector’s note: Missing lids at bar ice bins, instructed to install.

Sewage or wastewater wasn’t disposed of properly.

Inspector’s note: Minor leak noted at 3-comp sink at basement, instructed to repair.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Missing floor tiles, missing grout at 1st floor kitchen tiles, instructed to replace and maintain.

Not enough equipment, or the wrong method, to cool and hold food at safe temperatures.

Inspector’s note: Improper cooling methods used, found 2 large 20 quarts tubs of heavy gumbo stew stored in walk-in cooler for more than 3 hours ( per chef ) at temp of 143 f - 162 f, instructed to break down hot food into smaller containers to facilitate proper cooling. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005. Food item placed into smaller containers and placed in cooler.

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

Inspector’s note: Cooked food containers not labeled, intructed to labeled and maintain.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Soiled wiping cloth stored on cutting board, instructed to keep in a sani bucket.

Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

Inspector’s note: Inaccurate temperature measuring device for high temp dish washing machine final rinse gauge. Instructed to repair and maintain. Priority foundation 7-38-005. Gauge was replaced during inspection.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Found the interior door panel of the walk-in cooler on the main kitchen floor cut out and warped.instructed to repair so as to be smooth and easily cleanable.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Observed slight pink and yellow grime build-up at the inner panel of the large ice machine in the main kitchen area on the main floor.instructed to clean, sanitize and maintain. Found extremely rusted out shelving racks inside the walk-in cooler on the 1st balcony (foundation room kitchen) and inside the walk-in cooler(meat cage storage rack case) on the main restaurant floor. Instructed to replace or repaint with non-toxic paint so as to have shelving rack surfaces smooth and easily cleanable.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Found a leaking hot water faucet handle at the bar dump sink on the main restaurant floor bar. In the main kitchen found a leaking pipe under the dipper well, small leak at pipe under the middle compartment of the kitchen 3-comp sink and leak at pipe under the 1-comp sink next to the dish machine main kitchen floor.must repair and maintain all above mentioned.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: 1st floor prep area cutting boards (along cookline) surfaces pitted/stained. Instructed manager to replace/repair cutting boards.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Observed accumulated grease build up inside fryer (3rd floor prep). Instructed manager to clean interior of fryer and maintain.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Floor tiles in poor repair (low grout) at 1st floor prep area along cookline. Must repair/regrout floor tiles at 1st floor prep area.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Observed dust/food debris on walls at 1st floor prep by pizza oven. Must clean walls and maintain.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: 1st floor prep area 2-compartment sink right side faucet leaking also 1st floor mop sink back flow prevention device leaking. Must repair and maintain sinks.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Some coolers missing thermometers. Must provide thermometers for all coolers.

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Noted assorted food items inside coolers not properly labeled. Instructed to label all food items including bulk items with names of products and use by or prepared by date.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Noted loose/broken door panel at the service cooler on the service prep line at the first floor kitchen. Instructed to repair and maintain.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Noted heavy grease accumulation inside electrical units of deep fryers. Instructed to detail clean and maintain.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Noted leakage at the faucet of the 2 compartment sink of the first floor by the dish washer area. Instructed to repair and maintain. Also noted slow water drain in the middle compartment of the 3 compartment sink at the basement and plug to close the sink is in poor repairs. Instructed to repair and maintain.

Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation

Inspector’s note: Noted a thick grayish,pinkish slimy substance inside upper and lower compartment of ice machine at restaurant level floor dripping on to the ice. Instructed not to use ice machine until proper ely cleaned and sanitized. Manager immediately called company for maintenance. Citation issued for serious violation #7-38-050(a)

Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered

Inspector’s note: Noted outside grease container encrusted with grease on top,lid and dripping on the sides down to the ground. Manager immediately had employees start cleaning the container. Instructed to monitor and maintain. Citation issued for serious violation #7-38-020

Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated

Inspector’s note: Noted waste water backing up into the compartment sink (food particle, dirt and debris)when water is released from the other sink. Instructed not to use until properly maintained. Manager immediately called maintenance for repairs. Citation issued for serious violation #7-38-030

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Noted assorted food items inside coolers not properly labeled. Instructed to label all food items including bulk items with names of products and use by or prepared by date.

Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

Inspector’s note: Noted multi use utensils (plates,cups,bowls etc) on shelves through out all food prep areas not properly stored. Instructed to invert all utensils during storage or provide a protective cover to prevent dust accumulation and contamination.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Noted the following: rusty shelves inside walk in cooler on the 3 floor,loose rubber gaskets at the service coolers by the cooking stove of the restaurant level and also at the at the smoker on the basement prep area. Instructed to repair,replace or repaint rusty shelves with a non toxic food grade paint and maintain and also to repair and/or replace the loose rubber gaskets of the equipment and maintain.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Noted stains on cutting boards at the main kitchen prep area. Instructed to clean and maintain.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean and maintain dry floor especially by the 3 compartment sink of the basement food prep area and also floors along wall base and underneath heavy equipment.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Noted leaking faucet at the exposed hand wash sinks of the main kitchen, leakage at the u-joint pipping of the hand wash sink at the basement food prep area and leakage at the bottom pipping of the 3 compartment sinks of same. Instructed to repair and maintain all pipes where ever needed.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Noted dirty wash cloths scattered through out premises especially at the food prep areas. Instructed to store all wash cloths in a sanitizing solution especially when not in use.

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Spray bottels not labeled at bar area, instructed to label.

Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

Inspector’s note: Ice bins next to ice maker not stored propely, one insid other, also ice scoop holder must be removable for proper washing.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Missing covers for bar ice bins a cross from customers seating area, instructed to install.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Meat slicer not clean at back of blade, instructed to clean and maintain.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Ceacks and crevices noted at dish room walls, instructed to seal.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Leaky pipe under hand sink at 4th floor bar, instructed to repair.

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. Must clean and sanitize bar gun holders and maintain to help prevent potential pest harborage.

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. Must recaulk prep hand washbowl to wall(adjacent to 1st floor dishmachine), replace damaged ceiling tiles at 3rd floor prep area/liquor storage room also must repair damaged wall (by floorbase)next to convection oven.

Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

Inspector’s note: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. Observed one missing light cover above 1st floor dishmachine. Must provide and install light cover.

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. Must repair leaks at lower level prep area 2-compartment sink faucet and at Junior Wells bar middle pipe of 3-compartment sink.