Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

Approved thawing methods used

3-501.13: observed improper thawing method for tcs foods. Found frozen food items in the rinse basin of the three-compartment sink with no running water. Instructed to use proper thawing methods.

Personal cleanliness

2-402.11: food handler observed without hair restraint at the time of the inspection. Instructed all food handlers to wear hair restraints while in prep areas.

Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

4-601.11(b): observed two food prep tables in the rear food prep/ dishwashing area with rust on the tabletops where food is prepared. Instructed to replace tables with rusty tabletops and maintain.

Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

4-601.11(c): observed the interior of all of the cold holding and freezer units throughout the facility in need of cleaning. Also, the interior of the hot holding unit was observed with a build up of food. Also, the handwashing sinks in the front and rear food prep area were observed with old food residue on hot and cold-water knobs. Instructed to clean and maintain.

Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

5-205.15: observed the handwashing sink in the front food prep area with a severe leak in the pipe. Water was profusely leaking onto the floor in the prep area when in use. Manager put a container under the leak so the handwashing sink can be used. Instructed to repair and maintain.

Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

See #59

Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

6-501.14: observed the ventilation hood above the deep-frying unit with dust and in need of cleaning. Instructed to clean and maintain.

Previous priority foundation violation corrected

Observed continued non-compliance from report#2643736 dated on 10/05/2026 not corrected as follows: #51:5-205.15(a): observed the handwashing sink in the front prep area filled with wastewater and unable to drain. Instructed to repair the sink so that it can drain. Priority violation 7-42-090, citation issued

Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

Observed raw wood surfaces, near and behind the front counter area. Instructed to seal or paint to provide a smooth and easily cleanable surface.

Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting

Noted no employee health policy on site at the time of inspection following the new code and guidelines. Instructed to have verification of policy for each employee one on site at all times. Priority foundation #7-38-010. No citation issued today.

Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

Noted rusty and dirty shelves inside walk in coolers at the rear kitchen prep area. Instructed to clean, repaint with non toxic food grade paint and/or replace.

City of Chicago food service sanitation certificate

Observed no city of Chicago certified food manager on site with valid original certificate while preparing and serving tcs foods (milk, spinach quiche, tuna). Instructed to provide and maintain as required. Priority foundation violation. #7-38-012. Citation issued.

Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

Observed handsink inaccessible during time of inspection. Noted handsink being used for rinsing, dumping and storing milk frothing pitchers during time of inspection. Instructed to use handwashing sink for handwashing only as required. Priority foundation violation. #7-38-030 (c). Citation issued.

Insects, rodents, & animals not present

Observed approximately 30 or more small black live flies flying throughout the premises, on boxes containing materials in the dishwashing area, on walls, on countertops in the front and rear prep areas, and on exterior surfaces of cake and cookie holders on display. Instructed to contact pest control for service, clean and sanitize affected areas. Must eliminate pest activity on premises and maintain. Priority foundation violation. #7-38-020 (a). Citation issued.

Personal cleanliness

Observed food employee preparing food in rear prep area without effective hair restraint. Instructed to provide and maintain to prevent possible contamination of food.

Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used

Observed single service cups wrapped in palstic stored on floor in front prep area. Instructed to provide adequate shelving and store at least 6 inches off floor.

Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

Observed all equipment throughout prep areas in need of cleaning (sandwich press, interior and exterior of refrigerator and freezer, shelving units, under all coffee equipment and storage space in dishwashing area. Instructed to remove food debris , clean and sanitize.

Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

Observed inadequate lighting in rear prep/dishwashing area. Instructed to increase and maintain

All food employees have food handler training

Observed no proof of food handlers' certification. During time of inspection. Instructed to provide and maintain on site for review.

Previous core violation corrected

Observed previous core violations not corrected from report #2625668 on 10/21/25. They are as follows: 4-204.112(b) 01/21/2026 no thermometer provided in main prep kitchen refrigerator; instructed to provide. 6-101.11 01/21/2026 wall behind prep table at rear prep kitchen is not smooth or easily cleanable; instructed to provide a smooth, durable, easily cleanable surface. 2-102.13 10/21/2025 manager needs to obtain allergen training certification instructed to correct violations as required. Priority foundation violation. #7-42-090. Citation issued.

Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

Observed no handwashing signage in restrooms. Instructed person in charge to provide and maintain handwashing signage at all times.

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Observed build up of mold like black substance on interior of ice machine. (ice used for human consumption) instructed person in charge to discard ice, clean and sanitize machine and maintain at all times. Priority foundation #7-38-005. Citation issued.

Insects, rodents, & animals not present

Observed basement exterior door not tight fitting. Instructed person in charge to repair and maintain door tight fitting.

Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

Observed outside dumpster overflowing with garbage and unable to be closed. Instructed person in charge to maintain dumpster closed at all times for the prevention of pest harborage. Priority foundation #7-38-020(b). Citation issued.

All food employees have food handler training

Observed no food handler certificates on site. Instructed person in charge all food handler employees without manager certificate are required to obtain Illinois food handelr training.

Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

4-601.11(c): observed under the deep-frying unit with grease droplets instructed to clean and maintain.

Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

4-601.11(b): observed the panel able the ice inside of the ice machine with slight build up. Instructed to clean and maintain.

Thermometers provided & accurate

Observed probe stem thermometer for taking food temperatures not turning on at the time of the inspection. Must repair or replace and maintain. Priority foundation 7-38-005, citation issued

Insects, rodents, & animals not present

Observed 1 live roach, 8 small flies, and 2 big flies on site at the time of the inspection. The live roach were observed in the basement area where the chest freezer is stored, the small flies in the basement area and toilet room, the big flies flying around the facility. Instructed to eliminate live roach, small and big fly activity, clean and sanitize affected areas and recommended contacting pest control for a service. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(a), citation issued

Insects, rodents, & animals not present

Observed dead roaches on the floor throughout the basement area. Instructed remove dead roaches, clean and sanitize all affected areas and maintain.

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

Observed a cutting board stored on the floor along the side of the two-door refrigerator in the main prep area. Instructed to properly store and maintain.

Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

Observed the left door on the prep cooler across from the flat-top grill not able to close and remain closed. Instructed to repair and maintain

Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

Observed no written procedure posted or items outlined in the policy available on site for responding to vomit and diarrheal events that can occur in the food establishment. Intstructed to provide and maintain on site.priority foundation violation. #7-38-005. Citation issued.

Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

Observed the following hand sinks without hot water during the time of inspection. In use: front and basement prep areas. Both prep areas were in use at this time. Instructed to provide and maintain hot running water (100-120f) at all hand sinks as required for proper hand washing. Priority violation. #7-38-030 (c). Citation issued.

Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

Observed no hand-drying provision available at the handwashing sink located in the middle prep area during the time of inspection. Instructed to provide and maintain at all times for proper handwashing. Priority foundation violation. #7-38-030 (c). Citation issued.

Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

Observed no hand sanitizer available at the handsink located in the rear prep area while in use during the time of inspection. Instructed to provide and maintain at all times. Priority foundation violation. #7-38-030 (c). Citation consolidated with above violation.

Proper cold holding temperatures

Observed the following food items at improper temperatures during the time of inspection. Approximately 40 lbs ground beef, 10 lbs ground meat, 50 lbs chicken stew, 20 lbs rice,10 lbs beef all stored in cooling units in front and rear prep area. Noted temperature ranging from 49-66f at this time. Instructed to hold all tcs foods @41f and below at all times as required. All said food was voluntarily discarded by pic. Total cost: $400. Priority violation. #7-38-005. Citation issued.

Toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used

Observed parcha juice stored inside a premium dishliquid bucket and stored inside a 2-door cooling unit during the time of inspection. Per code, containers previously used to store posionous ot toxic materials may not be used to store or dispense food. Said juice was discarded at this time voluntarily. Instructed to store food in food-grade approved containers only. Priority violation. #7-38-005. Citation issued.

Thermometers provided & accurate

Observed broken and or missing thermometers inside cooling units throughout prep areas. Instructed to provide and maintain

Insects, rodents, & animals not present

Observed approximately 75 or more small black live flies flying throughout the basement prep area, standing on boxes containing produce, on stored kitchenware, on shelving units, on the surface of the walk-in cooler door, and on top of the prep table. Instructed to contact pest control for service. Must eliminate small fly activity on premises and maintain. Priority foundation violation. #7-38-020 (a). Citation issued.

Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

Observdd cutting boards with deep cuts and dark grooves in prep area. Nstructed to replace and maintain

Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

Observed electrical outlets in front prep area, piping attached to and alongside hothold equipment in need of cleaning. Instructed to remove all accumulated grease and food debris to prevent pest harborage.

Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

Observed handsink located in front prep water pooling onto the floor once turned on. Instructed to repair said sink and maintain in good condition to prevent pest harborage.

Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties

Observed no person in charge present with city of Chicago certified manager certificate.

City of Chicago food service sanitation certificate

Observed no certified food manager on site and no certificate posted while (tcs foods) chicken wings and fish etc. Is being prepared/handled.instructed person in charge, that a city of Chicago certified food service manager must be on site at all times when (tcs foods) are prepared, handled, and/or served.priority foundation violation 7-38-012, citation issued.

Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting

Observed no written employee health policy on the premises.instructed to provide a signed employee health policy for each employee. Priority foundation violation 7-38-010, citation issued.

Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

Found no procedure/plan for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events. Instructed to provide and maintain required procedure/plan and appropriate supplies or kit. (necessary items at a minimum: gloves, face masks, disposable mops and appropriate sanitizer/spray that is egffective against norovirus). Priority foundation violation 7-38-005, citation issued.

Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

Observed no hot running water at the handwashing sink at front prep area water temperature ranging from (72.3f-75.7f). Instructed management handwashing sinks water temperature must be provided of at least 100 f through a mixing valve or combination faucet. Instructed management to repair and maintain as required.priority violation 7-38-030(c), citation issued.

Approved thawing methods used

Observed improper thawing being done on frozen beef.thawing must occur with food being placed in the walk in cooler over night, or under cold running water. Instructed to maintain correct thawing procedures.

Thermometers provided & accurate

Observed no thermometer inside the 3-door prep line refrigeration unit conspicuously posted to monitor the ambient temperature of equipment.instructed to equip all refrigeration units with accurate and working thermometers and maintain.

Food properly labeled; original container

Observed bulk containers in rear without a label.instructed to provide the common name on all bulk containers to properly identify items(salt, sugar, flour etc).

Insects, rodents, & animals not present

Observed no licensed pest control logbook available on premises. Instructed to provide a pest control logbook with a complete contents ( contract /service agreement, service report, copy of the idph license, chemicals used etc.) priority foundation violation 7-38-020 (c), citation issued.

Insects, rodents, & animals not present

Observed gap opening at bottom of the front entrance door.instructed to make door tight fitting all across the bottom to prevent pest entry and maintain.

Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

Instructed to transfer food products from an open original can container into food grade container for proper food storage and maintain.

Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

Observed no chemical sanitizing test kit to test sanitizer concentration at the dishwashing 3-compartment sink.instructed to provide and a chemical sanitizing test kit on the premises and maintain.priority foundation violation 7-38-005, citation issued.

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Observed excessive build up of black mold like substance on interior of ice machine (ice used for human consumption). Instructed person in charge to dispose of ice, clean and sanitize machine and maintain at all times. Priority foundation #7-38-005. Citation issued.

Thermometers provided & accurate

Missing thermometer in prep cooler. Instd to provide and maintain

Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

Condensor leaking in prep cooler causing liquid accumulation on bottom interior. Instd to repair and maintain.

Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

"observed facility without a bodily fluid spill kit and no corresponding clean up procedure for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events. Instructed facility to develop a clean-up procedure and maintain appropriate supplies that correspond with on-site plan. Must keep both the policy and supplies on site at all times. Priority foundation violation #7-38-005. Citation issued."

Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

Observed missing handwash signage in employee restrooms. Instructed to provide and maintain.

Insects, rodents, & animals not present

Observed evidence of rodent activity on the premises. Observed approximately 40 mouse droppings on the floor behind bar area. Also observed 30 rat and 40 mouse droppings at rear storage area. Management instructed to clean and remove all rodent droppings from all affected areas. Additional pest control service is needed to eliminate the pest activity. Priority foundation #7-38-020(a). Citation issued.

Insects, rodents, & animals not present

Observed a 1/4" gap at the bottom of the rear exit door. Must provide a tight-fitting seal at all outer openings to prevent the entry of pests.

Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

Observed no chemical test kit available during inspection. Instructed manager to provide test kit for proper concentration in sanitizing solutions. Priority foundation 7-38-005 citation issued.

Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

One refrigeration unit is not meeting a minimum of 41f temperature. Unit is tagged until it is repaired and holding a temperature of 41f and below. No food held in unit during time of inspection. Current temp is holding at 51f priority violation. 7-38-005. No citation issued.

Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

When storing food items in walk in cooler or freezer use food grade containers not grocery bags. Instructed to correct and maintain

Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

Leak at 1 comp prep sink in rear prep area. Instructed to correct and maintain

Allergen training as required

All city of Chicago sanitation certificate holders in need of allergen certificate. Instructed to obtain and maintain on site at all times.

City of Chicago food service sanitation certificate

Observed no city of Chicago certified food manager on site with valid original certificate during time of inspection while preparing and serving tcs foods (milk, eggs, hummus, quinoa). Instructed to provide at least one certificate holder on site while open and operating. Priority foundation violation. #7-38-012. Citation issued.

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Observd internal panels of ice machine with accumulated build up of visible black and pink mold-like substance dripping onto ice used for human consumption. Instructed to remove buildup, clean and sanitize as required and maintain. Priority foundation violation. #7-38-005. Citation issued.

Proper cold holding temperatures

Observed approximately 1 quart oat milk, 1 quart half and half, 1 quart milk stored in self serve containers on rolling cart in dining area at improper temperatures during time of inspection. Noted temperature ranging between 50-53f. Instructed to hold all cold tcs foods @41f and below at all times. Pic discarded at this time. Priority violation. #7-38-005. Citation issued.

Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

Observed duct tape on wall near handsink in prep area, mending surfaces of bar and on handles of cooling units. Instructed to remove tape, repair surfaces to be smooth and easily cleanable and in good condition

Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

Observed internal surfaces of sliding door cooling unit in bar in need of cleaning. Noted pooling of brown water and food debris floating throughout said unit. Instructed to clean and maintain.

Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

Observed vents throughout ceilings and walls throughout prep area in need of cleaning. Instructed to remove dust and dirt build up.

Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

Observed inadequate lighting throughout prep area, bar, rear storage and hallway near restrooms. Instructed to replace burned out bulbs and increase current lighting. Must maintain.

Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

4-501.11 observed damaged cooler door gaskets on coolers in dishwashing and office areas. Instructed manager to repair and maintain. Observed no stoppers for 3-compartemnt sink. Instructed manager to provide adequate stoppers for 3-compartment sink.

Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

4-602.13 observed food spills and debris on interior and exterior surfaces of cooking equipment, coolers, freezers, holding units, prep tables, shelving units, sinks. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

5-205.15 observed leaking faucet on 3-compartment sink. Instructed manager to repair and maintain.

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Observed mineral build up inside of ice machine at front prep area. Must clean and maintain.

Food properly labeled; original container

Observed packaged salsa displayed for sale in display cooler and not properly labeled with business name, address, ingredients, etc. Instructed manager to properly label all packaged food items displayed for customer service.

Insects, rodents, & animals not present

Observed over 100 rat droppings on floor under shelving units, along walls and in all corners in front and rear basement storage areas. Instructed manager to call an exterminator for service, clean and sanitize all areas. Priority foundation 7-38-020(a) citation issued

Insects, rodents, & animals not present

Observed 1/4" gap at bottom of door leading to outside walk-in cooler and freezer. Instructed manager to seal all outer openings on doors to prevent pest entry.

Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

Observed food items stored on floor in walk-in cooler, freezer and basement storage areas. Instructed manager to elevate all food items six inches off floor.

Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

Observed debris on ground around dumpsters. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

Observed ventilation fan not operable inside washroom. Instructed manager to repair ventilation fan in washroom.

All food employees have food handler training

Observed no food handler training for employees. All employees handling food and equipment must provide food handler training.

Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

Observed surfaces of beverage/mixing, coffee equipment near drive through with dried food splatter. Instructed to remove in order to prevent pest harborage

Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

Observed two metered faucets in rear prep area as well as women's toilet room without continual running water for 20 seconds prior to reactivation. Instructed to provide and maintain as required.

Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

2-501.11 no vomit or diarrhea cleanup kit on site. 1st inspection since the rule has taken effect. Instructed to obtain vomit and diarrhea clean up kit and maintain. Priority foundation 7-38-005; no citation issued

Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

4-601.11(c) all food shelves in need of detailed cleaning to remove all debris; instructed to clean and maintain

Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

6-501.18 toilet room fixtures in need of detailed cleaning. The toilet is in need of a new handle to properly flush. Toilet instructed to install and maintain

Insects, rodents, & animals not present

Found 20 mice droppings in the classroom closet where the kitchen is located. Found 20 droppings along the wallbase and under the storage rack in the kitchen and 6 in the cubby of same classroom. Instructed to remove all droppings, sanitize all affected areas and recommended contacting pest control for assistance. Priority foundation 7-38-020(a) citation issued

Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

Found the lower surfaces of the cabinets in the kitchen area with food, dirt and debris. Instructed to clean and maintain cabinets.