RecordWell Data

Royal Grocer & Co

2118 N DAMEN AVE, Chicago, IL 60647 · Cook County

36cited violations
2serious tier
8inspections
22tier not stated

Establishment

Type
Restaurant (retail food serving meals) (Restaurant)
Inspected by
Chicago Department of Public Health
License / ID
2522260
Status
Risk 1 (High)
Official record
Chicago Department of Public Health inspection reports

Other public records for this business

Year by year

YearInspectionsViolationsSerious
2025180
2024100
2023240
20192180
2017262

Inspections

  1. Jul 24, 2025 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

      OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING IN WALK IN COOLER MUST BE REMOVED AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.

    • Severity not stated

      FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

      MUST REMOVE RUST FROM WALK-IN COOLER FOOD AND BEER SHELVING UNITS AND THE LOWER SHELF OF THE PREP TABLE IN THE BASEMENT.

    • Severity not stated

      FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

      MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKET ON FOOD WALK-IN COOLER.

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      OBSERVED EQUIPMENT ENCRUSTED IN GREASE FROM INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF FRYER CABINET, GRILL TABLE, OVEN, AND MOP SINK BASIN.

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF FOOD DEBRIS ON TABLETOP POTATO CUTTER LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE DEBRIS AND CLEAN UNIT AFTER EACH USE.

    • Severity not stated

      TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

      MUST PROVIDE LIDS ON GARBAGE CANS IN UNISEX AND WOMEN'S TOILET ROOMS.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA. NOTED 1ST FLOOR DINING ROOM CEILING HAS PEELING PAINT AND 1ST FLOOR AND BASEMENT PREP FLOOR PAINT IS PEELING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO CREATE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED A HOLES IN THE CEILING IN BASEMENT PREP, DISH AND STORAGE INSTRUCTED TO SEAL.

  2. May 24, 2024 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)

    Result: Pass.

  3. Feb 21, 2023 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)

    Result: Pass.

  4. Feb 14, 2023 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

      NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED ON PREMISES, CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED EXPIRED ON 02/12/23. INSTRUCTED MUST HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012.

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

      OBSERVED ACCUMULATED PINK SLIME AND BLACK DIRT BUILD UP INSIDE BOTH ICE MACHINES DRIPPING INTO ICE, ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF BOTH ICE MACHINES BY DATE OF REINSPECTION. ALL ICE VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OFFICE ROOM FLOOR CLUTTERED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF FLOOR OR REMOVE ITEMS.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED DIRT/GRIME BUILD UP IN HOT WATER TANKS ROOM. MUST CLEAN FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.

  5. Jul 25, 2019 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)

    Result: Pass.

  6. Jul 18, 2019 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

      OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

      OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

      OBSERVED INCOMPLETE DATE MARKINGS ON TCS READY TO EAT FOODS BEING HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS INSIDE OF COOLERS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

      OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER ON MENUS FOR CONSUMING RAW AND UNDERCOOKED FOODS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)

    • Severity not stated

      FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

      MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

      OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 25 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES ON WALLS ,CEILINGS AND FLYING AROUND ON ONIONS,POTATOES,BAR,PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.ALSO. APPX. 40 OR MORE RODENT DROPPINGS IN OPENINGS UNDER STAIR CASE LEADING TO BASEMENT.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS.CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 7/18/19.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)

    • Severity not stated

      INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

      OBSERVED AN APPX."1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT AND REAR DOORS.MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING.

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

      OBSERVED NO BARRIER AT ENTRY INTO 1ST FL. PREP AREA.MUST INSTALL A DOOR OR AN EFFECTIVE BARRIER TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION FROM THE PUBLIC.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)

    • Severity not stated

      CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

      OBSERVED SODA CADDY AND SODA STORAGE STORED UNDER AN OPEN CEILING IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.MUST PROVIDE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE CEILING.

    • Severity not stated

      CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

      MUST INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN HAND SINK AND 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT DISH WASHING AREA.

    • Severity not stated

      UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

      MUST INVERT MULITUSE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES IN 1ST FL. PREP AREA.

    • Severity not stated

      FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

      MUST REMOVE RUST FROM WALK IN COOLER FOOD AND BEER SHELVING UNITS AND LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE IN BASEMENT.

    • Severity not stated

      FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

      MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKET ON FOOD WALK IN COOLER.

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF FRYER CABINET,GRILL TABLE,OVEN,MOP SINK BASIN.

    • Severity not stated

      TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

      MUST PROVIDE LIDS ON GARBAGE CANS IN UNISEX AND WOMEN'S TOILET ROOMS.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      MUST MAKE WALL BEHIND 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE CEILING PANELS IN HALLWAY LEADING TO REAR DINING AREA.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOOR IN 1ST FL PREP AREA,BASEMENT BEHIND ICE MACHINES AND FLOOR DRAINS WHERE NEEDED.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR IN CHEMICAL STORAGE , LIQUOR ROOM AND ELECTRICAL ROOM

  7. Jul 11, 2017 License Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)

    Result: Pass.

  8. Jul 6, 2017 License · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Serious Critical

      FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE

      FACILITIES UNABLE TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE. OBSERVED AIR TEMPERATURE INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AT 70.3F. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/ADJUST TEMPERATURE AND MAINTAIN TEMPERATURE OF 40.0F OR BELOW.CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A. NO CITATION ISSUED.

    • Serious Critical

      HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA

      OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS ON KITCHEN AND FRONT BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. C RITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030. NO CITATION ISSUED.

    • Not serious Serious (Chicago's middle tier)

      NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

      OBSERVED REAR SOUTHSIDE DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF. DOOR HAS APPROXIMATELY ONE INCH OPENING ON BOTTOM DOOR. MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY. SERIOUS VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED

    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

      OBSERVED RUSTY FOOD STORAGGE SHELVING ON BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. MUST REPAINT OR REMOVE.

    • Not serious Minor

      VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

      STOPPERS NEEDED AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED AT THE FRONT BAR AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA DRAINIG SLOW. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

    • Not serious Minor

      REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

      INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE STEAM THERMOMETER TO MONITOR FOOD TEMPERATURES.

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health. History last read Oct 1, 2026. Violation text is the inspector's wording. “Serious” is the source's own top tier. About this data.