Pippins Tavern
39 E CHICAGO AVE, Chicago, IL 60611 · Cook County
Establishment
- Type
- Restaurant (retail food serving meals) (Restaurant)
- Inspected by
- Chicago Department of Public Health
- License / ID
- 2807813
- Status
- Risk 1 (High)
- Official record
- Chicago Department of Public Health inspection reports
Year by year
| Year | Inspections | Violations | Serious |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 7 | 2 |
| 2024 | 3 | 16 | 1 |
| 2023 | 2 | 6 | 2 |
| 2022 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 2021 | 2 | 13 | 2 |
Inspections
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Dec 8, 2025 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE WHILE TCS FOODS (RICE, CHICKEN SOUPS ETC.) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED AND ALSO THE PERSON IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE BY NEXT INSPECTION (UPON BEING INSPECTED) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
-
Serious
Priority
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF THE FOLLOWING TCS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER TO BE IMPROPER:-CHICKEN 48.6F/45.9F,PASTA 49.9F/45F, BEEF 44.9F,PICO DE GALLO 45.1F, SOUP 47.1F,EGGS 45.1F, CHICKEN WINGS 45.8F, ASSORTED SAUCES 45.6F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 40 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $60.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
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Serious
Priority
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
EQUIPMENT NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE. NOTED TEMPERATURE OF WALK IN COOLER AT THE PREP AREA TO BE IMPROPER AT 45.6F. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE EQUIPMENT UNTIL MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F AND BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
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Severity not stated
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
NOTED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
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Severity not stated
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES AT THE DINNING TABLES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
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Severity not stated
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
NOTED LOOSE AND MISSING KNOTS ON LID OF SERVICE PREP COOLERS AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
NOTED HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE WITH THE TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE (GUAGE) NOT MAINTAINED. NOTED HIGH TEMPERATUR DISH WASHING MACHINE GUAGE WITH READING OF 00F. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
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Dec 26, 2024 Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
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Severity not stated
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
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Severity not stated
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Dec 20, 2024 Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
NOTED FACILITY DID NOT PROVIDE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE FOR EMPLOYEES WORKING ON SITE. INFORMED A CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH A CURRENT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES AND A VALID MUST REMAIN POSTED ON SITE WHENEVER TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND/OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED FACILITY WITH NO CLEAN UP KIT & 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.
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED HAND SINK IN LOWER-LEVEL BAR NOT ACCESSIBLE. BASIN HAD STRAINER AND DISH RACKS ON TOP. INSTRUCTED THAT SINK MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AND MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION
MUST PROVIDE THE DATE ON ALL SHELLFISH TAGS, WHEN THE LAST SHELLSTOCK FROM THE CONTAINER IS SOLD OR SERVED; AND STORE ALL SHELLFISH TAGS IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER FOR AT LEAST 90 DAYS FROM THE SALE DATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
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Serious
Priority
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
NOTED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE IN USE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING. SANITIZING STRENGTH OF SANITIZER (CHLORINE) AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WAS 0 PPM. EQUIPMENT MUST PROPERLY SANITIZE AT A MINIMUM OF 50 PPM. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNIT UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (CDPH). TAGGED UNIT. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
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Severity not stated
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
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Severity not stated
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED MISSING AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN LOWER-LEVEL PREP AREA. NOTED LOWER LEVEL PREP AREA FLOOR GROUT MISSING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO CREATE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
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Severity not stated
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
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May 24, 2024 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
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Severity not stated
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED HANDWASHING SIGNAGE MISSING FROM HANDWASHING SINKS AT 1ST FLOOR AND BASEMENT BAR AREAS, AND BASEMENT SERVER STATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE TO ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
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Severity not stated
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
OBSERVED FISH RECEIVED FROZEN IN REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING THAWING WHILE STILL IN REDUCED OXYGEN ENVIRONMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FISH RECEIVED FROZEN IN REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING PRIOR TO THAWING OR IMMEDIATELY UPON COMPLETION OF THAWING AND MAINTAIN.
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Severity not stated
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED TOP-DOOR COOLER IN THE BASEMENT BAR AREA MISSING HANDLE AND LID TRACKS IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE LID HANDLE AND TRACKS AND MAINTAIN ALL EQUIPMENT IN GOOD REPAIR.
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Severity not stated
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF ICE MACHINES IN BASEMENT AREA AND COMPRESSORS ON SEVERAL COOLERS THROUGHOUT 1ST FLOOR BAR AND BASEMENT KITCHEN AREA TO BE SOILED WITH DUST AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF SOIL AND MAINTAIN.
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Severity not stated
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINK FAUCET IN REAR KITCHEN AREA TO BE LEAKING, BUT FUNCTIONAL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE FAUCET FIXTURE AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES FREE OF LEAKS AND IN GOOD REPAIR.
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Severity not stated
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
OBSERVED UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT IN THE WASTE RECEPTACLE STORAGE ENCLOSURE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND MAINTAIN WASTE RECEPTACLE ENCLOSURE CLEAN.
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Severity not stated
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED PHYSICAL FACILITIES TO BE SOILED WITH FOOD DEBRIS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: WALLS AND FLOORS BENEATH SHELVES IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA, FLOORS BENEATH SOILED UTENSIL COUNTER AND LINEN BASKET IN THE WAREWASHING AREA, FLOORS ALONG BASE COVING AND BENEATH COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS, WALLS, AND CEILINGS AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF SOIL AND MAINTAIN.
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Severity not stated
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Aug 30, 2023 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
Result: Pass.
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Aug 22, 2023 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION WITH VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING CHICKEN, HAM, TURKEY, SLICED TOMATOES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT LEAST ONE ON SITE AT ALL TIME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
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Serious
Priority
NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED
OBSERVED LIMES BEING HANDLED BY FOOD EMPLOYEE AND BARTENDER (SLICING, SHAVING AND JUICING) LIMES AT BAR TOP IN FACILITY WITH BARE HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO USE SUITABLE UTENSILS OR GLOVES WHEN HANDLING READY TO EAT FOODS AT ALL TIMES AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED. SQUEEZED LIME JUICE AND CUT LIMES WERE DISCARDED VOLUNTARILY BY PERSON IN CHARGE. PRIORITY
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE BLACK AND PINK SLIME SUBSTANCE ON INTERIOR LID OF LARGE ICE MACHINE DRIPPING ON TO ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. ICE MACHINE IS LOCATED IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ANS SANITIZE ICE MACHINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLAION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
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Serious
Priority
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 3 LBS TURKEY @94.3F AND 8 LBS OF COOKED HAM @95.8 ALL LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA CARVING STATION AT IMPROPER TEMPERAURES. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD ALL HOT HELD TCS FOODS AT 135F OR HIGHER. PIC VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005.
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR SHALL BE PROVIDED AND READYLY ACCESSIBLE FOR MEASURING THE UTENSIL SURFACE TEMPERATURE.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
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Severity not stated
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE COMPLETION ON SITE FOR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY.
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
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Nov 9, 2022 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS
Observed 10 lbs of on site vacuum packaged raw meat in prep cooler with No approved HACCP plan, found cryovac machine in main Kitchen. Machine is tagged. Instructed manager to discontinue such process until proper variance is obtained from the office of CDPH. priority foundation violation 7-38-005. food discarded valued at $30.
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Severity not stated
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
food scoops stored in standing water, instructed to store according to health code, ie.
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
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Nov 9, 2021 License Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
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Severity not stated
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
FOUND RUSTY RACKS INSIDE OF THE 1ST FLOOR BAR COOLER. MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR.
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Severity not stated
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Sep 30, 2021 License · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
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Serious
Priority
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
FOUND NO HOT WATER AT THE HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE LOWER LEVEL DISH AREA; WATER IS AT 80.0 F. MUST PROVIDE HOT WATER WITH A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 100 F AND MAXIMUM OF 120 F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SINK IN THE LOWER LEVEL COFFEE PREP AREA. A HANDWASHING SINK MUST BE LOCATED TO ALLOW CONVENIENT USE BY EMPLOYEES IN ALL FOOD DISPENSING AREAS; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-030(C).
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Serious
Priority
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
EQUIPMENT NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE; NOTED TEMPERATURE OF 2 PREP COOLERS IN THE LOWER LEVEL COOKS LINE TO BE 75 F AND 44 F. MUST REPAIR SO THAT EQUIPMENT MAINTAINS PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F AND BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
FOUND NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C).
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Severity not stated
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
NOTED STORM WATER PIPES LOCATED ABOVE LIQUOR STORAGE AREA. MUST PROVIDE A WATERPROOF ENCASEMENT FOR PIPES LOCATED DIRECTLY OVER BEER KEGS, LIQUOR BOTTLES, AND OTHER ALCOHOL.
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Severity not stated
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
FOUND RUSTY RACKS INSIDE OF THE 1ST FLOOR BAR COOLER. MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR.
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Severity not stated
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
DUMP SINK AT THE 1ST FLOOR BAR IS SLOW DRAINING. MUST REPAIR.
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Severity not stated
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
MUST INSTALL A PREP/DUMP SINK IN THE LOWER LEVEL BAR.
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Severity not stated
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
MUST PROVIDE A COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE LOWER LEVEL EMPLOYEE RESTROOM.
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Severity not stated
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FOUND AIR DUCT INSULATION IN DISREPAIR IN THE BACK STORAGE AREA LOCATED OFF THE KITCHEN. MUST REPAIR.
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Severity not stated
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
Source: Chicago Department of Public Health. History last read Oct 5, 2026. Violation text is the inspector's wording. “Serious” is the source's own top tier. About this data.