RecordWell Data

The Second City

1608-1616 N WELLS ST, Chicago, IL 60614 · Cook County

50cited violations
3serious tier
9inspections
30tier not stated

Establishment

Type
Restaurant (retail food serving meals) (Restaurant)
Inspected by
Chicago Department of Public Health
License / ID
2419621
Status
Risk 1 (High)
Official record
Chicago Department of Public Health inspection reports

Other public records for this business

Year by year

YearInspectionsViolationsSerious
2026140
2025281
2024151
2022130
20191141
2018150
2017140
2016170

Inspections

  1. May 14, 2026 Complaint · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      OBSERVED STANDING WATER ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDIITON.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND GRIME ON EXTERIOR OF HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      OBSERVED 1 MISSING LIGHTBULB IN HOOD OVER COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      OBSERVED BUILD UP OF DUST ON CEILING ABOVE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CELAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

  2. Jun 26, 2025 Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      5-205.15--OBSERVED THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BOTH FAUCETS OF THE 3RD FLOOR/ UP KITCHEN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO BE LEAKING HEAVILY EVEN WHEN THE WATER IS NOT TURNED ON TO USE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE BOTH FAUCETS AT THE 3 COMP SINK AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.

    • Severity not stated

      TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

      6-202.14--OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DOORS ON BOTH MEN AND WOMENS BATHROOMS IN 2ND FLOOR ON EAST SIDE OF BUILDING NEAR ENTRANCE FROM WELLS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DOORS FOR BOTH.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      6-501.12--OBSERVED FLOOR DRAIN BELOW 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN 3RD FLOOR BACK BAR TO BE HEAVILY SOILED. OBSERVED HEAVY DEBRIS AND TRASH BUILD UP BEHIND HOT WATER HEATER OF UPSTAIRS BAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL FLOORS AND MAINTAIN FREE OF EXCESSIVE TRASH AND DEBRIS BUILD UP.

  3. Mar 28, 2025 Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
    • Serious Priority

      FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

      OBSERVED THE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN THE 3RD FLOOR BACK BAR DISH AREA WITH A FINAL SANITIZING RINSE TEMPERATURE OF 113F AT TIME OF INSPECTION. MACHINE WAS NOT IN USE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO SERVICE TO MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SANITIZING FINAL RINSE TEMPERTURE OF AT LEAST 165F. DISH MACHINE TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS ABLE TO MAINTAIN FINAL RINSE TEMPERATURE OF 165F AND REINSPECTED BY CDPH. PRIORITY VIOLATION, 7-38-025.

    • Severity not stated

      THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

      OBSERVED MISSING THERMOMETER IN 2 DOOR REACH IN COOLER IN 2ND FLOOR MAIN KITCHEN/PREP AREA BY 1959 BAR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER TO MEASURE AMBIENT INTERNAL AIR TEMPERTURE. PROVIDED AT TIME OF INSPECTION.

    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      OBSERVED THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BOTH FAUCETS OF THE 3RD FLOOR/ UP KITCHEN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO BE LEAKING HEAVILY EVEN WHEN THE WATER IS NOT TURNED ON TO USE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE BOTH FAUCETS AT THE 3 COMP SINK AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.

    • Severity not stated

      TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

      OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DOORS ON BOTH MEN AND WOMENS BATHROOMS IN 2ND FLOOR ON EAST SIDE OF BUILDING NEAR ENTRANCE FROM WELLS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DOORS FOR BOTH.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED FLOOR DRAIN BELOW 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN 3RD FLOOR BACK BAR TO BE HEAVILY SOILED. OBSERVED HEAVY DEBRIS AND TRASH BUILD UP BEHIND HOT WATER HEATER OF UPSTAIRS BAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL FLOORS AND MAINTAIN FREE OF EXCESSIVE TRASH AND DEBRIS BUILD UP.

  4. May 8, 2024 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

      NOTED INTERIOR OF ICE BIN BEHIND BAR IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

    • Serious Priority

      PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

      NOTED 2 UPPER SWING DOOR WITH BOTTOM 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN KITCHEN AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. TCS FOODS GARLIC AIOLI 46, POLISHES 52.1 APPROX. 12 LBS VALUED AT $163. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

    • Severity not stated

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

      NOTED CUTTING BOARD AT COOKS LINE WITH DEEP CUTS AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO RESTORE TO A SMOOTH CLEANABLE SURFACE OR REPLACE.

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      NOTED COMPARTMENT UNDERNEATH FRYER IN KITCHEN WITH GREASE BUILD UP AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      NOTED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN DRY STORAGE ROOM ACROSS THE KITCHEN, STORED IN BETWEEN THE WALL AND CARBON DIOXIDE TANK BEHIND BAR AND IN ROOM WITH HOT WATER HEATER IN THE UPSTAIRS PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS. ANY KEPT ITEMS SHOULD BE STORED ON SMOOTH CLEANABLE SHELVES A MINIMUM OF 6 INCHES FROM THE GROUND.

  5. Oct 11, 2022 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

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

      MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS.

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      DELIME AND CLEAN ALL INTERIOR SURFACES OF THE DISH MACHINE, ALSO CLEAN INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYERS, STOVES ETC.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      GREASE ON FLOOR IN THE KITCHEN UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

  6. Apr 11, 2019 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

      OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINKS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: -SHARED CUSTOMER/EMPLOYEE RESTROOMS INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT SAID AREAS.

    • Serious Priority

      PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

      AS OF INSPECTION DATE 04/11/19, OBSERVED READY TO EAT/TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS, *1.5LBS OF HUMMUS SAUCE, AT $5.00: 04/01/19 *7LBS OF COOKED SPINACH RISOTTO, AT $10.00: 04/02/19 *5LBS OF MARIANA SAUCE, AT $12.00: 04/04/19 *4LBS OF SPICY AIOLI SAUCE, AT $8.00: 03/26/19 *2LBS OF RANCH DRESSING, AT $8.00: 03/26/19 STORED IN COLD HOLDING UNITS, WITH OTHER FOODS, PAST APPROPRIATELY MARKED DATES. INFORMED MANAGER THAT DATE MARKED READY TO EAT/TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS SHALL BE DISCARDED OR HELD IN A DESIGNATED/SEPARATE STORAGE AREA, IF STILL IN STORAGE AFTER 7 DAYS OF PRODUCTION/ DISCARD OR CONSUMPTION DATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD OR SEPARATE READY TO EAT/TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS WHICH EXCEEDS APPROPRIATELY MARKED DATE OF PRODUCTION/ DISCARDED OR CONSUMPTION DATES. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED 19.5LBS, $43.00 PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

      OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE/REMINDER INDICATED ON MENU OF RAW/UNDER COOKED FOODS, FOR CUSTOMER VIEW. INFORMED MANAGER THAT THE DISCLOSURE/REMINDER STATEMENT AND INDICATOR MUST BE IN PLAIN VIEW OF THE CUSTOMER, INDICATED ON MENU OF RAW/UNDER COOKED FOODS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CONSUMER ADVISORY SIGNAGE, DISCLOSURE/REMINDER INDICATED. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION # 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.

    • Severity not stated

      CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

      OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD ON LEFT SIDE AND RIGHT SIDE OF HAND WASHING SINKS AT BOTH BACK BAR AREAS, ADJACENT TO ICE BIN AND DRAIN BOARD AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL SPLASH GUARD AT SAID AREA. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

    • Severity not stated

      CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

      OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD ON LEFT SIDE AND RIGHT SIDE OF HAND WASHING SINKS AT FRONT BAR AREA, ADJACENT TO ICE BIN AND DRAIN BOARD AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL SPLASH GUARD AT SAID AREA. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      OBSERVED GREASE/DUST BUILD ON EXTERIOR SURFACE OF HOOD FILTERS ABOVE COOK LINE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      OBSERVED BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE EMBEDDED IN CAULK LINE AT BACK SPLASH AREA OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RE CAULK AND ENSURE SURFACE IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      UNABLE TO IDENTIFY BACK FLOW PREVENTER/VACUUM BREAKER DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE IN STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO IDENTIFY AND OR INSTALL. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      OBSERVED SLOW DRAIN AT HAND WASHING SINK, ADJACENT TO DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      OBSERVED WATER LEAKING FROM WATER INLET LINE, UNDERNEATH DISH WASHING MACHINE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

    • Severity not stated

      SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED

      OBSERVED BACK BAR COUNTER LIQUID WASTE DRAINAGE TUBE, CONVEYED/DIRECTED TO DISCHARGE INTO:DUMP SINK, AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INFORMED MANAGER THAT LIQUID WASTE DRAINAGE TUBE AT BAR AREAS MUST DIRECTED/CONVEYED TO DISCHARGE INTO FLOOR/PLUMBING DRAIN UNDERNEATH SAID EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RE DIRECT/CONVEY LIQUID WASTE DRAINAGE TUBE TO DISCHARGE TO FLOOR PLUMBING DRAIN ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED BROKEN TWIST VALUE STOPPER, AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      OBSERVED NO LIGHT BULB/FIXTURE ABOVE ICE MACHINE CLOSET AREA, ADJACENT TO FRONT BAR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL BULB/FIXTURE IN SAID AREA. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

    • Severity not stated

      ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

      OBSERVED ALLERGEN AWARENESS CERTIFICATE NOT MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN AWARENESS CERTIFICATES.

  7. Apr 12, 2018 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

      OBSERVED A FEW ITEMS NOT PROPERLY LABELED INSIDE 2-DOOR COOLER IN REAR FOOD SORAGE AREA. MUST LABEL ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME PREPARED BY DATE AND/OR USED BY DATE.

    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

      OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP VENTILATION FANS INSIDE 2-DOOR REACH IN COOLER IN FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

    • Not serious Minor

      FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

      OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR BEHIND AND NEXT TO COOKING EQUIPMENT IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

    • Not serious Minor

      WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

      OBSERVED OPENINGS INTO CEILING AROUND PIPES ABOVE 2-DOOR VEGETABLE COOLER. MUST SEAL AND MAINTAIN.

    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

      OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED ON TOP OF ICE BINS IN FRONT BAR AREA. MUST PROPORLY STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

  8. Apr 12, 2017 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Minor

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

      MUST DISCONTINUE USE OF MILK AND SODA CRATES AS STORAGE RACKS IN PREP AREAS. ALSO, REMOVE RUST BUILD UP ON GREASE TRAP UNDER 3-COMP SINK, SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

      MUST CLEAN INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACES IN THE 1-DOOR REACH IN FREEZER IN AND PREP COOLERS IN THE PREP AREA. ALSO, THE EXTERIOR CONTACT SURFACE OF THE ICE MACHINE HAS CALCIUM BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.

    • Not serious Minor

      FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

      MUST CLEAN FLOORS BEHIND THE FRONT BAR, AND FLOORS IN THE BACK HALLWAY BEHIND DOOR 59. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.

    • Not serious Minor

      WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

      MUST REPAIR PEELING PAINT ON SIDE WALLS NEXT TO THE FRONT BAR. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.

  9. Mar 3, 2016 License · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Minor

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

      MUST PROVIDE SPLASH GUARDS AT HAND SINKS IN PREP AREA AND BAR AREA,SINgS ON MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TOILETROOM DOORS.

    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

      MUST CLEAN INTERIOR PANEL AND EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE

    • Not serious Minor

      FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

      MUST CLEAN DEBRI FROM FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND BAR AREA.MUST SEAL GAP IN BETWEEN FLOOR AND WALLBASE IN HOT WATER TANK AREA.

    • Not serious Minor

      WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

      MUST SEAL GAPS IN WALLBASES IN KITCHEN NEXT TO EQUIPMENT,HOT WATER TANK ROOM,STORAGE AREA,OPENINGS IN BRICK WALL NEXT TO KITCHEN,OPENING AROUND PIPE IN MEN'S TOILETROOM UNDER HAND SINK.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DOOR CLOSURE ON WOMEN'S TOILETROOM,MOTOR EXPOSED ABOVE DISH DRAIBOARD IN DISH WASHING AREA.

    • Not serious Minor

      LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

      MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN REAR REFRIGERATOR AREA OF BAR AREA

    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

      MUST PROVIDE HOOKS TO HANG WET MOPS

    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

      IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN

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.