The Second City
1608-1616 N WELLS ST, Chicago, IL 60614 · Cook County
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
Year by year
| Year | Inspections | Violations | Serious |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2 | 8 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 | 5 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| 2019 | 1 | 14 | 1 |
| 2018 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
| 2017 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| 2016 | 1 | 7 | 0 |
Inspections
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Severity not stated
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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.
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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.
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Severity not stated
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Mar 28, 2025 Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Serious
Priority
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May 8, 2024 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Severity not stated
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Oct 11, 2022 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
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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.
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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.
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Severity not stated
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
GREASE ON FLOOR IN THE KITCHEN UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
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Severity not stated
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Apr 11, 2019 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Severity not stated
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED ALLERGEN AWARENESS CERTIFICATE NOT MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN AWARENESS CERTIFICATES.
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Severity not stated
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Apr 12, 2018 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Not serious
Minor
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Apr 12, 2017 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
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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.
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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.
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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.
-
Not serious
Minor
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Mar 3, 2016 License · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
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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
-
Not serious
Minor
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.