⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 2 (Medium)

ANCIENT GROUNDS Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

ANCIENT GROUNDS 5242 N ELSTON AVE, CHICAGO 60630 Restaurant
September 19, 2025 License License #3046581
4
Total Violations
2
Critical
1
Major
1
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

4
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: INADEQUATE HOT WATER AT THE PREP/DISH HAND WASHING SINK. MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE NOTED AT 97.8F. MUST PROVIDE A MINIMUM OF 100F FOR THE HAND WASHING SINK. PRIORITY VIOLATION.
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
Violation #39
MAJOR
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: MUST INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE ONE COMPARTMENT PREP/DUMP SINK AND THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.
Prevent contamination during all food handling.
Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.
Violation #48
CRITICAL
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: NO IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR ON SITE FOR THE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISHWASHING MACHINE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.
Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.
3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.
Violation #48
CRITICAL
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: NO IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR ON SITE FOR THE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISHWASHING MACHINE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.
Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.
3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.

Health Department Information

Department Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division Food Protection Program
Report Issues Call 311 or File Online
More Information CDPH Food Protection
Data sourced from Chicago Open Data Portal - Chicago Department of Public Health inspections