FAIL Risk 1 (High)

BENIHANA Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

BENIHANA 875 N MICHIGAN AVE, CHICAGO 60611 Restaurant
January 13, 2025 Complaint Re-Inspection License #2469246
9
Total Violations
3
Critical
6
Minor

Inspection Summary

This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on January 13, 2025. The inspection type was "Complaint Re-Inspection" and resulted in a Fail outcome.

This establishment is classified as Risk 1 (High), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.

The inspector documented 9 violations during this inspection, including 3 critical violations that required immediate attention.

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

9
Violation #2
CRITICAL
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: NOTED FACILITY DID NOT PROVIDE A VERIFIABLE 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 VALAD VERIFIABLE 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.
Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.
Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.
Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED PEST ACTIVITY WITH APPROX. 15 SMALL FLIES NOTED DURING INSPECTION. SMALL FLY ACTIVITY WAS NOTED NEAR THE REAR PREP, DISH AREA, BAR, AND SUSHI/TO GO PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CONSULT PEST CONTROL AS ADDITIONAL SERVICES ARE NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE ACTIVITY PRIOR TO RE-INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
Violation #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN COOLERS IN REAR PREP AND BAR IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
Violation #51
CRITICAL
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED WATER IN THE HANDSINK IN DINING AREA SLOWLY DRAINING. PERSON IN CHARGE WAS ADVISED TO UNCLOG SINK AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT ISSUE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN THE SUSHI/TO GO PREP AREA, DISH AREA. ALSO NOTED MISSING GROUT IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: BAR, SUSHI/TO GO PREP AREA, AND REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO CREATE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED WOOD CABINET AT HANDSINKS IN DINING AREAS BREAKING, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, INGREDIENT CONTAINERS, RACKS AND SHELVING WITH FLOUR, DUST, GREASE, DEAD INSECTS AND DIRT BUILD-UP THROUGHOUT. RECOMMENDED TO INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED 2 COMP SINK IN SUSHI/TO GO PREP LEAKING FROM BASINS PIPES INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED 2 COMP SINK IN SUSHI/TO GO PREP LEAKING FROM BASINS PIPES INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.

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