⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
PASS W/ CONDITIONS Risk 2 (Medium)

BUFFALO SAM Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

BUFFALO SAM 508 S KOSTNER AVE, CHICAGO 60624 Restaurant
April 24, 2025 Complaint License #2918214
7
Total Violations
5
Critical
2
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

7
Violation #2
CRITICAL
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE WHILE PREAPRING AND SERVING, CHICKEN, FISH, SHRIMP, BURGERS, SLICED TOMATOES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE CERTIFICATE HOLDER ON SITE WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. 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 #5
CRITICAL
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE POSTED OR NECESSARY ITEMS OUTLINED IN THE POLICY AVAILABLE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARHEAL EVENTS THAT CAN OCCUR IN THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.
Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.
Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.
Violation #8
CRITICAL
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED - Comments: OBSERVED 3 FOOD HANDLERS WASHING HANDS IMPROPERLY IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT FOOD EMPLOYEES SHALL ONLY WASH HANDS IN THE HANDWASHING SINK ONLY AS REQUIRED, NOT WHERE FOOD PREP OR WAREWASHING TAKES PLACE.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
Improper sanitization fails to kill pathogens, allowing contaminated equipment to spread illness throughout facility.
Sanitizing solutions and rinse water must meet specific requirements for effectiveness.
Chemical sanitizers: Chlorine 50-100 ppm, Quaternary ammonium 200-400 ppm, Iodine 12.5-25 ppm; Hot water: 171°F for 30 seconds or 180°F at dish surface; Test strips required; Proper contact time.
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK LOCATED IN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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 #21
CRITICAL
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 35 LBS OF COOKED CHICKEN WINGS AND FISH FILETS STORED IN BULK CONTAINERS ON PREP TABLE SHELF DURING TIME OF INSPECTION AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. NOTED TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 70�F-82�F. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO HOLD ALL TCS HOT FOODS AT 135�F OR HIGHER AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. THE PERSON IN CHARGE VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED THE SAID FOOD ITEM AT THIS TIME. TOTAL COST OF DICARDED FOOD @$100.
Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.
Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.
Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.
Violation #40
MINOR
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED ALL FOOD HANDLERS OPERATING WITHOUT EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.
Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.
Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.
Violation #40
MINOR
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED ALL FOOD HANDLERS OPERATING WITHOUT EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.
Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.
Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.

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