FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
CHICAGO'S HOME OF CHICKEN & WAFFLES Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
June 20, 2025
Complaint
License #2698292
12
Total Violations
6
Critical
2
Major
4
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
12
Violation #2
CRITICAL
Violation Details
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING TCS FOODS (RICE, CHICKEN, FISH, SLICED TOMATOES). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE CERTIFICATE HOLDER ON SITE WHILE OPENING AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.
Food Code Requirement
Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.
Specific Requirements
Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-102.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED HAND DRYING PROVISION AVAILABLE AT HANDSINK LOCATED IN IN USE PREP AREA AND BEVERAGE STATION PREP DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED. PERSON IN CHARGE PROVIDED PAPER TOWELS AT THIS TIME.
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND CLEANSER AVAILABLE AT HANDSINK LOCATED IN BEVERAGE STATION PREP. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN FOR PROPER HANDWASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (C). SEE ABOVE VIOLATION FOR CITATION INFORMATION.
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #16
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED IN USE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED SANITIZER STGRENGHT AT 0PPM. INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE USE OF EQUIPMENT UNTIL PROPERLY SANITIZING AT @ LEAST 50PPM. MUST MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION.
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.
Food Code Requirement
All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.
Specific Requirements
Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.11
Violation #35
MINOR
Violation Details
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED - Comments: OBSERVED TUBS CONTAINING RAW FROZEN FISH STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR PREP/DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND THAW FISH UNDER REFRIGERATION OR CONTINUOUS WATER IN PREP SINK.MUST MAINTAIN
Why This Matters
Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.
Food Code Requirement
Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-201.11
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION 2 LARGE LIVE COCKROACHES CRAWLING ON 3 COMPARTMENT SINK PIPING AND ON FLOOR UNDER DISHWASHING MACHINE, APPROXIMATLEY 100 SMALL RODENT DROPPINGS INSIDE SLIDING DOOR CABINET LOCATED UNDERNEATH BEVERAGE DISPENSER, SCATTERED ON FLOOR ALONG SIDE OF SAID EQUIPMENT, AND INSIDE ROOM ATTACHED TO BEVERAGE PREP AREA WHERE HOT WATER TANK IS LOCATED. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 65 SMALL BLACK LIVE FLIES IN THE FOLLOWING PLACES.., ON UNOPENED SYRUP BOXES STACKED IN REAR PREP, ON WALLS THROUGHOUT DISHWASHING ROOM/PREP, ON ALL HANDSINK BASINS LOCATED IN PREP AREAS, ON EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOLING UNITS AND FLYING THROUGHOUT PREP/ DINING AREA AND TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR ADDIDIONAL SERVICE. MUST ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY ON PREMISE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-020 (A). CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED FRONT DOOR OF FACILITY NOT RODENT PROOF, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #39
MAJOR
Violation Details
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED LARGE CONTAINERS CONTAINING FISH, MIXED SEASONINGS, BOXES OF GREENS AND PREPPPED GREENS IN POTS STORED ON FLOORS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUJCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING. STORING FOOD ON FLOOR IS PROHIBITED IN ORDER TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
Why This Matters
Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.
Food Code Requirement
Prevent contamination during all food handling.
Specific Requirements
Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-307.11
Violation #41
MAJOR
Violation Details
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO STORE SOILED WIPING CLOTHS INSIDE SANITIZING WATER AT LEAST 5OPPM IN BETWEEN USES.
Why This Matters
Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.
Food Code Requirement
Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.
Specific Requirements
Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-304.14
Violation #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED ALL PREP TABLES, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACE OF COOLING EQUIPMENT, STORAGE RACKS, BEVERAGE DISPENSERS, HOT HOLDING UNITS (STEAM TABLE AND ALL HEAVY FRYING EQUIPMENT LOCATED IN PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND HEAVY GREASE BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN CLEAN EQUIPMENT.
Why This Matters
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Specific Requirements
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.13
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FLOORS AND WALL TILES (ATTACHMENTS) THROUGHOUT FRONT AND REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREAS WITH BROKEN, DAMAGED TILES. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN FLOORS THAT ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FLOORS AND WALL TILES (ATTACHMENTS) THROUGHOUT FRONT AND REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREAS WITH BROKEN, DAMAGED TILES. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN FLOORS THAT ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
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