⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
PASS W/ CONDITIONS Risk 1 (High)

CHICAGO WAFFLES Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

CHICAGO WAFFLES 1400 S MICHIGAN AVE, CHICAGO 60605 Restaurant
July 1, 2024 Complaint License #2652928
19
Total Violations
6
Critical
2
Major
11
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

19
Violation #8
CRITICAL
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED - Comments: OBSERVED COOK OPERATING LOW TEMP. DISH MACHINE AND PROCEED TO PREPARE RTE FOOD WITHOUT PROPERLY WASHING HANDS. NOTED SERVERS BUSSING TABLES AND SERVING TABLES WITHOUT PROPERLY WASHING HANDS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE EMPLOYEES WASH HANDS WHEN THERE IS A POSSIBLE SOURCE OF CROSS-CONTAMINATION. THE MANAGER INSTRUCTED THE EMPLOYEE TO WASH THEIR HANDS, CHANGE GLOVES, PRIORITY 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 #9
CRITICAL
NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED - Comments: OBSERVED COOK PREPARING RTE STRAWBERRIES IN REAR PREP WITH BARE HANDS, MUST USE GLOVES OR OTHER ALTERNATIVE APPROVED METHODS WHEN HANDLING READY TO EAT FOOD AND PRODUCTS. 5# OF PRODUCT $15. VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
Contaminated water spreads waterborne diseases. Insufficient hot water prevents proper sanitization.
Potable water supply must be adequate, protected, and properly heated.
Water from approved public system; Sufficient pressure for all operations; Hot water minimum 120°F at fixtures, 180°F for high-temp dishwashers; Backflow prevention installed; No cross-connections.
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NO PAPER TOWELS AT HAND WASH SINKS IN FRONT AND REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
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 #16
CRITICAL
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: FOUND LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE INADEQUATELY SANITIZING DISHES AT 0 PPM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A SANITIZING SOLUTION TO ADEQUATELY SANITIZE DISHES PER MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS. TECHNICIAN ARRIVED ON SITE TO MAKE ADJUSTMENTS DISHWASHER NOW READING 50 PPM. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.
All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.
Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.
Violation #21
CRITICAL
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS IN HOT HOLDING AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES: 4# COUNTRY GRAVY AT 98.3F AND 5# SHREDDED CHICKEN AT 114.3F. 9 POUNDS WITH VALUE OF $35.00 VOLUNTARILY DISCARD & DENATURED FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD HOT TCS FOODS AT 135F OR ABOVE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
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 #39
MAJOR
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED UNWARAPPED 6 INCH PAN OF COOKED SAUSAGE LINK ON FLOOR OF WALK-IN COOLER, MUST PROVIDE PROPER, RAISED SHELVING TO STORE FOOD CONTAINERS 6" OFF FLOOR
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 #44
MINOR
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: OBSERVED DELI CUPS NOT PROPERLY AIR DRIED BEFORE STACKING, INSTRUCTED TO ALLOW TO AIR DRY PRIOR TO STACKING DELI CUPS.
Clutter harbors pests and prevents proper cleaning.
Facility must be free of unnecessary items and litter.
Remove unnecessary equipment; No litter; Organized storage; No living quarters; Personal items in designated areas.
Violation #46
MAJOR
GLOVES USED PROPERLY - Comments: OBSERVED COOK USE GLOVES WITHOUT WASHING HANDS INSTRUCTED TO WASH HANDS BEFORE PUTTING GLOVES ON TO PREPARE FOOD.
Improper glove use spreads contamination worse than bare hands.
Single-use gloves must be used correctly.
Wash hands before donning; Change when contaminated; Change between tasks; Single use only; Not a substitute for handwashing.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED IN WALK-IN COOLER A PIECE OF RAW WOOD USED AS A SHELF WITH BUS PANS AS A BASE, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE PROVIDE PROPER, RAISED SHELVING TO STORE FOOD.
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS EVEVATION IN THE FOLLWING AREAS: REAR PREP, DISHWASHING AREA, WALK IN COOLER AND GARAGE/DRY STORAGE. MUST REMOVE ALL CRATES AND ELIMINATE THE USE OF CRATES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON SHELVES OF WALK-IN COOLER INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #51
CRITICAL
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED 3 COMPARMENT SINK IN DISREPAIR LEAKING FROM 1ST AND 3RD COMPARTMENT FROM DRAIN, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
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 EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS, INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE CLEANING FRQUENCY 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 MISSING CEILING TILES IN REAR PREP, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MIANTAIN.
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 UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND CLUTTER IN REAR GARAGE/DRY STORAGE AREA INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
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 #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED ALL CEILING AND WALL VENTS IN DINING ROOM AND FRONT AND REAR PREP WITH EXCESSIVE DUST INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
Violation #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT BULB IN IN HOOD SYSTEM INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
Violation #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING PROTECTIVE SHIELD FROM LIGHT BULBS IN EXHAUST SYSTEM, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
Violation #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING PROTECTIVE SHIELD FROM LIGHT BULBS IN EXHAUST SYSTEM, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.

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