PASS W/ CONDITIONS
Risk 1 (High)
CLEO'S SOUTHERN CUISINE Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
December 1, 2025
License
License #3057294
10
Total Violations
4
Critical
1
Major
5
Minor
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on December 1, 2025. The inspection type was "License" and resulted in a Pass w/ Conditions outcome.
This establishment is classified as Risk 1 (High), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.
The inspector documented 10 violations during this inspection, including 4 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
10
Violation #3
CRITICAL
Violation Details
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNAGE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED AT THIS TIME.
Why This Matters
Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.
Food Code Requirement
All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.
Specific Requirements
Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-201.11 - 2-201.13
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS PROVIDED NEAR HAND WASHING SINKS IN BOTH UNISEX WAHROOMS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
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 #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OUTER OPENINGS NOT PROTECTED. OBSERVED REAR RECEIVING SIDE DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF. DOOR HAS APPROXIMATELY 1/2 INCH OPENING ON BOTTOM DOOR. MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT RODENT 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 #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED RUSTY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING IN REAR KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST REPAINT OR REPLACE SHELVING.
Why This Matters
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-101.11
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED NO STOPPERS PROVIDED AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. MUST PROVIDE WORKING STOPPERS AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-101.11
Violation #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED SLOW LEAKING PIPE UNDERNEATH ONE OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS LOCATED IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Food Code Requirement
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Specific Requirements
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.13
Violation #53
MAJOR
Violation Details
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLES PROVIDED IN BOTH UNISEX WASHROOMS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.
Specific Requirements
Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-302.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR BEHIND FOOD PREP TABLES IN REAR KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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 DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR DRAINS IN REAR DISHWASHIG AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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 DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR DRAINS IN REAR DISHWASHIG AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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