FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
FIRESIDE TAVERN AND GRILL Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
March 7, 2025
Complaint
License #2452439
11
Total Violations
4
Critical
2
Major
5
Minor
1
Corrected On Site
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
11
Violation #6
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE - Comments: NOTED AN OPEN BEVERAGE IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MUST HAVE SEALED BEVERAGE CONTAINERS.
Why This Matters
Hands are #1 vehicle for pathogen transfer. Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods causes majority of foodborne outbreaks.
Food Code Requirement
Proper handwashing and no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Specific Requirements
Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water; Use utensils, deli tissue, or gloves for ready-to-eat foods; Wash hands after restroom, handling raw foods, touching face/hair, and between tasks.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-301.11, 2-301.12, 2-301.14
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NOTED NO SOAP AVAILABLE AT THE COOKS LINE HAND WASHING SINK. MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
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: NO PAPER TOWELS LOCATED AT THE DISH/REAR PREP HAND WASHING SINK. MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) SEE THE ABOVE VIOLATION #10 FOR CITATION.
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 #20
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER COOLING TIME AND TEMPERATURE - Comments: NOTED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS IMPROPERLY COOLING. COOKED CHICKEN BREASTS PILED HIGH IN A LARGE, DEEP METAL CONTAINER WITH A METAL LID ON A PREP TABLE AT 111.2F AND THREE CONTAINERS OF COOKED POTATOES, PILED HIGH IN LARGE, DEEP CONTAINERS WITH METAL LIDS AT 105.F. COOK STATED THE FOODS WERE PREPARED THREE HOURS PREVIOUS. NO FUNCTIONAL METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE TO MONITOR REHEATING THE FOODS TO START THE COOLING PROCESS AGAIN OR TO ENSURE THE FOODS REHEATED TO 165 F. FOODS DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Slow cooling allows spore-forming bacteria like C. perfringens to germinate and multiply to dangerous levels.
Food Code Requirement
Foods must be rapidly cooled to safe temperatures.
Specific Requirements
Cool from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours, then to 41°F within 4 additional hours; Use shallow pans, ice baths, cooling wands, or blast chillers; Monitor with thermometer.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.14
Violation #36
MINOR
Violation Details
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: NO FUNCTIONAL METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE TO MONITOR HOT AND COLD FOOD TEMPERATURES. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.
Food Code Requirement
Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.
Specific Requirements
50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11
Violation #40
MINOR
Violation Details
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: NOTED FOOD HANDLER PREPARING FOODS WITHOUT EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINT.
Why This Matters
Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.
Food Code Requirement
Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.
Specific Requirements
Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-303.11
Violation #43
MINOR
Violation Details
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: TABLE TOP CAN OPENER NOTED WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.
Food Code Requirement
In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.
Specific Requirements
Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-304.12
Violation #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: EXTERIOR OF COOKS LINE EQUIPMENT WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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: MUST NOT USE RAW WOODEN BLOCKS UNDER REAR METAL TABLES FOR ELEVATION. MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT.----MISSING CEILING TILE WITH EXPOSED INSULATION ABOVE THE REAR ROTISSERIE. MUST REPLACE.----RAW WOODEN FLOOR AT ENTRANCE TO THE LARGE WALK-IN COOLER IN POOR REPAIR WITH POOLING FOOD DEBRIS. MUST REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
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 #58
MAJOR
Violation Details
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: NOTED AN EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. MUST PROVIDE CURRENT CERTIFICATE.
Why This Matters
Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food Code Requirement
Food allergen training required for certified managers.
Specific Requirements
Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-103.11
Violation #58
MAJOR
Violation Details
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: NOTED AN EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. MUST PROVIDE CURRENT CERTIFICATE.
Why This Matters
Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food Code Requirement
Food allergen training required for certified managers.
Specific Requirements
Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-103.11
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