PASS W/ CONDITIONS Risk 2 (Medium)

FREMONT BAR Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

FREMONT BAR (AKA: WELCOME TO THE FARM) 15 W ILLINOIS ST, Chicago 60654 Restaurant
November 10, 2025 Canvass License #2121030
9
Total Violations
5
Critical
4
Minor

Inspection Summary

This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on November 10, 2025. The inspection type was "Canvass" and resulted in a Pass w/ Conditions outcome.

This establishment is classified as Risk 2 (Medium), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.

The inspector documented 9 violations during this inspection, including 5 critical violations that required immediate attention.

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

9
Violation #1
CRITICAL
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE.
Without knowledgeable supervision, critical food safety practices may be overlooked, significantly increasing risk of foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.
The person in charge must be present during all hours of operation, hold valid certification, and demonstrate food safety knowledge.
Person in charge must: Be present during all operating hours; Hold valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate; Demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, HACCP principles, and Code requirements; Ensure employee compliance with food safety practices.
Violation #2
CRITICAL
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID DOCUMENTATION, NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATON CERTIFICATE POSTED AS REQUIRED.INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT WHILE HANDLING (TCS FOODS).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 #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT 2ND FLOOR BARS.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
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: OBSERVED (2) TWO LOW TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINES IN THE 2ND FLOOR BARS (NOT-IN-USE) AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION;FINAL SANITIZING RINSE AT "0" PPM CHLORINE CONCENTRATION.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.THE SAID DISHMACHINE IS TAGGED "HELD FOR INSPECTION" AT THIS TIME.A MECHANICAL DISHWASHING MACHINES SHOULD PROVIDE A FINAL SANITIZING RINSE OF EITHER 50 � 100 PPM CHLORINE (FOR CHEMICAL SANITIZING MACHINE) OR 180F FINAL RINSE (FOR HOT WATER SANITIZING MACHINE).(** SEE COMMENTS BELOW).PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025, NO 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 #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED GAP OPENING APPROX 1/4" INCH AT BOTTOM OF REAR EXIT DOOR THAT LEADS TO ALLEY.INSTRUCTED TO MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOM TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY AND MAINTAIN.
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CHIPPED PAINT AND RUST ON THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CHIPPED PAINT AND RUST AND REPAINT OR REPLACE THE SHELVES AND MAINTAIN.
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 #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: ALL UNUSED CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL STORED PILED IN THE REAR AND INSIDE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOMS MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES AND ALL OTHER NEED ITEMS MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOOR.
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 TILE IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE 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 TILE IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE 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.

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