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GAOKU IZAKAYA & CRAFT DRINKS Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

GAOKU IZAKAYA & CRAFT DRINKS (AKA: GAOKU) 2759 W AUGUSTA BLVD, CHICAGO 60622 Restaurant
August 5, 2025 Canvass License #2934909
15
Total Violations
7
Critical
1
Major
7
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

15
Violation #3
CRITICAL
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)
Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.
All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.
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.
Violation #5
CRITICAL
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.
Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.
Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: MUST PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND SINK IN BAR AREA.
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 #14
CRITICAL
REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION - Comments: OBSERVED 90-DAY SHELLFISH TAGS WITHOUT DATE SOLD OR LAST SERVED ON TAGS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
Uncorrected violations continue posing health risks and often worsen over time.
Previous critical violations must be corrected.
All previous violations corrected within required timeframes; Critical violations corrected immediately; Documentation of corrections maintained.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED A GAP IN LEFT CORNER OF REAR DOOR TO BE TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT INSECT ENTRY.
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 #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 30 OR MORE RAT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR AROUND SUMP PUMP LID,ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH WOOD SUPPORT IN SAME AREA.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 8/5/25.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
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 #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS. MUST CLEAN CALCIUM BUILD UP FROM INTERIOR PARTS OF DISH MACHINE.MUST DEFROST ICE BUILD UP FROM CHEST FREEZER IN BAR AREA.
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
Violation #51
CRITICAL
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON BOTH ICE MACHINES MUST PROVIDE 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: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING WALL BASES UNDERNEATH 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA.
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: MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM WALL AND CEILING VENTS IN DINING AREA AND TOILET ROOMS,DEAD INSECTS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA.
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: MUST PROVIDE A HOOKING SYSTEM TO HANG UP WET MOPS.
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: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE OR ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN HOT WATER TANK AREA AND BASEMENT NEAR WALK IN COOLER.
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: MUST REPLACE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD IN PREP AREA.
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 #57
MINOR
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.
Smoking prohibited in food establishments.
No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.
Violation #57
MINOR
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.
Smoking prohibited in food establishments.
No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.

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