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

HAPPY RICE Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

HAPPY RICE 243 W CERMAK RD, CHICAGO 60616 Restaurant
October 16, 2025 Canvass License #2988454
8
Total Violations
4
Critical
1
Major
3
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

8
Violation #1
CRITICAL
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION 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 DUTY WHILE FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (CHICKEN, BEEF, RICE,ETC) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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 HANDSINK IN BASEMENT PREP AREA NOT STOCKED WITH HAND SOAP. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT HAND SOAP MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HANDSINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED HAND SOAP FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #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 #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS IN THE BASEMENT HAND-SINK IN THE PREP AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT PAPER TOWELS MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED PAPER TOWELS FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). SEE ABOVE.
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 #39
MAJOR
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR AT TOP OF STAIRS ON FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
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 #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED FROZEN CHICKEN STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE COOLERS AND FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
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 SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND 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 MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND 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.

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