⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

LOTUS BANH MI Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

LOTUS BANH MI 166 W WASHINGTON ST, CHICAGO 60602 Restaurant
November 4, 2025 Canvass License #2551375
5
Total Violations
1
Critical
1
Major
3
Minor
2
Corrected On Site

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

5
Violation #22
CORRECTED CRITICAL
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 51.8-57.7F. OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, CHOPPED ROMAINE(51.8F), SLICED TOMATOES(53.2F) AND BEAN SPROUTS(57.7F) HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD VALUED AT $25 WEIGHING 4LBS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.
Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.
Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.
This violation was corrected during the inspection.
Violation #25
MINOR
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: OBSERVED NO ASTERISK ON MENU IDENTIFYING ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS THAT ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER, OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE ON MENU STATING ANIMAL DERIVED FOOD WITH AN ASTERISK IS SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER AND OBSERVED NO REMINDER STATEMENT ON MENU. INSTRUCTED TO ADD ASTERISK TO MENU IDENTIFYING ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS AS BEING SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER, INSTRUCTED TO ADD DISCLOSURE TO MENU STATING ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER AND INSTRUCTED TO ADD REMINDER STATEMENT TO MENU STATING CONSUMING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED MEATS, POULTRY, SEAFOOD, SHELLFISH OR EGGS MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.
Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.
Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.
Violation #33
CORRECTED MAJOR
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED TWO COUNTER TOP COLD HOLDING UNITS IN FRONT PREP AREA AT IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 49.8-53.2F. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS MUST BE MAINTAINED AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE HELD FOR INSPECTION TAGS PLACED ON TWO COUNTER TOP COLD HOLDING UNITS IN FRONT PREP AREA. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.
All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.
Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.
This violation was corrected during the inspection.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED HOLE IN WALL STUFFED WITH ALUMINUM FOIL TO THE RIGHT OF ONE DOOR STAINLESS STEEL REFRIGERATOR IN WALKWAY LEADING TO FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY SEAL HOLE IN WALL TO THE RIGHT OF ONE DOOR STAINLESS STEEL REFRIGERATOR IN WALKWAY LEADING TO FRONT PREP AREA FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
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 HOLE IN WALL STUFFED WITH ALUMINUM FOIL TO THE RIGHT OF ONE DOOR STAINLESS STEEL REFRIGERATOR IN WALKWAY LEADING TO FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY SEAL HOLE IN WALL TO THE RIGHT OF ONE DOOR STAINLESS STEEL REFRIGERATOR IN WALKWAY LEADING TO FRONT PREP AREA FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
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