FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
MACARONI GRILL Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
October 20, 2026
Canvass Re-Inspection
License #34220
8
Total Violations
3
Critical
5
Minor
1
Corrected On Site
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on October 20, 2026. The inspection type was "Canvass Re-Inspection" and resulted in a Fail outcome.
This establishment is classified as Risk 1 (High), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.
The inspector documented 8 violations during this inspection, including 3 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
8
Violation #2
CRITICAL
Violation Details
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED MANAGER ON SITE WITH NO ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE IS POSTED AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.
Food Code Requirement
Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.
Specific Requirements
Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-102.11
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED HEAVILY ENCRUSTED BLACKENED POTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN OR DISCARD.
Why This Matters
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-101.11
Violation #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED PIPES AND EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT FACILITY WITH GREASE AND SOIL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT KITCHEN AND BAR AREAS. INCLUDING EQUIPMENT CASTERS, UNDERSIDES, ETC. REMOVE ALL GREASE, FOOD DEBRIS, LITTER.
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 #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF SEVERAL COOLERS WITH DEBRIS AND SOIL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS.
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 #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: WATER LEAKING FROM PIPE UNDER BAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN PLUMBING.
Why This Matters
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Food Code Requirement
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Specific Requirements
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.13
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED DAMAGED GROUT IN THE AREA ABOVE DISH MACHINE AROUND VENT HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE. BROKEN COVING AT CORNER BEHIND PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM KITCHEN HAND WASH SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN TO FACILITATE CLEANING AND TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. BROKEN FLOOR TILES AT BAR AREA ICE BIN. MUST REPAIR.
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 #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FLOORS AND WALLS THROGHOUT FACILITY WITH DEBRIS AND SOIL BUILD UP PARTICULARLY IN DISH, PREP, AND BAR AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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 #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FLOORS AND WALLS THROGHOUT FACILITY WITH DEBRIS AND SOIL BUILD UP PARTICULARLY IN DISH, PREP, AND BAR AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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
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