FAIL
Risk 2 (Medium)
POLK STREET BAR Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
May 23, 2023
License
License #2906779
11
Total Violations
3
Critical
3
Major
5
Minor
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on May 23, 2023. The inspection type was "License" and resulted in a Fail outcome.
This establishment is classified as Risk 2 (Medium), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.
The inspector documented 11 violations during this inspection, including 3 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
11
Violation #2
CRITICAL
Violation Details
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WITH A VALID AND ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012.
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 #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE REAR DISH AND THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A HANDWASHING SINK MUST BE LOCATED TO ALLOW CONVENIENT USE BY EMPLOYEES IN ALL FOOD DISPENSING AND DISHWASHING AREAS. MUST INSTALL A HANDWASHING SINK IN BOTH SAID AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C).
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE BAR HANDWASHING SINK. MUST PROVIDE.
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #33
MAJOR
Violation Details
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED THE 1-DOOR FREEZER IN THE DISH AREA AND THE WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED IN THE OUTSIDE STORAGE BUILDING BROKEN AND UNABLE TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE. BOTH ARE CURRENTLY NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE BROKEN EQUIPMENT FROM PREMISES OR REPAIR ACCORDINGLY. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.
Food Code Requirement
All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.
Specific Requirements
Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11
Violation #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL HANDWASHING SINKS, THREE-COMPARTMENT SINKS, AND COOKING EQUIPMENT (INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR), AND MAINTAIN.
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 #53
MAJOR
Violation Details
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON THE MEN AND WOMEN'S WASHROOM DOORS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL WASHROOM DOORS MUST BE COMPLETELY ENCLOSED AND PROVIDED WITH TIGHT FITTING AND SELF-CLOSING DOORS.
Why This Matters
Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.
Specific Requirements
Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-302.11
Violation #54
MAJOR
Violation Details
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED NO GARBAGE CAN IN THE MEN'S WASHROOM, THE BAR, AND THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A RECEPTACLE IN EACH ESTABLISHMENT AREA WHERE REFUSE IS GENERATED OR COMMONLY DISCARDED.
Why This Matters
Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.
Food Code Requirement
Refuse must be properly contained and removed.
Specific Requirements
Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-501.111
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP ON THE FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN, DISHWASHING ROOM, WASHROOMS, AND BASEMENT. MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS IN SAID AREAS 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 EXCESSIVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED DIRECTLY OUTSIDE THE REAR EXIT DOOR AND THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT AREAS. MUST REMOVE ALL ITEMS THAT ARE UNNECESSARY TO THE OPERATION, DETAIL CLEAN AREAS, AND ORGANIZE ALL REMAINING ITEMS, STORING OFF THE FLOOR TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
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 A CEILING TILE MISSING IN THE KITCHEN AREA. MUST PROVIDE 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 A CEILING TILE MISSING IN THE KITCHEN AREA. MUST PROVIDE 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