⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 2 (Medium)

PORTAGE GROUNDS COFFEE & TEA Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PORTAGE GROUNDS COFFEE & TEA (AKA: PORTAGE GROUNDS) 5501 W IRVING PARK RD, CHICAGO 60641 Restaurant
July 5, 2013 License License #2232612
10
Total Violations
5
Critical
2
Major
3
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

10
Violation #2
CRITICAL
FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: FRONT PREP AREA COOLER TEMP IS AT 60 F. MUST BE AT 40F OF LOWER.
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 #8
CRITICAL
SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME - Comments: NO SANITIZER PROVIDED. MUST PROVIDE SANITIZER FOR DISHES, ALONG WITH PROPER SANITIZER TEST KIT.
Improper sanitization fails to kill pathogens, allowing contaminated equipment to spread illness throughout facility.
Sanitizing solutions and rinse water must meet specific requirements for effectiveness.
Chemical sanitizers: Chlorine 50-100 ppm, Quaternary ammonium 200-400 ppm, Iodine 12.5-25 ppm; Hot water: 171°F for 30 seconds or 180°F at dish surface; Test strips required; Proper contact time.
Violation #9
CRITICAL
WATER SOURCE: SAFE, HOT & COLD UNDER CITY PRESSURE - Comments: NO HOT RUNNING WATER THRU-OUT PREMISES. MUST HAVE RUNNING HOT WATER THRU-OUT PREMISES.
Contaminated water spreads waterborne diseases. Insufficient hot water prevents proper sanitization.
Potable water supply must be adequate, protected, and properly heated.
Water from approved public system; Sufficient pressure for all operations; Hot water minimum 120°F at fixtures, 180°F for high-temp dishwashers; Backflow prevention installed; No cross-connections.
Violation #16
CRITICAL
FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Comments: NEED TO PROVIDE SNEEZE GUARD BETWEEN CUSTOMER AND FOOD/DRINK PREP AT FRONT SERVING COUNTER.
Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.
All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.
Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.
Violation #18
CRITICAL
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: BROKEN WINDOW IN UTILITY ROOM AND NO PEST CONTROL LICENSE PROVIDED. NEED TO REPAIR BROKEN WINDOW TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY AND PROVIDE PEST CONTROL LICENSE.
Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.
Building openings must be protected against pest entry.
Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.
Violation #24
MAJOR
DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED - Comments: PLUMBERS PUTTY IN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AROUND DRAINS. MUST REMOVE PUTTY.
Inadequate facilities prevent proper cleaning and sanitization of equipment.
Warewashing facilities must meet design and operational requirements.
3-compartment sink with drainboards; Mechanical dishwasher with proper temperatures; Test strips; Thermometers; Adequate size.
Violation #32
MAJOR
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: NO SPLASH GUARD OR PROTECTIVE BARRIER BETWEEN EXPOSED HANDSINK AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST INSTALL WASHABL BARRIER.
Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.
Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.
Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.
Violation #35
MINOR
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: LARGE HOLES GAPS AND CRACKS IN PREP AREA AROUND DUCT WORK , AND UTILITY ROOM. MUST FILL ALL GAPS, HOLES, AND CRACKS THRU-OUT PREMISES. SWING DOOR TO PREP AREA NEEDS TO BE SEALED AND FINISHED.
Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.
Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.
Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.
Violation #36
MINOR
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: NEEP TO PROVIDE SHIELDS OR PROTECTIVE COVERING FOR LIGHTS IN PREP AREA.
Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.
Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.
50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.
Violation #36
MINOR
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: NEEP TO PROVIDE SHIELDS OR PROTECTIVE COVERING FOR LIGHTS IN PREP AREA.
Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.
Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.
50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.

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