FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
RIVER NORTH BISTRO Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
January 2, 2025
Canvass
License #2882408
9
Total Violations
3
Critical
1
Major
5
Minor
3
Corrected On Site
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on January 2, 2025. The inspection type was "Canvass" 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 9 violations during this inspection, including 3 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
9
Violation #1
CORRECTED
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. CORRECTED ON SITE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 9:40AM. INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION
Why This Matters
Without knowledgeable supervision, critical food safety practices may be overlooked, significantly increasing risk of foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.
Food Code Requirement
The person in charge must be present during all hours of operation, hold valid certification, and demonstrate food safety knowledge.
Specific Requirements
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.
Status
This violation was corrected during the inspection.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-102.11, 2-102.12
Violation #2
CORRECTED
CRITICAL
Violation Details
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. CORRECTED ON SITE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 9:40AM. INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES 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.
Status
This violation was corrected during the inspection.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-102.11
Violation #10
CORRECTED
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER MINIMUM WATER TEMPERATURE OF 52.0F AT HANDWASHING SINK IN 2ND FLOOR WOMEN'S WASHROOM(RIGHT SIDE HANDWASHING SINK). INSTRUCTED A HANDWASHING SINK SHALL BE EQUIPPED TO PROVIDE WATER AT A TEMPERATURE OF AT LEAST 100F THROUGH A MIXING VALVE OR COMBINATION FAUCET. CORRECTED ON SITE HANDWASHING SINK IN 2ND FLOOR WOMEN'S WASHROOM(RIGHT SIDE HANDWASHING SINK) REPAIRED BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION, OBSERVED PROPER MINIMUM WATER TEMPERATURE OF 110.7F AFTER REPAIR. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
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.
Status
This violation was corrected during the inspection.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #25
MINOR
Violation Details
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: OBSERVED ASTERISK MISSING ON MENU IDENTIFYING ALL ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS THAT ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED, COOKED TO ORDER OR CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS AND OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE ON MENU STATING THAT ASTERISKED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED, COOKED TO ORDER OR CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS. INSTRUCTED TO ADD ASTERISK IDENTIFYING ALL ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS THAT ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED, COOKED TO ORDER OR CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS AND TO ADD DISCLOSURE TO MENU STATING THAT ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED, COOKED TO ORDER OR CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.
Food Code Requirement
Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.
Specific Requirements
Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11(C)
Violation #53
MAJOR
Violation Details
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN 26TH FLOOR WOMEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM ON THE 26TH FLOOR FOR SANITARY PRODUCTS.
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 #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING FLOORS TILES IN DISHWASHING AREA IN BETWEEN DISH MACHINE AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NEAR FLOOR DRAIN. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REPLACE MISSING FLOOR TILES IN SAID AREA FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
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 FOOD DEBRIS IN INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAIN BETWEEN FRYER AND OVEN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAIN BETWEEN FRYER AND OVEN 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 #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON FILTERS IN HOOD ON WESTSIDE OF COOKLINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FILTERS IN HOOD ON WESTSIDE OF OF COOKLINE.
Why This Matters
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Specific Requirements
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11, 6-304.11
Violation #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON FILTERS IN HOOD ON WESTSIDE OF COOKLINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FILTERS IN HOOD ON WESTSIDE OF OF COOKLINE.
Why This Matters
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Specific Requirements
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11, 6-304.11
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