FAIL Risk 2 (Medium)

STEVE'S BITE Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

STEVE'S BITE 80 E CERMAK RD, CHICAGO 60616 Restaurant
April 8, 2025 Complaint License #2551964
11
Total Violations
6
Critical
3
Major
2
Minor

Inspection Summary

This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on April 8, 2025. The inspection type was "Complaint" 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 6 critical violations that required immediate attention.

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

11
Violation #2
CRITICAL
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE, WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. INSTRUCTED A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE WITH THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE WHILE REPORT WAS BEING TYPED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED
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 #5
CRITICAL
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO VOMITING AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE AND CLEAN-UP KIT ON PREMISES DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SAID PROCEDURE ALONG WITH REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR CLEAN-UP. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.
Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.
Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.
Violation #8
CRITICAL
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE COME FROM THE OUTDOORS, PREPARE CUSTOMERS FOOD ORDER ON THE FLAT TOP GRILL WITHOUT WASHING HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS WASH HANDS AFTER ENGAGING IN ACTIVITIES THAT CONTAMINATE THE HANDS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010, CITATION ISSUED
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 #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT THE ONLY WASH BOWL IN THE TOILET ROOM ON SITE FOR EMPLOYEES AND CONSUMERS. TEMPERATURE OF WATER WAS 64.5F AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE HOT AND COLD RUNNING AT ALL HAND WASH SINKS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C), CITATION ISSUSED
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
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.
Violation #37
MAJOR
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED NO LABELS ON THE SQUIRT BOTTLES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.
All food properly labeled with required information.
Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED THE REAR EXIT DOOR SLIGHTLY OPEN THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE INSPECTION, WITHOUT A SCREEN DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
Violation #39
MAJOR
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED BOWLS BEING USED TO TRANSFER FOOD ITEMS IN THE DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED TO USE UTENSILS WITH HANDLES TO TRANSFER FOOD ITEMS AND MAINTAIN.
Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.
Prevent contamination during all food handling.
Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.
Violation #48
CRITICAL
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED TWO MISSING SINK STOPPERS FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.
Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.
3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.
Violation #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED A BLOWN OUT LIGHT BULB UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
Violation #57
MINOR
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST HAVE RECORD OF THEIR FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.
Smoking prohibited in food establishments.
No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.
Violation #57
MINOR
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST HAVE RECORD OF THEIR FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.
Smoking prohibited in food establishments.
No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.

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