PASS W/ CONDITIONS
Risk 1 (High)
THE BLACK BARREL TAVERN Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
February 27, 2023
Complaint
License #2631807
10
Total Violations
6
Critical
2
Major
2
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
10
Violation #2
CRITICAL
Violation Details
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS ITEMS SUCH AS HAMBURGERS WERE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE 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 #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO SOAP AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS LOCATED IN THE BAR, ON THE COOK LINE, AND IN THE BASEMENT DISH AND PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN SOAP AT ALL EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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.
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 PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE BAR, COOK LINE, BASEMENT DISH, AND PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PAPER TOWELS AT ALL EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION COMBINED WITH THE ABOVE VIOLATION.
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 EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS LOCATED IN THE BAR AND ON THE COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO 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 #16
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED BASEMENT LOW-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER CHEMICAL SANITIZER CONCENTRATION OF 0PPM OF CHLORINE. SEE COMMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR MACHINE SO THAT IT IS CAPABLE OF DELIVERING PROPER SANITIZER CONCENTRATIONS BETWEEN 50-100PPM OF CHLORINE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.
Food Code Requirement
All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.
Specific Requirements
Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.11
Violation #22
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS ITEMS STORED AT THE STATED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN THE PREP COOLER LOCATED ON COOK LINE: RIBS AT 51.0F, OCTOPUS BETWEEN 47.6F AND 51.8F, AND SALMON AT 45.1F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 15 LBS OF PRODUCT VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $200. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL TCS ITEMS AT OR BELOW 41F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.
Food Code Requirement
Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.
Specific Requirements
Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.16(A)(1)
Violation #33
MAJOR
Violation Details
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED PREP COOLER CONTAINING TCS ITEMS SUCH AS RIBS, OCTOPUS, AND SALMON MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 51 F. COOLER TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR COOLER SO THAT IT IS CAPABLE OF MAINTAINING AMBIENT TEMPERATURES AT OR BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
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 #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON DOOR OF WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
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 #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED BUILD-UP OF DIRT AND GRIME ON THE WALL IN BASEMENT DISH AREA AND WALL-MOUNTED POTATO CUTTER IN SAME AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
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 BUILD-UP OF DIRT AND GRIME ON THE WALL IN BASEMENT DISH AREA AND WALL-MOUNTED POTATO CUTTER IN SAME AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
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