FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
THE CONGRESS HOTEL Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
THE CONGRESS HOTEL
(AKA: THE CONGRESS HOTEL(TAVERN HALL-RAFAEL))
520 S MICHIGAN AVE, CHICAGO 60605
Restaurant
September 15, 2025
Canvass
License #49248
5
Total Violations
3
Critical
2
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
5
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT EMPLOYEE MEN AND WOMEN BATHROOM HANDWASHING SINKS. TEMPERATURE OF WATER WAS 74.5F-80.4F AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 100F AT ALL HAND WASH SINKS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 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 #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: INADEQUATE INSECTS CONTROL,FOUND ABOUT 10-20 LIVE FRUIT FLIES SCATTERED THROUGH OUT BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE INSECTS ACTIVITY IN ALL AFFECTED AREAS, PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS RECOMMENDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A)
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED TORN/DAMAGED RUBBER GASKET ON DOOR OF THE FREEZER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA BY THE HANDSINK ; INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKET.
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 #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED LEAKY FAUCET AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE PREP AREA. WATER IS STILL LEAKING WHEN FAUCET IKS TURNED OFF.
Why This Matters
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Food Code Requirement
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Specific Requirements
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.13
Violation #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED LEAKY FAUCET AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE PREP AREA. WATER IS STILL LEAKING WHEN FAUCET IKS TURNED OFF.
Why This Matters
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Food Code Requirement
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Specific Requirements
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.13
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