⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

THE SMITH Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

THE SMITH 400-406 N CLARK, CHICAGO 60654 Restaurant
September 8, 2025 Canvass License #2569193
9
Total Violations
5
Critical
2
Major
2
Minor
1
Corrected On Site

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

9
Violation #2
CRITICAL
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID DOCUMENTATION ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS (SHELLFISH ETC.) IS BEING HANDLED AND PREPARED.INSTRUCTED THE PERSON-IN-CHARGE THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON THE PREMISES AT ALL TIMES WHEN (TCS FOODS)ARE PREPARED,HANDLED, AND/OR SERVED.THE PERSON-IN-CHARGE PRESENTED A XEROX COPY OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE.ADVISED PERSON-IN-CHARGE (COPY OF SAID CERTIFICATE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE);INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH ORIGINAL SAID CERTIFICATE AND POST AS REQUIRED.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 #3
CRITICAL
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010,CITATION ISSUED.
Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.
All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.
Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.
Violation #16
CRITICAL
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCES ON INTERIOR WATER COMPONENTS OF THE ICE MACHINE, DRIPPING INTO ICE "ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION". INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO TURN OFF MACHINE, REMOVE ICE AND HAVE INTERIOR OF ICE MAKER CLEANED AND SANITIZED AND MAINTAINED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.
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 #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES.APPROXIMATELY 25 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS OBSERVED ON THE WALLS AND CEILINGS AND EQUIPMENTS IN THE BASEMENT REAR PASTRY PREP AREA AND 3 LARGE HOUSE FLIES FLYING AROUND IN THE BASEMENT MAIN KITCHEN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY AND MAINTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A),CITATION ISSUED.
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 #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE FIRST FLOOR AND BASEMENT PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN DRIED-UP FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP ON TOP OF THE BASEMENT DISHMACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
Violation #51
CRITICAL
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED WATER LEAKING BASEMENT ICE MAKERS.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
Violation #58
MAJOR
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food allergen training required for certified managers.
Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.
Violation #58
MAJOR
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food allergen training required for certified managers.
Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.

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