FAIL
Risk 2 (Medium)
UPTOWN LOUNGE Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
October 6, 2011
License-Task Force
License #2094095
13
Total Violations
4
Critical
7
Major
2
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
13
Violation #2
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous food shall have adequate refrigerated food storage facilities. MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE FREEZER FACILITY FOR FROZEN PIZZA.
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 #11
MAJOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED - Comments: Adequate and convenient toilet facilities shall be provided. They should be properly designed, maintained, and accessible to employees at all times. MUST PROVIDE AN EXPOSED HAND SINK AT SIDE BAR OF EXTENDED ADDRESS PROPERLY DRAINING WITH HOT AND COLD WATER.
Why This Matters
Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene practices and potential fecal contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Sufficient, properly maintained toilet facilities required.
Specific Requirements
Adequate number for staff; Convenient location; Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Maintained clean; Proper ventilation.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-203.11, 6-302.11
Violation #18
CRITICAL
Violation Details
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. MUST HAVE A LICENSED PEST CONTROL CO. SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT AND PROVIDE SERVICE AND ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION.
Why This Matters
Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.
Food Code Requirement
Building openings must be protected against pest entry.
Specific Requirements
Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-202.15, 6-501.111
Violation #19
MAJOR
Violation Details
OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED - Comments: The area outside of the establishment used for the storage of garbage shall be clean at all times and shall not constitute a nuisance. MUST PROVIDE OUTSIDE WASTE RECEPTACLE.
Why This Matters
Poor waste management attracts pests and creates breeding grounds for disease vectors.
Food Code Requirement
Exterior waste areas must be clean and pest-proof.
Specific Requirements
Dumpsters on cleanable pad; Tight-fitting lids; Area kept clean; Grease containers covered; Regular pickup; No overflow.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-501.111, 5-502.11
Violation #21
CRITICAL
Violation Details
* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED - Comments: A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER AND CERTIFICATE POSTED ON PREMISES OR PROOF OF REGISTRATION.
Why This Matters
Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.
Food Code Requirement
Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.
Specific Requirements
Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.16(A)(2)
Violation #24
MAJOR
Violation Details
DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED - Comments: All dish washing machines must be of a type that complies with all requirements of the plumbing section of the Municipal Code of Chicago and Rules and Regulation of the Board of Health. MUST PROVIDE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK WITH ATTACHED DRAIN BOARD AT SIDE BAR IN EXTENDED ADDRESS.
Why This Matters
Inadequate facilities prevent proper cleaning and sanitization of equipment.
Food Code Requirement
Warewashing facilities must meet design and operational requirements.
Specific Requirements
3-compartment sink with drainboards; Mechanical dishwasher with proper temperatures; Test strips; Thermometers; Adequate size.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-301.11, 4-501.14
Violation #31
MAJOR
Violation Details
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES - Comments: Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use. MUST NOT STORE KNIVES BETWEEN BAR ICE BIN AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK DRAIN BOARD. MUST PROVIDE PROPER KNIVES HOLDER.
Why This Matters
Consumers need warning about increased risk from raw/undercooked foods.
Food Code Requirement
Required consumer advisories for raw/undercooked foods.
Specific Requirements
Disclosure and reminder for raw/undercooked animal foods; Written notice on menu; Must identify specific items.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-603.11
Violation #32
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MUST PROVIDE LIDS FOR ALL BAR ICE BINS.
Why This Matters
Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.
Food Code Requirement
Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.
Specific Requirements
Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.
CDPH Food Code: Section 8-103.12
Violation #33
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. BLACKENED MOLDY CAULKING BETWEEN BAR ICE BIN AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK DRAIN BOARD. MUST REPLACE.
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 #34
MINOR
Violation Details
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. FLOOR BEHIND MAIN FRONT BAR DIRTY WITH DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. ALL ITEMS STORED BEHIND BAR AND THROUGHOUT BASEMENT MUST BE ELEVATED FROM FLOOR 6" OR ABOVE.
Why This Matters
Damaged floors harbor bacteria and create safety hazards.
Food Code Requirement
Floors must be smooth, cleanable, and maintained.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains; Coving at wall junctures; Kept clean; Good repair.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-201.13
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. MUST CLEAN AND REMOVE EXCESSIVE RUST AND MOLD INSIDE AND ALONG SIDE OF FRONT BAR EXPOSED HAND SINK. MUST PROVIDE PROPER DRAINAGE LINES FROM BAR SODA GUN HOLDERS. MUST INSTALL A BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON BASEMENT UTILITY MOP SINK OR REMOVE THREADED NOZZLE AND HOSE FROM PREMISES.
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 #40
MINOR
Violation Details
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS - Comments: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL UNITS CONTAINING FOODS.
Why This Matters
Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.
Food Code Requirement
Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.
Specific Requirements
Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-303.11
Violation #40
MINOR
Violation Details
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS - Comments: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL UNITS CONTAINING FOODS.
Why This Matters
Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.
Food Code Requirement
Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.
Specific Requirements
Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-303.11
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