Alinea Restaurant
Last inspected: Jun 25, 2025
95
Score
The health department has logged 20 inspections at Alinea Restaurant, the earliest from 2011. The most recent visit was on Jun 25, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around three violations across recent inspections versus roughly seven violations before.
“Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing eight times across the record.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting Alinea Restaurant on the better side of that line. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
20
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 25, 2025
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13--OBSERVED EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
95
Jun 23, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Compliance with variance/specialized process/haccp
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO APPROVED HACCP PLAN ON SITE FROM CDPH. OBSERVED VACUUM PACKAGING MACHINE ON SITE IN MAIN KITCHEN PREPARATION AREA WITHOUT A HACCP PLAN APPROVED BY CDPH. TAGGED MACHINE "HELD FOR INSPECTION" AT TIME OF INSPECTION. EQUIPMENT NOT TO BE USED. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT CDPH (FOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG) TO START THE APPROVAL PROCESS FOR ANY SPECIAL PROCESSES SUCH AS VACUUM PACKAGING, SOUS VIDE, SMOKING/CURING, SPROUTING, FERMENTING ETC. PRIORITY VIOLATION, 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. OBSERVED ROP BEING USED FOR BEEF, FISH, SHORT RIBS, SQUAB, SPRUCE TIPS ALL WHICH WERE STORED MAINLY IN BASEMENT WALK IN COOLER AND CHEST FREEZER, GARAGE, OUTDOOR WALK IN COOLER AND WALK IN FREEZER. MUST PROVIDE HACCP PLAN WHICH IS APPROVED BY CDPH. FOOD HAS BEEN TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY OVER 1,000 POUNDS AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $3,000.
29
Variance obtained for specialized processing methods
Inspector notes: NO VARIANCE APPROVED BY CDPH. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. SEE VIOLATION #29 FOR CITATION.
32
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER CHOPPING VEGETABLES WITHOUT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST WEAR AN EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINT.
40
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
70
Jul 30, 2024
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15 - OBSERVED THE GARAGE DOOR BOTTOM SEAL TO BE DAMAGED AND TORN WITH MULTIPLE HOLES OVER AN INCH THROUGHOUT TO EXTERIOR. INSTUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE TO RODENT PROOF THE BOTTOM SEAL OF GARAGE DOOR.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-305.12 - OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE BINS AND DRY GOODS STORED BENEATH UNPROTECTED/NOT SHIELDED WASTEWATER AND SEWER LINES IN THE CRAWL SPACE STORAGE ROOM LOCATED BEYOND THE EMPLOYEE LOCKER ROOM IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHIELDING OR MOVE ALL FOOD ITEMS AND STORAGE BINS FROM BELOW ANY UNPROTECTED SEWER AND WASTEWATER LINES.
39
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: 4-903.11 (A;B;D) - OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS STORED BENEATH UNPROTECTED/NOT SHIELDED WASTEWATER AND SEWER LINES IN THE CRAWL SPACE STORAGE ROOM LOCATED BEYOND THE EMPLOYEE LOCKER ROOM IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHIELDING OR MOVE ALL FOOD ITEMS AND STORAGE BINS FROM BELOW ANY UNPROTECTED SEWER AND WASTEWATER LINES.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.19 - OBSERVED THE LID OF THE WHITE CHEST FREEZER IN GRARAGE DRY STORAGE AREA TO BE HEAVILY RUSTED AND DAMAGED THROUGHOUT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE TO PROVIDE A CORROSION-RESISTANT, NONABSORBENT, AND SMOOTH SURFACE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.11 - OBSERVED THE CEILING IN THE GARAGE STORAGE AREA TO BE HEAVILY DAMAGED AND WATER STAINED THROUGHOUT, WITH A LARGE PATCH IN THE AREA OVER THE WHITE CHEST FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE CEILING AND MAINTAIN FACILITIES IN GOOD REPAIR.
55
78
Jul 22, 2024
Complaint
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 14 minor violations.
View 19 violations
Compliance with variance/specialized process/haccp
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO (2) VACUUM PACKAGING MACHINES ON SITE: ONE IN MAIN KITCHEN PREPARATION AREA AND ONE IN THE CARRIAGE HOUSE 2ND FLOOR PREPARATION AREA. SOUS VIDE EQUIPMENT ALSO AT CARRIAGE HOUSE 2ND FLOOR. NO HACCP PLAN OR VARIANCE APPROVAL IS AVAILABLE OR PROVIDED AT TIME OF INPSECTION. TAGGED BOTH MACHINES "HELD FOR INSPECTION" AT TIME OF INSPECTION. EQUIPMENT NOT TO BE USED. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT CDPH (FOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG) TO START THE APPROVAL PROCESS FOR ANY SPECIAL PROCESSES SUCH AS VACUUM PACKAGING, SOUS VIDE, SMOKING/CURING, SPROUTING, FERMENTING ETC. PRIORITY VIOLATION, 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
29
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED AT TWO HAND SINKS IN THE MAIN PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DISPOSABLE PAPER TOWELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-030(c). CONSOLIDATED WITH THE ABOVE VIOLATION.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE TWO HAND SINKS IN THE MAIN PREPARATION AREA IN KITCHEN AND ONE SINK IN THE 2ND FLOOR SERVICE AREA TO BE BLOCKED WITH UTENSILS AND BOWLS AND USED FOR DUMPING OF LIQUIDS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS FROM SINK TO MAKE ACCESSIBLE FOR HANDWASHING, AND TO RESTRICT USE OF SINKS TO ONLY HANDWASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-030(c). CONSOLIDATED WITH THE ABOVE VIOLATION.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CONDENSATE LINE OF DEHUMIDIFIER TO BE DRAINING DIRECTLY INTO HAND SINK IN 2ND FLOOR SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE OR REROUTE TO APPROPRIATE DRAINAGE IN ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL CODES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-030(c). CONSOLIDATED WITH THE ABOVE VIOLATION.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND SINK WITH PLUMBED HOT AND COLD WATER AVAILABLE FOR USE IN THE 2ND FLOOR CARRIAGE HOUSE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SINK WITH PLUMBED HOT AND COLD WATER, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS IN THE CARRIAGE HOUSE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-030(c). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BATHROOM DOOR OF CARRIAGE HOUSE 2ND FLOOR PREPARATION AREA AND FIRST FLOOR WOMEN'S LOCKER ROOM TO NOT BE SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE MECHANISM TO MAKE BATHROOM DOOR SELF CLOSING.
53
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE AVAILABLE IN THE BATHROOM LOCATED IN THE CARRIAGE HOUSE 2ND FLOOR PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF SPILLED FLOUR, SPICES, GRAINS, AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR ALONG THE WALLS AND UNDER THE SHELVES AND EQUIPMENT IN THE CRAWL SPACE STORAGE ROOM LOCATED BEYOND THE EMPLOYEE LOCKER ROOM IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE AREA FREE OF ANY SPILLAGE AND FOOD DEBRIS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CEILING IN THE GARAGE STORAGE AREA TO BE HEAVILY DAMAGED AND WATER STAINED THROUGHOUT, WITH A LARGE PATCH IN THE AREA OVER THE WHITE CHEST FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE CEILING AND MAINTAIN FACILITIES IN GOOD REPAIR.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO MECHNANICAL VENTILATION OF ANY KIND OVER THE 4 BURNER NATURAL GAS STOVE TOP LOCATED IN THE CARRIAGE HOUSE 2ND FLOOR PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A SYSTEM OF MECHNICAL VENTILATION OF SUFFICIENT CAPACITY, AS REQUIRED BY LOCAL LAW AND CODES.
56
Compliance with clean indoor air ordinance
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO APPROPRIATE "NO SMOKING" SIGNS POSTED AT THE FRONT AND REAR DOORS OF THE PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO POST "NO SMOKING" SIGN AT EACH DOOR TO EXTERIOR. FIRST VIOLATION OF CLEAN INDOOR AIR ORDINANCE IN 2024, VIOLATION 7-32-020(a). CITATION ISSUED.
62
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGN AVAILABLE IN THE BATHROOM LOCATED IN THE CARRIAGE HOUSE 2ND FLOOR PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE HANDWASHING SIGN.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE GARAGE DOOR BOTTOM SEAL TO BE DAMAGED AND TORN WITH MULTIPLE HOLES OVER AN INCH THROUGHOUT TO EXTERIOR. INSTUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE TO RODENT PROOF THE BOTTOM SEAL OF GARAGE DOOR.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE BINS AND CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR AND UNDER SHELVES IN THE CRAWL SPACE STORAGE ROOM LOCATED BEYOND THE EMPLOYEE LOCKER ROOM IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM FLOOR.
39
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE BINS AND DRY GOODS STORED BENEATH UNPROTECTED/NOT SHIELDED WASTEWATER AND SEWER LINES IN THE CRAWL SPACE STORAGE ROOM LOCATED BEYOND THE EMPLOYEE LOCKER ROOM IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHIELDING OR MOVE ALL FOOD ITEMS AND STORAGE BINS FROM BELOW ANY UNPROTECTED SEWER AND WASTEWATER LINES.
39
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: 2-402.11 - OBSERVED EMPLOYEES IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA PREPARING FOOD WITHOUT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED.
40
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS STORED BENEATH UNPROTECTED/NOT SHIELDED WASTEWATER AND SEWER LINES IN THE CRAWL SPACE STORAGE ROOM LOCATED BEYOND THE EMPLOYEE LOCKER ROOM IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHIELDING OR MOVE ALL FOOD ITEMS AND STORAGE BINS FROM BELOW ANY UNPROTECTED SEWER AND WASTEWATER LINES.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE LID OF THE WHITE CHEST FREEZER IN GRARAGE DRY STORAGE AREA TO BE HEAVILY RUSTED AND DAMAGED THROUGHOUT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE TO PROVIDE A CORROSION-RESISTANT, NONABSORBENT, AND SMOOTH SURFACE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-201.11 - OBSERVED RUSTY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED IN REAR OUTSIDE OF PREMISES. MUST REPAINT OR REPLACE.
47
29
Apr 29, 2024
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEES IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA PREPARING FOOD WITHOUT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED.
40
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED IN REAR OUTSIDE OF PREMISES. MUST REPAINT OR REPLACE.
47
90
Feb 16, 2022
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jun 23, 2020
Reinspection
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND PROCEDURE/PLAN ON SITE HOWEVER KIT NOT COMPLETE MISSING SOLUTION TO CONTROL NOROVIRUS FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENT. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
5
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: MUST INDICATE ON MENU "COOK TO ORDER" PHRASE FOR EGGS,STEAKS, ETC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-005
25
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: BROKEN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER BY THE EAST DISH ROOM IN THE KITCHEN,FROM COOKING EQUIPMENT. REPAIR/REPLACE
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: LEAKING PIPE UNDER HANDWASHING SINK AT COFFEE STATION,SECOND FLOOR. REPAIR
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO SELF CLOSING DOOR PROVIDED AT FIRST FLOOR WASHROOM,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOOR UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK WITH DEBRIS(KITCHEN). FLOOR INSIDE THE LIQUOR ROOM WITH EXCESS DUST,SPIDER WEBS ETC.CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: BROKEN CAULKING ON WALL AT HIGH TEMP DISH ROOM,REMOVE. ALSO PEELING PAINT ABOUT THE ICE MACHINE,REMOVE. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIA
55
61
Jun 16, 2020
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FOUND 53 EACH OF 16oz OF HALF AND HALF MILK INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER AT TEMP OF 44.6F, PRODUCTS DISCARDED AND DENATURED. VALUE $82. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.
22
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: MUST INDICATE ON MENU "COOK TO ORDER" PHRASE FOR EGGS,STEAKS, ETC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-005
25
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND PROCEDURE/PLAN ON SITE HOWEVER KIT NOT COMPLETE MISSING SOLUTION TO CONTROL NOROVIRUS FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENT. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: BOTTLE FOUNTAIN INSTALLED AT HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE REMOVED THROUGH OUT PRIORITY FOUNDATION: 7-38-030.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: BROKEN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER BY THE EAST DISH ROOM IN THE KITCHEN,FROM COOKING EQUIPMENT. REPAIR/REPLACE
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: LEAKING PIPE UNDER HANDWASHING SINK AT COFFEE STATION,SECOND FLOOR. REPAIR
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO SELF CLOSING DOOR PROVIDED AT FIRST FLOOR WASHROOM,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOOR UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK WITH DEBRIS(KITCHEN). FLOOR INSIDE THE LIQUOR ROOM WITH EXCESS DUST,SPIDER WEBS ETC.CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: BROKEN CAULKING ON WALL AT HIGH TEMP DISH ROOM,REMOVE. ALSO PEELING PAINT ABOUT THE ICE MACHINE,REMOVE. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ADDITIONAL ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES MUST BE PROVIDED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS
58
45
Mar 8, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO NECESSARY ITEMS/KIT ON SITE FOR THE CLEAN UP OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE VOMIT AND DIARHEAL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE AND NECESSARY ITEMS/KIT (DISPOSAL MOP HEAD, SINGLE USE GLOVES, FACE MASK AND APPROVED CHEMICAL SANITIZER)/ ON SITE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GLASS WARE STORED UPRIGHT ON SHELVING UNITS IN 1ST FLOOR DINING ROOM, COFFEE STATIONS AND 2ND FLOOR DINING ROOM. INFORMED MANAGER THAT IN USE GLASS WARE STORED UPRIGHT IN STORAGE MUST BE PROTECTED DURING STORAGE FROM CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE GLASS WARE ITEMS INVERTED OR UPSIDE DOWN, WRAP OR COVER AND TO STORE FLATWARE IN DINNER LINENS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
43
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON EMPLOYEE RESTROOM IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA ADJACENT TO ICE MACHINE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON DOOR IN EMPLOYEE REST ROOM. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
53
82
Dec 10, 2018
Suspected Food Poisoning
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER ON RAW COOK FOODS ON MENU. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF DOOR HAS APPROXIMATELY ONE INCH OPENING ON BOTTOM DOOR. MUST MAKE DOOR RODENT PROOF TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORW WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR KITCHEN AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR ALONG WALL BASE IN WATER ROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
67
May 1, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT ON THE INTERIOR PANELS OF ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN BASEMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OPENING INTO WALL INSIDE WATER HEATER TANK IN BASEMENT. MUST SEAL AND MAINTAIN.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FEW ITEMS NOT ELEVATED 6INCHES OFF FLOOR IN BASEMENT REAR FOOF STORAGE ROOM. MUST ELEVATE ITEMS AND MAINTAIN.
41
86
Jan 23, 2017
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUCT TAPE ON THE BOTTOM OF THE LT DISH MACHINE ON THE EAST WALL IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED REMOVE TAPE, DUCT TAPE PROHIBITED.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS NOT CLEAN, WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND DUST ACCUMULATION, IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS; FOOD DEBRIS AND DUST ACCUMULATION; COFFEE STATION ON 2ND FLOOR, AND FLOOR CORNERS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HOOD ABOVE DISH MACHINE NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
86
Sep 8, 2016
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE SPLASH GUARDS AT ALL HAND SINKS IN 1ST FL. PREP AREA NEXT TO PREP COUNTERS.
32
95
Aug 30, 2016
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 50 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES ON DECAYING HONEY DEW MELONS AND POTATOES IN BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA.ALSO APPX.5 LIVE LARGE FLIES FLYING AROUND SAME AREA.DISCARD DECAYING FRUIT.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 8/30/16.(SERIOUS 7-38-020)
18
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER IN 2ND FL. PORTER AREA.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE SPLASH GUARDS AT ALL HAND SINKS IN 1ST FL. PREP AREA NEXT TO PREP COUNTERS.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON DAIRY & MEAT PREP COOLER.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRI FROM LOWER CABINETS WHERE GARBAGE CANS ARE STORED.MUST CLEAN BUILD UP ON INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRI FROM FLOOR AROUND FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOOR DRAINS.MUST REMOVE WATER FROM FLOOR NEAR AND UNDER ICE MACHINE AND KEEP DRY.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY DRAIN LINE UNDER ICE MACHINE.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE BOXES OF WATER OFF OF FLOOR IN 2ND FL. PORTER AREA
41
70
Oct 13, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: INSTALL A SELF CLOSER DEVICE ON THE WASHROOM DOOR IN THE BASEMENT.
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR VENTILATION OF THE WASHROOM IN THE BASEMENT,(NOT WORKING) AND MAINTAIN.
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO IDPH FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATE FOR THE EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE NEXT ROUTINE INSPECTION.
45
86
Jun 3, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: HIGH TEMP DISH MACHINE NOT REACHING THE FINAL RINSE OF 180F. DISH MACHINE WAS RUN FOR THREE TIMES ALREADY WITH FINAL WATER TEMP RINSE OF 140F ONLY. (PREMISES IS PREPARING AND COOKING AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION). MANAGER CALLED ECHOLAB TECHNICIAN AND WAS ABLE TO HAVE FINAL RINSE OF 180F DURING INSPECTION. CITATION ISSUED CRITICAL 7-38-030.
8
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: PEELING PAINT ON THE DOOR AND WALLS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT. MUST SCRAPE PEELING PAINT AND REPAINT. DUST ACCUMULATED ON THE HOOD ABOVE THE DISH MACHINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: BURNED OUT LIGHT BULB ON THE HOOD IN THE KITCHEN. MUST REPLACE.
36
86
Sep 10, 2013
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPAIR OPENINGS INTO CEILING AND WALL BY ICE MACINE AND LOCKER ROOM IN BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA.
35
95
Dec 19, 2012
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPAIR THE OPENING IN THE CEILING OF THE WINE STORAGE CLOSET.
35
90
Dec 8, 2011
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.SPLASHGUARDS ARE NEEDED AT EXPOSED HANDSINKS IN KITCHEN AREA.
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Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: 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.1 DOOR ELECTRIC OVEN ON PREP TABLE IF OVER 7.5 KW MUST BE UNDER VENTILATION.
38
90
Nov 30, 2011
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less. All hot food shall be stored at a temperature of 140F or higher.WE OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES,NO TEMPERATURE LOG FOR VERIFICATION OF SAID FOODS COOLING.WE OBSERVED COOKED PURPLE CABBAGE AT 108.5F AND COOKED POTATO SOUP AT 51.8F IN ICE BATH PROCESS OF COOLING. MANAGEMENT DISCARDED 4# OF FOOD WORTH $15.00. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
3
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: All employees who handle food shall wash their hands as often as necessary to maintain a high degree of personal cleanliness and should conform to hygienic practices prescribed by the Board of Health.WE OBSERVED EMPLOYEE FOOD HANDLING CUTTING/SLICING AT FOOD PREP AREA,THEN RINSING MULTI-USE UTENSIL AT DISHMACHINE AREA AND UNABLE TO WASH HANDS. EMPLOYEE WAS OBSERVED WITH GLOVES AND NOTICED A LIGHT WHITE GAUZE OVER HIS RIGHT HAND WEARING GLOVES AND UNABLE TO WASH HANDS PROPERLY PER CITY CODE. WE OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WAS REMOVED FROM THE AREA AND ASSIGNED TO OTHER NON FOOD AREAS. INSTRUCTED FOOD MANAGERS TO EDUCATE FOOD HANDLERS TO WASH HANDS FREQUENTLY TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-010 (A).
6
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: All food should be properly protected from contamination during storage, preparation, display, service, and transportation..FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE. OBSERVED BLACK MOLD GROWTH ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF THE ICE MACHINE. UNIT TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION. MUST TURN OFF MACHINE, REMOVE ICE AND HAVE INTERIOR CLEANED AND SANITIZED BY A PROFEESIONAL,PROVIDE SERVICE INVOICE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
16
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: 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.FRONT DOOR TO PREMISES NOT INSECT-RODENT PROOFED APPROX:1/4" MODE OF ENTRY AT BOTTOM OF SAID DOOR. MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR TO FOOD ESTABLISHMENT MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING ALL ACCROSS BOTTOM OF SAID DOOR. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.SPLASHGUARDS ARE NEEDED AT EXPOSED HANDSINKS IN KITCHEN AREA,PROVIDE MISSING SINK STOPPER AT 3 COMP SINK.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN BASEMENT AREAS,INCLUDING FLOOR DRAIN BENEATH THE DISHMACHINE.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: 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 PROVIDE A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE TO ICE MACHINE,COFFEE ESPRESSO MACHINE 2ND FLOOR ALSO HANDSINKS ARE SLOW DRAINING INSIDE THE CUSTOMERS TOILET ROOMS 2ND FLOOR,DETAIL CLEAN ALL VENTILATION COVERS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES ALSO VENTILATION IN EMPLOYEES TOILET ROOM NOT WORKING BASEMENT AREA,1 DOOR ELECTRIC OVEN ON PREP TABLE IF OVER 7.5 KW MUST BE UNDER VENTILATION.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors.DETAIL CLEAN,ORGANIZE EMPLOYEE LOCKER ROOM,STORAGE AREAS,REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Alinea Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Alinea Restaurant on file is from Jun 25, 2025. The public record contains 20 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Alinea Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Alinea Restaurant.
Has Alinea Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Alinea Restaurant have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Alinea Restaurant means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Alinea Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Alinea Restaurant is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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