Always Thai
Last inspected: Jan 18, 2023
95
Score
The health department has logged 18 inspections at Always Thai, the earliest from 2010. The latest inspection on file is from Jan 18, 2023. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings. The most recent inspection at Always Thai is from Jan 18, 2023, and nothing newer appears in the public record.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around six violations to closer to one violation per visit.
The pattern that stands out is “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, which has been cited four times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
18
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 18, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNETH EQUIPMENT.
55
95
Jan 27, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT PINK BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
16
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: PREP AREA 2-DOOR REACH IN COOLER RIGHT SIDE DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED/LOOSE. MUST REATTACH OR REPLACE SAID DAMAGED DOOR GASKET.
47
90
Jan 5, 2021
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NOTED WASH ROOM ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLE AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS
53
95
Feb 5, 2020
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jan 16, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO WRITTEN CLEANING PROCEDURE OR REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR A VOMITING OR DIARRHEA EVENT. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREPARED TCS FOODS NOT PROPERLY DATE LABELED. ALL PREPARED TCS FOODS MUST BE DATE LABELED WITH AN EXPIRATION DATE NO LONGER THAN 7 DAYS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: TORN RUBBER DOOR GASKET ON THE DOOR OF THE COOKS LINE TWO DOOR COOLER. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: SOME SHELVING NOTED INSIDE THE TWO DOOR TALL REACH-IN COOLER WITH RUST. MUST REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: EXTERIOR OF COOKS LINE EQUIPMENT SIDES OF DEEP FRYER AND SIDE OF WOK LINE WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT THE UTILITY MOP SINK TO BE SERVED AND MAINTAINED. MUST PROVIDE A BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE.
51
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY STORED ITEMS FROM THE REAR PATIO WALK WAY TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: UNUSED CLOTH UPHOLSTERED WOODEN BEAMS BEING STORED ON WALLS IN THE KITCHEN MUST BE REMOVED.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WET MOPS MUST BE STORED INVERTED AT UTILITY MOP SINK.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOOR BEHIND KITCHEN BOX FREEZER AND METAL SHELVING WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.----WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES ABOVE THE HOOD EXHAUST. MUST REPLACE.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MISSING LIGHT SHIELD END CAPS FOR SHIELDING ABOVE THE COOKS LINE. MUST REPLACE.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
45
Apr 4, 2018
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE CARDBOARDS FROM SHELVES. BROKEN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE REACH-IN FREEZER DOOR INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR REPLACE
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: GREASE ON FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE KITCHEN, REMOVE DEBRIS ON FLOOR AT FRONT SERVING BAR AREA.CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. WATER ON FLOOR UNDER TWO COMPARTMENT SINK,INSTRUCTED TO KEEP IT DRY
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: BROKEN WALL AND PEELING PAINT AT MOP STORAGE AREA,REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAKING PIPE BEHIND MOP SINK,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN NO EXPOSED HAND SINK PROVIDED AT BAR /SERVING AREA.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL IT UNDER CITY PLUMBING CODE.PROVIDE SOAP AND PAPER TOWEL
38
82
Dec 15, 2017
Routine
No violations found.
100
Apr 4, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOUND BULK FOOD NOT LABELED. (FLOUR, SUGAR, ETC.) MUST PROVIDE.
30
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT MOP SINK FAUCET. MUST PROVIDE.
38
90
Dec 5, 2016
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Nov 28, 2016
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 2/23/16 REPORT##: 1728212 (33)OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRCUTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE. OBSERVED GRASE BUILDUP ON SIDES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, GREASE TRAP AND PIPES BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. 05/23/2016 34 OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHID COOKING EQUIPMENT ALSO OBSERVED DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR BEHIND ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
29
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL AND DATE BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IN REAR FOOD STORAGE.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY FOOD STORAGE RACKS INSIDE FRONT PREP COOLER IN MAIN KITCHEN. MUST REPAINT OR REPLACE.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN FLOOR TILES NEAR THE TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA AND UNDERNRATH MOP SINK LOCATED IN REAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING FLOOR TILE TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON WALL NEXT TO 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR AND WALL BEHIND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN MAIN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. MUST REPAINT AND MAINTAIN.
35
78
Mar 1, 2016
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRCUTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE. OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON SIDES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, GREASE TRAP AND PIPES BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT ALSO OBSERVED DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR BEHIND ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN REAR STORAGE MOP SINK MUST REMOVE CLEAN AND ORGANIZE ROOM TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
41
86
Feb 23, 2016
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: EVIDENCE OF IMPROPER PEST CONTROL INSIDE PREMISES. OBSERVED TWO LIVE ROACHES CRAWLING ON TOP OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AND ON FLOOR UNDERNETH 2-DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRCUED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICES NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE ROACH ACTIVITY PROBLEM. SERIOUS VIOLATION.
18
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRCUTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE. OBSERVED GRASE BUILDUP ON SIDES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, GREASE TRAP AND PIPES BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHID COOKING EQUIPMENT ALSO OBSERVED DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR BEHIND ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CHIPPED AND PEELING PAINT ON KITCHEN WALLS BEHIND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST SCRAPE AND REPAINT WALLS.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLE IN REAR STORAGE MOP SINK MUST REMOVE CLEAN AND ORGANIZE ROOM TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
41
78
Mar 16, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CRACKS/CREVICES BETWEEN DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND WALL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL CRACKS/CREVICES BETWEEN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND WALL.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: WOMENS WASHROOM HANDWASH BOWL PIPE DRAINING SLOWLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINK.
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST BE CERTIFIED WITH CERTIFICATES OF NAMES OF EMPLOYEES ON PREMISES.
45
86
Jun 9, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOUND CLEAN PLATES AND BOWLS BEING STORED RIGHT SIDE UP. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL CLEAN DISHES TO PROTECT THE FOOD CONTACT SURFACES WHILE BEING STORED.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE ACCUMULATION AROUND THE NUTS AND BOLTS HOLDING THE GREASE TRAP TOGETHER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EXTERIOR SURFACE OF GREASE TRAP
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND A BROKEN FLOOR TILE NEAR THE TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN THE REAR KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING FLOOR TILE TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: FOUND DIM LIGHT BULBS ABOVE THE TO-GO PACKING STATION IN THE REAR KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE LIGHT BULBS TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND THE TOILET WATER IN THE MEN'S BATHROOM CONTINUOSLY RUNNING. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT PLUMBER TO HAVE TOILET REPAIRED.
38
78
Apr 11, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL AND DATE COOKED ITEMS INSIDE COOLERS IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN FANS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS IN KITCHEN AREA.
33
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVED UNNECESSARY ARTICLES FROM BOTTOM PREP TABLE TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
41
86
Oct 22, 2012
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: SIX (6) EGG ROLLS AT 87.3F AND ONE WON TON AT 82.9F BEING HELD IN PAN ON SHELVING NEXT TO STOVE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. INSTRUCTED HOT FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 140F OR ABOVE OR COOL FOODS TO 40F THEN REHEAT TO 165F. ALL FOOD DISCARDED. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005 (A).
3
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: SUMMARY REPORT GIVEN FROM INSPECTION ON 5-13-11 NOT POSTED VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. GIVEN TODAYS SUMMARY REPORT AND POSTED AT THIS TIME. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED. 7-42-010 (B).
28
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: BOTTOM METAL SHELVING OF TWO DOOR TALL REACH-IN COOLER IN POOR REPAIR WITH RUSTY METAL, HOLES AND OPEN CREVICES ACCUMULATING FOOD DEBRIS. MUST PROPERLY REPAIR WITH MATERIAL TO MAKE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE. LID OF BOX FREEZER BROKEN AND REPAIRED WITH PEELING TAPE. MUST REPAIR SAME.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR UNDER MOP SINK WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. FLOOR AROUND GREASE TRAP WITH DRIPPING GREASE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
34
82
May 13, 2011
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 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. FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE; FRESH EGGS AT TEMP OF 54F, TOFU AT TEMP OF 56F, COOKED VEGETABLE AT TEMP OF 50F.NO PROOF OF TIME AND TEMPERATURE LOG PROVIDED.(COOLER AT TEMP OF 41F.FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED.POUND 10,VALUE 100.
3
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. WASHBOWL IN WOMAN WASHROOM SLOWLY DRAINING
38
90
Sep 22, 2010
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Always Thai last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Always Thai on file is from Jan 18, 2023. The public record contains 18 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Always Thai?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Always Thai.
Has Always Thai's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Always Thai have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Always Thai means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
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