Axum Ethiopian Restaurant
Last inspected: Jun 18, 2025
74
Score
Across the available record, Axum Ethiopian Restaurant has seven inspections on file, the first dated 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated Jun 18, 2025. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around six violations across recent inspections versus roughly 10 violations before.
Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded eight times.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting Axum Ethiopian Restaurant on the weaker side. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
7
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 18, 2025
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BAR HANDWASHING SINK WITH NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADN MAINTAIN.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.
38
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF FOOD DEBRIS ON HOT COOKING EQUIPMENT LOCATED IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND CLEAN UNIT AFTER EACH USE.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DRAINPIPE LEAKING UNDER BAR THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKING DRAINPIPE AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, AND STORAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
56
74
Dec 2, 2024
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.11--- TORN RUBBER DOOR GASKET ON THE COOKS LINE TWO DOOR COOLER. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: : 5-205.15--- BROKEN/NON-OPERATION URINAL IN THE WASHROOM. MUST REMOVE OR REPAIR.
51
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13--- NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
57
86
Nov 20, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 10-10-23 REPORT #2583098NOT CORRECTED. #'S 47-: NOTED RUSTY AND DIRTY SHELVES IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, REPAINT WITH NON-TOXIC FOOD GRADE PAINT AND - OR REPLACE. #47- NOTED ICE SCOOP STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE ON ICE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE AN ICE SCOOP HOLDER.#51- NOTED LOW WATER PRESSURE AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.#55- NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER AT THE REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE, AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY OR UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST UPGRADE HOUSING KEEPING.#55- NOTED THE FOLLOWING:- DIRTY FLOOR DRAINS UNDERNEATH THE DISHWASHER IN THE DISHWASHING ROOM, FLOORS ALONG THE WALL BASE, AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.---- CRACKS ON THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE ROOM WITH THE ICE MACHINE AND HEATING UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.---- NOTED MULTIPLE HOLES ON WALLS AND CEILING OF SAME. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL HOLES AND OPENINGS TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.#56- NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
60
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: INTERIOR ICE MACHINE UPPER ICE SHOOT WITH BROWNISH/PINK SLIME SUBSTANCE THROUGHOUT ON ALL ICE CONTACT SURFACES AND DRIPPING DOWN INTO THE ICE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
16
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY IN ALL STORAGE AREAS MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS IN FREEZERS. MUST USE FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE BAGS OR WASHABLE CONTAINERS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: TORN RUBBER DOOR GASKET ON THE COOKS LINE TWO DOOR COOLER. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF THE UNUSED TALL REACH-IN TWO DOOR COOLER MUST BE CLEANED OF FOOD DEBRIS, OR IF NOT USED BE REMOVED.----INTERIOR OF THE REAR BOX FREEZER DIRTY WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND ICE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BROKEN/NON-OPERATION URINAL IN THE WASHROOM. MUST REMOVE OR REPAIR.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: HOLE IN THE WALL UNDER THE DISH THREE COMPARTMENT HAND SINK. MUST SEAL.-----WALLS AND BASEBOARDS UNDER THE DISH ROOM THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, AND STORAGE SHELVING IN THE SAME ROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
57
58
Oct 10, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED NO PAPER TOWELS AT HAND WASH SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED. CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE CITATION.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED NO SOAP AT HAND WASH SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT PREP AREAS AND DISHWASHING AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION, ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED RUSTY AND DIRTY SHELVES IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, REPAINT WITH NON-TOXIC FOOD GRADE PAINT AND - OR REPLACE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED ICE SCOOP STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE ON ICE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE AN ICE SCOOP HOLDER.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NOTED LOW WATER PRESSURE AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NOTED THE BATHROOM DOOR OF THE WOMEN'S BATHROOM NOT SELF-CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SELF-CLOSING DEVICE AT THE DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED THE FOLLOWING:- DIRTY FLOOR DRAINS UNDERNEATH THE DISHWASHER IN THE DISHWASHING ROOM, FLOORS ALONG THE WALL BASE, AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. CRACKS ON THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE ROOM WITH THE ICE MACHINE AND HEATING UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. NOTED MULTIPLE HOLES ON WALLS AND CEILING OF SAME. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL HOLES AND OPENINGS TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER AT THE REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE, AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY OR UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST UPGRADE HOUSING KEEPING.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS, AND EDGES OF THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS, AND PIPES/CONDUITS.
56
55
Aug 23, 2022
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: : 6-202.15---NOTED THE REAR EXIT DOOR TO THE ALLEY WITH AN OPEN 1/2 GAP ALONG THE BOTTOM THRESHOLD. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL ON THE BOTTOM THRESHOLD OF THE DOOR.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.11--- TORN RUBBER DOOR GASKET ON COOKS LINE COOLER. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(B)---INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF GAS STOVES WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: : 6-501.12-- NOTED GREASE DRIPPING FROM EXHAUST HOOD ON THE COOKS LINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. 6-201.11---WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILE IN THE MOP SINK ROOM. MUST REPLACE. : 6-101.11--- MISSING FLOORING WITH DECAYING RAW WOOD UNDER THE BAR COOLER, THE ICE MACHINE AND SURROUNDING THE WATER TANK. MUST PROVIDE A SMOOTH CLEANABLE FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND ALL.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6-202.11--- MISSING LIGHT SHIELD AT THE REAR DISH AREA. MUST REPLACE.
56
78
Aug 16, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 13 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 5-6-22 REPORT #2555365 WERE NOT CORRECTED. #51- BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED ON THE ICE MACHINE WATER LINE. INSTRUCTED MUST PROVIDE AND MAKE VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON SAID WATER LINE.#56- EAST SIDE WOMEN'S WASHROOM CEILING MECHANICAL FAN NOT WORKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.#58-: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON-PREMISES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON-PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
60
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: NOTED THE REAR EXIT DOOR TO THE ALLEY WITH AN OPEN 1/2 GAP ALONG THE BOTTOM THRESHOLD. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL ON THE BOTTOM THRESHOLD OF THE DOOR.
38
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE REAR STORAGE ROOM MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: TORN RUBBER DOOR GASKET ON COOKS LINE COOLER. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: TOP OF UNUSED DISH MACHINE DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.----MUST NOT USE PAPER OR CLOTH TOWELS AS LINER FOR SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE BAR.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: NOTED FOOD ENCRUSTED TABLETOP CAN OPENER AND WALL MOUNTED FRY SLICER. MUST CLEAN AFTER EACH USE.----INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF GAS STOVES WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: UTILITY MOP SINK UNABLE TO DRAIN. MUST REPAIR TO PROPERLY DRAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WALL UNDER THE DISH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK WITH SPLATTER DIRT.----FLOORS WITH DEBRIS THROUGHOUT THE BAR. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.----WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILE IN THE DINING ROOM AND MOP SINK ROOM. MUST REPLACE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MISSING FLOORING WITH DECAYING RAW WOOD UNDER THE BAR COOLER, THE ICE MACHINE AND SURROUNDING THE WATER TANK. MUST PROVIDE A SMOOTH CLEANABLE FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND ALL.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED GREASE DRIPPING FROM EXHAUST HOOD ON THE COOKS LINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MISSING LIGHT SHIELD AT THE REAR DISH AREA. MUST REPLACE.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
57
47
May 6, 2022
License
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP PROCEDURE WITH ALL NECESSARY ITEMS AS OUTLINED IN POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
3
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED ON ESPRESSO MACHINE WATER LINE AND ICE MACHINE WATER LINE. INSTRUCTED MUST PROVIDE AND MAKE VISIBLE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICES ON SAID WATER LINES.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK RIGHT SIDE COMPARTMENT STOPPER NOT WORKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: EAST SIDE WOMENS WASHROOM CEILING MECHANICAL FAN NOT WORKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: VENTILATION HOOD LIGHT BULBS NOT WORKING. MUST PROVIDE WORKING LIGHT BULBS FOR VENTILATION HOOD.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.
58
64
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Axum Ethiopian Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Axum Ethiopian Restaurant on file is from Jun 18, 2025. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Axum Ethiopian Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Axum Ethiopian Restaurant.
Has Axum Ethiopian Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Axum Ethiopian Restaurant have averaged around six violations per visit, down from roughly 10 earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Axum Ethiopian Restaurant means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Axum Ethiopian Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Axum Ethiopian Restaurant is inspected around two times per year on average.
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