Bangers & Lace — B & L
Last inspected: Sep 11, 2025
90
Score
Inspectors have visited Bangers & Lace — B & L 14 times, with records going back to 2010. The newest entry in the record is dated Sep 11, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near three violations per visit.
“Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing nine times across the record.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Bangers & Lace — B & L is doing better than most peers. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
14
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 11, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Ice scoop holder not clean at bottom, dirt build-up noted. Instructed to clean and maintain.
49
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: Waste water drain line from AC unit draining in dish room hand wash sink, Instructed to reroute to floor drain away from hand wash sink.
52
90
Feb 14, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GROOVES AND STAINS ON THE CUTTING BOARD IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
47
95
Oct 15, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER OF THE RISK OF CONSUMING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOOD ON MENU. MUST PROVIDE CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS POSTED NEAR HAND WASHING SINKS THROUGHOUT PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY STORAGE SHELVING INSIDE MEAT WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. MUST REPAINT OR REPLACE SHELVING.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK DRAINING SLOW IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LIDS FOR GARBAGE CONTAINERS INSIDE CUSTOMERS WASHROOMS.
53
67
Jan 10, 2017
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE SIDES OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASY FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP AND THE MEAT SLICER LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT TO REMOVE OLD FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON THE WALLS ABOVE THE HOOD VENT IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN WALLS AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST ACCUMULATION ON THE FAN VENT COVER IN THE CUSTOMER WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN DUST DEBRIS BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
38
86
Aug 2, 2016
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RUSTY SHELVES INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER IN BASEMENT PREP AREA,INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
32
95
Jul 25, 2016
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: DISPLAY PREP COOLER IN THE KITCHEN NOT MAINTAINING ADEQUATE TEMPERATURE,PRESENTLY AIR TEMP OF 46.7F TO 50F. COOLER TEMP MUST BE 40F AND BELOW. TAGGED UNIT HELD FOR INSPECTION "DO NOT USE". CRITICAL VIOLATION: 7-38-005(A)
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE:COOKED SAUSAGE AT TEMP OD 45.6F,48.7F TO 50F;COOKED CALIFLOWER AT TEMP OF 46.2F; SHREDDED LETTUCE AT TEMP OF 57F;COOKED POTATOES AT TEMP OF 57F; COOKED SLICED GREEN PEPPER AND ONIOINS AT TEMP OF 55F; VEGETABLE AT TEMP OF 53.7F; CUT TOMATOES AT TEMP OF 57.1F; GROUND BEEF AT TEMP OF 57.8F.COOKED TOMATOES AT TEMP OF 48F; TOMATOES SOUP AT TEMP OF 54F. FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED.POUNDS 20,VALUE 130 CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A)
3
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD(ICE) NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE. OBSERVED BLACK SLIME INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE WATER RESERVOIR DRIPPING INTO ICE MAKER AND INTO ICE CUBES. ALSO OBSERVED BLACK SUBSTANCE ON ICE CUBES INSIDE THE ICE BINS BEHIND BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE UNIT. SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-38-005(A)
16
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RUSTY SHELVES INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER IN BASEMENT PREP AREA,INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: GREASE BUILD-UP INSIDE THE DEEP FRYERS, FOOD DEBRIS AT MOUNTED POTATOES SLICER,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
33
78
Aug 18, 2015
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS IN 1ST FLOOR PREP IN NEED OF REPLACING. WORN DISCOLORED. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
32
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: WATER BOTTLES FOR SERVICES MUST HAVE WIDER NECK FOR PROPER WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZING. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
32
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT SHEILD NEEDED IN DRY STORAGE AREA CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES
36
86
Aug 11, 2015
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: FOUND REACH IN COOLER AT PREP AREA IN POOR REPAIR. AIR TEMPERATURE WAS 55.3 DEGREES. COOLERS MUST BE 40 DEGREES OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. COOLER BEING TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME. COOLER MAY NOT BE USED UNTIL CORRECTED AND REINSPECTED BY THE CDPH. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A. COOLER NOW CORRECTED. MAY NOW USE.
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS IN REACH IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE...12 VEGGIE HOT DOGS $9.89 57.4, 20 BEEF HOT DOGS $14.26 56.6, 8 BRATS $8.14 57.4, 15 DUCK SAUSAGES $25.45 53.4, 7 VENISON SAUSAGES $9.51 57.7, 8 GREEK SAUSAGES $1.58 56.3, 11 CUBAN SAUSAGES $4.66 55.6, 10 GOAT SAUSAGES $18.33 54.7, VARIOUS CHEESES 15 LBS 51.7 ETC.. TOTAL VALUE $304.91 35LBS ALL PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
3
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: BAR DISH MACHINE WITH 0 PPM SANITIZER AT THE RINSE. MACHINE HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN PROPER SANITIZER AT ALL TIMES. MACHINE MAY NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY THE CDPH. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030. DISH MACHINE NOW CORRECTED 100PPM MACHINE MAY BE USED.
8
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 10-12 LIVE HOUSE FLIES IN BASEMENT PREP AND 1ST FLOOR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL FLIES AND ELIMINATE ENTRY POINT. MAINTAIN FREE FROM ALL FLIES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER ENCRUSTED WITH GREASE TO THE TOP AND ON GROUND. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CONTAINER. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
19
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS IN 1ST FLOOR PREP IN NEED OF REPLACING. WORN DISCOLORED. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
32
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: WATER BOTTLES FOR SERVICES MUST HAVE WIDER NECK FOR PROPER WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZING. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
32
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT SHEILD NEEDED IN DRY STORAGE AREA CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
36
67
Jun 6, 2014
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #1361297 ON 8-29-13. 38-WALK-IN COOLER CONDENSATION LINE DRAINING TO EXPOSED HANDSINK IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DRAINLINE AND REROUTE LINE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
29
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE MILK CRATES AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING IN BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER AND STORAGE AREAS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE, VENTILATION HOOD, 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE, AND BASEMENT AREAS.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: REPLACE DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELD IN BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE WALK-IN COOLER CONDENSATION WASTE LINE FROM EXPOSED SINK IN BASEMENT.
38
74
Aug 29, 2013
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Bulk storage containers not properly labeled. Instructed to label all foods not in original containers.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Multi use utensils not properly stored. Instructed to invert utensils to prevent contamination before use.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Raw wood storage shelves not properly sealed. Instructed to apply non-toxic sealant to surface.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Cutting board, can opener, exhaust hood, interior ice machine panel not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Ventilation covers through-out not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Walk-in cooler condensation line draining to exposed handsink in basement. Instructed to remove drainline and reroute line. Employees cold water faucet not maintained. Instructed to repair faucet to supply cold running water.
38
74
Aug 22, 2013
Complaint
8 minor violations.
View 8 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 insect activity found on premises. Observed 30 plus gnats in basement around produce storage. Instructed to remove all live activity and have licensed pest control service premises and provided service invoice. Serious citation issued 7-38-020.
18
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Bulk storage containers not properly labeled. Instructed to label all foods not in original containers.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Multi use utensils not properly stored. Instructed to invert utensils to prevent contamination before use.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Raw wood storage shelves not properly sealed. Instructed to apply non-toxic sealant to surface.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Cutting board, can opener, exhaust hood, interior ice machine panel not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Ventilation covers through-out not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Walk-in cooler condensation line draining to exposed handsink in basement. Instructed to remove drainline and reroute line. Employees cold water faucet not maintained. Instructed to repair faucet to supply cold running water.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: Thermometer not provided for walk-in cooler in basement. Instructed to provide thermometer conspicuous inside cooler.
40
67
Apr 26, 2011
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. MUST CLEAN VENTS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENTS, TOPS, INTERIOR CABINETS AND SIDES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT
33
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. MUST CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND ALL EQUIPMENT 1ST FLOOR AND BASEMENT AREAS
34
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. MUST CLEAN AND BETTER ORGANIZE BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS
41
86
Oct 8, 2010
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 5, 2010
License
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Sewage and waste water disposal, no back siphonage, cross connection and/or back flow
Inspector notes: In food establishments, there shall be adequate sewage and waste water disposal facilities that comply with all the requirements of the plumbing section of the Municipal Code of Chicago.FOUND NO WASTE WATER LINE CONNECTED AS REQUIRED AT BAR GUN.
10
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.ALL COOLERS,DEEP FRYERS,SHELVINGS REQUIRE A DETAIL CLEANING.
33
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.FOUND NO 4" COVING IN DINING AREAS-MUST INSTALL.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.WALL BEHIND BAR EXPOSED BRICK MUST BE SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: Toilet rooms shall be completely enclosed and shall be vented to the outside air or mechanically ventilated.EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA MUST BE SELF CLOSING.
37
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.MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN CUSTOMERS TOILET ROOMS ARE NOT VENTED AS REQUIRED.
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.REMOVE CLUTTER FROM HOT WATER TANK LOCATION.
41
70
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Bangers & Lace — B & L last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Bangers & Lace — B & L on file is from Sep 11, 2025. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Bangers & Lace — B & L?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Bangers & Lace — B & L.
Has Bangers & Lace — B & L's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Bangers & Lace — B & L have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Bangers & Lace — B & L 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 Bangers & Lace — B & L inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Bangers & Lace — B & L is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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