Bar Louie
Last inspected: Apr 25, 2024
100
Score
Public records show 11 inspections at Bar Louie stretching back to 2021. The latest inspection on file is from Apr 25, 2024. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit. Public records show no inspections at Bar Louie since Apr 25, 2024, so this file may not reflect current conditions.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around two violations, down from roughly six violations earlier in the record.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, showing up 11 times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. The record reflects steady performance over time.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 25, 2024
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 18, 2024
Complaint
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: No certified food service manager on site while handling and serving TCS foods ( beef, chicken...) instructed to obtain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012.
2
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: No probe food thermometer available in facility, instructed to obtain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005.
36
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: Inadequate pest control. Found about 30 rat droppings in basement storage and under staircase. Instructed to eliminate rodents activity in all affected areas, Pest control service recommended. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020.
38
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
1
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Trash and grease build-up noted behind main cook line, under dish machine. under bar counter. Instructed to clean and maintain.
55
67
Jan 27, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 25, 2023
Complaint
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF A PEST INFESTATION. OBSERVED ABOUT 300 OR MORE RAT DROPPINGS UNDER THE BASEMENT STAIRS, ABOUT 25 OR MORE RAT DROPPINGS IN THE STORAGE CLOSET, ABOUT 30 OR MORE RAT DROPPINGS IN THE BASEMENT LIQUOR CLOSET AND ABOUT 20 OR MORE RAT DROPPINGS UNDER THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE RAT ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND MUST CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE ON OR AFTER 1/25/23. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).
38
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 5-202.12 OBSERVED INADEQUATE HOT WATER TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 69F-74F IN WOMEN'S AND MEN'S TOILET ROOMS. OBSERVED 1 OF 2 HAND WASHING SINKS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA ONLY MAINTAINING 85F AND THE FAUCET NOT PROPERLY TURNING ON. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL HAND WASHING SINKS HOT WATER AT 100F AT ALL TIMES AND REPAIR STRIPPED HOT AND COLD WATER KNOBS AT THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).
10
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: 2-101.11 OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, BEEF) ARE BEING PREPARED HANDLED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES THE FACILITY IS OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATIN. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: 2-101.11 OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL PERSONS IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A VALID ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE AND BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION WRIITEN UNDER VIOLATION #2.
1
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
5
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FOOD, GREASE AND DIRT DEBRIS UNDER THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE, UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND UNDER ALL OF THE PREP COOLERS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT. OBSERVED AN OILY SUBSTANCE ON ALL THE PIPES UNDER THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE OR LOCATE.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114 OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER AND ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY CLUTTER AND ELEVATE EVERYTHING AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE GROUND AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11 OBSERVED HOLES IN THE WALLS AND CEILINGS IN VARIOUS AREAS OF THE BASEMENT AND HOLES IN THE WALLS UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED FLOORS NEED TO BE RE-GROUTED IN VARIOUS AREAS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA. OBSERVED VARIOUS LINES WRAPPED WITH PLASTIC ABOVE THE HAND WASHING SINK BY THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND TO MAKE ALL SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
43
Jul 26, 2022
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-202.15 OBSERVED LARGE CAN OPENER IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11 OBSERVED GREASE ACCUMULATION ON FLOOR NEAR COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN
55
90
Jul 11, 2022
Complaint
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DISH MACHINE NOT PROPERLY DISPENSING SANITIZER. CHLORINE CONCENTRATION IN DISH MACHINE MEASURED AT 0PPM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CEASE USE OF DISH MACHINE UNTIL NECESSARY REPAIRS ARE MADE. MANAGER CONTACTED ECOLAB. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED
16
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 20 RODENT DROPPINGS IN BOILER ROOM NEAR MEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREA ACCORDINGLY. OBSERVED 15 SMALL FLIES NEAR DISH MACHINE AREA AND 2 SMALL FLIES IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO TREAT AREAS ACCORDINGLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (A). CITATION ISSUED
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LARGE CAN OPENER IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIGHT BULB SHIELD IN COOLER WITH AN ACCUMULATION OF WATER ON INTERIOR. OBSERVED MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE GROWING IN SAID WATER.OBSERVED BROKEN HOT WATER HANDLE ON 3 COMPARTMENT SINK INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR ACCORDINGLY.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
61
Apr 28, 2022
Reinspection
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOR HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE ARE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO UPDATE AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF REACH IN FREEZER AND REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP OF FOOD AND ICE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
16
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: LARGE CAN OPENER IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)
49
67
Apr 21, 2022
Complaint
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: FOUND CHEMICAL SANITIZING DISH MACHINE WITH NO SANITIZER AT TIME OF INSPECTION. 0 PPM WERE FOUND WHEN TESTING MACHINE WHILE IN USE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CEASE THE USE OF THE MACHINE AT THIS TIME. THERE WAS NO CHEMICAL SANITIZER CONTAINER AT MACHINE, MANAGER PLACED A NEW CONTAINER AT MACHINE. MACHINE IS NOW ABLE TO BE USED PRIORITY 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED
16
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (CHICKEN,FRENCH FRIES,ETC) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: FOUND HANDWASHING SINK AT DISHWAHING AREA TO BE VERY HOT AT 147 DEGREES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADJUST WATER TEMPERATURE TO BE 120. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
10
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: FOUND A BUILD UP OF A BLACK AND GRAY SUBSTANCE AT INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL ICE TO PROPERLY CLEAN AND SANITIZE MACHINE PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
16
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FRUIT FLY ACTIVITY AT DISH MACHINE AREA. OBSERVERED APPROXIMATELY 20-25 FLIES AND OBSERVED 3 RODENT DROPPINGS IN CORNER OF STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AND REMOVE ALL ACTIVITY. CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE AND HAVE AN UPDATE RECIEPT ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
38
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION.
1
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF REACH IN FREEZER AND REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP OF FOOD AND ICE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
16
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: LARGE CAN OPENER IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)
49
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WASTE RECEPTACLES AT HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS BEHIND AND UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP. ALL DUST BUILD UP MUST BE REMOVE FROM ABOVE LARGE TOASTER OVEN DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOR HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE ARE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO UPDATE AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
33
Aug 17, 2021
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS IN BETWEEN THE COOKING EQUIPMENT LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11 OBSERVED FLOORS NEED TO BE RE-GROUTED IN VARIOUS AREAS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE ALL SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
90
Aug 9, 2021
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY ON SITE. OBSERVED ABOUT 80 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE WALLS, FLOORS AND PIPES LOCATED UNDER THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE, ABOUT 5 LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING BEHIND THE FRONT BAR AREA AND ABOUT 5 LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).
38
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS IN BETWEEN THE COOKING EQUIPMENT LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15 OBSERVED COLD WATER KNOB STRIPPED AND UNABLE TO TURN ON PROPERLY AT ONE OF THE TWO HAND WASHING SINKS LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11 OBSERVED FLOORS NEED TO BE RE-GROUTED IN VARIOUS AREAS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE ALL SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
78
Apr 15, 2021
License
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOORS WITH HOLES IN THE BOTTOM. MUST REPAIR TO PREVENT ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.
38
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT CLEAN DISH ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN SINK STOPPERS AT THE 3 COMP SINK.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DRY STORAGE SHELVING, INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLERS AND THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE REAR ICE MACHINE TO REMOVE DEBRIS AND SPILLS.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE 1 COMP SINK AT THE FRONT BAR WITH A SLOW DRAIN. ALSO OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE SAME SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING THROUGH OUT TO REMOVE SPILL, DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE. ALSO FLOOR IN POOR REPAIR BY REAR ICE MACHINE(NEEDS GROUTING).
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN TUBS AND PIPES ABOVE THE DISH WASHING AREA.
55
70
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Bar Louie last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Bar Louie on file is from Apr 25, 2024. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Bar Louie?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 11 times, more than any other issue at Bar Louie.
Has Bar Louie's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Bar Louie have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Bar Louie 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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