Best Intentions
Last inspected: Mar 31, 2025
95
Score
Public records show 15 inspections at Best Intentions stretching back to 2010. On Mar 31, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around four violations to closer to zero violations per visit over the last few inspections.
“Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” comes up most often, recorded four times in the inspection record.
Best Intentions' latest score of 95 sits above the Chicago average of 81. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
15
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 31, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND CLUTTER AT FOOD STORAGE SHELVING UNITS.(TOOLS,ETC.)MUST REMOVE TOOLS FROM FOOD SHELVING UNITS.
55
95
Apr 29, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jul 31, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 24, 2023
Complaint
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLACK DIRT BUILD UP INSIDE BOTH ICE MACHINES DRIPPING INTO ICE, ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF BOTH ICE MACHINES AND MAINTAIN BY DATE OF REINSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. ALL ICE INSIDE BOTH ICE MACHINES VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED.
16
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON PREP AREA REACH IN COOLER CONDENSER (UNDER GRILL). MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN PREP AREA COOLERS CONDENSERS.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLES IN BOTH WASHROOMS. MUST PROVIDE.
53
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES.
58
78
Nov 12, 2019
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSTHE CEILING LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
55
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE UNISEX TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE WITHOUT COVER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
90
Oct 2, 2018
Routine
4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON THE PREMISES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CLEAN UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: 3-501.17 OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS (SUCH AS POTATO SALAD) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE DAY IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE CONSUMED OR DISCARDED. FOOD MUST BE DATE MARKED AND DISCARDED AFTER 7 DAYS, WITH DAY OF PREPARATION COUNTED AS DAY 1. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: 3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT IN THE MENU. MUST DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(N) OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-602.13 DETAIL CLEAN THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.11 REPAIR THE DRYWALL BEHIND THE CHEST FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA 100-0367 OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS WITHOUT PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
58
Sep 21, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT ON FLOOR ALONG WALLBASE AND BEHIND REFRIGERATION UNITS IN BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE 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 DIRT AND DEBRIS BUILD UP ON WALLS BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT, SHELVING AND NEXT TO MOP SINK IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES ON REAR OF BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE. MUST ELEVATE ITEMS 6INCHES OFF FLOOR/WALL ON BASEMENT AND MUST MAINTAIN.
41
86
Sep 22, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: Found the following potentially hazardous foods at improper temperatures in the 3 door cooler in the kitchen: 40lbs chicken thighs @50.7F ($140); 10lbs lamb shoulder @ 46.9F ($72.90); 4lbs of Trout @ 48.3F ($33); 6lbs hamburger beef @ 45.6F ($30); 5lbs of cooked cauliflower @ 50.1F ($15); 3oz of pork fritter @ 50.9F ($0.25); 2 dozen eggs @ 47.4F ($3.60); and 3lbs of sliced potatoes (French fries in water) @ 51.4F ($3). Operator discarded denatured foods during inspection. Must keep all cold potentially hazardous foods at 40F or less (and hot foods at 140F or higher) at all times. Critical violation 7-38-005(a).
3
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Consumer advisory not posted in plain view. Operator posted during inspection.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Found debris on lower interior of top oven. Instructed to remove, detail clean and sanitize. Must maintain. Found grease and dust build up on lower interior of fryers. Must remove, clean and sanitize. Must maintain.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Found slow draining hand sink in kitchen area. Must repair and maintain.
38
82
Sep 10, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD/DIVIDER BETWEEN EXPOSED HAND SINK AND 3 COMPARTMENT DRAIN BOARD IN REAR PREP/COOKING AREA.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL OPENING ON CEILING IN BASEMENT STORAGE (BY WALK-IN COOLER).
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT BULB MUST BE SHIELDED INSIDE 3 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR PREP/COOKING AREA OR PROVIDE SHATTER PROOF LIGHT BULB.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CONDENSER DRAINPIPE ONTO 1ST COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP/COOKING AREA. MUST PROPERLY DRAIN INTO FLOOR DRAIN.----------MUST PROVIDE 3 WORKING DRAIN STOPPERS FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP/COOKING AREA.
38
82
Aug 19, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE INSIDE OF THE UPRIGHT FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT TO REMOVE SPILLS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN THE BASEMENT ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS TO REMOVE DEBRIS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN THE WEATHER STRIPPING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT DOOR.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED A LEAK AT THE BASE OF THE EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE KITCHEN. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
82
Aug 26, 2013
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: All food stored in coolers must be dated & labeled.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: All clean multi-use spoons,fork utensils must be stored with handles up.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Fan covers and shelvings at 2 door bar cooler,upper panel of ice machine,interior basins/faucet at the bar 3 comp sink require a detail cleaning.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors along walls and in all corners in basement in need for further cleaning.
34
82
Jan 22, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE,MAINTAIN SINK STOPPERS FOR THE 3 COMP SINK IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA,RUSTY SHELVINGS MUST BE REPLACED OR REPAIRED USING A NON-TOXIC FINISH ALSO ALUMINUM FOIL LINERS ON BOTTOM OF SHELVINGS MUST BE REMOVED.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING REQUIRES A DETAIL CLEANING THE 3 DOOR BAR COOLER,BAR GUNS AND HOUSINGS ATTACHED,CUTTING BOARD BAR AREA,DEEP FRYERS.
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT BULBS IN KITCHEN MUST BE SHIELDED AND REPLACE BURNT-OUT LIGHTS INSIDE THE 3 DOOR COOLER IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE BENEATH THE 3 COMP SINK BAR AREA,REPAIR/REPLACE CLEAN MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN MENS TOILET ROOM.ALSO ELECTRIC OVENS IN KITCHEN MUST UNDER VENTILATION, WHEN THE EQUIPMENT IS MORE THAN 7.5 KILOWATTS.
38
82
Feb 10, 2011
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
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.Water leaking at base of faucet at 3 part sink in kitchen,and dust build-up on vents in toilet rooms.
38
95
Feb 1, 2011
Routine
No violations found.
100
Apr 20, 2010
Routine
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Best Intentions last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Best Intentions on file is from Mar 31, 2025. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Best Intentions?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Best Intentions.
Has Best Intentions' inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Best Intentions have averaged around zero violations per visit, down from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Best Intentions 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 Best Intentions inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Best Intentions is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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