Big Bowl
Last inspected: Dec 20, 2023
86
Score
The health department has logged 18 inspections at Big Bowl, the earliest from 2010. The most recent report on file is from Dec 20, 2023. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well. The file hasn't been updated since Dec 20, 2023, so take the current picture with that in mind.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around four violations each.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed”, showing up seven times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Big Bowl is doing better than most peers. The record reflects steady performance over time.
18
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 20, 2023
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: Slow drainage at front hand wash sinks, instructed to repair and maintain.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: Bulk food containers ( salt, sugar ) not labeled, instructed to label.
37
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: Food handler not wearing hair restraint, instructed to wear.
40
86
Oct 11, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: No irreversible thermometer no heat strips on site for high temp dish washing machine. Instructed to obtain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-025
48
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: Bulk food containers ( salt, sugar ) not labeled, instructed to label.
37
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: Food handler not wearing hair restraint, Instructed to wear.
40
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: Ice scoop holder screwed in the wall, unable to remove to wash, instructed to provide removable scoop holder to wash properly.
47
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: Slow drainage at front hand wash sinks, instructed to repair and maintain.
10
74
Dec 6, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: Both low temp dish washing machines not sanitizing at final rinse 0ppm CL obtained at test strips. instructed to provide proper sanitizer concentration at final rinse. priority violation 7-38-025. by the end of inspection machines repaired and now dispensing proper sanitizer.
16
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: No chlorine test strips on site for low temp dish washing machine. instructed to obtain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-025. by the of inspection mgr obtained test strips.
48
78
May 20, 2021
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: PIPE UNDERNEATH THE DUMP SINK LOCATED ON THE COOKS LINE IS DISCONNECTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR.
51
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: LIGHT SHIELD MISSING ON BULB IN THE COOKS LINE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
56
90
Apr 25, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: - MUST INSTALL A HANDWASH SINK IN THE DISHWASHING AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#:7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
10
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED PRESET TABLEWARE IN THE DINING ROOM, UNCOVERED & EXPOSED TO POTENTIAL CONTAMINATION. MUST REMOVE/COVER/INVERT ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES OF PRESET TABLEWARE TO PREVENT POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO CONTAMINATION.
44
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR IN THE FRONT PREP AREA, BY THE DISH MACHINE, AND THROUGHOUT THE REAR PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE DEBRIS, DETAIL CLEAN AREA, AND MAINTAIN CLEANLINESS AT ALL TIMES. OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF STANDING WATER BY THE DISH MACHINE AREA. MUST REMOVE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE FRONT PREP, THE REAR PREP, AND THE DISHWASHING AREAS. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED THE CAULKING BY THE 3 COMP SINK PEELING AND ENCRUSTED WITH A BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE. MUST REMOVE SUBSTANCE, DETAIL CLEAN, REPAIR, AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE TOILET ROOMS' EXHAUST VENTILATIONS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
78
Feb 1, 2018
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARD SURFACES STAINED ON TOP OF REACH IN COOLERS ALONG COOKLINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE OR CLEAN STAINED CUTTING BOARDS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD BUILD UP ON LOWER SIDE OF DISHMACHINE DRAIN BOARDS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN LOWER SIDE OF DISHMACHINE DRAIN BOARDS.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING TILES/CEILING VENTILATION COVER ABOVE DISHWASH AREA ALSO OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP ON WALL BEHIND COOKLINE #4. MUST CLEAN WALLS AND CEILING TILES/CEILING VENTILATION COVER.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: 1-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET LEAKING AT TEA AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINK.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: ONE METAL STEM THERMOMETER NOT CALIBRATED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALIBRATE METAL STEM THERMOEMTERS FOR FOOD HANDLERS.
40
78
Feb 7, 2017
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INADEQUATE SNEEZE GUARD AT SELF SERVICE VEGETABLE BAR, INSTRUCTED TO EXTEND THE GLASS SHIELD TO COVER ALL OPEN FOOD CONTAINERS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP HOLDERS NOT CLEAN, SLIME NOTED AT SURFACES, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND ALSO MUST BE ABLE TO DETACH FROM WALL.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MISSING GROUT BETWEEN KITCHEN FLOOR TILES NEXT TO ICE MAKER, INSTRUCTED TO REGROUT.
34
86
Jan 24, 2017
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INADEQUATE SNEEZE GUARD AT SELF SERVICE VEGETABLE BAR, INSTRUCTED TO EXTEND THE GLASS SHIELD TO COVER ALL OPEN FOOD CONTAINERS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP HOLDERS NOT CLEAN, SLIME NOTED AT SURFACES, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND ALSO MUST BE ABLE TO DETACH FROM WALL.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: STANDING WATER NOTED ON FLOOR UNDER REAR HAND SINK, INSTRUCTED TO MINIMIZE AS POSSIBLE.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: SODA GUN HOLDER DRAIN IS CLOGGED, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
82
Jul 28, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PLYWOOD BEING USED AS A LINER ON THE DRY STORAGE RACKS IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO USE NON-ABSORBENT MATERIALS FOR LINERS ONLY.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE FRONT, SIDES, AND BACK OF COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAK UNDER THE MIDDLE COMPARTMENT OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT A PLUMBER TO REPAIR SINK AND MAINTAIN.
38
86
Oct 8, 2015
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 6, 2015
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED WITH GREASE CONTAINER LID COVERED WITH GREASE AND GREASE SPILLED ON GROUND AROUND CONTAINER. ALSO NOTED SEVERAL DUMPSTERS OVERFLOWING WITH GARBAGE IN SAME ENCLOSED COMMON AREA WITH COMPACTOR HAVING FOOD SPILLS ON AND AROUND IT. MUST CLEAN/SANITIZE AREA AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
19
95
Oct 1, 2015
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HIGH TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE IN NEED OF REPAIR. FINAL RINSE GAUGE NOT WORKING. TEST STRIP WAS USED TO CHECK FINAL SANITIZING RINSE FOR READING OF 180F OR HIGHER. INDICATION WAS NO CHANGE TO STRIP COLOR. MUST REPAIR. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
8
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED WITH GREASE CONTAINER LID COVERED WITH GREASE AND GREASE SPILLED ON GROUND AROUND CONTAINER. ALSO NOTED SEVERAL DUMPSTERS OVERFLOWING WITH GARBAGE IN SAME ENCLOSED COMMON AREA WITH COMPACTOR HAVING FOOD SPILLS ON AND AROUND IT. MUST CLEAN/SANITIZE AREA AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
19
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR OF FOOD SPILLS BEHIND FRONT COOK LINE AND AT REAR PREP AREA.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAK AT FAUCET OF EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK AT FRONT COOK LINE. MUST REPAIR.
38
82
Jan 13, 2015
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTOM OF PREP COOLERS AT FRONT OF FOOD SPILLS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR AROUND ICE MACHINE AT REAR, REMOVE WATER KEEP DRY AT ALL TIMES.
34
90
Feb 7, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LID FOR BAR ICE BIN.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: RUSTY, PEELING PAINT ON CEILING VENT ABOVE DISH AREA. MUST REMOVE.
35
90
Feb 27, 2013
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. OBSERVED RAW CHICKEN AT 52.3F, SHRIMP AT 47.4F, TOFU AT 55.9F, SHELL EGGS AT 55.6F, AND COOKED CHICKEN AT 47.3F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 6# OF FOOD WORTH $30. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
3
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF WATER ON THE FLOOR OF THE DISHWASH AREA. MUST MAINTAIN THE FLOOR DRY.
34
90
Mar 29, 2012
Routine
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. SHELVES FOR CLEAN UTENSILS NOT CLEAN, DIRT BUILD-UP NOTED ON SIDES, INSTRUCTED MGR TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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. MISSING GROUT BETWEEN KITCHEN FLOOR TILES UNDER DISH MACHINE TRAPPING WASTE WATER, INSTRUCTED TO GROUT AND MAINTAIN.
34
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. MUST REPLACE TORN INSULATION AT WALK-IN COOLER PIPES.
38
86
Jul 28, 2011
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INNER METAL DOOR PANEL OF FRONT COOLER (CLOSER TO BATHROOM HALLWAY) IS PULLING AWAY FROM THE DOOR; A RUBBER DOOR GASKET AT 3-DOOR COOLER IS BENT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT. All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: POOR FLOOR GROUTING AT SOUTHEAST CORNER OF REAR COOKING/PREPPING AREA MUST BE ADDRESSED. ALL FLOORS MUST BE KEPT DRY, TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. FLOOR DRAIN UNDER ICE BIN AT THE BAR & UNDER SODA DISPENSER IN REAR MUST BE KEPT CLEAN ALSO. The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS AROUND PREP STATIONS & AREAS AROUND GARBAGE BINS MUST BE FREE OF FOOD STAINS & MAINTAINED. The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAKY FAUCET AT 2-COMP SINK MUST BE FIXED. 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.
38
82
Mar 15, 2010
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING. WORN, STAINED WITH DEEP CUTS. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
32
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 utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. FRONT-LINE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE FOOD BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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. FLOOR THROUGH OUT MUST BE KEPT DRY AND FREE OF DEBRIS.
34
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Big Bowl last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Big Bowl on file is from Dec 20, 2023. The public record contains 18 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Big Bowl?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Big Bowl.
Has Big Bowl's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Big Bowl have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Big Bowl 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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