Big Hill Cantina — Big Hill Bar & Grill
Last inspected: Feb 19, 2025
90
Score
Big Hill Cantina — Big Hill Bar & Grill appears in inspection records 17 times, starting in 2010. On Feb 19, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around two violations each.
“Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing nine times across the record.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Chicago restaurant scores 81. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
17
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 19, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: PREP AREA REACH IN COOLERS (UNDER GRILL) DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE DAMAGED COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET LEAKING AT BASE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
90
Apr 16, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE ALUMINUM FOIL AS LINER FOR COOKING EQUIPMENT. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: GREASE AT INTERIOR OF DEEP FRYERS AND UNDER THE FLAT GRILL.CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
90
Jul 5, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: FOUND CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY ON SHELVING UNITS.MUST STORE INVERTED.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FOUND TORN GASKETS INSIDE REACH IN COOLER.MUST REPLACE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: FOUND EXHAUST HOOD FILTERS NOT CLEAN.MUST CLEAN.
49
86
Nov 7, 2022
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE ON THE INSIDE OF THE DOOR OF THE DEEP FRYER LOCATED IN THE REAR PREPARATION AREA ACROSS FROM THE PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)
49
95
Jun 17, 2021
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MINOR LEAK AT MOP SINK FAUCET IN REAR CLOSET. MUST REPAIR ISSUE.
51
95
Dec 4, 2020
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED DIRECTLY IN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE OUTSIDE ICE MACHINE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN GASKETS ON DRAWER COOLER BELOW FLAT TOP GRILL AND 2 DOOR PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM LIQUOR ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALL MOUNTED POTATO CUTTER COVERED IN FOOD DEBRIS AND GRIME. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
86
Mar 7, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE MENU AND ON THE WALLS REGARDING THE UNDERCOOKED FOODS BEING SERVED ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
25
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTH MUST BE STORED ON A BUCKET WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION IN BETWEEN USES.
41
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED ON A SEPARATE CONTAINER TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: RUBBER GASKET ALONG THE DOOR OF THE 2 DOOR REACH IN COOLER RIPPED OFF. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE ARE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED TO RE TAKE THE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CLASS AND PROVIDE THE CERTIFICATE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CETIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
58
58
May 4, 2018
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed hood in kitchen missing filters. must obtain, install and maintain filters for hood.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Observed rear dry storage closet disorganized and unnecessary articles stored on floor. clean and organized storage area, remove unnecessary articles not use for facility from facility.
41
90
Feb 24, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET AT DOOR OF SERVICE COOLER AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE CHEST FREEZER AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDERNEATH COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH THICK DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED VERY SLOW WATER DRAIN AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN....NOTED DIRTY AND DUSTY FANS AND CEILING INSIDE THE 3 PRIVATE DINNING ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN.
38
82
Apr 14, 2016
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FAN COVERS WITHIN WALK IN COOLER UNCLEAN WITH EXCESS DUST ACCUMULATION. MUST BE CLEANED AND MAINTAINED
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR OF WALK IN COOLER UNCLEAN. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR OF WALK IN COOLER. OBSERVED FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT UNCLEAN WITH HEAVY GREASE ACCUMULATION. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OVSERVED FLOORS UNCLEAN IN CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALL UNCLEAN. WALL IS LOCATED ON SIDE OF WALK IN COOLER NEXT TO COOKING EQUIPMENT. WALL MUST BE DEGREASED, CLEANDED AND MAINTAINED. OBSERVED ALL WALLS BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT UNCLEAN. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS. OBSERVED HOLE IN CEILING IN CLOSET NEAR REAR EXIT. REPAIR AND MAINTAIN HOLE IN CEILING.
35
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESS ICE ACCUMULATION ON INTERIOR OF STAND UP REACH IN FREEZER. DEFROST AND MAINTAIN.
32
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLOSET IN REAR NEAR EXIT DOOR CONTAINING MOP WITH EXCESS CLUTTER. REMOVE ALL UNECESSARY ITEMS AND MAINTAIN AREA CLEAR SO PEST CONTROL CAN HAVE COMPLETE ACCESS. OBSERVED ONIONS ON FLOOR. ONIONS NEED TO BE STORED AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF OF FLOOR.
41
78
Nov 20, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Caulk around 3 compartment sink in state of disrepair, shall be repaired/replaced.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Non food contact surfaces of cooking equipment not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices), walk in cooler shelving not clean, need cleaning(crevices). prep table lower shelving not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors under 2nd stove not clean, needs detailed cleaning(corners). Floors in rear kitchen areas, and by hot water heater area not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Walls that had peeling paint/holes by walk in cooler, and rear kitchen door area shall be repaired/sealed.
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: Must provide food handlers list for next routine inspection.
45
78
Jan 23, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Found some food items not properly dated in walk in cooler, must properly date food items in walk in cooler.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Walk in cooler shelving/racks that had peeling paint/rust, shall be repaired/replaced.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Non food contact surfaces of walk in cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices)., non food contact surfaces of kitchen storage shelving not clean need detailed cleaning(crevices).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors under cooking equipment, heavy equipment not clean, need cleaning(detailed).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Damaged, missing ceiling tiles in storage area, shall be repaired/provided.
35
78
Mar 6, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE EXTERIOR OF BOTH BATHROOM HAND SINK CABINETS. FOUND ADHESIVE PLASTIC FALLING APART. BOTH HAND WASHING SINK CABINETS MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE AT ALL TIMES.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE 1DR FREEZER NEXT TO THE REAR EXIT DOOR TO REMOVE ALL EXCESSIVE ICE AND FROST BUILD-UP.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST REGROUT FLOOR IN FRONT OF THE 1DR FREEZER TO THE LEFT AS YOU FACE THE FREEZER SO AS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR EXHAUST HOOD FILTERS AT THE KITCHEN.
38
82
Jul 3, 2013
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Cooler shelving that had peeling paint/rust, shall be repaired/replaced, non food contact surfaces of ice machine not clean, need detailed cleaning.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors under heavy equipment, cooking equipment not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Ceiling tiles that had peeling paint in kitchen prep area, shall be replaced.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Light shields in kitchen prep area not clean, need cleaning.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Exhaust canopy not clean, needs cleaning, exhaust vents(ventilation) in coolers, bathrooms not clean, need cleaning(detailed).
38
78
Jan 24, 2012
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: Observed employee washing the glasses and pitcher in the mop sink. 3 compartment sink was set up but no sanitizing solution on the 3rd compartment sink and and the employee is rinsing the glasses and pitcher on running water only in the mop sink. Instructed manager and employee how to properly set up the 3 compartment sink and not to use the mop sink for washing and rinsing the glasses and pitcher. Provided manager the sign on how to set up the 3 compartment sink. Citation issued critical. 7-38-030
8
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE MISSING LABEL/DATE ON ALL FOOD CONTAINERS THAT IS NOT THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER INSIDE THE REACH IN COOLER,AND PREP COOLER.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CAULKING ALONG THE SPLASHGUARD OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WORN OUT. MUST RE CAULK AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE WALLS OF THE PREP COOLER,INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE AND ALL WIRE RACK SHELVING WITH FOOD DEBRIS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: RUSTY BOTTOM FLOOR OF THE WALK IN COOLER. MUST REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: RUSTED VENTILATION COVER ABOVE THE PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN.
35
74
Oct 12, 2010
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: cooler shelving that had peeling paint, rust, shall be repair/replaced.peeling paint on storage shelving, shall be repair.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: non food contact surfaces of ice machine, coolking equipment, cooler shelving not clean need detailed cleaning.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: floors under heavy equipment, cooking equipment, and storage closet not clean need detailed cleaning(corners).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: ceiling, wall in kitchen prep area not clean need cleaning. ceilings in bathrooms need cleaning.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: light shields in kitchen prep area not clean need detailed cleaning.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: exhaust vents(ventilation)in kitchen prep area, coolers, bathrooms not clean need cleaning(detailed).
38
74
May 18, 2010
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. MUST LABEL ALL STORED FOODS WITH NAME AND DATE.
30
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. DETAIL CLEAN ALL EQUIPMENT IN PREP AREA. HAVE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE CLEANED TO REMOVE DEPOSITS.
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. DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS NEAR WALLS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
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. SEAL GAPS IN BASEBOARDS UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND THROUGHOUT PREMISES AS NEEDED. REPAIR HOLES AND SEAL ALL GAPS IN WALL BEHIND 3 COMPARMENT SINK.
35
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, PLASTIC TUBS ETC AND STANDING WATER FROM REAR OF PREMISES
41
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Big Hill Cantina — Big Hill Bar & Grill last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Big Hill Cantina — Big Hill Bar & Grill on file is from Feb 19, 2025. The public record contains 17 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Big Hill Cantina — Big Hill Bar & Grill?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Big Hill Cantina — Big Hill Bar & Grill.
Has Big Hill Cantina — Big Hill Bar & Grill's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Big Hill Cantina — Big Hill Bar & Grill have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Big Hill Cantina — Big Hill Bar & Grill 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 Big Hill Cantina — Big Hill Bar & Grill inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Big Hill Cantina — Big Hill Bar & Grill is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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