Black Iron Tavern
Last inspected: Mar 28, 2017
100
Score
Inspectors have visited Black Iron Tavern 10 times, with records going back to 2012. The most recent report on file is from Mar 28, 2017. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well. Note that Black Iron Tavern's inspection history hasn't been updated since Mar 28, 2017; current conditions may have shifted from what the file shows.
Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around six violations per visit lately, up from roughly four violations before.
“Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” comes up most often, recorded six times in the inspection record.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Black Iron Tavern is doing better than most peers. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
10
Inspections
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Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 28, 2017
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Mar 17, 2017
Routine
13 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IN USE BAR DISH MACHINE NOT SANITIZING. IT IS A LOW TEMP CHLORINE BASED SANITIZING DISH MACHINE AND 0PPM OF CHLORINE WAS FOUND USING A TEST STRIP. DISH MACHINE WAS REPAIRED DURING INSPECTION. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
8
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: OBSEIRVED NO HOT OR COLD RUNNING WATER TO ONLY EXPOSED HAND SINK IN BASEMENT. BASEMENT BAR IS NOT IN USE AT THIS TIME. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
12
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAKING FROM PIPES IN BASEMENT WHERE DRY FOOD STORAGE IS KEPT. MUST ELIMINATE ALL LEAKING FROM CEILING AND KEEP ALL DRY FOOD STORAGE PROTECTED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005 (A)
16
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 FRUIT FLIES IN AND AROUND MOP SINK. MUST ELIMINATE ALL FRUIT FLY ACTIVITY AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GASKETS ON 2 DOOR REACH IN REFRIGERATOR IN KITCHEN ACROSS FROM GRILL IN DISREPAIR AND REPAIRED WITH DUCT TAPE. REMOVE DUCT TAPE AND REPLACE ALL TORN GASKETS. OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND SINK IN KITCHEN PULLED AWAY FROM WALL. REATTACH EXPOSED HAND SINK AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BASEMENT REACH IN FREEZER UNCLEAN AND REACH IN FREEZER IN MAIN KITHCEN UNCLEAN. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. CLEAN ALL INTERIOR OF MICROWAVE AND EXTERIOR OF MICROWAVE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS UNDER GRILLS AND FRYERS UNCLEAN WITH EXCESSIVE DIRT ACCUMULATION. GRILLS AND FRYERS NEEDE TO PULLED OUT AWAY FROM WALL AND FLOORS NEED TO BE CLEANED IN DETAIL. ALL FLOORS IN SUBBASEMENT NEED TO BE CLEANED AND SANITIZED.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALL WITHIN MOP SINK WITH VINYL PANEL PULLING AWAY FROM WALL. REATTACH AND RESTRORE SURFACES TO A SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE CONDITION. OBSERVED WALLS BEHIND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND BEHIND REACH IN COOLERS IN GRILL AREA WITH FOOD SPILLS AND DEVRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL WALLS.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOP SINK WITH NO HOT OR COLD RUNNING WATER. MUST RESTORE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER TO MOP SINK AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED CHEMICALS HOOKED UP TO EXPOSED HAND SINK FROM MOP SINK. MOP SINK MUST BE MOVED TO AREA WHERE HOT AND COLD WATER PIPES ARE WORKING AND MAINTAINED. EXPOSED HAND SINK CAN NOT BE HOOKED UP TO CHEMICALS FOR MOP SINK.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL WORKING THERMOEMTERS IN ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS IN BARS ADN KITHCEN AND SERVICE AREA.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOPS NEED TO BE HUNG AFTER USE TO DETER FRUIT FLY ACTIVITY. OBSERVED BASEMENT AREA CONTAINING OFFICE AND LIQUOR STORAGE WITH CLUTTER. ALL BOXES AND EQUIPMNENT NEED TO BE STORED AT LEAST 6 INCHES AWAY FROM WALL AND 6 INCHES OFF GROUND. GET RID OF ANY UNECESSARY ITEMS. OBSERVED MOP AREA UNCLEAN. CLEANING EQUIPMENT NEEDS TO BE STORED PROPERLY AND MOP SINK AREA MUST BE KEPT CLEAN.
41
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOPS NEED TO BE STORED WITH HANDLES OUT OF ICE TO RPEVENT CONTAMINATION.
42
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY WIPING LCOTHS ON COUNTER WITH FOOD. MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZER SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
52
Jul 7, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED ON PREMISES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (CHICKEN, BEEF, ETC.) ARE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON PREMISES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
21
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT CALCIUM BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE UPPER PORTION ALSO OBSERVED FOOD/GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD FILTERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND VENTILATION HOOD FILTERS.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOOD DEBRIS IN PREP AREA ON WALLS OUTSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER. MUST CLEAN WALLS AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: COFFEE PREP STATION HOT WATER HANDLE LOOSE. MUST REPAIR HOT WATER HANDLE AT SAID SINK.
38
82
Dec 8, 2015
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: PROVIDE LID FOR THE ICE BIN BEHIND THE SMALL BAR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MAKER AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE FLOOR ALONG THE WALL BASE IN THE BASEMENT CLOSE TO THE STAIR AND MAINTAIN. MUST ELEVATE ALL BOXES,ITEMS,ARTICLES INTHE BASEMENT TO PREVENT RODENT/INSECTS HARBORAGE AND HAVE AN EASY ACCESS IN CLEANING THE FLOOR
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL A GREASE TRAP BOX UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. SLOW DRAINING OF THE EXPOSED HNAD SINK BEHIND THE MAIN BAR. MUST REPAIR TO HAVE A WELL DRAINING SINK.
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATE NEXT ROUTINE INSPECTION.
45
78
Nov 30, 2015
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: OUTSIDE DUMPSTER LID OPEN WITH OVERFLOWING GARBAGE. SURROUNDING AREAS NOT MAINTAINED WITH DEBRIS ALL OVER THE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT LID OF THE DUMPSTER MUST BE CLOSED ALL THE TIMES AND SURROUNDING AREAS MUST BE MAINTAINED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
19
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: PROVIDE LID FOR THE ICE BIN BEHIND THE SMALL BAR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MAKER AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE FLOOR ALONG THE WALL BASE IN THE BASEMENT CLOSE TO THE STAIR AND MAINTAIN. MUST ELEVATE ALL BOXES,ITEMS,ARTICLES INTHE BASEMENT TO PREVENT RODENT/INSECTS HARBORAGE AND HAVE AN EASY ACCESS IN CLEANING THE FLOOR.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL A GREASE TRAP BOX UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. SLOW DRAINING OF THE EXPOSED HNAD SINK BEHIND THE MAIN BAR. MUST REPAIR TO HAVE A WELL DRAINING SINK.
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATE NEXT ROUTINE INSPECTION.
45
74
Jul 25, 2014
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 18, 2014
Routine
11 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: NOTED TEMPERATURE OF WALK IN COOLER TO BE IMPROPER AT 44.8F. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 40F AND BELOW. CITATION ISSUED FOR CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-005(A)
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER TO BE IMPROPER:-HAMBURGERS 46.0F, CHICKEN 45.1F,EGGS 45.0F, SALSA 45.4F. MANAGE IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 75 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $209.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. CITATION ISSUED FOR CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-005(A)
3
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: NOTED THICK GRAYISH BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE AT THE UPPER COMPARTMENT OF ICE MACHINE DRIPPING ONTO THE ICE AT THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS PROPERLY CLEANED AND SANITIZED. CITATION ISSUED FOR SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-005(A)
16
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NOTED NO ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE AS REQUIRED BY LAW (DISPLAYED OR POSTED). INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAVE THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED FOR SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-012
21
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: NOTED THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS FROM INSPECTION REPORT #1369230 DATED 9/25/2014 NOT CORRECTED:-#33)INTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS NOT CLEAN, STANDING WATER AND FOOD DEBRIS NOTED, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.#35) WALL BEHIND DRY FOOD SHELF AT BASEMENT IN POOR REPAIR, ROUGH AND SHEDDING DEBRIS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH WALL AND STORE DRY FOOD A WAY FROM WALL. STILL INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT ALL ABOVE VIOLATIONS AND MAINTAIN. CITATION ISSUED FOR SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-42-090
29
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS IN CONTAINERS INSIDE COOLERS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOOD ITEMS WITH NAMES OF PRODUCT, USE BY DATE OR PREPARED BY DATE.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: NOTED MULTI USE UTENSILS (PLATES,BOWL,CUPS ETC)ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL UTENSILS DURING STORAGE OR PROVIDE A PROTECTIVE COVER TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION AND CONTAMINATION.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOTED OLD FOOD DEBRIS ON POTATO SLICER AT THE REAR KITCHEN. ALSO NOTED STANDING WATER INSIDE SERVICE COOLER AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGH OUT THE FOOD DRY STORAGE AT THE BASEMENT WITH ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY DUST ACCUMULATION AND DIRT ON FANS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER AND ON WALLS BY THE HOT LINE AT THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER AT THE BASEMENT FOOD DRY STORAGE AREA ESPECIALLY UNDERNEATH THE STAIR WAY AND BY THE STAIR WAY LEADING TO THE SECOND BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
41
58
Sep 25, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MISSING A DRAIN BOARD AT 3-COMP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS NOT CLEAN, STANDING WATER AND FOOD DEBRIS NOTED, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALL BEHIND DRY FOOD SHELF AT BASEMENT IN POOR REPAIR, ROUGH AND SHEDDING DEBRIS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH WALL AND STORE DRY FOOD A WAY FROM WALL.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: PREP SINK COLD WATER NOT SHUTTING OFF, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR
38
82
Feb 16, 2012
License
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. MUST INSTALL A DRAIN BOARD AT KITCHEN'S 3-COMP SINK.
32
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. MUST PROVIDE SMOOTH NON-ABSORBANT SURFACE BEHIND BAR AND ICE MAKER, ALSO MUST PROVIDE NON-ABSORBANT FLOOR UNDER ICE MAKER. UNFINISHED WOOD BOARD UNDER ICE MAKER.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: The flow of air discharged from kitchen fans shall always be through a duct to a point above the roofline. NO VACUUM BRAKER ON ICE MAKER. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
38
86
Jan 17, 2012
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Black Iron Tavern last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Black Iron Tavern on file is from Mar 28, 2017. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Black Iron Tavern?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Black Iron Tavern.
Has Black Iron Tavern's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Black Iron Tavern have averaged around six violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Black Iron Tavern 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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