Boss Bar
Last inspected: Dec 9, 2025
67
Score
The health department has logged 16 inspections at Boss Bar, the earliest from 2013. The most recent report on file is from Dec 9, 2025. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.
Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around six violations lately compared to roughly two violations before.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible”, showing up seven times.
That's lower than the typical Chicago restaurant, which scores around 81. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
16
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
8
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 9, 2025
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
58
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IN 1ST FLOOR WOMAN WASHROOM.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOXES OF FOOD STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
39
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
40
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED INSIDE OF THE ICE BINS ON ICE.INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE IN A SEPARATE CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION AND MAINTAIN.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CHEST FREEZER DOOR IN BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM IN POOR REPAIR,WITH EXPOSED INSULATION.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY FLOORS AT BARS WITH LITTER DEBRIS/BROKEN GLASS IN BETWEEN BAR EQUIPMENTS AND ACCUMULATION OF DUSTS ON UPPER WALLS NEAR THE PIZZA OVENS.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS/WALLS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES.MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
57
67
Sep 19, 2024
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE OPNENING EDGE OF THE LARGE ICE MACHINE IN THE BASEMENT WITH A BUILD UP OF RUST ALONG THE OUTSIDE OPNENING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INSIDE OPENING OF THE DEEP FREYER UNITS WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE AND POSSIBLE FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE SIDES OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND NON COOKKING EQUIPMENT WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT, GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT FEEDING AND HARBORING IN AREAS.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOOR UNDER THE SHELVING IN THE WALK IN BEER COOLER LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT, DUST AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LARGE WOODEN BOARDS IN THE BASEMENT ALONG SIDE OF WALK IN COOLING UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND CLEAN AREA OR ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT HARBORING IN AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN THE KITCHEN AREA UNDER THE BAR NEXT TO THE KITCHEN AND THE DRAINS WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CREATED FLOOR AREA IN THE BASEMENT BEHIND THE DEEP FREEZERS WITH HEAVY BUILD UP OF DIRT, DUST AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA.
55
70
Dec 15, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: No hands washing sign at basement prep area hand wash sink. instructed to post.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: Chest freezer door in basement's storage room in poor repair, exposed insulation, instructed to repair.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Using grocery bags for food storage in walk-in cooler, instructed to use food grade bags.
49
86
Nov 28, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Nov 18, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN NORTH BAR MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER CHEMICAL SANITIZER CONCENTRATION OF 0PPM OF CHLORINE. MACHINE TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SO THAT MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF DELIVERING CHEMICAL SANITIZER IN PROPER CONCENTRATIONS BETWEEN 50-100PPM OF CHLORINE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO QAC TESTING STRIPS ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SINK IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK, FULLY SUPPLIED, AND CAPABLE OF DELIVERING HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER PRESSURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN SOUTH BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
67
Dec 28, 2021
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: HANDWASHING SIGNAGE MISSING AT THE BACK BAR HANDWASHING SINK. MUST PROVIDE.
10
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND HEAVY DIRT BUILD UP IN THE KITCHEN AREA ON THE FLOOR BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND THE GREASE TRAP UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
90
Dec 20, 2021
Complaint
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AT LEAST 10 LIVE FRUIT FLIES IN THE FRONT MAIN BAR ON EQUIPMENT, ON AND AROUND BOTH BEER COOLERS, AND FLYING AROUND THE BOTTLES OF LIQUOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE TO ELIMINATE ACTIVITY FROM THE PREMISES AND TO CLEAN/SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
38
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 1/17/2020 REPORT 2356980 NOT CORRECTED: VIOLATION #47 (4-501.11) OBSERVED REACH IN FREEZER IN BASEMENT WITH A BROKEN LID. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER. MUST CORRECT PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090.
60
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: HANDWASHING SIGNAGE MISSING AT THE BACK BAR HANDWASHING SINK. MUST PROVIDE.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FOUND SHELVING IN THE BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER MADE OF UNSEALED WOOD. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE SO THAT SHELVES ARE NON-ABSORBENT, NON-CORROSIVE, SMOOTH, AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: FOUND DIRTY WATER AND DEBRIS INSIDE THE BOTTOM PORTION OF BOTH BEER COOLERS IN THE MAIN BAR. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO OF THE AUTOMATIC HANDWASHING SINK FAUCETS IN THE MEN'S BASEMENT RESTROOM AND ONE OF THE AUTOMATIC HANDWASHING SINK FAUCETS IN THE WOMEN'S BASEMENT RESTROOM NOT OPERATING AT THIS TIME. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND HEAVY DIRT BUILD UP IN THE KITCHEN AREA ON THE FLOOR BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND THE GREASE TRAP UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
64
Jan 17, 2020
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2279265 ON 3/12/2019 NOT CORRECTED: "NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN." INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REACH IN FREEZER IN BASEMENT WITH A BROKEN LID. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
47
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: REPEAT CORE VIOLATION. SEE VIOLATION #60.
58
82
Mar 12, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NO HAND SOAP PROVIDED AT BAR AREA HAND WASH SINK, BAR WAS OPEN AND SERVING CUSTOMERS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C)
10
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO VOMIT/ DIARRHEA CLEANUP KIT, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN
5
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: RAW WOOD SHELVING USED IN BASEMENT'S FOOD WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO SEAL.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MISSING LIGHT SHIELD AT KITCHEN CEILING LIGHT, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.
58
70
Mar 13, 2018
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OIL ACCUMULATING ON FLOOR BEHIND COOKLINE COOKING EQUIPMENT. OBSERVED BROKEN GLASS, DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER THE SIDE LIQUOR CAGE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL HAND SINKS NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED. AT THE HANDSINK IN THE MAIN KITCHEN, NOTED NO PAPER TOWELS. AT THE MAIN BAR HANDSINK, NOTED NO SOAP OR PAPER TOWELS. AT THE BACK BAR, NOTED HANDSINK BLOCKED BY A BUCKET SITTING IN THE BASIN, AND NO SOAP OR PAPER TOWELS. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL HANDSINKS MUST BE OPEN AND ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES, AND SUPPLIED WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICE AT ALL TIMES. OPERATOR PROVIDED SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT EACH SINK AND REMOVED THE BUCKET. CRITICAL VIOLATION: 7-38-030
12
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE, NO VALID CERTIFICATES POSTED, WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (FRIES, PIZZA) ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE, WITH VALID, ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED, AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-38-030.
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING REUSED AS SHELF LINERS IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN ALL SHELVING SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH, NON-ABSORBENT AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
32
82
Nov 8, 2016
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 27, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: BAR GLASS MACHINE NOT SANITIZING, 0 PPM CHLORINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN GLASS MACHINE, MUST SANITIZE AT 100 PPM CHLORINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE MULTI-USE UTENSILS AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030. CITATION ISSUED.
8
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SMALL HOLES IN WALL BEHIND DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST SEAL HOLES IN WALLS.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REAR BAR EXPOSED HANDWASH BOWL HOT WATER PRESSURE LOW. MUST INCREASE HOT WATER PRESSURE AT SINK.
38
86
Sep 8, 2015
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 1, 2015
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: NOTED OVER 50 FLYING INSECTS ON WALLS, CEILINGS, SHELVES AND COUNTER TOP OF BARS THROUGH OUT PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS.RECOMMENDED TO CONSULT WITH PEST CONTROL COMPANY. CITATION ISSUED FOR SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-020
18
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: NOTED SOME FOOD ITEMS INSIDE SERVICE COOLER STORED INSIDE TIN CANS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE FOOD ITEMS INSIDE CLEAN CONTAINERS WITH TIGHT FITTING LIDS AND NOT INSIDE THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
30
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BY THE GREASE TRAP AND ALONG WALL BASE AT THE BARS.
34
86
Aug 29, 2014
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: NOTED TEMPERATURE OF SERVICE COOLER AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA TO BE IMPROPER AT 49.8F. 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 TEMPERATURE OF SERVICE COOLER AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA TO BE IMPROPER AT 49.8F. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 40F AND BELOW. CITATION ISSUED FOR CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-005(A)
3
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOTED STANDING WATER INSIDE SERVICE COOLER AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA.ALSO NOTED SLIGHT DISCOLORATION INSIDE LINING OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: NOTED UNEVEN PAVEMENT BROKEN TILES ON FLOOR BY THE WALK IN COOLER AT THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA AND INSIDE WALK IN COOLER. ALSO NOTED GREASE ON FLOOR BEHIND COOKING STOVE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
82
Dec 3, 2013
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Boss Bar last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Boss Bar on file is from Dec 9, 2025. The public record contains 16 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Boss Bar?
Across the inspection record, “adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Boss Bar.
Has Boss Bar's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Boss Bar have averaged around six violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Boss Bar means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Boss Bar inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Boss Bar is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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