Buffalo Sam
Last inspected: Apr 24, 2025
55
Score
Buffalo Sam appears in inspection records 11 times, starting in 2010. The latest inspection on file is from Apr 24, 2025. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.
The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around six violations to closer to three violations per visit over the last few inspections.
Across the inspection history, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded six times.
That's lower than the typical Chicago restaurant, which scores around 81. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
11
Inspections
1
Critical latest
3
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 24, 2025
Complaint
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper hot holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 35 LBS OF COOKED CHICKEN WINGS AND FISH FILETS STORED IN BULK CONTAINERS ON PREP TABLE SHELF DURING TIME OF INSPECTION AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. NOTED TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 70�F-82�F. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO HOLD ALL TCS HOT FOODS AT 135�F OR HIGHER AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. THE PERSON IN CHARGE VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED THE SAID FOOD ITEM AT THIS TIME. TOTAL COST OF DICARDED FOOD @$100.
21
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE POSTED OR NECESSARY ITEMS OUTLINED IN THE POLICY AVAILABLE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARHEAL EVENTS THAT CAN OCCUR IN THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
5
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 3 FOOD HANDLERS WASHING HANDS IMPROPERLY IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT FOOD EMPLOYEES SHALL ONLY WASH HANDS IN THE HANDWASHING SINK ONLY AS REQUIRED, NOT WHERE FOOD PREP OR WAREWASHING TAKES PLACE.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
8
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE WHILE PREAPRING AND SERVING, CHICKEN, FISH, SHRIMP, BURGERS, SLICED TOMATOES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE CERTIFICATE HOLDER ON SITE WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK LOCATED IN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALL FOOD HANDLERS OPERATING WITHOUT EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
40
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERFTIFICATES FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW.
57
55
Feb 28, 2024
License
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALL BASE BEHIND FRYERS AS WELL AS IN EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM IN DISREPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DRIED FOOD SPLATTER IN FRONT NEAR REGISTERS WHERE SAUCES ARE STORED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN BASIN IN UNUSED POP MACHINE ON TOP OF COUNTER.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BURNED OUT LIGHT BULBS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.
56
86
Oct 21, 2020
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Jun 29, 2020
Reinspection
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SINGED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN FOR REVIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON SITE OR NECESSARY ITEMS OUTLINED IN THE POLICY AVAILABLE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARHEAL EVENTS THAT CAN OCCUR IN THE ESTABLISHMENT. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE PROPERLY WORKING THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL OF REFRIGERATION UNITS ON PREMISE AND MAINTAIN.
36
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS AND MAINTAIN.
40
74
Jun 18, 2020
Routine
4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE FOR TESTING THE INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
36
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE FOR TESTING SANITIZING SOLUTION PPM AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
48
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SINGED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN FOR REVIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON SITE OR NECESSARY ITEMS OUTLINED IN THE POLICY AVAILABLE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARHEAL EVENTS THAT CAN OCCUR IN THE ESTABLISHMENT. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS AND MAINTAIN.
40
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVILY SOILED GREASE BUCKETS STACKED AND STORED INSIDE STORAGE ROOM CONNECTED TO TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ITEMS AND MAINTAIN PREMISE.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE PROPERLY WORKING THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL OF REFRIGERATION UNITS ON PREMISE AND MAINTAIN.
36
55
May 25, 2018
Complaint
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNHYGIENIC FOOD HANDLING PRACTICES BY A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE. OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE TOUCH A WET WIPING CLOTH ON THE PREP TABLE THEN PROCEED TO PREPARE CHICKEN IN THE BREADING WITHOUT TAKING OFF THE GLOVES AND WASHING HIS HANDS. ALSO, OBSERVED THE EMPLOYEE TAKE OFF AND PUT ON A NEW PAIR OF GLOVES WITHOUT FIRST WASHING HIS HANDS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT EMPLOYEES ARE PROPERLY TRAINED TO WASH THEIR HANDS WHEN NECESSARY. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-010A.
6
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: REMOVE THE CARDBOARD ON THE FLOOR OF THE WALK-IN COOLER.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN WALLS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR THE LEAK AT THE DRAIN LINE OF THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST PROVIDE.
42
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF THE PREP TABLE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE WET WIPING CLOTHS IN A CONTAINER OF SANITIZER WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
45
70
Oct 18, 2016
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FINISH CLEANING ALL RACKS AND SHELVES INSIDE WALKK-IN COOLER(INCLUDING THE DOOR), ALL CUTTING BOARDS AND PREP TABLES, EXTERIORS OF BULK FOOD CONTAINERS, INTERIOR OF REACH-IN FREEZER IN FOOD PREP AREA, AND EXTERIORS OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FOOD PREP AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR IN WALK-IN FREEZER.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FINISH CLEANING ALL WALLS, DOORS, CEILING TILES THE HOOD AND LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT ALL AREAS OF OPERATION.
35
86
Oct 11, 2016
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: OUTSIDE GREASE DUMPSTER NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED, GREASE AND DEBRIS FOUND STUCK ON THE LID EXTERIOR - MUST KEEP THE OUTSIDE OF THE GREASE DUMPSTER CLEAN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
19
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FOLLOWING: ALL RACKS AND SHELVES INSIDE WALKK-IN COOLER(INCLUDING THE DOOR), ALL CUTTING BOARDS AND PREP TABLES, EXTERIORS OF BULK FOOD CONTAINERS, INTERIOR OF REACH-IN FREEZER IN FOOD PREP AREA, AND EXTERIORS OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FOOD PREP AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR IN WALK-IN FREEZER.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FOLLOWING: ALL WALLS, DOORS, CEILING TILES THE HOOD AND LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT ALL AREAS OF OPERATION.
35
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ALL EMPLOYEE(S) HANDLING OPEN FOODS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINT(S).
42
78
Oct 20, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR TOP PORTION OF THE PREP COOLER AND THE INSIDE OF 2 DOOR FREEZER TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE FLOOR CORNERS INSIDE THE FURNACE ROOM TO REMOVE DEBRIS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DUST FROM THE VENT COVER IN THE TOILET ROOM.
35
86
Jan 10, 2012
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 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 CLEAN SHELVES INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND MAINTAIN. REPLACE OR REPAIR LOOSE RUBBER GASKETS AT REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER DOORS WHERE NEEDED.
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. CLEAN BOTTOM OF FRYERS TO REMOVE DUST AND GREASE. CLEAN HOODS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN (CDI).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR IN CLOSET WHERE FURNACE LOCATED.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FINISH WALLS IN FURNACE CLOSET; DRY WALL NOTED.
35
82
May 20, 2010
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 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 BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS,DESSERTS.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use.MUST STORE KNIVES FROM IN BETWEEN EQUIPMENT.
31
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 REMOVE CARD BOARD FROM PREP TABLES.
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.MUST CLEAN REACH IN FREEZER,SODA MACHINE NOZZLES,WALL VENT.
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.MUST REPLACE MISSING FLOOR TILE NEXT TO MOP SINK
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.MUST CLEAN WALL IN PREP AREA.MUST REPLACE LOOSE AND DAMAGED WALL BASES IN PREP AREA & FURNANCE ROOM.MUST SEAL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES IN FURNANCE ROOM
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces.MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN PREP AREA & LOBBY.
36
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 REPAIR LEAKY PIPE AT HAND SINK IN TOILET ROOM.
38
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Buffalo Sam last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Buffalo Sam on file is from Apr 24, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Buffalo Sam?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Buffalo Sam.
Has Buffalo Sam's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Buffalo Sam have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Buffalo Sam 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 Buffalo Sam inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Buffalo Sam is inspected about once every two years on average.
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