Butcher and the Bear
Last inspected: Sep 25, 2025
64
Score
Butcher and the Bear appears in inspection records seven times, starting in 2019. The most recent report on file is from Sep 25, 2025. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around four violations each.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” comes up most often, recorded four times in the inspection record.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Butcher and the Bear trails the local norm. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
7
Inspections
2
Critical latest
1
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 25, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER IN BASEMENT. OBSERVED TCS FOODS SUCH AS LAMB CHOPS, FILET, TARTARE, RIBEYES BONE IN AND OUT, CHICKEN, MEAT SAUCE, COOKED NOODLES WERE ALL HELD AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE BETWEEN 48-53F. TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW. FOOD DISCARDED VOLUNTARILY. FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 150 LBS AT A COST OF $3,000. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER IN BASEMENT AT 53F. AMBIENT TEMPERATURE INSIDE OF A COLD HOLDING UNIT MUST BE AT 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW OYSTERS IN CONTAINER WITH NO SHELLSTOCK TAG ATTACHED. SHELLSTOCK tags or labels shall remain attached to the container in which the SHELLSTOCK are received until the container is empty. OBSERVED NO DATE RECORDED ON SHELLSTOCK TAG OF THE LAST ITEM SOLD/SERVED. The date when the last SHELLSTOCK from the container is sold or served shall be recorded on the tag or label. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
14
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
64
Jul 23, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED CLUTTER IN BASEMENT MOP SINK CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE MOPS, BROOMS AND DUST PANS.
55
95
Jan 5, 2023
Complaint
2 critical violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper hot holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS COOKED FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE IN THE ABOVE MENTIONED STEAM TABLE. COOKED RICE AT 57.9F, COOKED CHORIZO AT 45.1, TCS SAUCES AT 47F, BLACK BEANS AT 80.6F. PRIORITY VIOLATION. SEE THE ABOVE VIOLATION #19 FOR CITATION.
21
Proper reheating procedures for hot holding
Inspector notes: NOTED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS BEING IMPROPERLY REHEATED FOR HOT HOLDING. COOK SLOWLY REHEATING FOODS IN THE STEAM TABLE. FOODS SUCH AS COOKED RICE AT 57.9F, COOKED CHORIZO AT 45.1, TCS SAUCES AT 47F, BLACK BEANS AT 80.6F. REVIEWED PROPER REHEATING OF COOKED FOODS RAPIDLY TO 165F THEN HOLDING HOT IN THE STEAM TABLE AT A TEMPERATURE NO LESS THAN 135F. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY REHEAT ALL FOODS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
19
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: EXPOSED FLATWARE AT PRESET DINING ROOM TABLES MUST BE PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A LID FOR THE BAR ICE BIN WHEN BIN IS NOT IN USE/SERVICE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MISSING WALL TILES AT THE WALL MOUNTED KNIFE HOLDER IN THE KITCHEN. MUST REPLACE.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATE FOR THE CITY OF CHICAGO PENDING CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. MUST PROVIDE.
58
61
Aug 19, 2022
Routine
2 critical violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
No bare hand contact with rte food or a pre-approved alternative procedure properly allowed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CROSS-CONTAMINATION FROM HANDS/BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS. COOK SLICING AND DICING FRESH TOMATOES AND CILANTRO, STORE THEM IN A CONTAINER AND STORE THEM INSIDE THE COOLER. REVIEWED GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES OF NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS. ALL FOOD WAS DISCARDED.POUNDS #3,VALUE 5 PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
9
Food in good condition, safe, & unadulterated
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DURING COOLING PROCESS A HOUSE FLY INSIDE COOKED CHICKEN IN A PLASTIC CONTAINER STORED ON TOP THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED BY THE OWNER. POUNDS 7, VALUE $10. PRIORITY VIOLATION:7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.
13
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN CONTAINER BETWEEN USE BEHIND THE BAR AREA.
43
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: LABEL FOOD IN DRY STORAGE WITH A COMMON NAME.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SIDE DOOR WIDE OPENED, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP IT CLOSED AT ALL TIMES OR PROVIDE A SCREEN DOOR.
38
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOK WITH BEARD AND WITHOUT A BEARD RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BEARD RESTRAINTS. ALSO OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: A BUCKET WITH SANITIZE SOLUTION AND LINEN MUST BE PROVIDED AT PREP TABLES
41
58
Nov 24, 2020
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN WALK IN FREEZER IN BASEMENT. MUST USE FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MINOR DUST BUILD UP ON VENT IN WALK IN COOLER IN BASEMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
90
Feb 19, 2019
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE BIN LIQUID WASTE DRAINAGE TUBE AT MAIN BAR, NOT CONVEYED/DIRECTED TO FLOOR DRAIN AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INFORMED MANAGER THAT LIQUID WASTE DRAINAGE TUBE MUST DIRECTED/CONVEYED TO DISCHARGE INTO FLOOR/PLUMBING DRAIN UNDERNEATH SAID EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RE DIRECT/CONVEY LIQUID WASTE DRAINAGE TUBE TO DISCHARGE TO FLOOR PLUMBING DRAIN ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
52
95
Feb 13, 2019
License
4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO COMPLY AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VOMIT AND DIARHEAL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON SITE AS WELL NO NECESSARY ITEMS/KIT ON SITE FOR THE CLEAN UP OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE VOMIT AND DIARHEAL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE AND NECESSARY ITEMS/KIT (DISPOSAL MOP HEAD, SINGLE USE GLOVES, FACE MASK AND APPROVED CHEMICAL SANITIZER)/ ON SITE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK AT COOK LINE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL HAND SINK AT SAID AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED.
10
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE/REMINDER INDICATED ON MENU FOR RAW/UNDER COOKED FOODS, FOR CUSTOMER VIEW. INFORMED MANAGER THAT THE DISCLOSURE/REMINDER STATEMENT AND INDICATOR MUST BE IN PLAIN VIEW OF THE CUSTOMER, INDICATED ON MENU OF RAW/UNDER COOKED FOODS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CONSUMER ADVISORY SIGNAGE, DISCLOSURE/REMINDER INDICATED ON MENU. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION # 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINKS AT THE FOLLOWING AREAS -BAR AREA -BASEMENT PREP AREA ADJACENT TO WALK IN COOLER INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SIGNAGE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
10
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: UNABLE TO IDENTIFY BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO IDENTIFY AND OR INSTALL BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
51
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE BIN LIQUID WASTE DRAINAGE TUBE AT MAIN BAR, NOT CONVEYED/DIRECTED TO FLOOR DRAIN AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INFORMED MANAGER THAT LIQUID WASTE DRAINAGE TUBE MUST DIRECTED/CONVEYED TO DISCHARGE INTO FLOOR/PLUMBING DRAIN UNDERNEATH SAID EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RE DIRECT/CONVEY LIQUID WASTE DRAINAGE TUBE TO DISCHARGE TO FLOOR PLUMBING DRAIN ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
52
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LIDDED TRASH CAN RECEPTACLES FOR SANITARY NAPKINS IN LADY RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW UNFINISHED BRICK WALL IN BASEMENT PREP AREA ADJACENT TO WALK IN COOLER. INFORMED MANAGER THAT SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL SAID AREA AND ENSURE SURFACE IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALLERGEN AWARENESS CERTIFICATE NOT MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN AWARENESS CERTIFICATES. NO CITATION ISSUED
58
50
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Butcher and the Bear last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Butcher and the Bear on file is from Sep 25, 2025. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Butcher and the Bear?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Butcher and the Bear.
Has Butcher and the Bear's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Butcher and the Bear have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Butcher and the Bear 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 Butcher and the Bear inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Butcher and the Bear is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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