Captain Hooks Fish & Chicken/Firehouse Grill
Last inspected: Apr 8, 2025
74
Score
Inspectors have visited Captain Hooks Fish & Chicken/Firehouse Grill 14 times, with records going back to 2010. On Apr 8, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around three violations to closer to 10 violations per visit.
“Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing six times across the record.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting Captain Hooks Fish & Chicken/Firehouse Grill on the weaker side. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
14
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 8, 2025
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE GARBAGE CAN WITH LID IN UNISEX TOILETROOMS.
53
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICTES FOR ALL FOOD HANDLER. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CE3RTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN AWARENESS CERTIFICATES AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
58
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: UNABLE TO LOCATE THERMOMETERS INSIDE OF COOLING UNITS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS CONTAINING WORKING INGREDIENTS... SUGAR, FLOUR, BREADING ETC. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COMMON NAME INGREDIENT.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FROZEN CHICKEN STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS INSIDE WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
47
74
Jul 27, 2023
Complaint
1 major violation. 13 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP AVAILABLE AT HANDSINK IN DISWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDSOAP AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C) CITATION ISSUED
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND SIGNAGE AT THE HAND SINK IN THE DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
39
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOOD.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE ONE DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE KITCHEN NEAR THE FRIER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS FLOOR LINERS IN THE MAIN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER OIL FILTERING UNIT WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE WQLK-IN COOLER IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE NEAR THE EMPLOYEE TOLIET ROOM. INSTRUCTED REPLACE THE STAINED CEILING TILES
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN UTILITY AND DRY STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE HOOD VENTILATION FILTERS WITH A BUILD UP OF DUST AND GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF HELPING PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF FOODS BEING PREPARED AS IT SITS OVER A COLD PREP STATION.
56
47
Apr 20, 2020
Routine
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. SUPPLIES MUST INCLUDE ADEQUATE SANITIZER THAT ELIMINATES NOROVIRUS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES TO PROPERLY HANDLE BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND SIGNAGE AT THE HAND SINK IN THE DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTH LAYING ON THE FOOD PREP COUNTER IN THE KITCHEN. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE ONE DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE KITCHEN NEAR THE FRIER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER/SPLASH GUARD ON BACK OF COOLERS PREP EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DUST AND FOOD DEBRIS UNDER SHELVES AND EQUIPMENT IN THE PREP AREAS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE PREP COOLERS IN THE KITCHEN IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE NEAR THE EMPLOYEE TOLIET ROOM. INSTRUCTED REPLACE THE STAINED CEILING TILES.
55
58
Jul 27, 2017
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED THE RUBBER GASKET AROUND THE DOOR IN THE FRONT PREP COOLER IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN THE FRONT PREP AREA AROUND AND BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS TO REMOVE SPILLS,GREASE AND/OR DEBRIS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST ON THE CEILING VENTS IN THE DINING AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED A LEAKY FAUCET AT THE FRONT EXPOSED HAND SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
78
May 10, 2016
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE LIGHT SHIELD COVERS THROUGHOUT REAR AND PREP AREA,OF DUST BUILD-UP
35
95
May 3, 2016
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED SUCH AS,FISH AND CHICKEN,SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
21
Dish machines: provided with accurate thermometers, chemical test kits and suitable gauge cock
Inspector notes: NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS TO TEST THE STRENGTH OF THE SANITIZER AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WHEN SET UP(.WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE)SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030
22
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE LIGHT SHIELD COVERS THROUGHOUT REAR AND PREP AREA,OF DUST BUILD-UP
35
86
Aug 25, 2015
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST ON THE CEILING VENTS AND LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE DINING AREA; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN VENTS AND LIGHT SHIELDS. THE VENTS IN THE HOODED SYSTEM ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT NEED CLEANING TO REMOVE BUILD UP.
35
95
May 14, 2014
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL ALL MEATS IN WALK IN COOLER AND FREEZER.
30
95
Jul 22, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE HOOD, FILTERS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, FRYERS AND CABINETS UNDERNEATH THICK WITH GREESE BUILDUP.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FLOOR UNDERNEATH THE FRYESS HAS GREASE BUILDUP. ALSO REPLACE THE MISSING COVING (BASEBOARDS) WHERE NEEDED.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPLACE THE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE DINING ROOM.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE LIDHT SHIELDS UNDERNEATH THE HOOD THEY HAVE GREASE BUILDUP ON THEM.
36
82
Jun 18, 2012
Complaint
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE (CHICKEN,FISH,FRENCH FRIES,ETC)IS BEING PREPARED ,SERVED & HANDLED AT THIS TIME.MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(SERIOUS 7-38-012).
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN GASKETS ON REACH IN FREEZERS.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE,WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN GREASE & FOOD DEBRI FROM SHELVING UNITS IN PREP COOLER,FILTERS AT HOOD,ROLLING CART,PREP TABLE,DEEP FRYER,WINDOW SILLS,POP SLEEVES,LIGHT SHIELDS,PIPES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT,FAN GUARDS IN WALK IN COOLER,VENTILATION VENTS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER & FLOOR DRAINS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING WALL BASES UNDER FRONT HAND SINK & STAINED CEILING TILES IN REAR AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE BURNT OUT LIGHT BULBS IN WALK IN FREEZER & LOBBY.
36
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER FOR DESSERT & PREP COOLERS.
40
70
May 1, 2012
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. DETAIL CLEAN INSIDE/OUTSIDE OF DEEP FRYERS, FILTERS, EXHAUST HOOD HEAVY WITH GREASE, STORAGE SHELVES IN REAR, INSIDE/OUTSIDE OF LARGE WHITE BINS WITH COVERS.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: The flow of air discharged from kitchen fans shall always be through a duct to a point above the roofline. 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. REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET ON 3 COMP SINK.
38
90
May 11, 2011
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: Adequate and convenient hand washing facilities shall be provided for all employees. SOME SINKS DID NOT HAVE SOAP/PAPER TOWELS. MUST PROVIDE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND WASH SINKS. CITATION ISSUED
12
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: All food should be properly protected from contamination during storage, preparation, display, service, and transportation. FOOD NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, i.e. FISH,CHICKEN IN WALK IN COOLER COATINGS OPEN (UNCOVERED) IN REAR WITH BROOM HANGING OVER THE COATING. CITATION ISSUED
16
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 INSIDE/OUTSIDE OF DEEP FRYERS, FILTERS, EXHAUST HOOD HEAVY WITH GREASE, STORAGE SHELVES IN REAR, INSIDE/OUTSIDE OF LARGE WHITE BINS WITH COVERS.
33
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. 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. REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET ON 3 OMP SINK.
38
82
Mar 29, 2010
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Mar 22, 2010
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: A separate and distinct offense shall be deemed to have been committed for each Minor violation that is not corrected upon re-inspection by the health authority. CONTINUED NON-COMPLIANCE ON PREVIOUS MINOR ORDERS ISSUED 2/25/2009 FOR VIOLATIONS NUMBER (33) MUST CLEAN TOPS AND SIDES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, HOODED AREA ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT, INTERIOR CABINETS OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AND CLEAN ALL BULK CONTAINERS REAR STORAGE AREA AND (38) MUST REPAIR FAUCET TO REAR EXPOSED HAND BOWL SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED
29
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 PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD TO FRONT EXPOSED HAND BOWL BY COOKING AREA
32
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Captain Hooks Fish & Chicken/Firehouse Grill last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Captain Hooks Fish & Chicken/Firehouse Grill on file is from Apr 8, 2025. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Captain Hooks Fish & Chicken/Firehouse Grill?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Captain Hooks Fish & Chicken/Firehouse Grill.
Has Captain Hooks Fish & Chicken/Firehouse Grill's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Captain Hooks Fish & Chicken/Firehouse Grill have averaged around 10 violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Captain Hooks Fish & Chicken/Firehouse Grill 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 Captain Hooks Fish & Chicken/Firehouse Grill inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Captain Hooks Fish & Chicken/Firehouse Grill is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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