Chesa's Bistro & Bar
Last inspected: Jun 27, 2025
78
Score
Across the available record, Chesa's Bistro & Bar has six inspections on file, the first dated 2022. The most recent visit was on Jun 27, 2025. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near six violations per visit.
The pattern that stands out is “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, which has been cited three times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Chesa's Bistro & Bar trails the local norm. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
6
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 27, 2025
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK BEHIND THE FRONT BAR.
10
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: SILVERWARE ON TABLE SETTINGS MUST BE WRAPPED, COVERED OR RESET WHEN CUSTOMER IS SEATED TO PREVENT PUBLIC CONTAMINATION.
44
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF PREP COOLER WITH GREASE ACCUMULATION.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAIN UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST HAVE FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATE.
57
78
Sep 17, 2024
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS.
53
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES AT THE DINNING TABLES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
43
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: NOTED A LARGE POTS UNABLE TO FIT INSIDE THE DISH WASHING MACHINE FOR PROPER WASHING, RINSING AND SANITIZING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR PROPER WASHING AND SANITIZING OF EQUIPMENT OR REMOVE EQUIPMENT.(LARGE POTS AND PANS)
48
86
Jul 8, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NOTED NO ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED AT ALL TIMES AND ALSO THE PERSON IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE BY NEXT INSPECTION (UPON BEING INSPECTED) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED
2
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES AT THE DINNING TABLES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS STORED INSIDE TIN CAN. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.
47
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: NOTED A LARGE POTS UNABLE TO FIT INSIDE THE DISH WASHING MACHINE FOR PROPER WASHING, RINSING AND SANITIZING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR PROPER WASHING AND SANITIZING OF EQUIPMENT OR REMOVE EQUIPMENT.(LARGE POTS AND PANS)
48
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY GREASE AND DIRT ACCUMULATION ON FLOOR BEHIND COOKING STOVE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. MUST ALSO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS AND ON EDGES OF THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS AND PIPES/CONDUITS.
56
67
Aug 24, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: FOUND LOW TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE AT IMPROPER FINAL SANITIZING RINSE AT 0 PPM CHLORINE CONCENTRATION (DISHMACHINE NOT IN USED AT THIS TIME) IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA AND LOW TEMPERATURE WAREWASHING MACHINE BEHIND THE BAR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO FIX AND MAINTAIN. A MECHANICAL DISHWASHING MACHINES SHOULD PROVIDE A FINAL SANITIZING RINSE OF EITHER 50 ? 100 PPM CHLORINE (FOR CHEMICAL SANITIZING MACHINE) OR 180F FINAL RINSE (FOR HOT WATER SANITIZING MACHINE). DISHMACHINE TAGGED ?HELD FOR INSPECTION?. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED (SEE COMMENTS BELOW). PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025
16
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (FLOUR, SALT, SUGAE ETC).
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOLERS AND FREEZERS.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE AND PREP SHELVES IN PREP/COOKING AREA.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
55
67
Sep 30, 2022
Reinspection
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(O)--OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11--OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN REQUIRED PROCEDURE/PLAN AND APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES OR KIT. (NECESSARY ITEMS AT A MINIMUM: GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER/SPRAY THAT IS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
5
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15--OBSERVED GAP OPENING AT BOTTOM CENTER OF FRONT MAIN ENTRANCE DOORS.INSTRUCTED TO PEST PROOF MENTIONED DOORS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 5-501.17--OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE UNISEX WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
53
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13--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
70
Sep 27, 2022
License
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT HANDSINKS IN REAR EMPLOYEE WASHROOM AND INSIDE ONE CUSTOMER UNISEX WASHROOM.HOT WATER TEMPERATURE RANGING FROM (71.6 F-73.0 F).INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT HANDWASHING SINKS WATER TEMPERATURE MUST BE PROVIDED OF AT LEAST 100 F THROUGH A MIXING VALVE OR COMBINATION FAUCET.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).
10
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN REQUIRED PROCEDURE/PLAN AND APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES OR KIT. (NECESSARY ITEMS AT A MINIMUM: GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER/SPRAY THAT IS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
5
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE PLUMBERS PUTTY INSIDE THE BAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.
16
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GAP OPENING AT BOTTOM CENTER OF FRONT MAIN ENTRANCE DOORS.INSTRUCTED TO PEST PROOF MENTIONED DOORS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE UNISEX WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
53
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 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
58
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Chesa's Bistro & Bar last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Chesa's Bistro & Bar on file is from Jun 27, 2025. The public record contains six inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Chesa's Bistro & Bar?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Chesa's Bistro & Bar.
Has Chesa's Bistro & Bar's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Chesa's Bistro & Bar have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Chesa's Bistro & Bar means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Chesa's Bistro & Bar inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Chesa's Bistro & Bar is inspected around two times per year on average.
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