Chicago Waffles Ls

4768 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Café / Breakfast
Last inspected: Oct 8, 2025
45
Score
High Risk

Inspectors have visited Chicago Waffles Ls 17 times, with records going back to 2012. The newest entry in the record is dated Oct 8, 2025. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.

Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around seven violations per visit versus roughly five violations earlier in the record.

The pattern that stands out is “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, which has been cited eight times.

Chicago Waffles Ls' latest score of 45 falls below the Chicago average of 81. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.

17
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
12
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 8, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 14 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
1
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN.----MUST NOT USE RAW WOOD TO ELEVATE THE BAR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST BE A CLEANABLE, NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS. MUST USE FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE PLASTIC BAGS OR WASHABLE CONTAINERS.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE DISH WASHING MACHINE WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ALL SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN NOTED DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: ALL UNUSED COOLERS IN THE BASEMENT MUST BE CLEAN AND OPERATIONAL OR REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WALL BEHIND THE DISH WASHING MACHINE WITH DIRT SPLATTER.----FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN, BAR AND WALK-IN COOLER WITH DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.----MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS MATTING FOR FLOORS.----HOLES IN CEILING THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT DRY FOOD STORAGE AND IN THE WALL BEHIND THE STAND MIXER. MUST SEAL TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----ALL EXPANDING SPRAY FOAM USED AS A SEALANT THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT DRY FOOD STORAGE AND WALK IN COOLER AREA, WHICH IS BUMPY, UNEVEN AND UNABLE TO BE CLEANED, MUST BE CUT DOWN TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NOTED SOME FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES. MUST PROVIDE.
57
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOODS NOT STORED IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: NOTED THE ELECTRIC FLY ELIMINATOR IN THE FOOD PREP AREA/DISH AREA, MUST BE REMOVED.
38
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: NOTED A BEARDED COOK WITHOUT A BEARD RESTRAINT. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL BEARDED FOOD PREPARERS.
40
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE FOOD SCOOPS WITH HANDLES INVERTED FROM THE BULK FOODS.
43
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY IE:UNDER THE BAR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN AND BASEMENT, MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
45
45
Nov 19, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE OUTSIDE AND INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER AND DETAIL CLEAN INTERIORS OF COOLERS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING TILE NEAR THE ENTRANCE TO THE WOMENS WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
56
86
Dec 21, 2023
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE THREE-3 REFRIGERATION UNITS IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN VISIBLE ACCURATE,WORKING THERMOMETERS INSIDE MENTIONED COOLERS.
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
37
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR/EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE DISHMACHINE IN KITCHEN PREP AREA AND INTERIOR LIQUOR/KEG COOLER AT FRONT AREA AND DETAIL CLEAN LIQUOR STORAGE SHELFS IN BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED AT COFFEE/ESPRESSO MACHINE.MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY FLOOR AT BAR UNDERNEATH THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
55
78
Jul 6, 2022
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: 4-602.11(B-E) INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE WITH MINIMAL CALCIUM BUILD-UP.
16
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11 INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
86
May 16, 2022
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE WITH MINIMAL CALCIUM BUILD-UP.
16
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED, WITH COMMON NAME (COCONUT POWDER, SUGAR, SPICES ETC).
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE LIGHTSHIELD WITH DEAD INSECTS ABOVE REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA.
38
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR SURFACES OF 3 COMPARTMENT BAR SINK, INTERIOR SURFACES OF LIQUOR/KEGS REACH IN COOLER IN FRONT AREA AND STORAGE SHELVINGS IN BASEMENT STORAGE.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT MOPSINK FAUCET IN REAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: GOUND CAPPUCCINO MACHINE DRAIN LINE DRAINING INTO ONE COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REALIGN PROPERLY ONTO FLOOR DRAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
67
Mar 9, 2021
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY PROVIDED ON SITE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EMPLOYEES MUST SIGN THE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE OF THE REFRIGERATOR LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
36
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE ICE SCOOP STORED INSIDE OF THE ICE BIN BEHIND THE BAR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT THE ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN CONTAINER OUTSIDE OF THE ICE BIN.
43
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND THE EXTERIOR OF THE GREASE TRAP.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE LOCATED ON THE WATER SUPPLY LINE TO THE ICE MACHINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
51
74
Jul 1, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: 3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER OF RAW AND UNDER COOKED FOODS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED) STATEMENT THAT EATING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
25
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-7-38.010-NO CITATION ISSUED)
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE AND CLEAN-UP KIT ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SAID PROCEDURE ALONG WITH REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR CLEAN-UP. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
5
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION
58
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED AT CAPPUCCINO/ESPRESSO MACHINE AND COFFEE MACHINE. MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES OR AIR GAP BETWEEN THE WATER SUPPLY INLET AND THE UNIT SO IT MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NOTED THE BATHROOMS DOORS ON BOTH BATHROOMS NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT THE DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT BASEMENT ON SHELVES, FLOORS INSIDE UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND IN STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY OR UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST UPGRADE HOUSING KEEPING
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN STAIRWAY TO BASEMENT FROM PILING WALL PAINT
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING CERTIFICATION FROM EMPLOYEE. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EMPLOYEE'S MUST COMPLY WITH FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOOD HANDLING REGULATION ENFORCEMENT ACT
57
55
Jan 19, 2017
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT BULB AT KITCHEN HOOD NOT SHIELDED.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD ON LIGHT BULB OR PROVIDE SHATTER PROOF LIGHT BULB AND MAINTAIN.
36
95
Jan 11, 2017
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RODENT MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOORS ALONG REAR CLUTTERED DRY STORAGE AREAS AND BEHIND REFRIGERATOR. APPROXIMATELY 20 MICE DROPPINGS IN THESE AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. ALSO, THE REAR EXIT DOOR LEADING TO THE STREET IS NOT RODENT PROOF. THERE IS A 1/4" INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM LEFT CORNER OF SAID DOOR. MUST RODENT PROOF THE REAR EXIT DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: CLEAN MULTI-USE KITCHEN UTENSILS NOT PROPERLY STORED.INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT (HANDLES-UP) TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE AND MAINTAIN.
31
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT REQUIRE A DETAIL CLEANING AND REMOVE CIGARETTE BUTTS FROM BASEMENT FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT BULB AT KITCHEN HOOD NOT SHIELDED.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD ON LIGHT BULB OR PROVIDE SHATTER PROOF LIGHT BULB AND MAINTAIN.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: SMALL WATER LEAK AT WATER VALVE BENEATH THE KITCHEN DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES FROM THE DRY STORAGE AREAS AND EQUIPMENTS(UNUSED/BROKEN ICE MACHINES)DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE STOCK ITEMS AT LEAST 6" INCHES OFF THE FLOOR/WALL FOR EASIER CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
41
74
Aug 3, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: No city of Chicago certified food manager on site while potentially hazardous foods are being served and/or prepared (Milk and cut fruit). Instructed facility that a city of Chicago certified food manager must be on site at all times when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and/or served. Serious citation issued 7-38-012(a).
21
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Observed dirt accumulation on the upper interior portion of the ice machine. Instructed facility to clean, sanitize, and maintain.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Observed damaged ceiling tiles in the rear above the refrigeration and prep area. Instructed facility to repair and maintain.
35
No smoking regulations
Inspector notes: Upon arrival observed smoking on the patio directly attached to the facility where food and drink are served. Also observed a Styrofoam coffee cup with liquid inside used as an ashtray with a cigarette butt inside. Instructed facility there are to be no ashtrays on site, and no smoking to occur inside facility or in patio area and must be at least 15 feet away from door and facility. Citation issued 7-32-015.
70
82
Jun 25, 2015
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: STORING FOIL ON SHELVING SURFACES, INSTRUCTED TO RESTRICT AND REMOVE ALL FOIL, SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR NOT CLEAN ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT ESPECIALLY UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING FLOORS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN FLOORS IN A CLEANER FASHION,
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CHIPPING PLASTER ON WALL REAR STORAGE AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND REPAINT, ALL SURFACES MST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE,
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: NO LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER STORED IN REAR STORAGE AREA AND IN BASEMENT AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TO PREVENT RODENT AND INSECT HARBORAGE. MUST REORGANIZE. USABLE ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING IN ILLINOIS CERTIFICATES AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION, MUST PROVIDE,
45
74
Jun 23, 2015
Routine
12 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: PREMISES HAS NO COLD RUINING WATER AT EXPOSED HAND SINK IN KITCHEN PREP AREA, WHERE FOODS ARE COOKED AND PREPARED, INSTRUCTED THAT SINK MUST HAVE TEMPERED OR HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER, TO PROPERLY WASH HANDS, PREMISES PLACED ON 48 HOUR NOTICE, SUPERVISOR AND OFFICE NOTIFIED, CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-030
11
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 10 SMALL FLIES (FRUIT FLIES), BY REAR DOOR FLYING AROUND DIRTY LINEN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND BETTER MAINTAIN AREA, SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-020
18
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOODS INSIDE COOLER NOT LABELED OR DATED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND DATE ALL FOODS NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: STORING FOIL ON SHELVING SURFACES, INSTRUCTED TO RESTRICT AND REMOVE ALL FOIL, SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR NOT CLEAN ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT ESPECIALLY UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING FLOORS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN FLOORS IN A CLEANER FASHION,
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CHIPPING PLASTER ON WALL REAR STORAGE AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND REPAINT, ALL SURFACES MST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE,
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: NO LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO THREE SINK STOPPERS FOR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, LOW WATER PRESSURE AT HAND SINK IN WOMENS BATHROOM AND LEAK UNDER SINK IN MENS BATHROOM, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR ALL PLUMBING ISSUES AND BETTER MAINTAIN,
38
Linen: clean and soiled properly stored
Inspector notes: SOILED LINEN IMPROPERLY STORED, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE STORAGE CONTAINERS TO ELIMINATE PEST ISSUES,
39
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER STORED IN REAR STORAGE AREA AND IN BASEMENT AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TO PREVENT RODENT AND INSECT HARBORAGE. MUST REORGANIZE. USABLE ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING IN ILLINOIS CERTIFICATES AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION, MUST PROVIDE,
45
55
Sep 4, 2014
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON PREMISES WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARODUS FOOD- CHICEKN IN COOLER AT 34.3 F IS BEING SERVED. INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
21
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOODS INISDE COOLER NOT LABELED OR DATED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND DATE ALL FOODS NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: EXHAUST HOOD, FILERS, ICE MACHINE, SINKS, COOLER, SODA GUN HOLDER, AND PREP COUNTER NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR IN PREP AREA NOT MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR FLOOR AND REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SCREEN WINDOW IN TOILET ROOM NOT MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE TORN SCREEN.
35
78
Aug 27, 2014
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON PREMISES WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARODUS FOOD- CHICEKN IN COOLER AT 34.3 F IS BEING SERVED. INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
21
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: DISH WASHING FACILITIES NOT MAINTAINED OR OPERATED. WHILE RUNNING AND DRAINING WATER IN MIDDLE OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, WATER COMING UNDER LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES AND RIGHT IS DRAINING SLOWLY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN GREASE TRAP AND DRAINLINES TO PREVENT INADEUATE DISPOSAL OF DRAIN WATER. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030.
24
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOODS INISDE COOLER NOT LABELED OR DATED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND DATE ALL FOODS NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: EXHAUST HOOD, FILERS, ICE MACHINE, SINKS, COOLER, SODA GUN HOLDER, AND PREP COUNTER NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR IN PREP AREA NOT MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR FLOOR AND REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SCREEN WINDOW IN TOILET ROOM NOT MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE TORN SCREEN.
35
74
Aug 29, 2013
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: PREP FOODS INSIDE THE STORAGE COOLERS NOT LABELED; INSTRUCTED TO DATE/LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD. NO DOOR HANDLE FOR ONE DOOR REACH IN FREEZER; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDLE.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OPENINGS AROUND PIPES AND WALLS INSIDE THE FURNACE ROOM AND PREP AREA; INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
35
86
Aug 22, 2013
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. NO ENROLLMENT DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES, WITH A CITY SANITATION CERTIFICATE. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED, 7-38-012.
21
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #1214924, DATED 5-15-2012; VIOLATIONS #32,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DRAIN RACKS ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK FOR PROPER DRYING OF MULTI-USE UTENSIL. #33,INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE KITCHEN, COOKING EQUIPMENT (STOVE AND OVEN) WITH HEAVY GREASE BUILD-UP, POTS AND PANS ENCRUSTED WITH GREASE OR REPLACE, INTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS, PREP SHELVES, STORAGE SHELVES, INTERIOR SURFACES OF TOILET HAND SINK CABINETS, HOOD/CANOPY WITH HEAVY DUST BUILD-UP, AND SODA GUN HOLDER. #34, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT ESPECIALLY UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING FLOORS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT. #35,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALL VENT COVER WITH HEAVY GREASE AND DUST BUILD-UP ABOVE HOOD/CANOPY IN THE KITCHEN. #38, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKY PIPE (AROUND DRAINPIPE) UNDER EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE KITCHEN. #40, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS. #41,INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER STORED IN REAR STORAGE AREA AND IN BASEMENT AREA TO PREVENT RODENT AND INSECT HARBORAGE. MUST REORGANIZE. USABLE ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED, 7-42-090.
29
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: PREP FOODS INSIDE THE STORAGE COOLERS NOT LABELED; INSTRUCTED TO DATE/LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD. NO DOOR HANDLE FOR ONE DOOR REACH IN FREEZER; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDLE.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OPENINGS AROUND PIPES AND WALLS INSIDE THE FURNACE ROOM AND PREP AREA; INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
35
78
May 15, 2012
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DRAIN RACKS ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK FOR PROPER DRYING OF MULTI-USE UTENSIL.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE KITCHEN, COOKING EQUIPMENT (STOVE AND OVEN) WITH HEAVY GREASE BUILD-UP, POTS AND PANS ENCRUSTED WITH GREASE OR REPLACE, INTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS, PREP SHELVES, STORAGE SHELVES, INTERIOR SURFACES OF TOILET HAND SINK CABINETS, HOOD/CANOPY WITH HEAVY DUST BUILD-UP, AND SODA GUN HOLDER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT ESPECIALLY UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING FLOORS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALL VENT COVER WITH HEAVY GREASE AND DUST BUILD-UP ABOVE HOOD/CANOPY IN THE KITCHEN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKY PIPE (AROUND DRAINPIPE) UNDER EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE KITCHEN.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER STORED IN REAR STORAGE AREA AND IN BASEMENT AREA TO PREVENT RODENT AND INSECT HARBORAGE. MUST REORGANIZE. USABLE ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.
41
70

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Chicago Waffles Ls last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Chicago Waffles Ls on file is from Oct 8, 2025. The public record contains 17 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Chicago Waffles Ls?

Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Chicago Waffles Ls.

Has Chicago Waffles Ls' inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Chicago Waffles Ls have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly five earlier in the record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Chicago Waffles Ls means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.

How often is Chicago Waffles Ls inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Chicago Waffles Ls is inspected roughly once per year on average.