Columbia Yacht Club
Last inspected: Aug 14, 2025
45
Score
Columbia Yacht Club appears in inspection records 15 times, starting in 2010. Inspectors last stopped by on Aug 14, 2025. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near four violations per visit.
“Proper cooling methods used” comes up most often, recorded five times in the inspection record.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. Diners may want to weigh the inspection history when deciding to visit.
15
Inspections
2
Critical latest
3
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 14, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO COLD HOLDING UNITS AT IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 51.6-61.7F. OBSERVED TWO DRAWER COLD HOLDING UNIT AT IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 61.7F AND OBSERVED WALK IN COOLER IN PREP AREA AT IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 51.6F. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS MUST BE MAINTAINED AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED DURING RECENT INSPECTION ON 8/15/2025 OBSERVED BOTH COLD HOLDING UNITS REPAIRED, OBSERVED PROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 38.3F FOR TWO DRAWER COLD HOLDING UNIT AND OBSERVED PROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 39.4F FOR WALK IN COOLER IN PREP AREA AFTER REPAIR. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
33
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 43.9-66.4F. OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, SEAFOOD SOUP(53.2F), BEEF(50.0-51.6F),VEGETABLE SOUP(51.4F), FISH(48.7-52.3F), SHRIMP(49.5F), PORK(43.9-53.4F), BUTTER(52.0F), BUTTERMILK(52.7-53.5F), YOGURT(50.2F), HALF N HALF(52.0F), SOUR CREAM(50.9F), CREAM CHEESE(51.8F), CHEESE(45.5-55.9F), CHEESE SAUCE(53.0-64.7F), DICED TOMATOES(50.4F), RICE(47.3F), CORN(60.4F), BEANS(60.1F), SLICED TOMATOES(59.9F), SALAD MIX(58.6-59.4F) AND ROASTED PEPPERS(64.0-66.4F)HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD VALUED AT $1726 WEIGHING 256LBS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
22
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS ON MENU WITHOUT AN ASTERISK IDENTIFYING THEM AS BEING SERVED RAW, UNDERCOOKED, COOKED TO ORDER OR CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS. OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE ON MENU STATING THAT ASTERISKED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS ARE SERVED RAW, UNDERCOOKED, COOKED TO ORDER OR CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS. CORRECTED ON SITE ASTERISKS IDENTIFYING ALL ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS THAT CAN BE SERVED RAW, UNDERCOOKED, COOKED TO ORDER OR CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS ADDED TO MENU AND DISCLOSURE STATING THAT ASTERISKED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS CAN BE SERVED RAW, UNDERCOOKED, COOKED TO ORDER OR CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS ADDED TO MENU BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
25
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR FOR MEASURING SURFACE TEMPERATURE OF UTENSILS AND OTHER DISHES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. CORRECTED DURING RECENT INSPECTION ON 8/15/2025, FACILITY PROVIDED RECEIPT DATED 8/15/2025 FOR ORDER OF IRREVERSIBLE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR FOR MEASURING SURFACE TEMPERATURE OF UTENSILS AND OTHER DISHES. DISHWASHER 160F TEST STRIPS PURCHASED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
48
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTIPLE SHELLSTOCK TAGS FROM JUNE,JULY AND AUGUST 2025 WITH NO DATE WHEN THE LAST SHELLSTOCK FROM THE CONTAINER IS SOLD OR SERVED. INSTRUCTED 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
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPOSED ICE IN TWO ICE BINS IN BAR WITH NO LID/COVER ON ICE BINS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIDS/COVERS FOR ICE BINS IN BAR TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF ICE IN ICE BINS DURING STORAGE TO PREVENT EXPOSURE TO SPLASHES, DUST OR OTHER CONTAMINATION.
39
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PRESET KNIVES AND FORKS ON TABLES IN INDOOR DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TABLEWARE THAT IS PRESET SHALL BE PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION BY BEING WRAPPED, COVERED OR INVERTED OR PRESET TABLEWARE MAY BE EXPOSED IF UNUSED SETTINGS ARE REMOVED WHEN A CONSUMER IS SEATED OR SETTINGS NOT REMOVED WHEN A CONSUMER IS SEATED ARE CLEANED AND SANITIZED BEFORE FURTHER USE.
44
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FADED DATA PLATE ON HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED A WAREWASHING MACHINE SHALL BE PROVIDED WITH AN EASILY ACCESSIBLE AND READABLE DATA PLATE AFFIXED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT INDICATES THE MACHINE'S DESIGN AND OPERATION SPECIFICATIONS.
48
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: UNABLE TO VERIFY EXISTENCE OF BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK IN FIRST FLOOR UTILITY CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE SO THAT IT SHALL BE LOCATED SO THAT IT MAY BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
45
Sep 4, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DISH RACKS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE DISH RACKS TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.
39
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE IN ICE BIN UNCOVERED IN THE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO COVER ICE TO PROTECT FROM POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON THE COUNTERS IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP ALL WIPING CLOTHS STORED IN PROPER SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
86
Sep 19, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 12, 2023
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: Dish washing facilities not maintained. High temp dish washing machine final rinse gauge is inoperable. instructed manager to replace. priority foundation violation 7-38-005.
48
90
Sep 16, 2021
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CONDENSATION NOTED ON WALK-IN COOLER COOLING LINES, INSTRUCTED TO INSULATE AND MAINTAIN.
55
95
Oct 1, 2020
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: FOUND WIPING CLOTHS STORED IMPROPERLY THROUGHOUT KITCHEN, INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREAS IN SANITIZER BUCKETS BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
41
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT DISHES STORED ABOVE THE PREP COOLER IN THE KITCHEN, TO PREVENT DUST & DEBRIS CONTAMINATION, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
44
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN GREASE ACCUMULATION FROM EXTERIOR CONTACT SURFACE OF OVEN IN KITCHEN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR LEAKY SPRAY NOZZLE ON DISHMACHINE SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MANTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE CLUTTER FROM BEHIND ICE MACHINE IN PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE MISSING CEILING TILES ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN KITCHEN, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN GREASE ACCUMULATION FROM HOOD FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: MUST POST HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINKS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA.
10
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COOLERS IN KITCHEN, INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
36
64
Oct 3, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDSINK NEAR DIPPING WELL WHERE ICE CREAM IS PREPPED. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
10
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MENU WITH A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT AND NO REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNCOOKED ANIMAL-BASED FOOD ITEMS OFFERED (EX. RAW OYSTERS, MUSSELS, PRIME RIB, FILET MIGNON ETC.). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BOTH DISCLOSURE STATEMENT AND REMINDER ON THE MENU. (REFER TO CDPH CONSUMER ADVISORY HANDOUT GIVEN) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SPLASH GUARD AT KITCHEN HAND WASH SINK ELEVATED CAUSING A GAP TO BE PRESENT. INSTRUCTED TO LOWER SPLASH GUARD TO CREATE A TIGHT FITTING BARRIER.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN KITCHEN WITH DEEP GROOVES AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING BOARDS.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CRACKED TILES AND BLACK GROUT AROUND HAND WASH SINK IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A HEAVY BUILD UP OF BLACK GREASE AND GRIME ON HOOD OVER GRILL IN KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
56
67
Aug 23, 2018
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: 3-501.16 (A) FOUND THE FOLLOWING FOOD ITEMS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE IN PREP COOLER: 12 LBS OF DELI MEAT AT 52.3F, 8LBS OF RAW BEEF AT 53.5F, 1 LB OF RAW FISH AT 53.4 AND 10 LBS OF CHICKEN AT 52.5F. PRIORITY VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-005. FOOD DISCARDED VALUED AT $100
22
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14 (A) NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE,PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION ISSUED. A 90 day grace period was given for all new priority and priority foundation violations. Citations will be issued on the next inspection after the 90 day grace period for these violations. (New violations are marked with an asterisk*)
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 (A) NO VOMIT/ DIARRHEA CLEANUP KIT NO PROCEDURE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION ISSUED. A 90 day grace period was given for all new priority and priority foundation violations. Citations will be issued on the next inspection after the 90 day grace period for these violations. (New violations are marked with an asterisk*)
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: 3-501.17 COOKED FOOD ITEMS IN WALK-IN COOLER NOT LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
23
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: 4-204.112, BROKEN REFRIGERATION THERMOMETER IN PROPER COOLERS, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL GOOD WORKING ONES AND KEEP IN WARMEST PART.
36
64
Aug 2, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PLASTIC AND ALUMINUM FOIL WRAPPED AROUND SHELVE RACK LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE PLASTIC AND ALUMINUM AND ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MINOR BROWNINSH DEBRIS INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED BY THE ICE MAKER. OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST AND DIRT ON THE LIGHT SHIELDS LOCATED ABOVE THE PREP COOLER IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS WITH EXCESSIVE RUST INSIDE OF THE WALK IN COOLERS LOCATED ON THE FIRST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE FLOORS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE DAMAGED CEILING TILE ABOVE DISH WASHING MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DAMAGED WALL UNDER THE EXPOSED HAND SINK LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MINOR LEAK UNDER THE FAR RIGHT COMPARTMENT AND FAUCET OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
78
Oct 21, 2016
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 14, 2016
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: Inadequate insects control, found 20 live fruit flies in prep kitchen and dish machine area. instructed to eliminate insects activity in all affected areas, pest control service recommended. serious citation issued 7-38-020.
18
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: soda gun holder not clean with standing water, instructed to clean and maintain.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: floors not clean around drains, instructed to clean and maintain.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: ceiling panels above dish machine in poor repair, instructed to replace.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: leak under 3-comp sink, no drain board. instructed to repair leak and install a drying rack above 3-comp sink.
38
78
Nov 3, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE ICE BIN COVERS IN GOOD REPAIRS FOR BOTH ICE BOX BINS LOCATED AT THE BAR ON THE 2ND FLOOR.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR/REPLACE EXTREMELY RUSTED FLOOR AT THE WALK-IN PRODUCE COOLER ON THE 1ST FLOOR SO AS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
34
90
Sep 5, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MISSING COVER FOR ICE BIN AT BAR NEXT TO CUSTOMERS SEATING AREA, DAMAGED RUBBER GASKETS AT PREP COOLER DOOR, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL COVER AND REPLACE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: SODA DISPENSER GUNS AT BAR NOT CLEAN INSIDE, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: STANDING WATER AT CORNERS OF KITCHEN FLOOR, INSTRUCTED TO MINIMIZE AS POSSIBLE.
34
86
May 21, 2013
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: LABEL ALL BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IN THE DRY STORAGE ROOM.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CONSUMABLE ICE IN CONTACT WITH THE COLD PLATES AND SODA LINES IN THE ICE BINS BEHIND THE BAR. MUST SEPARATE COLD PLATES FROM CONSUMABLE ICE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE AND PREP COOLERS.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPLACE THE BROKEN OR MISSING WALL TILES IN THE PREP AREA ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COOK'S LINE. MUST CAULK AROUND THE EXPOSED HANDSINK SO THAT THERE ARE NO OPEN GAPS.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A MISSING LIGHT SHIELD OVER THE KITCHEN PREP TABLE. MUST PROVIDE A LIGHT SHIELD.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR THE SINK STOPPER LEVERS AT THE KITCHEN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK SO THAT ALL SINK BASINS CAN HOLD WATER IN THEM. REPAIR THE LEAK UNDER THE EXPOSED HANDSINK IN THE PREP AREA.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A HAIR RESTRAINT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES NEED A HAIR RESTRAINT.
42
70
Sep 23, 2010
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 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 ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS.
30
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. CEILING AT CLEAN TENSILS STORAGE ROOM IN POOR REPAIR, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. MISSING LIGHT SHIELD AT KITCHEN'S CEILING LIGHT FIXTURE, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
36
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Columbia Yacht Club last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Columbia Yacht Club on file is from Aug 14, 2025. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Columbia Yacht Club?
Across the inspection record, “proper cooling methods used” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Columbia Yacht Club.
Has Columbia Yacht Club's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Columbia Yacht Club have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Columbia Yacht Club 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 Columbia Yacht Club inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Columbia Yacht Club is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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