Cooking Fools
Last inspected: May 30, 2025
74
Score
Across the available record, Cooking Fools has 12 inspections on file, the first dated 2011. On May 30, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near three violations per visit.
The pattern that stands out is “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean”, which has been cited six times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Cooking Fools trails the local norm. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 30, 2025
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES.
44
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLE.
49
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER AND MAINTAIN.
58
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE SCOOPS FROM INSIDE OF FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS AND STORE PROPERLY.
43
74
May 22, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOP STORED IN BUCKET. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE MOPS ARE STORED HANGING UP OR IN A WAY TO ALLOW FOR ADEQUATE AIR DRYING WITHOUT SOILING EQUIPMENT.
55
95
Jan 17, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE LIGHT BULB IN THE HOOD NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN FRONT COOKING CLASS AREA.
10
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1 OF 2 CERTIFIED MANAGERS WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
86
Oct 3, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE FOR EMPLOYEE TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEA EVENTS.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE WITH THE NECESSARY ITEMS GLOVES MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINKS THROUGHOUT PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLES PROVIDED IN THE WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ABOVE THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
70
Aug 4, 2017
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: REPAIR AND SEAL THE FLOOR IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA NEXT TO THE FREEZER.
34
95
Sep 16, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE DIRTY ALUMINUM FOIL FROM UNDER THE BURNERS.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: GRIMES ON FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENTS,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: REMOVE GREASE FROM NORTH-WEST CORNER UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT. DEBRIS ON FLOOR BEHIND THE ICE MACHINE, IN BASEMENT.CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
34
86
Mar 5, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREA AND AT FRONT PREP AREA HAND SINK IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO ONE ON SITE WITH FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. LEFT INFORMATION WITH MANAGER.
45
90
May 21, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, BASES OF COOLERS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR PREP AREA.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: REPLACE BULB IN DISPLAY COOLER.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR IN STORAGE AREAS.
41
82
Oct 1, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AT THE FRONT PREP AREA,HAS OPEN SEAMS
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DEFROST THE (2) LARGE CHEST FREEZERS IN THE BASEMENT AREA,HAS HEAVY ICE BUILD-UP
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE FLOORS BEHIND OVEN IN THE FRONT PREP AREA ALONG WALL BASE AND CORNERS
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR OF LIGHT SHIELD COVERS IN THE REAR PPREP AREA AND MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD COVERS INSIDE THE DELI CASE AT FRONT PREP AREA
36
82
Dec 6, 2011
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
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 ROLLING UTILITY CARTS,CUTTING BOARDS AT FRONT SERVICE AREA.
33
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.MUST SEAL OPENINGS AROUND PLUMBING FIXTURES ON WALL IN THE DRY STORAGE ROOM IN BASEMENT.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: 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.MUST DETAIL CLEAN HOOD/FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENTS,DUSTS ACCUMULATION ON VENTILATION COVER INSIDE THE TOILET ROOM.
38
86
Sep 9, 2011
Tag Removal
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: VIOLATION STILL PENDING
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: VIOLATION STILL PENDING
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: VIOLATION STILL PENDING
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: VIOLATION STILL PENDING
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: VIOLATION STILL PENDING
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: VIOLATION STILL PENDING
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: VIOLATION STILL PENDING
40
70
Sep 7, 2011
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Source of cross contamination controlled i.e. cutting boards, food handlers, utensils, etc
Inspector notes: All food shall be protected from contamination and the elements, and so shall all food equipment, containers, utensils, food contact surfaces and devices, and vehicles. SOURCE OF CROSS CONTAMINATION, INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE, TOP AREA OF MACHINE AND INTERIOR PANELS, APPEARS TO HAVE MOLD BUILD-UP, NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE USE, AND USE PRE PACKAGE ICE, UNTIL MACHINE IS CLEAN, MACHINE TAGGED, INSTRUCTED TO FAX A LETTER TO CDPH ONCE MACHINE IS PROPERLY CLEAN AND SANITIZE, FAX #312746-4240 CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-005 (A)
4
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. NO FOOD CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE, WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE COOKED AND SERVED, AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION, INSTRUCTED TO ENROLL IN A CLASS AND A CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES FOODS ARE COOKED AND PREPARED, COOKED FOODS PASTA 39.8, VEGETABLE LASAGNA 143.9 SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-012
21
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use. MUST INVERT SINGLE SERVE ARTICLES, THATS IMPROPERLY STORED AT FRONT SERVICE AREA
31
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 AT EXPOSED HAND BOWL, BETWEEN COUNTER AREA
32
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. MUST CLEAN TOPS AND SIDES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, BOTTOM OF COUNTER TABLES, AND EXTERIOR OF FRONT OVEN SURFACES
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. MUST CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND ALL EQUIPMENT, ESP. BY COOKING EQUIPMENT, REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD-UP
34
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. MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD ON LIGHT BASEMENT AREA, ABOVE FREEZER
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: 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. MUST REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COOLERS
40
64
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Cooking Fools last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Cooking Fools on file is from May 30, 2025. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Cooking Fools?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Cooking Fools.
Has Cooking Fools' inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Cooking Fools have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Cooking Fools 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 Cooking Fools inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Cooking Fools is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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