Don's Hamburgers
Last inspected: Jan 14, 2026
95
Score
Public records show 21 inspections at Don's Hamburgers stretching back to 2010. Inspectors last stopped by on Jan 14, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around one violation lately and about three violations before that.
“Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing eight times across the record.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting Don's Hamburgers on the better side of that line. The record reflects steady performance over time.
21
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 14, 2026
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FRONT PREP AREA HANDSINK SLOW DRAINING IN NEED OF REPAIR INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
51
95
Apr 28, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Mar 18, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE OR PROVIDE.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON DUTY WITHOUT PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS.
58
90
Feb 9, 2023
Complaint
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER TOUCH RAW BACON AND PROCEEDED TO TOUCH READY-TO-EAT SANDWICH. ALSO NOTED IS THE FOOD HANDLER WASHED HIS HANDS WITH SOAP AND WATER WHILE VINYL GLOVES WERE STILL ON. INSTRUCTED MANAGER FIRST TO REMOVE GLOVES AND WASH HANDS WITH SOAP AND WATER FOR AT LEAST 20 SECS. ALSO INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO WASH HANDS AND CHANGE GLOVES AFTER HANDLING RAW FOOD ITEMS AND BEFORE HANDLING RTE FOOD ITEMS. PRIORITY VIOLATION.7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
8
86
Dec 5, 2022
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE OR LOCATE.
51
95
Nov 28, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
No bare hand contact with rte food or a pre-approved alternative procedure properly allowed
Inspector notes: 3-301.11(B) OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLER TOUCHING READY TO EAT TOAST WITH HIS BARE HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD SAID FOOD AND NEVER TOUCH ANY READY TO EAT FOODS WITH BARE HANDS. FOOD HANDLERS SHOULD ALWAYS USE TONGS OR FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE GLOVES TO HANDLE ALL READY TO EAT FOODS. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010.
9
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: 3-603.11 OBSERVED SOME MENU ITEMS WITHOUT A CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE THAT CONTAIN EGGS AND BEEF. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW SUCH AS ALL HANMBURGER ITEMS AND ALL EGG ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
25
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER THAT IS ON DUTY WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS.
58
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT THE HAND WASHING SINKS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND IN THE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: 3-304.14 OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS NOT STORED IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION AT ALL TIMES.
41
Gloves used properly
Inspector notes: 3-304.15(B-D) OBSERVED INADEQUATE GLOVE USE FOR READY TO EAT FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO REVIEW PROPER GLOVE USE FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
46
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE OR LOCATE.
51
58
Jun 2, 2021
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NO HAND WASHING SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER, HAND WASHING CLEANSER AND DRYING PROVISIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(c)
10
90
Aug 23, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE/REMINDER STATEMENT ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE REMINDER/DISCLOSURE STATEMENT BY USING BROCHURES, MENU ADVISORIES, LABEL STATEMENTS, TABLE TENTS,PLACARDS, OR OTHER EFFECTIVE WRITTEN MEANS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS BEING STORED ON COUNTER IN BETWEEN USE. INSTRUCTED WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE KEPT IN A BUCKET FILLED WITH SANITIZER.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CAN OPENER IN REAR PREP AREA WITH BUILD UP OF GREASE AND GRIME. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED AND DIRTY CEILING TILES IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WALL BEHIND SYRUP PUMPS IN REAR STORAGE AREA DIRTY AND STAINED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY AND DUSTY FAN IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
70
Dec 12, 2018
Routine
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURES ON SITE FOR VOMITING OR DIARRHEA EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE KIT AND POST PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: MUST DATE MARK RTE AND TCS FOODS THAT HAVE BEEN PREPARED ONSITE AND HELD OVER 24 HOURS IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSUME BY DATES ON FOOD AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE CITY'S HEALTH FORM OR SIMILAR DOCUMENTS USED TI DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR BROKEN DOOR GASKET ON THE 2-DOOR REACH IN COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS (CORNERS) IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENSE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE.
58
64
Mar 29, 2017
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO VENTILATION FAN PROVIDED IN THE WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF THE PREP TABLES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WET WIPING CLOTHS IN A CONTAINER OF SANITIZER WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
90
Dec 9, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MINOR ACCUMULATED DIRT DEBRIS BEHIND FURNANCE, UNDER 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR AND AROUND CARDBOARD DRINK DISPENSORS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
34
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO COOKS WITHOUT FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
45
90
Mar 18, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN GASKETS ON THE REFRIGERATOR LOCATED IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DIRT DEBRIS ON AND AROUND GREASE TRAP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT DEBRIS AROUND GREASE TRAP AND ALONG THE WALL AND IN THE CORNERS OF THE FOOD PREP/ FOOD SERVING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
86
Jun 22, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: INVERT PLASTIC FORKS UNDER COUNTER TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF SHAKE MIXER, GASKETS ON MILK COOLER IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: STORE ICE SCOOP HANDLE UP OR IN SEPARATE CONTAINER TO PREVENT BARE HAND CONTACT.
43
82
Aug 19, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MULTI-USE KITCHEN UTENSILS STORED IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE MUST BE INVERTED (HANDLES-UP) TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE MANUAL CAN OPENER AND HOUSING ATTACHED TO PREP TABLE AND MAINTAIN.
33
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE,MAINTAIN A METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR MONITORING FOOD TEMPERATURES.
40
86
Feb 19, 2013
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CLEAN AREA UNDERNEATH GRILL IN FRONT PREP AREA. REPAIR LOOSE RUBBER GASKET TO REAR WHITE FREEZER DOOR TO AVOID ESCAPING AIR.
32
95
Dec 13, 2012
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: THE KITCHEN KNIVES ARE STORED IN A DIRTY CONTAINER; WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE SAID CONTAINER DAILY.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE SPACES BEHIND THE COUNTER AND THE REAR SHELVES HAVE HEAVY BUILDUP OF OLD INSECT BAIT, REMOVE ALL EXCESS BUILDUP AND HAVE IT APPLIED IN CRACKS AND CREVICES FROM NOW ON.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE FRYER AND GRILL AREAS ARE GREASY UNDERNEATH AND ON THE SIDES, CLEAN OFF THE GREASE BUILDUP. THE ICE MACHINE HAS A LIME BUILDUP ON THE DOOR AND A LITTLE RUST BUILDUP ON THE INNER LIP, CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE MACHINE IN DETAIL.
33
86
Oct 14, 2011
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
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. THE FLOORS IN THE BACK AREA HAS DUST AND DIRT BUILDUP ALONG THE WALLS, UNDER AND BEHIND THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE SAME.
34
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. THE WEST WALL IN THE BACK AREA HAS DIRT BUILDUP BEHIND EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SAME. WALLS IN THE BACK AREA HAS HOLES AND OPENING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SO NO INSECT OR RODENT HARBORAGE.
35
90
May 13, 2011
Complaint
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. THE REACHIN FREEZER THICK WITH ICE BUILDUP LOCATED UNDER THE COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE SAME.
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. THE WALLS IN THE BACK AREA BEHIND ALL THE EQUIPMENT AND PIPES NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SAME.
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. CLEAN THE VENTS THROUGHOUT PREMISES HAS DUST BUILDUP.
38
86
Jan 4, 2011
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 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. THE LARGE CONTAINER HOLDING THE SUGAR ECT. NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL SAME.
30
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. THE INSIDE THE COOLERS NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SAME.
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. THE FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND UNDER THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SAME.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Use dustless cleaning methods THE WEST WALL BEHIND THE EQUIPMENT AND PIPES NOT CLEAN IN THE BACK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SAME.
35
82
Jan 28, 2010
Reinspection
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Previous serious violation corrected, 7-42-090
Inspector notes: A separate and distinct offense shall be deemed to have been committed for each Serious violation that is not corrected upon re-inspection by the health authority. HAS WORK ORDER. PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED(V18) FROM COMPLAINT INSPECTION ON JAN. 20,2010.
14
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RUSTY SHELVES IN REAR MUST SEAL RUSTY SHELVES WITH A NON-TOXIC PAINT/SEALANT OR REPLACE SHELVES. REPLACE ALL GASKETS ON COOLER DOORS WITH TAPE ON TYHE GASKETS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN ALL EQUIPTMENT THROUGHOUT INSIDE AND OUTSIDE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT AND IN CORNERS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN WALLS AND ALL ATTACHED EQUIPTMENT i.e.PIPES. REPLACE MISSING CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN ALL VENTS THROUGHOUT.
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.
40
70
Jan 20, 2010
Complaint
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. FRONT EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF , DOOR HAS ABOUT A 1/4 INCH GAP ALONG THE BOTTOM OF DOOR. MUST MAKE FRONT DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
18
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. RUSTY SHELVES IN REAR MUST SEAL RUSTY SHELVES WITH A NON-TOXIC PAINT/SEALANT OR REPLACE SHELVES. REPLACE ALL GASKETS ON COOLER DOORS WITH TAPE ON TYHE GASKETS.
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. DETAIL CLEAN ALL EQUIPTMENT THROUGHOUT INSIDE AND OUTSIDE.
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. DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT AND IN CORNERS.
34
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. DETAIL CLEAN WALLS AND ALL ATTACHED EQUIPTMENT i.e.PIPES. REPLACE MISSING CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT.
35
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. DETAIL CLEAN ALL VENTS THROUGHOUT.
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.
40
70
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Don's Hamburgers last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Don's Hamburgers on file is from Jan 14, 2026. The public record contains 21 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Don's Hamburgers?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Don's Hamburgers.
Has Don's Hamburgers' inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Don's Hamburgers have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Don's Hamburgers 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 Don's Hamburgers inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Don's Hamburgers is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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