Earls Kitchen + Bar
Last inspected: Jul 19, 2023
95
Score
Public records show 12 inspections at Earls Kitchen + Bar stretching back to 2015. The newest entry in the record is dated Jul 19, 2023. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well. The most recent inspection at Earls Kitchen + Bar is from Jul 19, 2023, and nothing newer appears in the public record.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around five violations each.
“Insects, rodents, & animals not present” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing four times across the record.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Earls Kitchen + Bar is doing better than most peers. The record reflects steady performance over time.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 19, 2023
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13: FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATIONS NOT PROVIDED ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. ALL EMPLOYEES THAT ARE NOT CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN A VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATION AND KEEP CERTIFICATES ON SITE.
57
95
Jul 12, 2023
Complaint
2 critical violations. 7 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MOSCOW MULE DRINKS IS BEING SERVED IN COPPER MUGS (INTERIOR OF THE MUG IS COOPER LINED). COPPER AND COPPER ALLOYS SUCH AS BRASS MAY NOT BE USED IN CONTACT WITH A FOOD/DRINK PRODCUTS THAT HAS A PH BELOW 6 SUCH AS VINEGAR, FRUIT JUICE, OR WINE. MANAGER DISCARDED COPPER MUGS ON SITE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
47
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE NOT SANITIZING. MEASURED CHLORINE READING 0 PPM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. DISH MACHINE CHLORINE SANITIZING SHOULD MEASURE BETWEEN 50-200PPM. ECO LAB HAD SERVICED DISH MACHINE, SANITIER MEASURED AT 100PPM. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025, CITATION ISSUED.
16
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLACK SLIME RESIDUE IN WHITE INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.
16
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30 MOUSE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON THE FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN COOKLINE AND ELECTRICAL ROOM. OBSERVED ONE LIVE RODENT RUN THROUGH THE COOKLINE FLOOR. OBSERVED AT LEAST 50 SMALL BLACK FLYING INSECTS NEAR SODA BOXES IN STORAGE CLOSET, DISH AREA, UTILITY CLOSET. FACILITY MUST ELIMINATE ALL LIVE RODENT ACTIVITY, DROPPINGS AND SMALL BLACK FLYING INSECT ACTIVITY IN THE FACILITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (a) CITATION ISSUED.
38
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A CITY CERTIFICATION OR DOCUMENTATION OF PENDING CITY CERTIFICATE WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS COOKED CHICKEN ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED ON SITE. NO OTHER ORIGINAL AND VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE WAS POSTED NOR PROVIDED ON-SITE FOR THE PRESENT MANAGER ON DUTY. NO VALID DOCCUMENTATION ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A LEAST ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. DURING EXIT INEPCTION, CITY CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT THE FRONT PREP AREA HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH A HAND DRYING PROVISION AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUCUMBER SLICES IN HANDWASHING SINK AT THE END OF COOKLINE MAKING IT INACCESSIBLE TO HANDWASHING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FOOD ITEMS TO MAKE HAND SINK ACCESSIBLE. SEE ABOVE FOR PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (c), CITATION ISSUED.
10
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: THE DATE WHEN THE LAST SHELLSTOCK WAS SOLD IS NOT RECORDED ON ALL SHELLSTOCK TAGS THAT WERE PROVIDED ON SITE. THE FACILITY MUST RECORD THE DATE WHEN THE LAST SHELLSTOCK WAS SOLD. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REVIEW INVOICE RECEIPTS IN HOUSE TO VERIFY WHEN LAST SHELLSTOCK ITEMS WERE SOLD PER TAG. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
14
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER TEMPERATURE MEASURING BETWEEN 126-130F AT THE METERED HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE DISHWASHING AREA AND AT THE END OF LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND BRING WATER TEMPERATURES DOWN BETWEEN 100-120F. SEE ABOVE FOR PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C), CITATION ISSUED.
10
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLEAN UTENSILS SUCH AS FORKS AND KNIVES OUT ON DISPLAY IS NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION AT CUSTOMER TABLES. UTENSILS MUST BE COVERED AND/OR WRAPED CLEAN UTENSILS SHALL BE HANDLED, DISPLAYED, AND DISPENSED SO THAT FOOD AND LIP CONTACT SURFACES ARE PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION.
44
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAK AT THE HAND WASHING SINK FAUCETS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND AT THE END OF COOKLINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEE RESTROOM DOORS MISSING SELF CLOSING DEVICE. MUST PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DEVICES ON EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM DOORS.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET MOP STORED IN THE BUCKET INSIDE OF UTILITY CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO HAND MOPS WHEN NOT IN USE TO ALLOW TO DRY.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATIONS NOT PROVIDED ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. ALL EMPLOYEES THAT ARE NOT CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN A VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATION AND KEEP CERTIFICATES ON SITE.
57
29
Jul 28, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 23, 2022
Routine
3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Compliance with variance/specialized process/haccp
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SUSHI RICE ON SITE WITHOUT SUSHI RICE LETTER AND/OR PH METER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE EITHER SUSHI RICE LETTER FROM LABORATORY OR PH METER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
29
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2463258 DATED 12/2/2020. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
61
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIIFED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS ITEMS SUCH AS HAMBURGERS WERE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON DOOR TO WALK-IN COOLER CONTAINING PROTEINS ETC. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE ONE OF 2 EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE BURNT OUT LIGHTBULB IN HOOD OVER COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE TO COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
61
Dec 2, 2020
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY DUST BUILD UP INSIDE LIGHT SHIELDS COVERS IN REAR REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA AND ABOVE REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLOW LEAK ON PIPE UNDERNEATH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STANDING WATER ON FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST MAINTAIN FLOOR DRY AT ALL TIMES.
55
86
Jan 29, 2019
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO VOMIT/ DIARRHEA WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN
5
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: CLEAR PLASTIC PORTION CUPS NOT AIR DRIED PROPERLY AFTER WASHING, INSTRUCTED TO AIR AIR DRY BEFORE STACKING.
44
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: LOOSE CAULKING AT VENTILATION HOOD ABOVE COOKING AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR CERTIFIED MGRS, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.
58
78
Jan 3, 2018
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTIPLE HANDSINKS THROUGHOUT FACILITY NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED. NOTED THE DISHROOM HANDSINK AND REAR PREP LINE HANDSINK AUTOMATIC FAUCET BATTERIES DEAD (FAUCETS UNABLE TO PROVIDE WATER FOR HANDWASHING). NOTED NO HAND SOAP AT BAR HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL HANDSINKS MUST BE FULLY OPERATIONAL (PROVIDING HOT AND COLD WATER) AND SUPPLIED WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICE AT ALL TIMES. OPERATOR REPLACED DEAD BATTERIES AND PROVIDED SOAP AT BAR DURING INSPECTION. CRITICAL VIOLATION: 7-38-030
12
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD NOT PROTECTED IN THE LARGE ICE MACHINE. NOTED DARK, MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE FORMING ON THE CHUTE AND FRAME OF CHUTE LEADING FROM TOP COMPARTMENT INTO THE STORAGE WELL, WITH WATER DRIPPING FROM SOILED EDGES INTO ICE. INSTRUCTED THAT ICE MACHINE MUST BE CLEANED AND SANITIZED AND MAINTAINED TO PROTECT ICE PRODUCTION AND STORAGE. OPERATOR DISCARDED ALL ICE AND CLEANED AND SANITIZED ICE MACHINE DURING INSPECTION. OBSERVED SLICED BAR FRUIT STORED IN OPEN CONTAINERS ON MAIN BAR IN FRONT OF CUSTOMER SEATING. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD MUST BE PROTECTED FROM CUSTOMER CONTACT AT ALL TIMES. OPERATOR PROVIDED A COVER FOR THE BAR FRUIT DURING INSPECTION. OBSERVED OPEN-TOPPED PITCHERS OF WATER STORED AT SERVER'S COUNTERS THAT ARE LOCATED IN AISLES AND PATHWAYS THAT ARE NOT PROTECTED FROM CUSTOMERS WALKING THROUGH THE DINING ROOM. MUST STORE OPEN CONTAINERS AWAY FROM CUSTOMERS OR PROVIDE APPROPRIATE COVERS/LIDS. OPERATOR RELOCATED PITCHERS TO PROTECTED SERVER'S STATION WHICH DOES NOT HAVE CUSTOMER ACCESS. SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-38-005(A)
16
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PRE-SET CUPS AND SILVERWARE STORED IMPROPERLY ON DINING ROOM TABLES. WHEN PRE-SETTING DINING ROOM TABLES, MUST STORE CUPS INVERTED AND SILVERWARE COVERED.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON WALK IN COOLER FAN COVERS. OBSERVED RED SYRUP-LIKE STAINS ON WALK IN FREEZER WALL. OBSERVED OIL AND CRUMBS BUILDING UP ON COOK LINE TOASTER. MUST DETAIL CLEAN THESE ITEMS.
33
82
Jan 6, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR PANEL PORTION OF THE LARGE ICE MACHINE TO REMOVE SLIGHT BUILD-UP.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST READJUST THE TIMERS AT THE FOLLOWING HAND SINKS SO AS TO RUN FOR A MINIMUM OF 15 SECONDS AT ALL TIMES WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER: HAND SINK AT THE SALAD PREP AREA AND HAND SINK AT THE APPETIZER PREP STATION AREA. FOUND AUTOMATIC HAND SINKS NOT RUNNING CONTINUOUSLY FOR 15 SECONDS.MUST REPAIR.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE WORKING THERMOMETERS FOR ALL OF THE COOLERS AT THE HOT SIDE COOKING LINE. FOUND ALL THERMOMETERS AT THE ABOVE STATED AREA NOT IN WORKING ORDER.
40
86
Jul 26, 2016
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE, WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED, AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION,MANAGER PROVIDED A COPY OF HIS CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON HIS COMPUTER.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE AND HAVE POSTED AS REQUIRED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING ICE BIN COVERS AT THE BARS.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ICE BIN COVERS ON CONSUMABLE ICE BINS AND MAINTAIN.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A SMALL WATER LEAK AT PIPE ON WALL BEHIND THE DISHMACHINE.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING AND MAINTAIN.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITH NO BEARD HAIRNET.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BEARDNET WHEN WORKING AROUND OPEN FOODS AND MAINTAIN.
42
82
Jul 19, 2016
Complaint
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 LIVE FRUIT FLIES IN THE DISHWASHING AREA AND AT THE REAR PREP AREA. APPROXIMATELY 40 LIVE FRUIT FLIES WERE OBSERVED ON THE WALLS, CEILING AND EQUIPMENT IN THESE AREAS.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE THESE AREAS AND MAINTAIN. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (SALAD DRESSINGS,RICE,SOUPS ETC.) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD IS BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING ICE BIN COVERS AT THE BARS.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ICE BIN COVERS ON CONSUMABLE ICE BINS AND MAINTAIN.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SPLASHED FOOD DEBRIS ON CEILING IN THE DISHMACHINE ROOM.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE CEILINGS AT THE DISHMACHINE ROOM AND COOKLINE AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A SMALL WATER LEAK AT PIPE ON WALL BEHIND THE DISHMACHINE.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING AND MAINTAIN.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITH NO BEARD HAIRNET.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BEARDNET WHEN WORKING AROUND OPEN FOODS AND MAINTAIN.
42
74
Mar 4, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER PREPARING TUNA TOSTADAS WITH HIS BARE HANDS DURING THIS INSPECTION.THERE IS NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOODS(USE GLOVES,TONGS,SPOONS,SPATULAS ETC.).PREVIOUSLY NOTED IN COMMENTS INSPECTION REPORT#1578323 DATED:09/30/2015. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-010(A).
6
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY DUST BUILD-UP ON HOOD ABOVE THE KITCHEN DISHMACHINE UNIT.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: STOCK ITEMS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED AT LEAST 6" INCHES OFF THE FLOOR AND AWAY FROM THE WALL AND MAINTAIN.
41
86
Sep 30, 2015
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Earls Kitchen + Bar last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Earls Kitchen + Bar on file is from Jul 19, 2023. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Earls Kitchen + Bar?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Earls Kitchen + Bar.
Has Earls Kitchen + Bar's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Earls Kitchen + Bar have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Earls Kitchen + 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.
Nearby Restaurants