Esquina Barra — the Old Plank
Last inspected: Dec 4, 2020
74
Score
Public records show six inspections at Esquina Barra — the Old Plank stretching back to 2018. The latest inspection on file is from Dec 4, 2020. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either. Note that Esquina Barra — the Old Plank's inspection history hasn't been updated since Dec 4, 2020; current conditions may have shifted from what the file shows.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around 10 violations per visit versus roughly seven violations earlier in the record.
Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged 11 times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Esquina Barra — the Old Plank trails the local norm. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
6
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 4, 2020
Reinspection
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-305.14 OBSERVED EXPOSED SEWAGE PIPES ABOVE THE FOOD PREP AREA IN THE BASEMENT THAT LEADS TO THE 1ST FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA. PIPES MUST BE FULLY ENCASED, WITH NON-POROUS, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE MATERIALS IN ALL FOOD STORAGE AND FOOD PREP AREAS IN BASEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
39
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.14 MUST PROVIDE SIGNAGE AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS THROUGHOUT FACILITY.
10
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-203.13 MUST PROVIDE A SEPARATE SERVICE SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER BEHIND THE SMALL SIDE BAR THAT IS NEXT TO THE OUTDOOR PATIO.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.16 MUST PROVIDE A CLEANABLE CEILING IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA THAT LEADS FROM THE STAIRCASE BETWEEN THE SIDE BAR AND MAIN BAR ON THE 1ST FLOOR. THE CEILING MUST COVER THE AREA ABOVE THE PREP COOLER AND ICE MACHINES AND THE AREA ABOVE THE PREP TABLE AND STORAGE SHELF.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGERS.
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74
Oct 9, 2020
Reinspection
2 major violations. 16 minor violations.
View 18 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPOSED SEWAGE PIPES ABOVE FOOD PREP IN BASEMENT. MUST BE FULLY ENCASED, WITH NON-POROUS, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE MATERIALS IN ALL FOOD STORAGE, FOOD PREP AREAS IN BASEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
39
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL HAND WASHING SINK IN COOKING AREA OF KITCHEN. MUST INSTALL DEDICATED, EXPOSED HAND SINK, WITH PLUMBED HOT/COLD WATER, SOAP/PAPER TOWELS, AND A HAND WASHING SIGN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-033(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
10
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE PLASTIC DRAIN PLATE IN HAND SINK IN BAR. MUST REMOVE.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND SINK NOT CONNECTED PROPERLY, AND DRAINING INTO DUMP SINK BELOW IN SMALL BAR NEAR BACK PATIO. MUST PROVIDE SEPARATE SERVICE SINK, WITH PLUMBED HOT/COLD WATER.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON COFFEE MACHINE CONNECTED TO CITY WATER SUPPLY IN REAR OF RESTAURANT NEAR KITCHEN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTABLES (GARBAGE) INSIDE WOMEN'S RESTROOMS.
53
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIDS ON DUMPSTER NOT MAINTAINTED. MUST BE CLEANED AND MAINTAINED.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL BRICK WALL BEHIND SERVER STATION IN REAR OF RESTAURANT TO MAKE NON-POROUS, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HOLES IN WALLS UNDER SINKS AND AROUND PIPES THROUGHOUT BASEMENT.MUST SEAL ALL WALLS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL PIECES OF EQUIPMENT NOT IN USE IN BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE ANY EQUIPMENT NOT IN USE TO PREVENT PEST HABORAGE. OBSERVED ITEMS STORED DIRECTLY ON THE FLOORS UNDER BARS, SERVER STATION AND IN BASEMENT. MUST ORGANIZE ANY CLUTTER AND ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR OR AWAY FROM THE WALL. MUST MAINTIN SAME.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INSUFFICIENT LIGHTING IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: IN THE 1 DOOR COOLER IN KITCHEN AND LIGHT OVER BASMENT PREP UNDER KITCHEN. MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING FOR ALL AREAS, WITH PROTECTIVE SHEILDING.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGERS.
58
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE SIGNAGE AT ALL HAND SINKS THROUGHOUT FACILITY.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE ELECTRICAL FLY TRAP INSTALLED NEAR DISH MACHINE. MUST RELOCATE AWAY FROM FOOD PREPARATION AREA.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPOSED SEWAGE PIPES IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA ABOVE THE FOOD STORAGE RACKS.
39
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TABLEWEAR UTENSILS STORED UPRIGHT IN TRAY IN SERVICE STATION. MUST PROPERLY STORED UTENSILS (SPOON, FORKS, ETC.) INVERTED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.
44
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNPROTECTED STRAWS IN CUP ON BAR. MUST PREVENT BARE HAND CONTACT OR MISCELLANOUS SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION. MUST PROVIDE DISPENSER OR INDIVIDUALLY PREWRAPPED STRAWS.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW WOOD ON COUNTERS AT FRONT PREP AREA (ON THE 2004 N. MILKWAUKEE SIDE). MUST PAINT OR SEAL ALL RAW WOOD TO MAKE NON-POROUS, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.
47
37
Oct 8, 2020
Routine
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DISH MACHINE (IN BAR) IN USE WITHOUT REQUIRED SANITIZER. INSTRUCTED ALL UTENSILS MUST BE PROPERLY WASHED, RINSED AND SANITIZED WHEN DISH MACHINE USED. DISH MACHINE TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. ALL GLASSES AT BAR WILL BE TAKEN TO KITCHEN DISH MACHINE TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
48
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE SIGNAGE AT ALL HAND SINKS THROUGHOUT FACILITY.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW WOOD ON COUNTERS AT FRONT PREP AREA (ON THE 2004 N. MILKWAUKEE SIDE). MUST PAINT OR SEAL ALL RAW WOOD TO MAKE NON-POROUS, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTABLES (GARBAGE) INSIDE WOMEN'S RESTROOMS.
53
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIDS ON DUMPSTER NOT MAINTAINTED. MUST BE CLEANED AND MAINTAINED.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL BRICK WALL BEHIND SERVER STATION IN REAR OF RESTAURANT TO MAKE NON-POROUS, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL PIECES OF EQUIPMENT NOT IN USE IN BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE ANY EQUIPMENT NOT IN USE TO PREVENT PEST HABORAGE. OBSERVED ITEMS STORED DIRECTLY ON THE FLOORS UNDER BARS, SERVER STATION AND IN BASEMENT. MUST ORGANIZE ANY CLUTTER AND ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR OR AWAY FROM THE WALL. MUST MAINTIN SAME.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGERS.
58
64
Jun 11, 2020
Routine
1 critical violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER. OBSERVED GREEN SALSA AT 47.7F INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 5 GALLONS OF FOOD WORTH $50. PRIORITY 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
22
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A 1/2" GAP ALONG THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR TO THE PARKING LOT FROM THE DISH ROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF ALL OUTER OPENINGS.
38
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEAD INSECTS ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL DEAD INSECTS FROM THE BASEMENT FLOOR.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD AND EQUIPMENT ON SHELVING UNITS IN BASEMENT PREP AREA UNDER WASTE WATER PIPES. MUST REMOVE FOOD AND EQUIPMENT STORED UNDERNEATH THE WASTE WATER PIPES.
39
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING BASEBOARD ALONG THE WALLS IN THE DISH ROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE WHERE MISSING.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE WALLS OF THE DISH ROOM ESPECIALLY UNDER THE DISH MACHINE.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
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64
Jun 14, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF 4LBS. COOKED CORN 47.8F DATED 6/13,6LBS. COOKED BEANS 44.9F DATED 6/12,6LBS. COOKED CHICKEN WINGS 46.4F DATED 6/13,2-2LBS. CONTAINERS COOKED GREEN PORK 45.1F-45.3F DATED 6/12,3LBS. DICED TOMATOES 46.0F DATED 6/12,4LBS. COOKED BELLY 45.3F DATED 6/12 STORED IN REACH IN COOLER AND WALK IN COOLER.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. APPX.27LBS.$44.90.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)
22
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A PREP AREA IN ( ICE MACHINE) BASEMENT.MUST INSTALL A HAND SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION- NO CITATION ISSUED)
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN APPX. "1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM AND SIDE OF DOUBLE FRONT DOORS AND ALONG BOTTOM OF DISH WASHING AREA DOOR.MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD AND PAPER ON SHELVING UNITS IN BASEMENT PREP AREA UNDER WASTE PIPES.MUST REMOVE ARTICLES OR ENCLOSE PIPES WITH CASING.
39
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FRYER CABINETS.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE FAUCET AT HAND SINK IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN BASEMENT.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE AND MISSING WALL BASE UNDER DISH MACHINE AND LIQUOR STORAGE AREA.SEAL GAPS IN BRICKS AROUND BASEMENT DOOR LEADING TO THE OUTSIDE AREA.
55
58
Jul 26, 2018
License
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: - FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: - FOUND NO PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO IMPLEMENT AN APPROPRIATE PROCEDURE, WITH NECESSARY SUPPLIES, AND TO MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: - FOUND NO DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON MENU. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE AN APPROPRIATE DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER AND TO MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: - FOUND THE FLOOR IN THE KITCHEN TO BE UNSEALED, ROUGH, AND NOT EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: - FOUND NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICES MANAGERS MUST MAINTAIN CERTIFICATES ON SITE.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Esquina Barra — the Old Plank last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Esquina Barra — the Old Plank on file is from Dec 4, 2020. The public record contains six inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Esquina Barra — the Old Plank?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 11 times, more than any other issue at Esquina Barra — the Old Plank.
Has Esquina Barra — the Old Plank's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Esquina Barra — the Old Plank have averaged around 10 violations per visit, up from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Esquina Barra — the Old Plank means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
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