Falafel & Grill
Last inspected: Sep 10, 2025
82
Score
Inspectors have visited Falafel & Grill 15 times, with records going back to 2018. On Sep 10, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near two violations per visit across recent inspections.
The pattern that stands out is “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable”, which has been cited seven times.
Falafel & Grill scores about where you'd expect for a Chicago restaurant. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
15
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 10, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: TCS food held at improper temperature. Found a 50 lbs of lentil soup held in walk-in cooler at 52.1f in a large covered pot. Soup placed in walk-in cooler a day before. Priority violation 7-38-005. soup discarded valued at $100.
22
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Inadequate lighting in walk-in cooler, instructed to provide.
56
82
Dec 6, 2024
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 11, 2024
Reinspection
2 critical violations.
View 2 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: 3-501.16(A:2,&B OBSERVED TCS FOODS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 47-50 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD TCS FOODS ARE HELD AT 41 F AND BELOW. MANAGER DISCARDED 2 POUNDS TOMATOES, 1 POUND LEAFY GREENS AND 1 POUND SALSA WITH CHOPPED TOMATOES ($34) PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: 4-301.11 OBSERVED COOLER WITH AN INADEQUATE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 60 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COOLERS ARE HELD AT 41 F AND BELOW. COOLER REMAINS TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
33
74
Sep 23, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations.
View 2 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DELI TOP COOLER WITH AN INADEQUATE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 57 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS HAVE AN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. COOLER TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
33
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL TCS FOODS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 46-50 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD TCS FOODS ARE STORED AT 41 F AND BELOW. THE MANAGER DISCARDED 5 POUNDS OF SLICED TOMATOES, 1 POUND OF SALAD WITH SLICED TOMATOES, AND 1 POUND OF HOUSE-MADE TZATZIKI SAUCE ( $70); PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION WAS ISSUED.
22
74
Oct 13, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOOD STROAGE CONTAINERS WITH THE COMMON NAME.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKETS INSIDE THE THREE DOOR PREP COOLER AT THE COOKLINE. INSTRUCTED TO REAPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
90
Mar 2, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR EMPLOYEES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH PROOF OF AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.
58
90
Oct 15, 2021
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON VENTILATION VENTS INSIDE WASHROOMS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
90
Oct 6, 2021
Complaint
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT OBSERVED PREPARED AND READY TO EAT TCS FOODS SUCH AS COOKED HUMMUS, CHICKEN SALADS AND GREEN SAUCE NOT PROPERLY DATE MARKED WITH AN EXPIRATION DATE NO LONGER THAN 7 DAYS. FOUND NO DATES AT ALL. FOODS DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 30 LBS VALUE OF 120 DOLLARS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
23
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 01/20/21 INSPECTION REPORT# 2472877 #37. MUST PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER. #43. OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF HAND WASHING SINKS IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE. 55.OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST REMOVE CLUTTER CLEAN AND ORGANIZE AREA TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE. MUST ELEVATE ITEMS 6INCHES OFF FLOOR IN SAME AREA. #58.BSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090.
60
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON VENTILATION VENTS INSIDE WASHROOMS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
74
Jan 20, 2021
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE WITH THE NECESSARY ITEMS GLOVES, MASK, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: MISSING FOOD TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE (EX METAL STEM THERMOMETER). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER TO MONITOR FOOD TEMPERATURES. THERMOMETER WAS PROVIDED AT THE END OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF HAND WASHING SINKS IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST REMOVE CLUTTER CLEAN AND ORGANIZE AREA TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE. MUST ELEVATE ITEMS 6INCHES OFF FLOOR IN SAME AREA.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
67
Sep 8, 2020
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD ALONG MAIN GRILL LINE COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN AND DIRTY GASKET ON DOOR OF PREP COOLER LOCATED ON MAIN GRILL LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME ON CAULK AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN, SANITIZE, RE-CAULK, AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
May 11, 2020
Reinspection
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HOLDING A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED.
2
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TORN GASKET ON THE CENTER DOOR OF THE 3 DOOR PREP COOLER LOCATED ON MAIN LINE OPPOSITE THE FRYERS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME ON THE CAULK AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN BASEMENT DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN, RE-CAULK, AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORD THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
78
May 7, 2020
Routine
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS ITEMS HELD AT THE FOLLOWING IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN A REACH IN COOLER LOCATED ON THE MAIN PREP LINE OPPOSITE THE FYERS: HUMMUS AT 50.7F, GARLIC SAUCE AT 57.8F, SPANOKOPITA AT 54.7F, AND TAHINI SAUCE AT 51.8F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DESTROYED APPROXIMATELY 7 LBS OF PRODUCT VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $50. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL TCS FOODS AT OR BELOW 41F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LARGE CONTAINER OF BABA GANOUSH IN WORKING COOLER LOCATED NEXT TO WINDOW FACING MILWAUKEE AVENUE ON MAIN PREP LINE WITH NO DATE MARKING. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 1 LBS OF PRODUCT VALUED AT $10. INSTRUCTED TO DATE MARK ALL TCS ITEMS WITH THE 7 DAY DISCARD DATE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A REACH IN COOLER ON THE MAIN PREP LINE OPPOSITE THE FRYERS CONTAINING TCS FOODS SUCH AS HUMMUS, GARLIC SAUCE, TAHINI SAUCE, AND SPANOKOPITA MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 51.8F. COOLER TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR COOLER SO THAT IT MAINTAINS AN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AT OR BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
33
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HOLDING A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED.
2
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME ON THE CAULK AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN BASEMENT DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN, RE-CAULK, AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORD THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TORN GASKET ON THE CENTER DOOR OF THE 3 DOOR PREP COOLER LOCATED ON MAIN LINE OPPOSITE THE FRYERS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
47
50
May 30, 2019
Reinspection
3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 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 VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE WITH THE NECESSARY ITEMS GLOVES, MASK, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANATIZER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROPER DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST PROPERLY LABEL FOOD ITEMS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR TO HAND WASHING SINK THROUGHOUT PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DOOR GASKET IN POOR REPAIR AT THE FRONT 3-DOOR FRONT PREP COOLER. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT THE ICE MACHINE AND SERVICE SINK IN BASEMENT. MUST INSTALL A BACK FLOW PREVENTOR DEVICE SO THAT CAN BE LOCATED TO SERVED AND MAINTAINED.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON LIGHT SHIELD COVERS ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
55
May 20, 2019
Routine
4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED IN THE BASEMENT. WASTE WATER WITH FOOD PARTICLES BACKING UP FROM SECOND COMPARTMENT SINK INTO 1ST COMPARTMENT SINK WHEN WATER IS RELEASED FROM 3RD COMPARTMENT SINK OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK THEN SLOWLY DRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
48
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 VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE WITH THE NECESSARY ITEMS GLOVES, MASK, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROPER DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST PROPERLY LABEL FOOD ITEMS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR TO HAND WASHING SINK THROUGHOUT PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DOOR GASKET IN POOR REPAIR AT THE FRONT 3-DOOR FRONT PREP COOLER. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT THE ICE MACHINE AND SERVICE SINK IN BASEMENT. MUST INSTALL A BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE SO THAT CAN BE LOCATED TO SERVED AND MAINTAINED.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON LIGHT SHIELD COVERS ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS INSIDE WASHROOMS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
50
Jun 6, 2018
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WITH A LEAKY FAUCET. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Falafel & Grill last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Falafel & Grill on file is from Sep 10, 2025. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Falafel & Grill?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Falafel & Grill.
Has Falafel & Grill's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Falafel & Grill have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Falafel & Grill 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 Falafel & Grill inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Falafel & Grill is inspected around two times per year on average.
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