Federales
Last inspected: Jul 18, 2025
100
Score
The health department has logged 13 inspections at Federales, the earliest from 2016. Federales was last inspected on Jul 18, 2025. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around three violations each.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, showing up seven times.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Federales is comfortably above that bar. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
13
Inspections
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Critical latest
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Major latest
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Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 18, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 11, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROX. 25 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS AND CEILING IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA, FOOD PREP AND DISH WASHING AREA AND BEHIND THE BAR. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A STORAGE RACK OF BAR DRINKS AND A CHEST FREEZER STORED UNDERNEATH SEWAGE LINES IN THE BASEMENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MOVE ALL FOOD AND DRINKS STORED BENEATH SEWAGE LINES OR WRAP THE SEWAGE LINES TO INTERCEPT ANY POTENTIAL DRIPS.
39
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE DUST AND FOOD SPLASH ON THE CEILING TILES OF THE FOOD PREP AREAS.
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82
Mar 1, 2024
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE DRAIN PLUMBING OF THE FOLLOWING HANDWASHING SINKS TO BE SLOW-DRAINING: BASEMENT AREA HANDWASHING SINK, REAR KITCHEN AREA HANDWASHING SINK (NEAR WALK-IN COOLERS). INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING FIXTURES TO ALLOW FOR ADEQUATE TRAINING AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.
51
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXTERIOR OF OUTDOOR GREASE WASTE RECEPTACLE TO BE SOILED WITH GREASE AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN OUTDOOR GREASE WASTE RECEPTACLE AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILDUP OF GREASE AND DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN.
54
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HANDWASHING LAVATORY IN BASEMENT AREA WITHOUT NEARBY WASTE RECEPTACLE FOR DISPOSABLE HAND TOWELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE WASTE RECEPTACLE FOR HANDWASHING LAVATORY IN THIS AREA AND MAINTAIN.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR IN THE REAR CORNER OF THE BASEMENT AREA (BEHIND EQUIPMENT) TO BE SOILED WITH FOOD WASTE AND DEBRIS. OBSERVED WALLS OF TO-GO WINDOW BAR AREA TO BE SOILED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AFFECTED AREA(S) AND CLEAN AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILDUP OF SOIL AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEAD/NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHT BULBS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: INSIDE EXHAUST HOOD IN REAR TORTILLA PREP AREA, INSIDE EXHAUST HOOD IN KITCHEN AREA (NEAR WARMING EQUIPMENT). INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE LIGHT BULBS WITH BULBS IN GOOD REPAIR TO ENSURE ADEQUATE LIGHTING FOR ALL AREAS IN WHICH FOOD IS HANDLED OR PREPARED AND MAINTAINED.
56
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: FRONT BAR AREA, 1ST FLOOR MEN AND WOMEN'S RESTROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY AND MAINTAIN.
10
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PLASTIC BOWL USED AS SCOOP IN DRY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER IN TORTILLA PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE BOWL AND REPLACE WITH UTENSIL WITH HANDLE TO PREVENT HAND CONTACT WITH DRY FOOD AND MAINTAIN.
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70
Mar 10, 2023
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING IN THE WALK-IN COOLERS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING, FREE OF UNNECESSARY CREVICES AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: FOUND STICKY RESIDUE BUILD UP ON THE GASKETS OF THE BASEMENT CHEST FREEZER USED FOR STORING SHOT GLASSES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE RIGHT SINK (1 OUT OF 3) IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM WITHOUT HOT WATER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HOT WATER AT 100F AT ALL HANDWASH SINKS. MUST PROVIDE. MANAGEMENT ADJUSTED THE SINK AT THE INSPECTION TIME, AND IT NOW PROVIDES WATER AT 100F.
51
86
Oct 6, 2022
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HOT/COLD RUNNING WATER AT MIDDLE HAND SINK IN WOMEN'S BATHROOM. MUST REPAIR.
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95
Jun 17, 2021
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT PUBLIC WASHROOM WASHBOWL SINKS. A sign or poster that notifies FOOD EMPLOYEES to wash their hands shall be provided at all HANDWASHING SINKS used by FOOD EMPLOYEES and shall be clearly visible to FOOD EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: NOTED NO LABELS FOR TWO-TIER PLASTIC STORAGE CONTAINER INCLUDING CAJUN BLACKENED SEASONING IN 1ST FLOOR PREP KITCHEN.INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.
37
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF DEBRIS AND ICE BUILDUP ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT WALK IN FREEZER. MUST REMOVE EXCESS ICE, DETAIL CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN.
49
86
Oct 6, 2020
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAK FROM THE PIPE UNDERNEATH A 1 COMP SINK BEHIND THE BAR; INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAK AT PIPE.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND ONE FLOOR DRAIN IN THE BASEMENT AREA WITH NO COVER; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A FLOOR DRAIN COVER.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST IN THE VENT ABOVE THE DISHMACHINE; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN VENT TO REMOVE DUST.
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86
Jul 12, 2019
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 9, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED SANITIZING CONCENTRATION @0PPM. INSTRUCTED TO NOT USE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS PROPERLY SANITIZING AT MINIMUM OF 50 PPM. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER LABELING ON VARIOUS TCS FOODS (SMOKED BRISKET,CHIPOTLE SAUCE, HOUSE MADE VINAIGRETTES, BLUE CHEESE DRESSING, VERDE AND RED SALSAS, PICO,COOKED BEANS, ETC) LOCATED IN WALK IN COOLER IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD OR USE BY DATES NOT TO EXCEED 7 DAYS ON ALL TCS FOODS PREPARED ON SITE REFRIGERATED AND HELD ON SITE FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
23
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 38 SMALL BLACK LIVE FLIES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION... SMALL BAR IN REAR PREP, DISH WASHING AREA IN PREP, BASEMENT STORAGE, MEN/WOMEN/EMPLOYEE RESTROOMS AND ESPECIALLY IN MAIN BAR LOCATED IN DINING ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL PROFESSIONAL FOR SERVICE. MUST MINIMIZE SMALL FLY ACTIVITY IN ALL SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING AND DETACHED WALL BASEBOARDS THROUGHOUT THE DISHWASHING AREA WALLS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
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67
Aug 21, 2018
Complaint
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2.102.14(A)(A) NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AVAILABLE ON-SITE DURING THE INSPECTION FOR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE FORM 1B OR SIMILAR DOCUMENTS USED TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012(A)NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: 4.602.11 (E) MUST DETAIL CLEAN DEBRIS FROM INTERIOR PANELS OF ICE MACHINES IN PREP AREA AND IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
16
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4.102.11 MUST DETAIL CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM LOWER SHELVES ON PREP TABLES IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6.201.11 MUST DETAIL CLEAN DEBRIS AND DIRT FROM FLOOR CORNERS AND UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6.201.17 MUST DETAIL CLEAN UNKNOWN DEBRIS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATES ON-SITE.
58
70
Apr 20, 2018
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE COVERS FOR ICE BINS BEHIND THE BAR, TO PREVENT BARE HAND CONTACT ON READY TO EAT FOOD, AND CROSS CONTAMINATION OF ICE. DISCONTINUE USING MILK CRATES AS STORAGE RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER OR FREEZER, INSTALL PROPER RACKS FOR FOOD STORAGE.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOORS IN WALK IN ALL WALK IN COOLERS AND FREEZER IN REAR PREP AND BASEMENT.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN UNKNOWN DEBRIS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT REAR PREP AREA.
36
86
Oct 20, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL AREAS AT THE FRONT BAR COUNTER, WITH RUST STAINS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RESEAL SURFACE AND ENSURE SURFACE IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CONCRETE SIDING ON FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT KITCHEN, PREP AREA AND FRONT BAR, IN POOR REPAIR. CONCRETE SIDING OF FLOOR DRAINS NEED TO BE RESURFACED, TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE, AS WELL AS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1 HOLE AND PAINT CHIPS ALONG HALLWAY, LEADING TO BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL SURFACES NEED TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RESEAL SURFACE AND TO MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE ABOVE TOP LOADING FROZEN MARGARITA MACHINE, LOCATED AT MAIN BAR. MUST PROVIDE.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER AND DEBRIS BETWEEN BOTH BEER COOLERS, IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN TO PREVENT PAST HARBORAGE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
41
78
May 19, 2016
License
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: UNFINISHED FLOOR IN BASEMENT. INSTD TO SEAL/FINISH SO AS TO BE A SMOOTH, EVEN, NON-POROUS, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALL COVING MISSING IN BASEMENT. INSTD TO PROVIDE PROPER COVING. NORTH AND SOUTH WALLS OF DINING AREA NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE, SMALL HOLES AND UNSEALED SURFACE. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME SO AS SURFACE TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT OUT IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. PROVIDE SAME.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE ABOVE TOP LOADING SOFT SERVE MACHINE. MUST PROVIDE.
38
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Federales last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Federales on file is from Jul 18, 2025. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Federales?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Federales.
Has Federales' inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Federales have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Federales 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 Federales inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Federales is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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