Flat Top Grill
Last inspected: Feb 6, 2025
100
Score
Flat Top Grill has been inspected 17 times since 2016. Inspectors last stopped by on Feb 6, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around two violations lately and about four violations before that.
The pattern that stands out is “proper cooling methods used”, which has been cited five times.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Flat Top Grill is comfortably above that bar. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
17
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 6, 2025
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Dec 12, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DRY FOOD DEBRIS ON THE CAN OPENER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
16
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED METHOD OF COOLING FOR NOODLES TO BE INADEQUATE IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. FOOD MUST BE UNCOVERED DURING COOLING PROCESS.
33
90
Jan 30, 2024
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TORN GASKET ON THE INSIDE OF SMALL PREP COOLER NEXT TO WINDOWN AT THE COOKS STATION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BLACK MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE ON THE CAULKING OF RINSE SINK NEAR SPRAYER. INTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN OR REPLACE CAULKING.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE FAUCET AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
86
Jan 22, 2024
Complaint
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A MIXTURE OF BLACK AND PINK SLIME RESIDUE AT THE TOP INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE DRIPPING INTO ICE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SCHEDULE A CLEANING AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TORN GASKET ON THE INSIDE OF SMALL PREP COOLER NEXT TO WINDOWN AT THE COOKS STATION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BLACK MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE ON THE CAULKING OF RINSE SINK NEAR SPRAYER. INTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN OR REPLACE CAULKING.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE FAUCET AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
78
Jul 31, 2023
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: Bar Ice bin missing a cover, Instructed manger to provide a cover.
47
95
Apr 25, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING AT 0PPM OF CHLORINE DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER SAID EQUIPMENT MUST PROPERLY SANITIZE AT 50PPM-100PPM OF CHLORINE ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. ECOLAB CAME ON SITE TO CORRECT
16
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SUMMARY REPORT FROM INSPECTION #2546047 DATED 12/29/2021 NOT DISPLAYED VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ALWAYS HAVE IT POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED
61
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO KIT AND PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HAVE ONE ONSITE AT ALL TIME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
5
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP LAYING ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ICE SCOOP IN A CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
43
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RESIDUE ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FAUCET HANDLE IN THE RIGHT HANDWASHING SINK IN THE MEN TOILETROOM LOSE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAME.
51
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
41
58
Dec 29, 2021
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Nov 10, 2021
Complaint
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FOUND TCS FOODS STORED AT FRONT PREP COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPRATURE: 14 LBS OF LIQUID EGGS AT 52.4F, 2LBS OF RAW BEEF AT 51.5F, 3LBS VEGGIE DUMPLINGS AT 58.3F, ALL FOOD STORED AT FRONT PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO KEEP SUCH FOODS AT 41F OR LOWER. FOOD DISCARDED VALUED AT $100. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: FOUND DOUBLE DOOR COOLER AT FRONT GRILL/ PREP AREA AT 62.3F, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO KEEP ALL COOLERS TEMPERATURE AT 41F OR LOWER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. COOLER IS TAGGED NOT ALLOWED TO USE, MUST CONTACT THE OFFICE OF CDPH FOR TAG REMOVAL REQUEST.
33
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE, NO CERTIFCATE POSTED WHILE HANDLING AND SERVING TCS FOODS ( BEEF, CHICKEN....) INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
1
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: SNEEZE GUARD TOO HIGH, NOT ADEQUETLY PREVENTING CUSTOMERS CONTAMINTION AT SELF-SERVICE FOOD BAR. INSTRUCTED TO LOWER.
55
61
Jan 6, 2021
Routine
No violations found.
100
Sep 10, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD (COOKED NOODLES) AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 70 F LOCATED IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID TCS FOOD AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL COLD HOLDING TCS FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. MANAGER DISCARDED SAID TCS FOOD, AT 40 LBS COST OF SAID FOOD $100. PRIORITY VIOLATION.7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7.38.010.NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: FOUND LEMON AND ICE IN HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED IN FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA AND BAR. OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER RINSE AND WRING TOWEL IN HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA. A HANDWASHING SINK MAY NOT BE USED FOR PURPOSES OTHER THAN HANDWASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND NO FOOD PREPARATION SINK IN FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA. OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER RINSE AND WRING TOWEL IN HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA . A MINIMUM OF ONE SINK USED FOR FOOD PREPARATION, OBTAINING WATER AND DISCARDING LIQUID WASTE IS REQUIRED IN ANY FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROVIDE.
51
67
Jun 19, 2018
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 11, 2018
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 1, 2018
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREP COOLER UNIT, WITH POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (TOFU, EGGS) INSIDE, AT A IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 58.8F DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS AT 40F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (TOFU, EGGS) AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES DURING THE INSPECTION; 1/2 LB OF CHEESE AT 57F, 1 LB OF POTSTICKERS AT 57.4F, 1 LB OF EGGS AT 55F, 10 LBS OF TOFU AT 49.6F-51.3F AND 3 LBS OF BROTH AT 54.3F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AND TO ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS AT 40F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
3
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ABOUT 10 SMALL FLIES LOCATED ON THE WALLS AND CEILINGS OF THE DRINK STATION AND FLYING BEHIND THE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZING AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE STANDING WATER ON THE FLOOR OF THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. OBSERVED RAW MEAT BLOOD SPILLS LOCATED IN THE FAR LEFT CORNER OF THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
34
82
Mar 13, 2018
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A MINOR PINKISH SUBSTANCE LOCATED INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE BY THE ICE MAKER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK (REAR) AND DISH MACHINE AND AROUND THE GREASE TRAPS. OBSERVED STANDING WATER UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK (BAR). INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST DEBRIS ON THE VENT LOCATED ABOVE THE DISH MACHINE AND IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. OBSERVED A BLACK SUBSTANCE ON THE WALL UNDER THE DISH MACHINE AND AROUND THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A MINOR LEAK UNDER THE FAR LEFT COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK (REAR). INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
38
82
Mar 27, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOOR AND FLOOR DRAIN UNDER THE DISH MACHINE WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FLOORS AND FLOOR DRAINS.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET MOPS STORED IMPROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WET MOPS HANGING OR INVERTED.
41
90
Sep 15, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Fan cover for walk-in cooler with heavy dust build-up instructed to clean and maintain.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: wall in poor repair behind clean utensils shelf, instructed to repair and maintain
35
90
Jun 16, 2016
License
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: GREASE TRAP NOT CLEAN/MAINTAIN OF DEBRIS AND OLD GREASE AT DISH MACHINE.MUST CLEAN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR DRAIN NOT CLEAN IN SERVER STATION.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.ALSO LIQUOR STORAGE STORED ON FLOOR IN WASHROOM CLOSETS.MUST ELEVATE AT LEAST 6- INCHES ON LADEQUATE SHELVING.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: DIP WELL NEXT TO ICE CREAM FREEZER NOT WORKING.MUST REPAIR.
38
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Flat Top Grill last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Flat Top Grill on file is from Feb 6, 2025. The public record contains 17 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Flat Top Grill?
Across the inspection record, “proper cooling methods used” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Flat Top Grill.
Has Flat Top Grill's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Flat Top Grill have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Flat Top 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 Flat Top Grill inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Flat Top Grill is inspected around two times per year on average.
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