Flying Saucer

1123 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Bar / Pub
Last inspected: Jun 27, 2025
45
Score
High Risk

Flying Saucer appears in inspection records 16 times, starting in 2011. On Jun 27, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.

Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around five violations lately compared to roughly one violation before.

The most common issue across all inspections has been “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed”, showing up eight times.

The city-wide average sits at 81, which Flying Saucer's 45 doesn't quite reach. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.

16
Inspections
2
Critical latest
0
Major latest
10
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 27, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 10 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FEMALE FOOD HANDLER SANITIZING MULTI-USE UTENSILS AT 0.0 PPM'S AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED HER WASH A POT AND A SKILLET WITH A SOAPY PAD AND RINSE UNDER RUNNING WATER AND PUT BACK ON TO STOVE TO HEAT FOOD IN.INSTRUCTED HER TO SET-UP SINK PROPERLY TO SANITIZE DISHES.(PRIORITY 7-38-025)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
16
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES BY FEMALE FOOD HANDLER HAD ON PLASTIC GLOVES AND ON CELL PHONE AND HANDLING FOOD AND DISHES AND ALSO TOOK HER PERSONAL BAG DOWN STAIRS AND CAME BACK UP AND NEVER CHANGED GLOVES AND WASHED HANDS.INSTRUCTED WASH HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
8
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST ADJUST TOILET ROOM DOOR SELF CLOSING DEVICE TO CLOSE TIGHTLY AT TOILET ROOM NEAREST THE KITCHEN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST SCRAPE CHIPPING PAINT ON WALL AT DISH STORAGE RACK.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING IN FRONT PREP AREA.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN REAR PREP AREA.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELF.
44
Gloves used properly
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER USAGE OF PLASTIC GLOVES BY FOOD HANDLER.
46
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE AND MISSING DOOR HANDLE ON GLASS SLIDING REACH IN COOLER.
47
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DRAINBOARD AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
48
45
Jul 9, 2024
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.11 OBSERVED LARGE COOLER IN KITCHEN WITH COATING CHIPPING OFF SHELVING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAINT OR REPLACE RACKS.
47
95
Jul 2, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LARGE COOLER IN KITCHEN WITH COATING CHIPPING OFF SHELVING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAINT OR REPLACE RACKS.
47
86
Nov 20, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET MOP STORED IN THE BUCKET IN THE HALLWAY LEADING TO BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE MOP HOOKS TO HANG MOPS TO ALLOW TO DRY.
55
95
May 12, 2022
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES IN BOTH PUBLIC/STAFF UNISEX TOILET ROOMS. INSTRCUTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
95
Aug 24, 2020
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS, INSTRUCTED TO TO WEAR.
40
95
Dec 6, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISOR DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER STATEMENT ON MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU WITH DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
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 EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN OR POSTER NEAR HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT THE FRONT ESPPRESSO COFFE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE SO THAT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICE AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN BOTH UNISEX WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLBASE AND UNDERNEATH STORAGE SHELVING. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS IN BOTH WASHROOMS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET NO RECORDS ON SITE AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON SITE WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
58
Jul 27, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE DEEP FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT TO REMOVE PLASTIC AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP AROUND THE FAN VENT COVER OF THE REFRIGERATOR LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE TOP OF THE HOOD ON THE EXTERIOR TO REMOVE DUST AND DIRT DEBRIS BUILDUP.
32
86
Apr 7, 2016
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: TOP WHITE SHELF IN POOR REPAIR,BROKEN AND DUCT TAPE IS USED,INSTRUCTED TO PROPER REPAIR /REPLACE SAID SHELF. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO EXPOSED HAND SINK PROVIDED AT FRONT SERVING / COFFEEE STATIONS. EMPLOYEE DOES MULTI TASK INCLUDING TAKE ORDERS,HANDLE MONEY AND SERVING OPENED FOOD TO CUSTOMERS. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AN EXPOSED HAND SINK UNDER CITY PLUMBING CODE, ALSO PROVIDE SOAP, PAPER TOWELS/HAND DRYING DEVICE AT SAID AREA LEAKING FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
38
90
Mar 31, 2016
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 9-2-15,REPORT #1567075 #35-REPAIR AND SCRAPE AND REPAINT THE CHIPPED PAINT ON THE CEILING OF THE FOOD PREP AREA. #38-OBSERVED COUNTER TOP OPEN DEEP FRYER IN USE AND STORED ON TOP OF THE PREP TABLE. DEEP FRYER MUST BE MOVED UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-42-090 WE (CERTIFIED MANAGER)OBSERVED THE SAME VIOLATION
29
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: TOP WHITE SHELF IN POOR REPAIR,BROKEN AND DUCT TAPE IS USED,INSTRUCTED TO PROPER REPAIR /REPLACE SAID SHELF. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: GREASE,DUST AND DEBRIS ON THE FOLLOWING: HOOD,FILTERS,INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN LINER USED UNDER THE COFFEE MACHINES WITH EXCESS DUST BUILD-UP,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN DIRTY DUCT TAPE USED ON FLOOR IN THE KITCHEN,ALSO OBSERVED CARDBOARDS WITH DUCT TAPE ON FLOOR UNDER THE SWING DOOR BETWEEN THE FRONT AND KITCHEN AREA.POROUS MATERIAL UNABLE TO CLEAN,ALSO USE OF DUCT TAPE TO REPAIR IS PROHIBITED. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROPER REPAIR CAUSE. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: ALL LIGHT BULBS UNDER THE HOOD ARE BURNED. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
36
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOTH WASH ROOM DOORS NOT SELF CLOSING EVEN THOUGHT THE SELF CLOSING DEVICE IS INSTALLED,INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE SELF CLOSING DEVICE
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO EXPOSED HAND SINK PROVIDED AT FRONT SERVING / COFFEEE STATIONS. EMPLOYEE DOES MULTI TASK INCLUDING TAKE ORDERS,HANDLE MONEY AND SERVING OPENED FOOD TO CUSTOMERS. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AN EXPOSED HAND SINK UNDER CITY PLUMBING CODE, ALSO PROVIDE SOAP, PAPER TOWELS/HAND DRYING DEVICE AT SAID AREA LEAKING FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
38
70
Sep 2, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF THE 3 SLIDING DOOR PREP COOLER. OBSERVED SOUR CREAM AT 44.1F, SHELL EGGS AT 45.1F, TOFU AT 46.9F, WHIPPING CREAM AT 47.7F, SCRAMBLED EGGS AT 43.5F, BUTTERMILK AT 49F, SHREDDED CHEESE AT 61F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 50# OF FOOD WORTH APPROXIMATELY $430. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
3
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE BASEMENT REFRIGERATORS AND FREEZERS.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPAIR AND SCRAPE AND REPAINT THE CHIPPED PAINT ON THE CEILING OF THE FOOD PREP AREA.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COUNTERTOP OPEN DEEP FRYER IN USE AND STORED ON TOP OF THE PREP TABLE. DEEP FRYER MUST BE MOVED UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD.
38
82
May 21, 2014
Reinspection
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS IN PREP AND BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE MILK CRATES AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN FAN GUARDS INSIDE REACH-IN COOLER(DUST BUILDUP).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA(DEAD INSECTS).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE IN BASEMENT FOOD AND UTENSIL STORAGE AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD OR SHATTERPROOF IN BEVERAGE AND UTENSIL STORAGE AREAS. PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING INSIDE MIDDLE REFRIGERATOR IN BASEMENT.
36
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: PROVIDE THERMOMETERS IN BASEMENT REFRIGERATORS.
40
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
42
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: STORE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
43
64
May 14, 2014
Routine
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NO CORRECTED PER MUNICIPAL CODE OF CHICAGO FROM REPORT #1361308 ON 9-6-13. 32-CUSTOMER TOILET ROOMS ADJACENT TO REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL COMPLETE SEPARATION BETWEEN BOTH AREAS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
29
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS IN PREP AND BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE MILK CRATES AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN FAN GUARDS INSIDE REACH-IN COOLER(DUST BUILDUP).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA(DEAD INSECTS).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE IN BASEMENT FOOD AND UTENSIL STORAGE AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD OR SHATTERPROOF IN BEVERAGE AND UTENSIL STORAGE AREAS. PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING INSIDE MIDDLE REFRIGERATOR IN BASEMENT.
36
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: PROVIDE THERMOMETERS IN BASEMENT REFRIGERATORS.
40
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
42
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: STORE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
43
61
Sep 6, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Multi use utensils not properly stored. Instructed to invert utensils to prevent contamination before usse.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Customer toilet rooms adjacent to rear prep area. Insstructed to install complete separation between both areas.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Cutting board attached to prep table, can opener and exhaust hood not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize daily.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floor along wallbase and behind equipment through-out premsies not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily.
34
82
Jan 26, 2012
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. DETAIL CLEAN,MAINTAIN MANUAL CAN OPENER AND HOUSING ATTACHED,FAN COVERS INSIDE THE 2 DOOR COOLER KITCHEN AREA,SHELF AT FOOD PREP TABLE.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. DETAIL CLEAN,MAINTAIN DUSTS ACCUMULATIONS ON THE FAN BLADES,VENT COVERS IN THE DINING ROOM.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. MUST REPAIR,MAINTAIN SLOW DRAINING EXPOSED HANDSINK IN KITCHEN.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. CLEANING EQUIPMENT MUST BE PROPERLY STORED,MAINTAIN IN A DESIGNATED AREA.
41
82
Apr 20, 2011
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. MUST REPLACE LIGHT SHIELD PROPERLY THATS IN POOR REPAIR IN KITCHEN PREP AREA
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. MUST PROVIDE 3 SINK STOPPERS FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE DISHES
38
90

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Flying Saucer last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Flying Saucer on file is from Jun 27, 2025. The public record contains 16 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Flying Saucer?

Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Flying Saucer.

Has Flying Saucer's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Flying Saucer have averaged around five violations per visit, up from roughly one earlier in the record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Flying Saucer means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.

How often is Flying Saucer inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Flying Saucer is inspected roughly once per year on average.