Hard Rock Cafe
Last inspected: Jul 22, 2024
86
Score
Going back to 2010, Hard Rock Cafe has 18 inspections in the public record. Hard Rock Cafe was last inspected on Jul 22, 2024. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around two violations each.
When inspectors have written things up, “approved thawing methods used” has been the most frequent reason, cited five times.
Hard Rock Cafe's latest score of 86 sits above the Chicago average of 81. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
18
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 22, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: No certified food service manager on site while handling and servings TCS foods ( beef, chicken.... ) Instructed to obtain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
1
86
Mar 8, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE WAS POSTED NOR PROVIDED ON SITE FOR THE PRESENT MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS RAW BEEF AND RAW CHICKEN IS COOKED AND SERVED ON SITE. NO VALID DOCCUMENTATION ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. A LEAST ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE WHEN FOOD IS HANDLED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: UTENSILS STORED IN STAGNANT WATER ON STOVE TOP THAT IS OFF. STORE IN-USE UTENSILS: 1) IN THE FOOD WITH THE HANDLE UP AND OUT OF THE FOOD ITEM; 2) STORED ON A CLEAN AND SANITIZED SIRFACE; 3) IN RUNNING WATER; 4) IN CONTAINER OF HOT WATER MAINTAINED AT OR ABOVE 135F. THE CHEF ON SITE HAD PLACED CLEAN UTENSIL IN AN EMPTY CONTAINER WHILE ON SITE.
43
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLEAN UTENSILS SUCH AS FORKS AND KNIVES OUT ON DISPLAY IS NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION AT CUSTOMER TABLES. UTENSILS MUST BE COVERED AND/OR WRAPED CLEAN UTENSILS SHALL BE HANDLED, DISPLAYED, AND DISPENSED SO THAT FOOD AND LIP CONTACT SURFACES ARE PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION.
44
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: FROZEN RAW FISH (FROM AN APPROVED SUPPLIER) HAS BEEN THAWED WHILE STILL WRAPPED IN REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING (ROP). PACKAGING MUST BE REMOVED FROM FISH IN ROP PRIOR TO THAWING UNDER REFRIGERATION OR RUNNING WATER.
35
78
Feb 22, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL BEING USED TO LINE SIDE BURNER ON COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACES THROUGHOUT FACILITY.
39
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOOSE PIPE CONNECTED TO TOILET IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM LOCATED ON FIRST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
51
90
Jan 27, 2020
Routine
No violations found.
100
Mar 18, 2019
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NO HANDS WASHING SIGNS IN 2ND FL WOMEN'S TOILER ROOM, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
10
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WALL BASE TILES NOT MOUNTED PROPERLY NEXT TO COOK LINE, CREVICES NOTED ALLOWING DIRT DEPOSIT, INSTRUCTED TO MOUNT PROPERLY.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.
58
86
May 22, 2018
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE JACKETS STORED ON SODA STORAGE RACKS IN THE SODA ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL EMPLOYEE BELONGINGS IN THE LOCKERS PROVIDED ON THE 2ND FLOOR, OR AWAY AND SEPARATE FROM FOOD SERVICE MATERIALS.
41
95
May 11, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SODA MACHINE WITH SMALL GRATE CONTAINING RUST. RESTORE SURFACE OF GRATE TO A SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE CONDITION. REMOVE ALL TIN FOIL AROUND GRILL IN REAR PREP KITCHEN.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOP ROOM WITH MISSING GROUT IN BETWEEN FLOOR TILES AND ALONG WALLS. REPLACE GROUT AND MAINTAIN FLOOR TO PREVENT STANDING WATER IN BETWEEN FLOOR TILES FOR SMALL FLY BREEDING SITES. KEEP FLOOR DRAIN CLEAN. OBSERVED STANDING WATER IN 1ST FLOOR BAR UNDER AND AROUND DIDH MACHINE. REMOVE STANDING WATER AND MAINTAIN FLOOR IN A CLEAN DRY CONDITION.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CEILING VENT IN MOP ROOM WITH HEAVY DUST ACCUMUALTION. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING VENT.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DISH MACHINE AT BAR WITH LEAK UNDERNEATH. REPAIR LEAKING DISH MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOPS NEED TO BE HUNG TO DRY AFTER USE.
41
78
Jun 30, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT CALCIUM BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE UPPER PORTION AND INSIDE PLASTIC TUBES ALSO OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON SHELVES AT ALL SODA STATIONS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EQIUPMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MENS LOCKER ROOM FLOOR LITTERED ALSO OBSERVED DIRT INSIDE FLOOR DRAINS. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ALL FLOOR DRAINS AND CLEAN FLOOR IN MENS LOCKER ROOM.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 CEILING LIGHT COVERS DAMAGED ABOVE DISHMACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING TILES AND CLEAN CEILING LIGHT COVERS ABOVE DISHWASH AND PREP AREA.
36
86
Dec 8, 2015
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL A GREASE TRAP BOX UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK OR SHOW WHERE THE CATCH BASIN IS LOCATED.
38
95
Dec 1, 2015
Complaint
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #1523164 DATED 2/2015. #32-MUST PROVIDE LID FOR THE ICE BINS BEHIND ALL BARS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
29
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL THE EXPOSED HAND SINK AND THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BEHIND THE 2ND FLOOR BAR AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: DUST BUILD-UP ON THE CEILING VENT IN ALL WASHROOMS. MUST CLEAN REMOVE THE DUST AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL A GREASE TRAP BOX UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK OR SHOW WHERE THE CATCH BASIN IS LOCATED.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: PROVIDE MISSING VISIBLE THERMOMETER INSIDE THE PREP COOLER IN THE COOK LINE .
40
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: WASH CLOTH FOR WIPING CHOPPING BOARDS AND COOLERS MUST BE STORED ON A BUCKET WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION.
42
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED ON SEPARATE CONTAINER NOT ON TOP OF THE ICE BIN.
43
70
Feb 20, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LID FOR THE ICE BINS BEHIND ALL BARS.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: BROKEN FLOOR TILE IN THE FRONT DOOR OF THE WALK IN COOLER WITH KEGS. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR FLOOR TILES AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FILTER ON THE HOOD/CANOPY WITH DUST BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: CRACKED SOLID LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE DEEP FRYER, MUST REPLACE. MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL ALL THE SOLID LIGHT SHIELD ON THE HOOD/CANOPY ON THE KITCHEN AND MAINTAIN.
36
82
Aug 19, 2014
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: NOTED MULTI USE UTENSILS (PLATES, CUPS, BOWLS ETC) ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL UTENSILS DURING STORAGE OR PROVIDE A PROTECTIVE COVER TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION AND CONTAMINATION
31
95
Aug 5, 2014
Complaint
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: NOTED TEMPERATURES OF WALK IN COOLER AT THE REAR TO BE IMPROPER AT 46.7F. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 40F AND BELOW. CITATION ISSUED FOR CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-005(A)
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ITEMS TO BE IMPROPER INSIDE WALK IN COOLER AND SERVICE COOLER:-PASTA 54.9F,COLE SLAW 50.7F,TURKEY 59.4F,TOMATOES 51.1F,EGGS 54.1F,EGGS 46F, BEANS 49.8F, TOMATOES (SALSA) 54.6F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 147 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $296.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS MONITOR FOOD TEMPERATURES. CITATION ISSUED FOR 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: NOTED ROACH OVER 5 LARGE ROACH ACTIVITY ALONG WALL OF KITCHEN BEHIND STOVE, BY THE DISH WASHER AREA AND BY THE ICE MACHINE. ALSO NOTED OVER 10 FLYING INSECTS ON WALLS AND CABINETS AT THE FRONT BAR AREA.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS.RECOMMENDED TO CONSULT WITH PEST CONTROL COMPANY. CITATION ISSUED FOR SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-020
18
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ITEMS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED (SOUPS, CHICKEN, BEEF ETC).INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAVE A FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED FOR SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-012
21
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: NOTED SOME BULK ITEMS NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL BULK ITEMS AT THE KITCHEN.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: NOTED MULTI USE UTENSILS (PLATES, CUPS, BOWLS ETC) ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL UTENSILS DURING STORAGE OR PROVIDE A PROTECTIVE COVER TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION AND CONTAMINATION.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOTED A SLIGHT DISCOLORATION INSIDE UPPER COMPARTMENTS OF ICE MACHINES AT THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. ALSO INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN MEAT SLICER AT THE REAR BY THE ICE MACHINE AREA EVEN WHEN NOT IN USE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY BEHIND COOKING STOVE, AT THE SYRUP DISPENSER ROOM WITH SYRUP SPILLS ON THE FLOOR, BY THE EQUIPMENT AT THE REAR EXIT DOOR WITH OIL SPILLS ON THE FLOOR AND AT THE FRONT BAR AREA. MUST ALSO CLEAN DRAINS AT THE BAR AND BY THE HAND WASH SINK NEAR THE COFFEE STATION AT THE KITCHEN. MUST ALSO MAINTAIN DRY FLOORS AT ALL TIMES.
34
67
Oct 29, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: BULK-FOOD CONTAINERS NOT LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: ICE BINS AT BAR NOT COVERED, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
32
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEES PERSONAL ITEMS STORED AT KITCHEN AND BAR SHELVES, INSTRUCTED TO STORE EMPLOYEES BELONGINGS AWAY FROM FOOD STORAGE.
41
86
Jan 14, 2013
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Nov 13, 2012
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES MUST BE REPLACED. THE SEAMS AROUND THE SPRAYER SINK OF THE DISHMACHINE MUST BE SEALED, DUE TO OPEN GAPS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOLLLOWING NEED CLEANING: INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE, GASKETS OF UPRIGHT FREEZER DOORS, SINKS AT THE BARS, PIPES UNDER SINKS, FAN GUARDS OF WALK-IN COOLERS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: ALL STOCK/SUPPLY IN DRY STORAGE ROOMS MUST BE ELEVATED OFF THE FLOOR. ALL FLOOR DRAINS THRU-OUT PREMISES MUST BE KEPT CLEAN. FLOORS INSIDE BEER KEG COOLER (1ST FL) MUST BE FREE OF SPILLS. FLOORS AT BARS MUST BE KEPT DRY ALSO.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOLLOWING PLUMBING ISSUES MUST BE ADDRESSED: LEAK AT WATER SUPPLY TO DISHMACHINE AT THE BAR (1ST FL); LEAKY FAUCETS AT HANDSINKS IN PREP AREAS.
38
78
Feb 1, 2011
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. MUST REGROUT THE FLOOR TILES WHERE NEEDED IN THE PREP AREAS.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR THE LEAKING DRAIN LINE UNDER THE EXPOSED HANDSINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA.
38
90
Feb 3, 2010
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. No City of Chicago certified food handler on premises while potentially hazardous foods (chicken, beans, burgers, etc.) are handled. Must provide and post City of Chicago certificate on premises with certified food handler while potentially hazardous foods are handled. Citation issued, ticket #H000057364 18.
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. Must replace or repair all damaged prep coolers door rubber gaskets.
32
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. Must clean and maintain interior of all unclean prep coolers.
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. Must detail clean and sanitize walls/ceiling throughout Mezzanine side station.
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. Dishmachine sprayer valve leaking. Must repair and maintain.
38
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Hard Rock Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Hard Rock Cafe on file is from Jul 22, 2024. The public record contains 18 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Hard Rock Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “approved thawing methods used” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Hard Rock Cafe.
Has Hard Rock Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Hard Rock Cafe have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Hard Rock Cafe 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 Hard Rock Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Hard Rock Cafe is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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