IHOP
Last inspected: Apr 7, 2026
82
Score
Public records show 11 inspections at IHOP stretching back to 2018. The latest inspection on file is from Apr 7, 2026. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around four violations each.
Across the inspection history, “non-food/food contact surfaces clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded seven times.
The city-wide average is 81, putting IHOP squarely in typical territory. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 7, 2026
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVER THE REAR HAND SINK IN THE FRONT PREP AREA WITH A SLOW DRAIN. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE SHELVING UNDER GRILLS AND PREP TABLES ON HOT LINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN CLEAN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS TO REMOVE SPILLS, DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE: UNDER/BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, FLOORS IN THE DISH WASHING AREA ALONG THE WALL AND IN CORNERS AND IN THE WALK IN COOLER IN CORNERS.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE PIC HAS NO ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY AND MAINTAIN OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.
58
82
May 14, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE DISPENSING NOZZLES ON THE ORANGE JUICE MACHINE WITH A BUILD UP OF SPLATTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A HEAVY BUILD UP OF GREASE ON THE SIDES OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE MAIN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT, DUST AND FOOD DEBRIS... ON THE FLOOR IN THE DISH WASHING AREA...THE FLOOR IN THE MAIN FOOD PREP AREA UNDER THE EQUIPMENT AND BEHIND ALONG THE WALLS...THE COFFEE STATION AREA UNDER THE COUNTERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AREAS AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ACTIVITY.
55
86
Jul 15, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: HANDWASHING SINK IN MAIN PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE, BLOCKED BY WAFFLE COOKING EQUUIPMENT AND PREP TABLE. INSTD TO HAVE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. SAID EQUIPMENT AND TABLE MOVED DURING INSPECTION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C) PRIORITY FOUNDATION
10
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS (SAUSAGE, EGGS) INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: PIC WITHOUT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE. INSTD TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATE AND MAINTAIN.
1
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FAUCET HANDLES OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISREPAIR, 3-COMPARTMENT SINK WATER CONSTANTLY RUNNING UNLESS SHUT OFF FROM VALVES UNDERNEATH, UNABLE TO TURN OFF FROM FAUCET HANDLES. INSTD TO REPAIR FAUCET SO ABLE TO BE FULLY FUNCTIONAL (ABLE TO TURN WATER OFF)/
51
74
Apr 17, 2023
Routine
3 critical violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF WALK-IN COOLER TO BE 53F AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION SAID COOLER HOLD TCS FOODS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT 41F OR LESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005.
33
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSEVRED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE IN USE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING. SANITIZING STRENGTH OF CHLORINE SANITIZER AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION WAS 0 PPM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DISCONTINUE USE UNTIL SANITIZER REACHES A MINIMUM OF 50 PPM. UNIT TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-025.
16
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VARIOUS TCS FOODS LOCATED INSIDE OF THE WALK IN COOLER TO BE IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES. 10LBS OF COOKED POT ROAST AT 49.6F, 3LBS OF DAIRY CREAMER AT 49F, 3LBS OF IHOP SAUCE AT 49F, 12LBS OF STEAK AT 48.0F, 13LBS OF RAW CHICKEN AT 47.1, 2LBS OF LEAFY SPINACH AT 50.1, 32LBS OF MILK AT 47.8, 5LBS OF SLICED HAM AT 49.0F, 3LBS OF MAC & CHEESE AT 50.2F, AND 120LBS OF LIQUID EGGS AT 50.1F. PERSON IN CHARGE VOLUNTARILY DISCARED AND DENATURED ALL SAID ITEMS TOTAL WEIGHT 203LBS AND COST $850. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO HOLD ALL COLD TCS FOODS AT 41F AND BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005.
22
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALL HEAVY COOKING EQUIPMENT AND PREP TABLES THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN TO BE HEAVILY SOILED WITH GREASE AND DRY FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DEEP CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT IN A CLEAN CONDITION.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE OF TWO WASH BOWL SENSORS IN THE WOMENS BATHROOM TO NOT BE WORKING. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
51
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE RECEPTACLE BIN TO BE IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN GREASE RECEPTACLE.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FANS IN THE WALK IN COOLER WITH EXCESSIVE DUST AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
52
Mar 23, 2022
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Mar 1, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food separated and protected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAM BEING THAWED IN RIGHT BASIN OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK WITH MIDDLE BASIN OF SINK FILLED WITH SOILED WATER AND EQUIPMENT, AND SOILED WATER OVERFLOWING ONTO HAM. FOOD SHALL ONLY CONTACT SURFACES OF CLEAN AND SANITIZED EQUIPMENT. 3-COMPARTMENT SINK SHALL NOT BE USED FOR CLEANING AND SANITIZING UTENSILS WHEN USING AS A PREP SINK. ALL SLICED HAM WAS DISCARDED AND DENATURED AT THIS TIME. APPROXIMATELY 20# $20 PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
15
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS (SAUSAGE, EGGS) NOR VALID CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED OR ON SITE.INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HANDWASH SINK IN MAIN PREP AREA WITHOUT ANY HAND DRYING PROVISION(PAPER TOWELS)STOCKED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C). INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES
10
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTIPLE REFRIGERATED READY TO EAT TCS FOODS ( COOKED CHICKEN, GRAVY, SAUSAGE ,BACON, LEAFY GREENS) IN WALK IN COOLER WITHOUT ANY DATE MARKING. PERSON IN CHARGE VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED ITEMS. APPROX 20LBS, $100 VALUE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005. REFRIGERATED, READY TO EAT TCS FOOD PREPARED AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS SHALL BE CLEARLY MARKED TO INDICATE THE DAY OR DATE BY WHICH FOOD SHALL BE SOLD OR DISCARDED FOR A MAXIMUM OF 7 DAYS, WITH PREPARATION DAY COUNTED AS DAY 1.
23
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: PIC WITHOUT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE. INSTD TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATE AND MAINTAIN.
1
Toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE CELL PHONE STORED WITH COOKING UTENSILS IN AIR DRYING CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN SEPERATION BETWEEN PERSONAL ITEMS AND COOKING UTENSILS.
28
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTD TO PROVIDE OBTAIN VERIFICATION AND MAINTAIN ON SITE
57
55
Jan 13, 2021
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: THE DISH MACHINE PREP LINE IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA AND DISH WASHING AREA. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL CONTAINER LIDS CRACKED AND BROKEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD ORDER.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GRILLS AND PREP TABLES ON HOT LINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN CLEAN.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
78
May 8, 2020
Reinspection
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED MENU ITEMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER FOR ALL EGGS,BEEF, MENU ITEMS THAT ARE UNDERCOOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
25
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR ENTRY DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF AT BOTTOM AREAS. MUST REPAIR DOOR TO BE TIGHT-FITTING
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: COLD WATER FAUCET HANDLE IN POOR REPAIR AT 1-COMP SINK AT DISH MACHINE. MUST REPAIR.
51
82
May 1, 2020
Complaint
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED MENU ITEMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER FOR ALL EGGS,BEEF, MENU ITEMS THAT ARE UNDERCOOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
25
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OUTSIDE WASTE GREASE WASTE CONTAINER NOT MAINTAINED. OBSERVED EXTERIOR TOP LID ENCRUSTED WITH GREASE AND GREASE ON GROUND AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION ISSUED.
54
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR ENTRY DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF AT BOTTOM AREAS. MUST REPAIR DOOR TO BE TIGHT-FITTING.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: COLD WATER FAUCET HANDLE IN POOR REPAIR AT 1-COMP SINK AT DISH MACHINE. MUST REPAIR.
51
74
Mar 5, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEA EVENTS ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY, ALONG WITH THE NECESSARY CLEAN-UP KIT ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
5
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED MENU ITEMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER FOR ALL ANIMAL BASED MENU ITEMS THAT ARE UNDERCOOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
25
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-010
3
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN APPROX. 1/4 INCH GAP IN THE REAR BACK DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
38
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE DEPOSITS AND FOOD RESIDUE UNDERNEATH THE DEEP FRYERS, FLAT TOP GRILL AND OTHER EQUIPMENT IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION FROM THE CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL MANAGERS WITH A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
64
Jun 8, 2018
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN HOT HOLDING UNIT, AND MICROWAVE INTERIOR, EXTERIOR OF 2, AND 4 DOOR COOLERS, AND WAFFLE MAKER, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE WALK-IN FREEZER FLOOR WITH ICE BUILD UP,INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE. ALSO REMOVE STANDING WATER IN THE FRONT WAIT STATION, AND REMOVE GREASE FROM FLOOR UNDER FRYERS.
34
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was IHOP last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at IHOP on file is from Apr 7, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at IHOP?
Across the inspection record, “non-food/food contact surfaces clean” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at IHOP.
Has IHOP's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at IHOP have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at IHOP 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 IHOP inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, IHOP is inspected roughly once per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants