Lips Restaurant
Last inspected: Nov 13, 2025
100
Score
The health department has logged seven inspections at Lips Restaurant, the earliest from 2019. Lips Restaurant was last inspected on Nov 13, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around eight violations to closer to four violations per visit.
Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded four times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
7
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 13, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jun 13, 2024
Reinspection
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: 2-101.11: OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE WITH NO ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE AND NO PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE WITH A VALID FORM OF IDENTIFICATION MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED
2
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15: OBSERVED THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOORS WITH SMALL OPENINGS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL MENTIONED DOORS AND MAINTAIN.
38
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6-303.11: OBSERVED NO WORKING LIGHTS IN THE DRY INGREDIENT STORAGE CLOSET IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN THE MENTIONED AREA AND MAINTAIN.
56
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: 4-301.12: OBSERVED ONE MISSING SINK STOPPER FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
48
78
Jun 5, 2024
Complaint
4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE WITH NO ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE AND NO PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE WITH A VALID FORM OF IDENTIFICATION MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED
2
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE ABOVE THE ICE ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE. STORED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. ICE MACHINE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
16
Compliance with variance/specialized process/haccp
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VARIANCE/HACCP PLAN APPROVAL ON SITE FOR VACUUM SEALING TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS. THE FOLLOWING VACUUM SEALED FOOD ITEMS WERE FOUND IN TWO COLD HOLDING UNITS ON SITE: SALMON FOUND IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND COOKED CHICKEN FOUND IN A FREEZER CHEST ON THE SECOND FLOOR IN A STORAGE ROOM WITH DATES OF 05/05/2024. APPROXIMATELY 10LBS AT $65 WERE DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE, THAT IN ORDER TO USE SAID MACHINE, A HACCP PLAN/VARIANCE MUST BE OBTAINED BY CDPH. MACHINE TAGGED DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED SITE NOT TO USE MACHINE NOR VACUUM SEAL FOODS UNTIL HACCP PLAN/VARIANCE IS SUBMITTED TO CDPH AND APPROVAL GRANTED FROM CDPDH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
29
Variance obtained for specialized processing methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A VACUUM PACKAGING MACHINE ON SITE, AND ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER AND DEEP FREEZER ON THE SECOND FLOOR, VACUUM PACKAGED WITH NO PROOF OF HACCP OR VARIANCE PER HEALTH CODE REQUIREMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT DISCONTINUE THE VACUUM PACKAGING PROCESS UNTIL THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT APPROVES A VARIANCE AND HACCP. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATION #29
32
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOORS WITH SMALL OPENINGS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL MENTIONED DOORS AND MAINTAIN.
38
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE MISSING SINK STOPPER FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
48
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WORKING LIGHTS IN THE DRY INGREDIENT STORAGE CLOSET IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN THE MENTIONED AREA AND MAINTAIN.
56
58
Oct 31, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO MAINTAIN VALID ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND LITTER UNDER SINKS IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
May 11, 2022
Reinspection
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY, DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER TO INFORM CONSUMERS OF THE SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS FROM CONSUMING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED MEATS, POULRTY, SEAFOOD, SHELLFISH OR EGGS. PRIORITY VOUNDATION
25
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT.
57
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
10
78
May 2, 2022
Complaint
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 14 minor violations.
View 20 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY, DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER TO INFORM CONSUMERS OF THE SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS FROM CONSUMING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED MEATS, POULRTY, SEAFOOD, SHELLFISH OR EGGS. PRIORITY VOUNDATION
25
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: �OBSERVED NO ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE TO PROPERLY RESPOND TO VOMIT AND/OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS . INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SOAP/CLEANSER AT THE HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS MAINTAIN HAND WASHING CLEANSER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. EMPLOYEE PROVIDED HAND WASHING CLEANSER DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS OR SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES AT HAND WASHING SINK IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FRUIT FLY ACTIVITY AT THE FRONT BAR AREA, ICE MACHINE AREA, AND DISH MACHINE AREA. APPROX 30-35 FLIES NOTED. OBSERVED 1 LIVE ROACH AND 2 DEAD ROACHES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL AFFECTED AREAS TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS, POOLING WATER AND REMOVE LL WET TOWELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
38
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: ALL FLOOR DRAINS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: ALL HOOD VENTILATION FILTERS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
10
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT.
57
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE REACH IN MILK COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT.
36
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: LARGE CAN OPENER IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF CABINETS NOT CLEAN,WITH DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RESIDUE ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES FOR FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS INSIDE OF UNISEX/ STAFF TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WASTE RECEPTACLES AT HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER DAMAGE SURFACES ON CEILING IN DISHWASHING AREA OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR CEILING AND MAKE ALL SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN UTILITY AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
26
Jun 18, 2019
License
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE MUST BE DOCUMENTED AND THE NECESSARY SUPPLIES ON HAND IN THE EVENT OF A VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
5
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lips Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Lips Restaurant on file is from Nov 13, 2025. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Lips Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Lips Restaurant.
Has Lips Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Lips Restaurant have averaged around four violations per visit, down from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Lips Restaurant 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 Lips Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Lips Restaurant is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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