Lotus Banh Mi
Last inspected: Nov 10, 2025
90
Score
The health department has logged 11 inspections at Lotus Banh Mi, the earliest from 2017. The most recent visit was on Nov 10, 2025. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around five violations to closer to three violations per visit over the last few inspections.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” comes up most often, recorded eight times in the inspection record.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Chicago restaurant scores 81. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 10, 2025
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.11: OBSERVED HOLE IN WALL STUFFED WITH ALUMINUM FOIL TO THE RIGHT OF ONE DOOR STAINLESS STEEL REFRIGERATOR IN WALKWAY LEADING TO FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY SEAL HOLE IN WALL TO THE RIGHT OF ONE DOOR STAINLESS STEEL REFRIGERATOR IN WALKWAY LEADING TO FRONT PREP AREA FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11: OBSERVED NON SMOOTH LOWER WOODEN WALL COVERING IN BETWEEN HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AND UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED WALL COVERINGS SHALL BE DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND INSTALLED SO THEY ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
90
Nov 4, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO COUNTER TOP COLD HOLDING UNITS IN FRONT PREP AREA AT IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 49.8-53.2F. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS MUST BE MAINTAINED AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE HELD FOR INSPECTION TAGS PLACED ON TWO COUNTER TOP COLD HOLDING UNITS IN FRONT PREP AREA. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
33
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 51.8-57.7F. OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, CHOPPED ROMAINE(51.8F), SLICED TOMATOES(53.2F) AND BEAN SPROUTS(57.7F) HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD VALUED AT $25 WEIGHING 4LBS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
22
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ASTERISK ON MENU IDENTIFYING ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS THAT ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER, OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE ON MENU STATING ANIMAL DERIVED FOOD WITH AN ASTERISK IS SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER AND OBSERVED NO REMINDER STATEMENT ON MENU. INSTRUCTED TO ADD ASTERISK TO MENU IDENTIFYING ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS AS BEING SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER, INSTRUCTED TO ADD DISCLOSURE TO MENU STATING ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER AND INSTRUCTED TO ADD REMINDER STATEMENT TO MENU STATING CONSUMING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED MEATS, POULTRY, SEAFOOD, SHELLFISH OR EGGS MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
25
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HOLE IN WALL STUFFED WITH ALUMINUM FOIL TO THE RIGHT OF ONE DOOR STAINLESS STEEL REFRIGERATOR IN WALKWAY LEADING TO FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY SEAL HOLE IN WALL TO THE RIGHT OF ONE DOOR STAINLESS STEEL REFRIGERATOR IN WALKWAY LEADING TO FRONT PREP AREA FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NON SMOOTH LOWER WOODEN WALL COVERING IN BETWEEN HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AND UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED WALL COVERINGS SHALL BE DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND INSTALLED SO THEY ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
61
Dec 16, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A SLOW DRAINAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS UNDERNEATH THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA.
55
90
Apr 3, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSEREVED SINGLE SERVICE TRAYS STORED FACING UP AT THE SERVING LINE. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT TRAYS AND PLASTIC BOWLS TO PROTECT FROM OVERHEAD CONTAMINATION.
45
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE BUILD UP AT THE BOTTOM OF REACH-IN FREEZER IN THE REAR STORAGE ROOM/OFFICE. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST ICE, CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW WATER PRESSURE FOR HOT WATER IN THE EMPLOYEE RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
86
Aug 30, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: Missing sink stoppers for 3-comp sink, Instructed to provide.
48
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: Leaky pipe under 3-comp sink, Instructed to repair and maintain.
47
90
Sep 26, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 10 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PAN PLACED IN THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE FRONT AND SOAP DISPENSER PLACE IN THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR RENDERING IT INACCESSIBLE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS OPEN AND ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FROZEN MEAT LEFT SEATING OUTSIDE TO THAW IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO THAW TCS FOODS UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER, IN THE REFRIGERATOR OR IN THE MICROWAVE AS PART OF A CONTINUOUS COOKING PROCESS.
35
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE FREEZER UNITS WITH FOOD STORED INSIDE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS
47
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. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND THE DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN BACK PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED, UNNECSSARY EQUIPMENT AND ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DUST ON THE VENTS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION DUE TO ALL EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION DUE TO EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
55
Oct 28, 2021
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NO HAND WASH SOAP PROVIDE AT REAR KITCHEN HAND WASH SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C)
10
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO COVERED RECEPTACLES IN TOILET ROOMS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
86
Mar 19, 2020
Routine
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ASTERISK DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON MENU. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS (SUNNYSIDE EGGS) THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW AND ADD A REMINDER ON THE MENU THAT READS *THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. CONSUMING UNDERCOOKED OR RAW FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: FOUND NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER AND VALID CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES TIME/ TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS ARE PREPARED, STORED, AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: FOUND NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
10
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: : OBSERVED WATER STAINED CEILINGS TILE PANELS NEAR THE WASHROOM AND THE REAR OF THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE WATER DAMAGED STAINED CEILING TILES.
55
74
Jun 24, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES TO PROPERLY HANDLE BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE. NOTE: ADEQUATE SANITIZER *MUST ELIMINATE NOROVIRUS* PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS (SUNNYSIDE EGGS) THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW AND ADD A REMINDER ON THE MENU THAT READS *THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. CONSUMING UNDERCOOKED OR RAW FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: NOTED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS CONSPICUOUSLY POSTED TO MONITOR THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO EQUIP ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH ACCURATE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS.
36
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN FRONT EXPOSED HAND SINK AND COUNTER USED TO STORE COFFEE SERVICE PRODUCTS. MUST INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD.
39
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR SANITARY NAPKINS IN UNISEX WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER STAINED CEILINGS TILE PANELS NEAR THE WASHROOM AND THE REAR OF THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE WATER DAMAGED STAINED CEILING TILES.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE VENT FANS ABOVE THE PRE TABLE IN THE MAIN KITCHEN AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
56
58
May 24, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: UTENSILS IN USE STORED IN STANDING WATER CONTAINER, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP IN A DRY CLEAN CONTAINER
31
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP STORED ON ICE CUBES IN ICE MAKER. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP OFF CUBES.
42
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENT NOT MET, INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL FOOD HANDLERS OBTAIN ILL FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE.
45
86
Oct 30, 2017
License
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DRAIN BOARD NEEDED ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A PINKISH SUBSTANCE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE BY THE PANEL AND IN THE INTERIOR LOCATED BY THE ICE MAKER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LIGHT SHIELDS ON LIGHT BULBS LOCATED OVER THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT BULB SHIELDS AND MAINTAIN.
36
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lotus Banh Mi last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Lotus Banh Mi on file is from Nov 10, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Lotus Banh Mi?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Lotus Banh Mi.
Has Lotus Banh Mi's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Lotus Banh Mi have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Lotus Banh Mi 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 Lotus Banh Mi inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Lotus Banh Mi is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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